NEW DAWN ON BOUGAINVILLE

080524 JSB Finally held in Port Moresby today
New Dawn FM News

The Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) between the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and Government of Papua New Guinea (GoPNG) was held in Port Moresby today.
According to ABG President Hon Ishmael Toroama in his speech, the issue on the table is the ratification of the referendum results.
“Ratification is a word used by the Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA) is the final step in a deal made with the Government of Papua New Guinea fifteen years ago.
“The outcome of the referendum shall be subject to ratification (final decision-making authority),” he says.
The last JSB meeting was held on the 30th of July 2023 by which two ministers responsible had to develop the sessional order which decided would be the appropriate pathway to bring the referendum results to the parliament.
Minister for Bougainville Affairs Hon Manasseh Makiba and ABG Attorney General Hon Eziekel Masatt were tasked to develop a sessional order and resolve three key issues relating to that task.
These included 1) the required voting majority necessary to support the decision of Parliament; 2) the number of sittings required to deliberate on the matter; 3) the secret voting option put forward by GoPNG.
Toroama added that the only provision in the Constitution was section 342, the process of consultation between two Governments over the implementation of the referendum results and the series of steps necessary for the matter to be considered by Parliament.
“Tabling of the referendum results in Parliament; the decision of the Parliament and lastly the notification of the Bougainville Government of the decision of the Parliament.
“Captured in the BPA made with GoPNG over the outcome of the referendum; and it was on basis of this promise by the National Government to bring the matter of ratification in the Parliament,” he adds.
President Toroama in his speech thanked the Prime Minister Hon James Marape for meeting with his government since the last JSB meeting on the 30th of July, 2023. ENDS////

150524 Protect children rights
New Dawn FM News

Children under the age of 18 years old have rights and their rights must be protected.
Tami says child protection is a term which refers to or involves a child’s welfare, protection, and to promote their basic rights.
“Children are referred to as being under the age of 18 years and is looked after by an adult,” he says.
He says other definition of a child is someone who is immature in thinking, small in statue and often late to catchup with other children.
Tami added that there are two sets of laws which protects the rights of a child; 1) United Nations law on Rights of a child where PNG is a signatory and 2) Lukautim Pikinini Act 2015.
He stated that the parents or guardians of ta child must be committed in the well being of him or her.
“We must respect our children and make sure to earn their trust and respect.
“We must communicate in a non violent and threatening manner,” adds Tami.
He further added that having a respectful relationship with children is very important.
“Encourage participation of children in relation to decision making which could harm them especially on where to go and what they should do.
“For example in most cases parents and guardians make decisions and children will only follow.
“Best interest of the child is to ensure we as parents and guardians make best decisions which could affect the growth of the child. This means the child is able to go into a healthy, happy and well cared child,” he stated.
Donovan Tami is a child protection officer and currently the Acting Manager for Mandatory and Special Services under the Department of Community Development focused on the well being of children and families.
Ends AK

150524 PC newspaper price increase
New Dawn FM News

Nation wide readers of PNGs number one daily newspaper, Post Courier team is currently in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, to announce the increase of one newspaper from K2.00 to K5.00.
According to General Manager Director Frank Genaia, ‘Post Courier has a special place in Bougainville’.
He says that the total cost involved in freighting the newspaper is very expensive.
“Before we increase the price, we felt the need to properly inform our readers of the managements decision and the reason behind the increase,” he says.
Genaia adds the newspaper was sold at K1.00 and then to K2.00 for the last fifteen years until now.
“The K3.00 increment will assist the newspaper company to increase the volume of newspaper circulation in the region and not for profit.
He says Air Niugini’s cargo freight is charged at K30 per kilogram.
The overall cost of freighting newspapers is K1.2million to K1.6million to freight 2,000 newspapers annually.
“We believe Post Courier has a bigger role in informing the people of Bougainville,” he added.
The team is lead by Post Courier General Manager Director Frank Genaia, Post Courier Business Advisor Jackson Rima, Circulation Manager Althea Jerowai and Senior Journalist Gorethy Kenneth. ENDS////AK

150524 President winds down Popondetta consultation
New Dawn FM News

Bougainville Constitutional Planning Commission (BCPC) team who arrived with Bougainville President Hon Ishmael Toroama in Popondetta on Tuesday 13th of May, 2024 ended the first Bougainville consultation with the Bougainville community this afternoon.
The team was hosted by Northern Governor Garry Juffa and the Oro Provincial Government.
BCPC Chairman and President Hon Ishmael Toroama accompanied by Attorney General and Minister for Independence Ready and Implementation Hon Ezekiel Massat met with Bougainvilleans in the province and discussed how the ABG is working to reach the unreached living outside the region.
Toroama says the consultation is the way forward for Bougainville to formulate its homegrown constitution and the visit to Northen Province a milestone for BCPC to capture collective views from everyone.
The team is later expected to travel to Milne Bay, Goroka and Port Moresby. Meanwhile, the other teams are expected to cover Highlands, Momase and New Guinea Islands. ENDS///

