From First To Last

Daughter Bougainville they diagnosed
Copper and gold she full
Skilful as gynaecologist
Operating pregnant women
They extracted her baby
The birth of world class mine

Breastfeeding national budgets
But no use to nobody now
Her children hungry

Scanning her brains
Experimented provincial government
But no use to nobody now
Her children not know which side to turn

Cheque-ing her bank statement
She lounged provincial business arm - BDC
Living standard high
But no use to nobody now
Children dependent on foreign aid.

Striving for better education for siblings
Instituting University Centre and Village Tok Ples Skul
High performance on educational indicators enjoyed
But no use to nobody now
Sibling crying for education

Fancying new dress
She modelled Council of Elders graduation gown
Implementing provincial reforms
But no use to nobody now
Reconciliation uniform children must wear

Prodigal daughter she became
Starting first revolution
Instigating guerilla warfare
But no use to Everybody now
Her children suffered plenty
Crying Enough is Enough

Introducing peace keeping force
In South Pacific Region
Hopefully last
Yes Enough is Enough!

Bougainville was PNGÕs model province prior to the crisis. The province has in many ways been an experiment station for the nation. I would now place her as number 20 – last and we have to rebuild ÔThe new Bougainville from ashesÕ. The nation suffered huge losses in lives and property, the people and children of Bougainville have suffered much more.