Acting ABG president reaffirms stand on BVK

The Acting President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Patrick Nisira

By Anthony Kaybing

The Acting President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Patrick Nisira has reaffirmed the ABG’s no nonsense policy towards the aspirations of the so called Bougainville Kina.

The illegal currency is sponsored by illusive failed money scheme boss Noah Misingku’sU-Vistractorganization that is based in the heartland of South Bougainville in Tonu, Siwai District.

The Acting President supported the stand by Acting Chief Administrator, Chris Siriosi and ABG Finance Minister Albert Punghau in distancing the ABG from the scandalous currency.

MrNisira said that use of the illicit currency is against the monetary policies of Papua New Guinea and is also a serious crime.

“It must be understood that there is no such thing as the International Bank of Mekamui operating in Bougainville,” MrNisira added.

He said that the only banks allowed to operate in Bougainville are BSP and Nationwide Micro Bank which are based in Buka Town and Arawa.

MrNisira urged the people of Bougainville to refrain from using the BVK as it is worthless and will not be accepted by business houses in Bougainville.

“The PNG Government and ABG must work together to put an end to this fraudulent act to protect the ordinary people from being deceived into investing their hard earned savings into this scheme,” MrNisira added.

The scandal created by the BVK has also forced the PNG Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill to propose the introduction of stringent measures to counter the number foreigners illegally entering Bougainville.

The proposal by Prime Minister O’Neill will regulate the number of foreigners moving into Bougainville but gives consideration to those who have a genuine reason to be in the region.

This move has also been welcomed by the ABG as Bougainville still defers all immigration matters to the Papua New Guinea Government.

MrNisira says the move by the Prime Minister is a timely one as this will now put in place control measures that will help with the progress of Bougainville and stop any unwarranted moves to destabilize the Autonomous Bougainville Government’s credibility.