Toroama leads Bougainville Remembrance Day march in Arawa

President Ishmael Toroama led a sombre Remembrance Day procession in Arawa Town early this morning joined by members of the Bougainville Executive Council and House of Representatives, government officials, Bougainville Police Service personnel, schoolchildren, Arawa Town Rangers and members of the public.

Dressed in military camouflage, Toroama led the marched from Peace Park to the Independence Oval where wreaths were laid and a traditional veterans’ meal was served.

He said the blood of the fallen has “sealed the path ahead,” and urged the community to remain steadfast in the government’s pursuit of self-government.

“To honour their sacrifice, we have created a Veterans Ministry in the fifth Autonomous Bougainville Government,” Toroama said, underscoring his administration’s commitment to ex-combatants.

He praised former fighters who laid down their arms, calling their gesture the foundation for the Autonomous Bougainville Government and a step toward sovereignty.

Reiterating a firm timeline, Toroama said his government will declare self-government by September 1, 2027, and that “there is no turning back” for the region.

The president also thanked development partners and singled out Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited, announcing the company has already invested US$30 million and will continue working with the government on Bougainville’s redevelopment, including the Panguna mine.

Toroama urged younger Bougainvilleans to learn the island’s history, saying the sacrifices of those who fought have brought the region to its current stage and will carry it onward to independence.

The Bougainville Remembrance Day is commemorated on May 17.

The region is observing a public holiday today, with normal business to resume tomorrow [Tuesday 19]