Autonomous Region of Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama, in his New Year speech to the people of Bougainville, highlighted that 2026 marks another important step in Bougainville’s journey towards political independence. He expressed deep gratitude to the citizens for their continued confidence in his leadership and the government’s shared vision of a sovereign, prosperous, and well-governed Bougainville. “Our people have already declared their choice for an independent Bougainville, through the Melanesian Agreement, we continue to work with the National Government to ensure the will of our people is properly recognized and endorsed.” “Your government remains firm and consistent in pursuing this political agenda.” President Toroama said that all must continue to build the economic foundation of their future nation, the reopening of Panguna, the establishment of the Bougainville Gold Refinery, and the development of agriculture, fisheries and other productive sectors will strengthen our domestic revenue and create opportunities for our people. “Economic independence begins at the family, community and government levels, and I encourage all Bougainvilleans to work hard and participate meaningfully in our economy.” "Good governance remains central to our nation-building efforts, strong leadership, ethical behaviour, discipline, transparency and accountability must guide both government and the public service." He also mentioned in his inaugural statement, that there will be reforms introduced in performance management for all senior leadership, and there will be no room for complacency both at the political and administrative level. The measure of Bougainville’s success must always be seen in the improvement of its people’s lives - there will be no other way around this. Bougainville has set a long-term vision to become a high-income, educated, healthy, peaceful and Christian sovereign nation by 2052. “Through the Bougainville Nation Building Strategy, my government will continue to align all sectors to this shared vision, ensuring that no part of Bougainville is left behind in our political and development journey.” “As we enter this New Year, I call upon all leaders, Constituency and Regional Members and their respective community governments, public servants, churches, civil society, business houses, landowners, communities and families to work together in unity and goodwill,” he added. Furthermore, President Toroama reminds all to uphold peace, respect laws, strengthen the governance systems and prepare to take their rightful place as a sovereign nation. “May this New Year bring renewed hope, stability and progress for our people and may God bless Bougainville.”

All small crafts travelling into and out of Kimbe, Bialla, Ulamona in West New Britain (WNB), Kolowin to East New Britain Province (ENB) and through to Tokuna Transit are all urged to register before going out to sea.With high number of people travelling between East and West New Britain during this period, safety is paramount; therefore, registration for all outboard motors is a must. Mr. Herman Volele from the WNB Disaster Officer said all boats must be registered and tagged on the side. “Registration of outboards motors is important under the small crafts act, thus, National Marine Time Safety has emphasized more on this because when accidents happen at sea, it is easier to identify which boat and its crew.”All skippers and their assistance must all have licenses as well as their permits to operate sea transportation. Mr. Volele further urged all traveling to the islands and between East and West New Britain to take necessary precautions when out at sea and avoid the sea during wet weather periods. “All boats are to have life jackets on board for all passengers to wear. All boats are not to overload, remember to carry extra zoom and to make sure the motor engine is 100% working before the start of any trip.”Volele reiterates that safety out at sea is paramount, and he urged all to also avoid consuming alcohol whiles travelling to and from or pay a hefty penalty of about K2,000 or face imprisonment.  

