John Momis in Bougainville after 4 year absence

By Aloysius Laukai

Former Bougainville Governor and now PNG Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, John Momis, was happy to set foot again on Bougainville after four years out of the Region.

Mr Momis, who is based in Beijing, said that you can travel the world but there is nothing better then home.

He was speaking at the ceremony to welcome him and his family and three Chinese businessmen at Buka Airport on Friday.

Mr Momis said Bougainville had a bright future and that the people must forget their differences and unite to move Bougainville forward.

He said as Ambassador for China he had learned a lot that Bougainville can benefit from if it can establish links with the business community in China.

Mr Momis is on six weeks recreation leave but will meet the ABG President, Hon James Tanis, to discuss issues that the two countries can deliberate on.

Mr Momis was surprised at the warm welcome performed at the Buka airport.

He said he wanted to come home quietly but was happy at the warm reception.

Mr Momis was the Member for Bougainville in the PNG House of Assembly for 27 years. In 2005 he lost the Bougainville presidential election to the late Joseph Kabui.

Photo: John Momis [left] welcomed at Buka airport by Acting ABG Vice President Robert Hamal Sawa