Bougainville Organic Sustainable Services Incorporation (BOSSI) closed out 2025 by delivering tangible economic support to four Fishing Cooperative groups, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable, community-led development across Bougainville.
Each cooperative received a new 19-foot fibreglass banana boat, fitted with a 15hp tiller motor, a 20-litre fuel container, and six life jackets – providing both livelihood opportunities and improved safety at sea. The official handover took place in December 2025.
The recipient groups represented communities across the region:
- Pokpok Community Women’s Group, Metora Ward, represented by Ms Judy Atemae and team, boat skipper Nigel Tarurava, and Chief Peter Garuvai
- Aa’ena Women’s Group, Koromira Ward 1, Kokoda Constituency, represented by Mrs S. Daniel and team
- Narikoo Women’s Group, Toniva Urban Community, represented by Ms Rollian Pidi and team
- Hetoroa Cooperative Group
The handover was attended by the Central Bougainville Member for Veterans Affairs, Honourable Junior Dake, who encouraged recipients to use the boats productively and respond to local economic demand. He praised BOSSI as a purpose-driven organisation already delivering meaningful outcomes and acknowledged the vision behind its establishment, particularly the leadership of former Finance Minister Geraldine Paul and the Central Bougainville Women’s Region.
Honourable Dake highlighted BOSSI as a strong example of reinvesting in communities and recognised its role in addressing key service gaps through hands-on training, workshops, and support for marketing organic produce. Beyond fishing, BOSSI continues to support cooperatives in agribusiness, tailoring, cooking, and transparent, accountable management.
Other key contributors to the program included Kieta District Director Mr Tony Moira, Community Development Officer Ms Gwen Kauva, the recent Central Bougainville Women’s Representative, SDA Pastor Jeffrey Paul, and BOSSI Executive Secretary Geraldine Paul.
In her remarks, Geraldine Paul reaffirmed BOSSI’s commitment to fair and transparent distribution of programs and resources, noting that participation is open to all groups that follow established processes. She emphasised that each cooperative is responsible for the ongoing maintenance of its boat and encouraged strong planning and governance heading into 2026.
The program concluded with the signing of Agreement Deeds between BOSSI and the cooperative groups. The boats then departed for their respective communities- an immediate and visible reflection of BOSSI’s growing impact and the success of its community-driven approach.