Papua New Guinea (PNG) being a tropical country experiences both the dry and wet seasons, but in recent times the nation has experienced an increase in natural disasters that occur usually during the wetter months of the year, which is generating some significant concerns for authorities.From the month of May to November is the dry season while the wet season is from December to the month of April and because of the intensity of the wet season experienced lately, the chances of natural disasters like flesh flooding and landslides occurring in various parts of the country is highly likely, and it is for the reason that the National Disaster Centre has issued strong precautionary messages and awareness to keep people safe during this wet season. Mr. Andrew Oaego, the Caretaker and Assistant Director for Risk Management, stated that in places that are prone to flooding such as riverine areas, the communities need to be always prepared during this wet season. “Communities or families must develop floodplain zoning regulations, build levees, floodwalls, embankments, make sure there is regular cleaning and maintaining of the drainage systems.” “All communities must install or develop early warning systems, create emergency plan and must also keep emergency kit to use during disaster.” He stressed that every individual must always take necessary precaution during heavy rain, avoid crossing fast flowing rivers, always stay indoors during heavy down pours and always take precautions when moving around during heavy rains. “All adults are to monitor small children during heavy rain.” “People are urge to stay clear from low lying areas, move away from stream and riverbanks, as well as move inland if closer to shore to avoid flooding.” The National Disaster Centre has also issued a stern warning and awareness on landslide disasters. Mr. Oaego explained that landslide is a movement of rocks and soil down a slope often triggered by heavy rainfall, earthquakes or even human activities. Sadly, as experienced in PNG, lives are lost and properties are usually destroyed during this type of natural disaster. Other times landslide often cause blockage to rivers causing flooding upstream; thus, resulting in more danger for down stream people. To prevent such disasters, the office recommends planting vegetation to stabilize slopes and avoiding construction on steep or unstable terrain. He further stated that drivers during the wet season must drive with precaution along slope areas on the roads and highways. “It is important for all communities to monitor at risk areas and install warning systems, identify safe zones and routes for escape, know areas that are prone to landslide and always have an evacuation plan.” People in areas that are most likely at risk for land slide are to relocate temporarily if heavy rain persists as it is better to be safe than sorry. “The National Disaster Centre sends this precautionary message for all people, communities to follow, thus this message is to reduce casualties, save lives and property. Therefore, taking heed to this save's lives.”

Settlers of the Saivara Estate at Nine Mile in the Moresby Northeast Electorate were presented land tittles by their local Member of Parliament John Kaupa, who has once again demonstrated strong leadership in urban development especially under the Settlement to Suburb program.Mr. Kaupa when presenting the titles to the settlers told them that this is a special Christmas gift to them. The land title for Portion 2708 was formally presented to Saivara Association Chairman Mr. Daniel Palangu and the title for Portion 2711 was presented to its representative, Mr. Willie Lenep. The land title presentation to Saivara Nine Mile (Portion 2708) marks a major milestone under the North East Settlement-to-Suburbs Program, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to proper urban development, security of tenure, and improved living standards for settlers. The people of Saivara thanked MP Kaupa, his officers, and NCD Governor Powes Parkop for their continued support in advancing land ownership for settlers in the nation’s capital under the Settlement to suburb program. The Northeast Settlement-to-Suburbs Program Coordinator Mr. Jack Ninkama praised the initiative, saying land ownership is the foundation for transforming settlements into organised and lawful suburban communities. “Land titles give settlers security, dignity, and the confidence to develop their communities,” Mr. Ninkama said. “Other areas including Eight Mile, Peter Kama, Makana, Morobe, Vitis, and Turn-Off portions, will be subdivided and issued titles to genuine settlers under the ongoing program.” Mr. Ninkama also highlighted that not all settlements are crime-infested, noting that many are home to low-income earners and public servants; thus, with proper planning and legal ownership, these areas can be developed into suburbs with real market value for block holders. The MP also attributed this successful progress to the consistent leadership by the NCD Governor and the North East leadership, which has resulted in major urban developments across the city. He announced plans for new state-of-the-art facilities at Nine Mile, including a hospital, supermarket complex with banks and shopping malls, and the construction of a North East Electorate Office. Kaupa then urged residents to cooperate with their associations, surveyors, and NCDC management to ensure the success of the program. “This is a costly exercise, but with the support of the NCD Governor, the Prime Minister, the Lands Minister, and other line ministries, especially the Education Ministry, we are making it possible,” Hon. Kaupa said. He also added that distributing land titles reflects his commitment to inclusive urban development and empowering settlers through legal land ownership. “This Christmas, I am proud to give the people of Saivara peace of mind and a foundation for a better future.” In appreciation of the land titles, the Nine Mile community presented live pigs, cooked food, including garden produce to Mr. Kaupa as a sign of respect and gratitude and heartfelt thank you. The people also pledged their continued support to his leadership and commitment to settlement development.

