ENB makes major stride towards autonomy

East New Britain has taken a significant step forward in its pursuit of greater autonomy with the establishment of a fully functional Autonomy Implementation Advisory Committee.

Ten members were officially sworn in this week to lead the committee, which will be tasked with providing strategic direction and guiding the implementation of the province’s autonomy agenda.

This development follows Prime Minister James Marape’s earlier assurance that the national government would respond to East New Britain’s call for autonomy by September, coinciding with Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence anniversary.

The swearing-in ceremony signals East New Britain’s serious commitment to autonomy. Importantly, the committee reflects the province’s cultural diversity, with representatives from the three major ethnic groups - the Tolais, Pomios, and Bainings, ensuring fair and inclusive participation in shaping the autonomy framework.

The committee will be chaired by former East New Britain Governor and Deputy Prime Minister, Grand Chief Sir Leo Dion, a long-standing advocate of autonomy.

“East New Britain, New Ireland and Enga will be considered for autonomous empowerment. So if you look at the history of the government there, we need to pursue this,” Dion said.
“There is certain decision a lot of work has been done at the national level in relation to that.”

The committee’s mandate is to establish a roadmap that will enable East New Britain to gain greater control over its resources, development priorities, and administrative functions.

Its formation comes just a month after current Governor Michael Marum raised the autonomy issue in Parliament, questioning Prime Minister Marape on the status of the province’s longstanding request.

While the government has shown some willingness to devolve certain powers, Marape reiterated that provinces must also demonstrate financial self-reliance.

“Where functions can be transferred, we will transfer,” he said. “But with the transfer you must be able to generate revenue. Your revenue must support the functions that you have as far as autonomy is concerned.”

Governor Marum, however, remains optimistic. He believes the committee can drive meaningful progress and ultimately secure the government’s full support.

“Let us bring autonomy to life, not as a theory but as a working model that improves lives, strengthens services and reflects our identity,” he said.

The launch of the committee also follows a recent visit by senior statesman Sir John Kaputin, who encouraged provincial leaders to remain focused on the autonomy agenda.

“What can we be autonomous for without the power to raise our own internal revenues and create our own laws?” Kaputin posed.

Prime Minister Marape’s final response to East New Britain’s autonomy bid is expected by September. However, any favorable decision will likely depend on the progress and outcomes delivered by the newly formed committee.