Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama outlines independence and development priorities for New Year

President Ishmael Toroama has opened the New Year by extending warm greetings to Bougainvilleans everywhere, thanking them for their continued support and confidence in his leadership and in the work being carried out by the Bougainville Government.

He said the year ahead remains important for Bougainville’s political direction, noting that the people have already declared their choice for independence and that the government is continuing discussions with the National Government through the Melanesian Agreement process to ensure that choice is properly recognised.

President Ishmael Toroama

President Toroama said the government remains firm and consistent in pursuing this political agenda, while encouraging unity and patience as the process moves forward.

He said political progress must go hand in hand with economic development, pointing to efforts surrounding Panguna, the establishment of the Bougainville Gold Refinery, and investment in agriculture, fisheries and other productive areas to strengthen domestic revenue and create opportunities for Bougainvilleans.

The President said true economic independence begins at the family and community level, urging people to take ownership of development and actively participate in productive activities.

He also highlighted the importance of good governance, saying ethical leadership, transparency, accountability and discipline must guide both political leaders and the public service. He added that reforms aimed at strengthening performance management for senior officials will continue.

President Toroama said Bougainville’s long-term aspiration is to become a high-income, educated, healthy, peaceful and Christian sovereign nation by 2052, supported by the Bougainville Nation Building Strategy to ensure inclusive development across all regions.

As the year begins, he called on leaders, churches, civil society, businesses, landowners, communities and families to work together in unity, uphold peace and respect the law as Bougainville prepares for its future.

He ended his message by wishing the people a year of hope and stability, saying, “Let us stand together in unity and commitment as we continue the journey toward the Bougainville our people have chosen.”