Laloki Secodary School (LASEC), at 15 miles, in the Central Province is pleased to see the opening of a Brand-New Double Duplex teachers houses yesterday, Monday 01st December, ,2025 at the school vicinity. The double duplex was built from a donation funding of K200,000, which was donated to the school by the Department of National Planning during the 2024 graduation ceremony. LASEC Principal Mrs. Carol Tsinabi stated that when the funds were donated to the school, the school administration decided that it will be best if the money was given back to the teachers by building teachers houses. “Laloki Secondary is grateful for the funding given by the Department of National Planning. Because of your funding we will now have two brand new houses for our teachers”, said Mrs. Tsinabi. Speaking also at the opening of the duplex was Deputy Principle -Administration Peter Elesave, who highlighted also that the two other units will be built right underneath the duplex soon, so there will be four units. “Hopefully we start building the units underneath by next year”. He also stated that the two new houses were built by the school carpenter with the help of students and teachers’ families to minimize cost. The principal further added that this is such a relief, out of the 30-teaching staff, 16 live on the campus and now with these two new additions, it brings the total number of staff with housing to 18 living on campus, with 12 still with no proper houses. “Most of the houses on the campus are from the 1980s when the school was formally a Corporative College; however, when the Corporative College changed to Laloki High School in 1983, the staff houses where part of the buildings handed over to the school.” Mrs. Tsinabi further added that recently the school itself built 3 additional houses from the TFF funds and from school fundraisings. However, this is the first ever donation given to the school to date and that is why it is put towards building two new houses for the teachers. “This is my 25 years teaching here in Laloki Secondary and my first year being the Principle for LASEC, and on the top of my 3 main agender to achieve is to build more houses for the teachers, as well as renovate all the old houses on campus.” “Funding has always been the issue, we have written letters seeking assistance but never received any, even our local member since the 1980s until today has not even given any support nor show face in our school.” “Schools like Yarowari is receiving so much funding, so much has been done for that school and others whilst we have been looked past every year, we are in need of housing for our teachers as well as our auxiliary staff.” Mrs. Tsinabi is hopeful that the Central Education Department, the Central Provincial Government, Office of the Central Governor and the Hiri Koiari Office as well as other donor agencies or business houses can come on board and offer help to Laloki Secondary school.

The JK Rugby 9s Tournament which commences today in Port Moresby city and running to the 4th of December, is set to be fun filled and exciting especially with a total of K60, 000 prize money up for grabs.Speaking at the launching of the tournament on Friday at the office of Moresby Northeast District, Mr. Mathias Max the JK 9’s Coordinator stated that the initial plan was to have 64, 32, or 16 teams and slot them into pools; however, at the moment they only have 20 teams registered with other teams yet to register. “Since we have 20 teams already, we will be looking at getting 12 more teams to make 32 teams, but if we cannot get this number of teams from within the district then we are open to teams for the two other districts, Moresby Northwest and South to bring in their teams.” “For the interested cubs who wants to join, registration is still open until Sunday, you can come to the Moresby Northeast Office, Annex Building NCDC, for registration and registration is K500.” Mr. Jack Ninkama, the Events Coordinator spoke on behalf of the local Member of Parliament John Kaupa who was attending a parliament session, stated the competition is aimed at improving youth’s lifestyle and mindset. He encouraged all to deliver the best of their skills and style out on the field as there will be scouts out there putting an eye out for new talents. “Play because you want to have a career in rugby, play with PNG NRL dream, you play your heart, make friends and grow your brotherhood circle.” “This is about positive change; this tournament is the first of its kind but will not be the last.” All the players are urged to be at their best behaviour both on and off the field and respect match officials as the competition is a sanctioned PNGRFL competition with rules and regulations in place.

Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama has officially announced the appointment of a new 14-member Bougainville Executive Council recently, the announcement of the cabinet marked what he described as the beginning of a new chapter in Bougainville’s leadership and governance.The new Cabinet is as follows: • President Ishmael Toroama – Minister responsible for Intergovernmental Affairs, Mining, Communications and State-Owned Enterprises • Hon. Ezekiel Masatt – Vice President; Minister responsible for Justice and Independence Mission Implementation (Member for Tonsu Constituency) • Hon. Patrick Nisira – Minister responsible for Infrastructure & Utilities (Member for Halia Constituency) • Hon. Albert Punghau – Minister responsible for Treasury & Finance (Member for Motuna Huyono Tokunutui Constituency) • Hon. Amanda Masono – Minister responsible for Fisheries, Marine Resources and Climate Change (Minister for Atolls Constituency) • Hon. Paul Cheung – Minister responsible for Community Government (Member for Selau Constituency) • Hon. Thomas Pataaku – Minister responsible for Public Service (Member for Ramu Constituency) • Hon. Melvin Wilolopa – Minister responsible for Community Development, Youth, Churches and Sports (Member for Lato Constituency) • Hon. Willie Masiu – Minister responsible for Police and Correctional Services (Member for Wisai Constituency) • Hon. Delourdes Semoso – Minister responsible for Health (Member for North Bougainville Womens) • Hon. Robin Wilson – Minister responsible for Commerce, Trade, Industry and Education (Member for Barawa Constituency) • Hon. Linus Dake Jnr – Minister responsible for Veteran Affairs (Member for South Bougainville Veterans) • Hon. Clarence Dency – Minister responsible for Primary Industries (Member for Eivo Torau Constituency) • Hon. Henry Potabu – Minister responsible for Lands, Physical Planning, Environment & Conservation (Member for North Nasioi Constituency) The swearing-in ceremony of the cabinet was held recently before the presence of Magistrate Bruce Tasikul, Members of the Bougainville House of Representatives, ABG Chief Secretary, departmental heads, and senior officials including development partners. In his official address to the new cabinet, President Toroama congratulated the newly appointed ministers but also reminding them that their call to serve was not merely to govern, but to lead with integrity and discipline. “The people of Bougainville have entrusted you with a sacred duty. You are being called not simply to govern, but to lead.” “And in leadership, there is no room for complacency, self-interest, or division,” President Toroama said. He emphasized that the new Executive Council must demonstrate loyalty—first to the Constitution of Bougainville, and ultimately to the people of Bougainville. “Loyalty must mean fidelity to the Constitution of Bougainville, to the guiding principles of good governance, and to the dreams of every Bougainvillean in every corner of our land,” the President said. “Listen to the people’s voices, respect their customs and serve their interests. Let your words and actions reflect the mandate they have given us to lead Bougainville to a better future.” President Toroama also reminded the ministers of the government’s central goal of achieving Independence Readiness by 2027, urging them to work with urgency and purpose. “Our vision is bold and non-negotiable—Bougainville will be Independence-Ready by 2027,” he stated. “We have just under two years to build the systems, pass the laws, train the people, and prove to the world—and to ourselves—that we are ready to govern a free and independent Bougainville.” He further challenged all ministers to take ownership of their portfolios and deliver measurable outcomes, announcing a six-month performance review period for all cabinet members starting on the day of official appointments. Toroama further added that the performance of each minister will be assessed based on their ability to deliver outcomes, improve departmental functions, and contribute meaningfully to the Independence Readiness Agenda,” he said. “This is not symbolic; this is a serious warning. Should you fail to perform your duties to the standard expected, you will be removed from office.” “The people of Bougainville deserve nothing less than our best efforts.”

