New blunder for Bougainville – Post Courier

Shadow Minister for Bougainville Affairs Sir Puka Temu has condemned the miscommunication and blame game propagated by Prime Minister James Marape over the delay in JSB meeting dates.

Sir Puka said it was improper of Mr Marape to blame our Bougainvillean counterparts for a delay, when it was actually caused by his team.

Sir Puka made the remarks after ABG Attorney General and Bougainville Independence Mission Minister Ezekiel Masatt clarified that it was Bougainville Affairs Minister Manasseh Makiba who requested a postponed Monday evening.

Sir Puka said: “It was mistrust that led to the crisis. It was distrust that forced the development and signing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA), and it is this distrust that will derail the entire process, particularly the final stage of the ‘APB – the post-referendum process.

“Prime Minister Marape must command respect to earn the trust of the leaders and people of the country.
Bougainville.

“This debacle this week, where this important JSB meeting was continually postponed due to the Prime Minister’s lack of preparation, must end and be condemned by all parliamentarians.

“The Prime Minister must stick to his commitment and maintain the sanctity of the importance of Bougainville’s political future.”

Sir Puka said we all agreed it was serious business, but it was time to show it.

“I ask the Prime Minister who his advisors are on this final stage of the BPA, as his recent actions are symptomatic of misinformation and incompetence.

“From the beginning, the United Nations and global experts have been mobilized, but it appears that this government does not have such experts in this important national issue.

“The world is watching – looking for an example of how peace agreements can be successfully concluded.

“PNG must show the world that we can be a beacon of hope in a world in crisis right now – that deals can be made and concluded,” Sir Puka urged.