150424 Child abuse must stop
New Dawn FM News

Child abuse must stop according to child protection officer Donovan Tami who spoke during the Department of Law and Justice program last week.
Tami told New Dawn FM, spoke on the types of abuse which is rampant 1)physical abuse caused as a deliberate act made and seen to hurt a child.
“May involve, kicking, punching, slapping, hit them with sticks, that can injury to the physical body of the child 2) Emotional abuse stems from hurting the feelings and thoughts of a child,” he added.
Tami says this usually occurs when the child is isolated from his or her friends, stopped from playing with friends which could lead to verbal abuse by attacking them with bad words, swearing, teasing and criticising them.
He stated that negligence is also another form of abuse involving not providing a good meal, not being able to attend school due to no school fees; no good clothes to wear and being raised by a single parent.
“Another form of child abuse is exploitation when a child is used to benefit the adults,” says Tami.
Tami adds this is done by forcing a child to marry someone who is capable in looking after her family.
“Sometimes this is done to resolve land disputes occurring between two clans,” he explained.
Tami also added that others forced into child labour who are either forced to sell food or items at the market place where parents benefit.
“Some children maybe sold into prostitution at an early age to make money from them,” he adds.
Tami further added that these are some forms of abuse that is happening in the region and must be stopped. ENDS/////AK

140524 Parents to know juvenile rights
New Dawn FM News

Parents are reminded to know the juvenile rights and their roles & responsibilities.
Juvenile Justice officer Martin Tisivua says the term Juvenile refers to young children aged from 10 to 18 years of age.
“Who have broken the law, arrested by police and charged with a criminal offence and stand to appear before the court,” he says.
Tisivua says the District or National court looks at the best interest of the child and how the justice system can deal with the child better.
He also mentioned the roles and responsibilities required of parents whose child have been arrested by police due to a criminal offence and what they must do.
“Parents must be aware of the work of the juvenile justice officers who are available at the Buka, Arawa and Buin court house.
“These special officers work to ensure the rights of child is protected at all cost.
“Parents can call the Juvenile Justice officers to accompany and assist the child through being arrested, interviewed and charged,” he added.
Tisivua adds after this parents can now be able to take his or her child home and to bring them to stand trial in court until proceedings are complete.
Tisivua wants a child to know that he or she has rights and must be respected; inform parents if arrested; know the cause of arrest; parent or juvenile officer must be present during police interview; help can be sought from public solicitor; juvenile kept in separate jail; do not force a child to speak and medical attention must be given. Ends////AK

140524 BTO to complete tax legal framework
New Dawn FM News

The Bougainville Tax office is continuing work into the taxation legal framework in the region.
According to Chief Tax officer Dr Alois Daton, BTO has agreed on the five tax laws to adopt from PNG laws.
BTO sought advice from the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) to draft our own tax due to no law drafters in country.
“IRC has now linked World Bank (WB) to provide technical assistance by engaging a legal draftsman Professor Lee Burns, an Australian to assist ABG and BTO to draft our own tax laws,” he says.
He says the Professor Lee has been instrumental in drafting laws for small Pacific Island countries similarly to Bougainville.
“Prof Lee’s experience in the Pacific has been deemed a suitable candidate to also assist the ABG’s Tax office,” he adds.
Due to continuous consultations between BTO, IRC and World Bank, five pieces of legislations has been approved and a timeframe set to draft the laws.
“By 31st of July 2024, World Bank will have completed 1: first legislation of Personal Income Tax (PIT) completed by 1st Aug and reviewed on 30th Sept 2024; 2: Goods & Services Tax (GST), ;3.Departure Tax (DT), both first draft by 31st of Aug 2024 and reviewed in Oct; 4. Corporate Income Tax (CIT); and 5. Small Business Tax (SBT) to be completed by November and reviewed on 31st December, 2024 and finalised.
“ABG to review first draft of the Tax Administration Act; five tax laws on PIT, GST, DT, CIT and SBT by 28th of February 2025.
“The laws will then be debated on the floor of Bougainville House of Representatives (BHOR) and should be endorsed by Bougainville Executive Council (BEC),” he added.
Daton further added that consultations will follow from the January to May 2025.
He further added that Sales Tax alone is not sufficient to raise internal revenue and therefore the office is working to adopt five new laws to assist in revenue collection.
Recent Joint Technical Team (JTT) recommended the ABG transfer of tax laws to be managed by itself.
ABG hopes to create a central registry under the Department of Commerce, Trade and Economic Development to support tax regime. ENDS////AK