A team of 10 trekkers endured steep rainforest climbs, slippery ridges, and high-altitude conditions for 8 days along the Ghost Mountain expedition last week before returning to Port Moresby on Monday 20th October 2025. That was the start of many more tracks to come, it was also the start of the retelling of the PNG- US war history which has been forgotten and untold for many decades. The weeklong expedition completed at the resting place of the Flying Dutchmen on Mt Obree. A dream and passion by American Author James Campbell and Australian explorer and author Peter Gamgee will now be the awakening of the forgotten US soldiers on the Ghost Mountains back in year 1942. These two Explorers and authors shared their journey and inspirations behind the books they both wrote regarding the battle and struggles on the Ghost Mountains, highlighting that the expedition taken recently is an extraordinary experience that blends history with friendship and endurance. Mr. James Campbell who is the author of “The Ghost Mountain Boys”, stated that he was a young journalist back in year 1995 when he first heard about the United States War on Papua New Guinea, and his fascinations grew from there, resulting in him writing a whole book about it in 2002 which was bought by Panguin Random House, largest publisher in the world. “The largest publisher in the world recognized that this was a stunning historical story that everybody needed to know.” After his first hike on the Ghost Mountains in 2016 he went back and wrote that story for a magazine called “Outside Magazine”, and that story was chosen as one of the best American stories of that year. “The Ghost Mountain Boys is a history book about the brave 900 men from the 126 Infantry Regime of the 2nd Battalion who started their track on the Ghost Mountain trail back on October 8, 1942, when they began their track along the ghost mountain trail.” “This was one of the cruel tracks in modern military history, sadly out of the 900 American soldiers only 126 soldiers and 6 officers were alive.” Gamgee, author of “The Search for the Flying Dutchman” gave an insight into the inspiration behind the book, stating it started back in 2009 when he first walked that trail, he went back in 2020 to physical search for the flying Dutchmen, without metal detector, no helicopter, no leader or what so ever, but just him and the locals who told him they know where the crash site of the flying Dutchmen was. “6 times we tried looking for it but failed, that was how “The Search of the Flying Dutchmen” book was born.” The book is about an American War plane C-47 flying to the Owen Stanley Range, unaware that it was going to be its last flight and how this plane for decades laid in the forest of the Ghost Mountains undiscovered. “The real search of the Flying Dutchmen is the search of the ways that we can turn tragedy of the flying Dutchmen around to the benefit of the local people.” The expedition was made up of 8 male trekkers and 2 female trekkers from Australia, and the United States, including PNG and amongst the team was Donna Wilson, 57, granddaughter of one of the American soldiers who fought in Papua New Guinea during World War II. The recent track was about giving back to the people, and GT Bustin from Tribal Foundation who was one of the trackers highlighted that the team on their expedition for the first time in decades delivered boxes of medical supplies to Dorobisoro Clinics. “K11,000 in medical supplies, this will benefit the 5 villages along the trail.” “A K20,000 was paid this week for tractors to fix the trail, and there are talks around guests house and many more initiatives to benefit the locals, but priority is health and education.” Tribal Foundation, Central Governor Rufina Peter and Member for Rigo Ano Pala will continue in this partnership to see this Ghost Mountain Expedition grow into something big where more and more Americans can come walk this track and talk about its history. “This expedition is not only to revive the wartime history and to promote tourism but also to deliver basic services to the remote Central communities along the trail.”

