Addressing local reporters at the Buka Airport on Wednesday (10th May, 2017), Mr Polye said they should be empowered economically in a significant way, let alone themselves to decide the referendum.
"The region had a huge potential in agriculture and tourism. Our job is to empower them. Bio-fuel should also be untapped," he said.
He said amongst others they could become a major revenue generator for the government when fully commercialised.
He stated when in government, he would fund K200 million each for cocoa and copra whilst K50 million each to establish their stabilisation funds.
Polye is in the region for a three-day campaign trail of his Triumph Heritage Empowerment (THE) party candidates- HERMAN LAIMO for South Bougainville and Justin Borgia for Central Bougainville.
His visit is also a fact-finding mission to understand the region's issues well so that the next government, which he is confident to lead, can address them holistically.
Polye said when he was the Treasury Minister, he budgeted K100 million annually for ABG to develop its infrastructure.
He added he was aggrieved to learn that the Prime Minister Peter O'Neill and his government failed to honour it fully as budgeted, saying ABG's case is perculiar.
"The current national leadership is absolutely wrong. The Prime Minister is careless and irresponsible. Slashing or failing to honour the peace agreement funds is illegal and unconstitutional.
"The issues affecting ABG are sensitive and delicate. As the Prime Minister after the election, you will find me giving my heart and soul to facilitate and administer financial commitments to ABG with respect and care," he told reporters.
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| Polye speaking to reporters. |
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| Polye meets former Buka's resistance commander Donald Hamao |
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