140524 Tax payers urged to pay tax
New Dawn FM News

Revenue collected from sales tax in Bougainville is poor according to Chief Collector of Taxes.
According to Dr Alois Daton the collection of sales tax collected from the sale of beer and cigarettes in Bougainville in 2023 was not enough.
“Bougainville collected only K70,000 in revenue in 2023 from the lodgements that year.
“This year in 2024 no lodgements and payments have been made by main importers and distributors of Beer and Cigarettes in Bougainville,” he says.
He added that due to such we have been working without receiving sales tax revenue.
Dr Daton is urging all Corporate and small businesses in Buka, Central and Arawa to comply with Bougainville Tax Office (BTO) and pay up.
The Bougainville Tax office (BTO) has since filed legal proceedings with three companies in relation to sales tax revenue owing almost K13 million.
One company has requested that their case be withdrawn in order to make settlement outside the court.
Meanwhile, other two giants in the region will stand trial on Friday 17th May, 2024.
Dr Daton is urging Corporate and small businesses to ensure they pay their sales tax to account for the money owed.
However, Daton has thanked businesses from all three districts who have fronted the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) to pay their outstanding sales taxes since 2022. ENDS////AK

140524 BCPC releases first Bougainville Constitution draft
New Daw FM News

The Bougainville Constitutional Planning Commission (BCPC) has released the first draft of the Autonomous Bougainville Constitution for an Independent Bougainville.
This marks a significant step in the regions path towards political independence.
This first draft has been made available for download on the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) website.
Ahead of its upcoming consultation rounds this month, the BCPC made this initial draft for the Constitution being workshopped with Bougainvilleans to gather feedback and input.
The consultation program is set to begin on mainland Papua New Guinea, with four regional teams scheduled to travel to the Highlands, Momase, New Guinea Islands, and Southern region.
After PNG consultations, the focus will shift to consultations with Bougainville itself.
During these consultations, the BCPC will collect views and issues from Bougainvilleans, which will then be compiled and discussed by the commissioners.
Based on these feedback, instructions will be provided to the drafters to create a second and final draft of the Autonomous Constitution for Bougainville.
The first draft is available for download on the ABG website (link: http://abg.gov.pg/uploads/documents/Constitution_of_the_Republic_of_Bougainville_-_FIRST_DRAFT_-_6_May_2024.pdf ) and the public is invited to provide feedback within a timeframe of three months, from May to July.
The BCPC will consider all feedback received during this period in its preparation of the second draft.
Those wishing to contribute their views, opinions, or issues can email the BCPC at [email protected]. ENDS////

130524 Caretaker Chief Secretary disappointed over public servants performance
New Dawn FM News

Caretaker Chief Secretary of ABG Administration Clement Totavun is disappointed over the poor attendance of public servants in offices in the region.
“Punctuality and poor attendance is terrible in the ABGs run public service according to recent findings,” says Totavun.
Totavun expressed utter disappointment over the poor punctuality of public servants which is affecting their overall poor performance in the workplace.
“Public servants are not coming to work on time. Public servants were reminded work starts at 8.45 BST, lunch at 1pm BST finish work at 5.06 BST.
“Yet we are not following the Public Service rules. Many of you present here come from the districts and we may not know the performance of public servants out there,” he says.
Totavun added that commitment, dedication and performance is needed from you.
He further deliberated that the work of the government on the ground cannot be felt by people on the ground if public servants do not do their jobs.
“If we the public service do not do our jobs the people will suffer,” he says.
He stated that district managers are people on the ground who can carry out work.
“District managers are responsible to ensure delivery of service,” he added.
He further reminded district managers that they are responsible for all public servants who work in the districts.
“We must go to work on time, we must produce and get results,” he stated.
Totavun had served and worked for UNs World Health Organisation prior Morobe Provincial Health Authority.
He later accepted the position of Acting Secretarial position for Bougainville’s Health Service.
ENDS////AK

130524 Public servants told to embrace training
New Dawn FM News
Thirty- one public servants including district managers and officers working with various ABG Government will undergo governance and leadership training under the Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG). The training commenced on the 6th of May, 2024.
According to the ABG’s Senior Human Resource officer Noreen Korikai the participants will embark on a journey delving into the intricacies of leadership and governance.
“Aiming to enhance our collective skills and abilities in serving our communities and fulfilling our duties with experience,” she says.
She said the importance of the course can not be over stated as in todays dynamic and ever changing space, effective leadership and sound governance are paramount in navigating the challenges faced as public servants.
Korikai adds the training will equip us with the tools, knowledge and strategies necessary to lead with informed decisions, and foster positive changes within our space of influence.
“Our goal over the next five weeks is to clearly emerge as a stronger and more capable leaders and stewards of public trust.
“Each of you play a crucial role in this endeavour and your attendance and commitment to this program is essential,” she adds.
Korikai assured the participants that the organising committee is fully committed to supporting them throughout this journey.
Meanwhile, Department of Personal Management Connelly Kekun told the participants that such training will develop and improve not only the professional as well as personal life.
“This is a privilege for us in terms of regional planning of North, Central and South districts,” says Kekun.
He added that everything had been paid for those registered for the training must continue to attend.
“We are thankful to Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG) and SP Brewery for choosing Bougainville to run the 7th Cohort in the region,” he added.
The Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance formerly known as Institute of Public Administration. ENDS////AK