The Bougainville Fisheries Directorate, in collaboration with the National Fisheries Authority (NFA), is currently conducting a month-long awareness campaign on the Sea Cucumber (Beche-de-mer) fishery across the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.The campaign commenced on the September 29, 2025, and will conclude on October 29, 2025. This campaign forms part of the mandatory requirements under the Beche-de-mer Open Season process and aims to ensure fishers, exporters, and local communities are informed about sustainable harvesting and compliance measures. The joint awareness program is supported by the Bougainville Police Service and focuses on key topics including: • Identification of sea cucumber species, particularly CITES-listed species. • Legal and export requirements. • Sustainable harvesting practices and compliance • Reporting and monitoring mechanisms to safeguard the fishery resource. Awareness activities were also conducted through community workshops, shoreline inspections, and stakeholder consultations in selected coastal communities. The program began in North Bougainville and will continue through Central and South Bougainville before the season opens. The awareness campaign emphasizes the importance of responsible resource management to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Beche-de-mer fishery, which remains one of Bougainville’s most valuable marine commodities. The Beche-de-mer Open Season is scheduled to commence on October 17, 2025, and will remain open until Bougainville reaches its Total Allowable Catch (TAC). The TAC for Bougainville will be confirmed once the season officially opens.

A historic trekking site which was used back in the World War II by the American soldiers, was officially opened for trekking on Monday October 13, 2025, in Gaba Gaba Village, Central Province.The Americans base and the track used in WWII used by American soldiers during the battle with Japanese soldiers to Kokoda was officially reopened and named as “Ghost Mountain Expedition” for tracking. The historical site known as Kapa Kapa trail is the second largest tourism tracking product after the famous Kokoda Track through the Owen Stanley Range, this track will now enable more outside visitors and local trekkers into the province thus is will also add to the boosting of its economy. The Ghost Mountain Expedition was initiated by PNG Tribal Foundation and is supported by Central Provincial Member Rufina Peter as well as the member for Rigo district, Sir Ano Pala. This opened trekking site will increase tourism, build basic services including schools, aid posts, electricity amongst others in remote villages starting from Dorobisoro and neighboring villages of the WWII trail where locals helped soldiers during the battle. Sir Ano Pala said Gabagaba village was called to take the frontline in 1942 to help assist the American soldiers during the war battles, this time they will be called again to take the frontline not for battles but for peace, leading the international visitors to walk the 48km trail southeast to the Kokoda trail. “As we launched the Ghost Mountain Lagacy Track, and the revisit of the Kapakapa trail, let us be reminded of our needs as well, and our leaders must stand together to bring in all basic services.” Meanwhile, PNG Tribal Foundation President Gary Bustin, said ten trekkers from Colorado, United States and Australia have started the eight days walk today from Dorobisoro. “We will be visiting the villages as we walk through the track and help with basic medical supplies, also we will be talking to the villages and see the needs especially schools, aid posts and others that we can build for the villages.” “It is not just the trekking but bringing basic services to the villages that once helped the American soldiers during the WWII and how we can give back to the communities.” Moreover, Desmond Baira, Chairman for Economy and Tourism, Central Provincial Government on behalf of the Central Governor committed K200, 000 to Gabagaba village with Sir Ano who also committed K20, 000 to Gabagaba village for its basic services. “We are expected to see tracking tourism grow in the next years.”

