The Papua New Guinea (PNG) National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) convened for the Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) meeting to address critical matters concerning the ratification and consequences of the Bougainville referendum.
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape and ABG President His Excellency Ishmael Toroama co-chaired the meeting, which took place on May 8th at APEC Haus in Port Moresby, following a two-day deferment.
Both leaders delivered opening remarks before engaging in closed-door dialogue and ending the JSB meeting with the successful signing of the Joint Resolution.
PM Marape emphasized the significance of the Bougainville Peace Agreement, highlighting its role in establishing comprehensive peace and providing extensive autonomy to the Bougainville people.
In his opening remarks, Hon. Marape said, “The Bougainville Peace Agreement is more than just about the issue of independence. It is more than just an agreement for a referendum. It is a comprehensive peace settlement that has seen the insertion of an entire new part into our National Constitution by way of Pat XIV, and it also provides for the highest level of autonomy for the people of Bougainville.”
He pointed out the limited progress in implementing autonomy over the past 23 years, noting that only 11 of the 59 powers outlined in the agreement were transferred.
Additionally, he highlighted the economic challenges faced by the region and stressed the need for enhanced cooperation to facilitate Bougainville's prosperity, regardless of its future status.
PM Marape underscored the importance of addressing outstanding issues such as the Restoration and Development Grant and equitable sharing of fisheries revenue in alignment with the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the National Constitution.
“In economic terms, the region has failed to harness opportunities for development and growth, and in real terms, the ABG generates just a small fraction of the revenue required to achieve fiscal self-reliance, or financial independence.
“I put it to leaders here today, that more must be done to lay the foundations that will allow Bougainville to prosper in the future in whatever form that future takes. This requires continued cooperation and greater effort in transferring important powers and functions and ensuring that funding is applied to those areas of greatest need, and which will stimulate and allow for economic growth.
“On this point, I recognize that as a National Government we must once and for all address the issue of Restoration and Development Grant arrears, and we must find an equitable approach for sharing fisheries revenue in line with the requirements of the BPA and the National Constitution.
“I want to conclude by reaffirming my desire to work with President Toroama for as long as it takes to reach an agreement on next steps in relation to the referendum.”
President Toroama echoed the sentiment of Bougainvilleans, urging full support and commitment from PNG national leaders. He emphasized the people's expectation for concrete actions from the government to honor the agreement reached over 15 years ago.
President Toroama said, “Our people expect your full support and commitment to their cause. They have done their part; it is now your part. The last thing that we want to hear is that some of you are scheming around and devising options that undermine our cause; and that is not good for your credibility in the eyes of our people.”
He appealed to parliamentarians to grasp the significance of Bougainville's quest for independence and to uphold the commitments made by previous administrations. He also called for solidarity in realizing the aspirations of the Bougainville people.
“I am committed to the independence of Bougainville. I appeal to our good Parliamentarians to understand our cause. And for our good members of Parliament, please understand the novelty of the deal we made with the National Government and the blessing we require from your decision. Let the DEAL we made with your predecessors more than 15 years ago come into fruition.”
National Government and ABG Close-Door Discussion:
The closed-door discussions highlighted the final stages of the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement, specifically focused on Parliament’s ratification of the Referendum results and a string of long-running issues regarding governance and development.
An agenda paper made available during the significant JSB meeting, states discussion on the issues of the following:
- Fisheries Revenue Sharing
- Cocoa Levies
- Financial matters which includes issues of the Restoration Development Grant and Prime Minister’s Commitment funding, and the Bougainville Copper Limited Shares
- Including the major issue of a sessional order for Parliament, on how the ratification process should proceed in Parliament.
As per stated, Bougainville currently receives 5-million Kina annually from the National Fisheries Authority as benefit sharing from its share of tuna exports in the country.
The ABG has been arguing that the current arrangement does not equate with Bougainville waters being rich breeding ground for tuna stocks in the world. The NFA and the ABG Department of Primary Industries and Marine Resource has since been working on a formula on how tuna benefits can be shared equally with Bougainville.
The Restoration Development Grant is also up for discussion, as Bougainville is to receive 100-million Kina each year for restoration and development work.
Notability in 2019, it was established by a United Nations moderator that the National Government owes Bougainville over 800-million Kina in RDG’s. The ABG has argued this money is guaranteed under the Constitution and the National Government must honor its regular payment.
Another point to discuss is the Prime Minister’s commitment of another 100-million Kina annually to Bougainville.
