Allan Bird urges Parliament to find a way forward for Bougainville

Claims that the constitution does not provide the provision to allow Bougainvilles breakaway from Papua New Guinea was rebutted on the floor of parliament today.  

East Sepik Governor Allan Bird during the debate on Bougainville's referendum vote said if leaders can make other changes to suit their interest, it can be easily done for Bougainville's issue.

Mr Bird said it's for a good cause and the parliament and the PNG Governement must act now.

However, the East Sepik provincial member while being vocal on the call for independence for the people of Bougainville to be addressed also, shared his concerns that Bougainville's internal revenue is below K50 million and that it needs to be at an average of K500 million-it will be a huge task for the government of Bougainville.

"In National Goals and Directive Principles it calls for Equality and Participation and I ask myself what have we done to convince the people of Bougainville.

"We all deserve to be equally treated and participate in this country and have we practically lived and given what's rightfully for Bougainville? "Bird said.

Meanwhile, there are many cross-cutting issues like the ratification process and Mr Bird says Parliament must do the right thing and compensate the people of Bougainville.

"Let's sometimes put our intellectual debates aside and ask ourselves whether we are honest with the people of Bougainville or not,"Mr Bird added.

He said it's a very serious and emotional issue for the people of Bougainville and government must look into it seriously.