The 9th Pacific Tuna Forum (PTF 2025) is currently underway at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa, Denarau, Nadi, Fiji, under the transformative theme “Pacific Tuna 2050: Resilience, Innovation, Equity and Sustainable Trade for a Prosperous Future.” The 9th Tuna Forum was jointly organized by the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry of Fiji, the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) of Papua New Guinea, and INFOFISH, in collaboration with key regional fisheries organizations and partners. This PTF 2025 will once again bring together policymakers, regulatory authorities, industry leaders, development partners, academia, and community representatives from across the Pacific and beyond. This is a Forum of Global Significance that highlights that the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) region accounts for nearly 60% of the global tuna harvest, positioning the Blue Pacific Continent as the heart of the global tuna industry. The long-term sustainability of this shared resource is not only vital to the economic and social well-being of Pacific Island nations but also has far reaching global implications — from food security and employment to climate resilience and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). 2PTF 2025 provides a critical platform to deliberate on strategies that ensure greater value retention, equitable benefit sharing, and sustainable growth in the region’s tuna sector. Thus, it will also examine how Pacific nations can continue to strengthen fisheries management, combat IUU (illegal, unreported, and unregulated) fishing, enhance traceability and transparency, and build more resilient blue economies.  Key Themes and Objectives Under the 2025 theme, discussions will focus on: • Resilience: Strengthening adaptive capacity of Pacific tuna fisheries to climate change and global market disruptions. • Innovation: Promoting technology, research, and digital solutions to enhance efficiency, traceability, and sustainability. • Equity: Ensuring inclusive participation and fair benefit-sharing among Pacific Island countries and communities. • Sustainable Trade: Expanding value chains, market access, and investment opportunities while maintaining environmental integrity.  The forum will feature high-level keynote addresses, thematic sessions, and interactive dialogues covering various topics such as; • Sustainable tuna resources and supply chains • Investment and equity through the Hubs & Spokes model • Global and regional tuna trade and market dynamics • Innovative tuna technologies and value creation • Certification, standards, and social accountability in fisheries • Futureproofing the Pacific tuna industry Attending the PTF 2025 are many distinguished participants and amongst then is the Chairperson of the PTF 2025 is Dr Manumatavai Tupou-Roosen, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Regional Campuses & Global Engagements at the University of the South Pacific, Fiji. The opening ceremony will be officiated by the Chief Guest of Honor, Hon. Viliame Gavoka, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation followed by the special address and remarks by: • Jelta Wong, MP, Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Papua New Guinea • Ms. Gemma Meermans Matainaho, Acting Director, INFOFISH, Malaysia. The event will feature experts from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), Pacific Community (SPC), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), Pew Charitable Trusts, the industry, and numerous regional and international institutions. The Pacific Island countries will also share their experiences in the sustainable management and development of the tuna industry, identify challenges and opportunities. As Pacific nations advance the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, PTF 2025 aims to strengthen collaboration across governments, industry, and communities —ensuring the Pacific’s tuna resources continue to support livelihoods, national development, and ecological balance for generations to come. “The Pacific tuna industry is central to our shared prosperity and our global responsibility,” said Dr Tupou-Roosen, Chair of PTF 2025. “Through resilience, innovation, equity, and sustainable trade, we can secure a prosperous future for the Blue Pacific Continent and the world.”

The newly sworn-in Members of the Fifth Bougainville House of Representatives have begun a week-long induction program which started on Monday 13th October 2025 in Buka. The program is designed to equip Members with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively contribute to Bougainville’s democratic governance and advance Bougainville’s aspirations during this critical transitional phase. The induction is being held under the theme “Empowering Leadership for an Independent Bougainville: Building Unity, Resilience, and Sustainable Development.” Speaking during the official opening, ABG Vice President Ezekiel Masatt emphasized the importance of the induction in helping Members understand the functions of government and how to translate that knowledge into meaningful action. He reiterated that while political independence remains the core agenda, there are equally important issues that must be addressed collaboratively in the region. “It is not just political independence, the economics, the administration, our foreign policies; we must address these issues that support our political independence aspirations,” he said. Masatt reminded Members that Bougainville’s journey to independence will ultimately shape the lives of future generations of Bougainville people. “It is us and our children and our children’s children that will live this independence,” he added. The Vice President commended the Speaker and Clerk of Parliament for organizing the induction program, noting its importance particularly for the new Members who make up 51 percent of the Fifth House of Representatives. “If you want to be an effective leader, you need to know the structure, the process, and the mechanisms that are already in place,” he said. The week-long program will include presentations from the Bougainville Administration and the Bougainville Parliamentary Services focusing on strengthening Members’ understanding of their oversight roles, participation in parliamentary debates, constituency duties, and committee responsibilities. There are also officials from the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea who are also part of the program, presenting on the system of parliamentary democracy in both Bougainville and PNG. Additionally, representatives from the New South Wales Parliament are participating under the long-standing twinning arrangement with the Bougainville House of Representatives.