Result of the JSB Meeting:
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape and Bougainville President H.E. Ishmael Toroama discussed post-referendum issues during the JSB meeting, which concluded successfully with several significant agreements aimed at facilitating the ongoing peace process.
According to the Office of the Prime Minister, the discussion of agreements are as follows:
Bougainville Treasurer and Finance Minister Hon. Robin Wilson commended Prime Minister Marape for fulfilling all outstanding payments, refuting recent newspaper allegations that the PNG Government had significant outstanding debts to Bougainville.
Minister Wilson highlighted a notable improvement in financial commitments under the Marape Government, stating that since 2019, it has disbursed K350 million of the K621 million owed.
Furthermore, he mentioned that with an allocation of K200 million in the 2024 Bougainville Budget, the total payments will exceed K500 million.
The leaders agreed on the appointment of a Working Moderator who will assist both the Bougainville and Papua New Guinea governments in several key areas:
- Addressing unresolved issues related to the Sessional Order and other matters to bring the results of the 2019 Referendum for independence before the National Parliament.
- Overseeing the preparation of the Joint Consultation Report and addressing other legally mandated issues under s342 (1).
- Supporting the Bipartisan Committee in its efforts to deliver joint awareness messages to Members of the 11th National Parliament.
- It was resolved that a Joint Technical Team from both governments will collaboratively develop the Moderator’s mandate and terms of reference within one week following the signing of this JSB agreement.
Regarding fisheries revenue-sharing arrangements, a long-standing agenda item of the JSB, the leaders directed the responsible ministers to further discuss and finalise this matter. The ministers, chief secretaries, and relevant agencies will establish a mechanism to conclude the fisheries revenue-sharing arrangement.
On financial matters, including the Prime Minister’s Commitment and the Restoration and Development Grant, it was resolved that the funding support under the Prime Minister’s commitment programme will cease post 2024. The funds will be reallocated to settle outstanding RDG arrears owed to Bougainville.
Concerning the issue of Bougainville Copper Ltd (BCL) shares, the leaders recognised delays in transferring shares to the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), primarily due to cost implications associated with stamp duty tax. The National Government committed to settling the K1-million stamp duty tax through Kumul Mineral Holdings Ltd, ensuring the BCL Shares Certificate is transferred to the ABG by the end of May 2024.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the Bougainville Peace Agreement and to upholding the Melanesian spirit of consensus, ensuring a peaceful progression as both governments approach the final stages of their political journey.
The next meeting of the JSB is scheduled for August.
Signing of Joint Resolution:
After the Closed Door discussion, both governments held a media conference before the signing of the Joint Resolution.
Hon. James Marape expressed gratitude towards the Bougainville Leadership, emphasizing the significance of the referendum held in 2019.
Hon. James Marape said, “It has been a long journey. I want to appreciate, the understanding from Bougainville Leadership. I want to indicate to this country that less we forget the United Nations sanctions, the referendum took place in 2019, 97.7% voted for Independence. The vote was for political Independence and nothing less, nothing more.
“And the leadership in Bougainville in every meeting under former President and now current President and their entire team of leadership come to this discussion with the main focus on the expectations of the Bougainville peace agreement and we honor the wishes of the referendum that the people of Bougainville have expressed through the referendum.” He added.
Marape also acknowledged the importance of maintaining the integrity of the independence process, stating that neither government has the individual authority to grant independence outside of established procedures. Both sides agreed in the Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) to call in a moderator to address areas requiring clarification.
Regarding development initiatives, the national government committed to various infrastructure projects.
As mentioned by Hon. James Marape, “The national government has picked up, major connect PNG roads, Kieta Port, Kangu area for a possible Port Jetty as well as Buka Port, Aropa and Buka airport to be worked on. We made commitment to Bougainville Hospital, as well as couple of higher institutions. We were reminded by the Education Minister that Panguna supported PNG in its earliest stage and they have not had a training institution. It is our obligation to give back to Bougainville. “
President Ishmael Toroama expressed optimism about the challenges and opportunities ahead, thanking both the National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), as well as the people, for their contributions.
“This opportunity lies within the context of the People of Bougainville.”
He added, “I believe there are more challenges and opportunities to move forward.”
Prime Minister James Marape and ABG President Ishmael Toroama formally signed the Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) Meeting Joint Resolution on the evening of May 8th, marking a significant milestone between both governments and the people in 2024.
