The Government of Vanuatu has taken a significant step towards reforming and restructuring the troubled national airline, Air Vanuatu, with the appointment of its first three Board of Directors under the leadership of a new Chairman, Captain Robin Deamer.

Minister for Finance and Economic Management, Johnny Koanapo, made the appointments on 26^th of August by an instrument, and it comes at a critical juncture in the airline's history.

The new Board of Directors, include Julie Takau, Paul Pio, and Ben Tofor as new incoming Board of Directors. They join existing Board members - Alexandre Perret and Roan Lester Sunghk. The incoming Board of Directors were selected purely on merit as stipulated by the Commercial Government Business Enterprise Act, following a recruitment process that started earlier this year. The Board will work closely with Chairman Captain Deamer to steer the airline back towards recovery. The appointments also follow the removal of five former Board of Directors, marking a fresh start for the airline.

The Government's decision to appoint the new Board members is a response to the challenges faced by Air Vanuatu, which has been plagued by controversy and financial struggles. The airline's liquidation in 2024 after more than 40 years of service has been a significant blow to the nation, and the Government is determined to revive it.

The new Board's first task will be to appoint a new CEO, who will be responsible for resurrecting the airline from the ashes. The Government is committed to implementing drastic changes to ensure the airline's success, and the new Board will play a crucial role in this process.

The appointments are part of the Government's broader efforts to reform state-owned enterprises, starting with the passage of the Commercial Government Business Enterprise legislation. At its core this legislation aims to address issues of political interference and ensure that state-owned enterprises are run as business entities.

In a related development, the Minister for Finance has also appointed the new Board of Directors for Airports Vanuatu Limited (AVL). The new Board members are David Wharfe, Jessie Benjamin, and Jacky Trief, who join Romella Bue - the existing member of the AVL Board.

The Government's efforts to reform and restructure Air Vanuatu and AVL demonstrate its commitment to improving the nation's aviation infrastructure and ensuring the success of its state-owned enterprises.

A joint operation between local law enforcement agencies and international partners on August 7^th has resulted in the seizure of a significant quantity of illicit substance on a yacht in Torba province. A suspicious vessel and its crew have been detained, and investigations are underway.

The operation involved a collaborative effort between multiple agencies, including law enforcement and customs officials. The vessel, its crew, and cargo were thoroughly searched, leading to the discovery and seizure of the illicit substance.

The investigation has received support from international partners, who will provide specialist technical capabilities to assist with further investigations. Investigations are continuing, with authorities working to determine the full extent of the illicit activity.

Drug trafficking and drug trans-shipment has recently increased in the region; therefore, the public is encouraged to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement authorities, highlighting the importance of community involvement in maintaining national security.

The Government, and the Police authorities in Port Vila acknowledge the efforts of all agencies and partners involved in the operation and look forward to their continued collaboration in combating transnational organized crime.

Port Vila, Vanuatu – 22^nd August 2025- The Government of Vanuatu is launching its National Anti-Money Laundering/Counter Financing of Terrorism/Combating the Financing of Proliferation (AML/CTF/CPF) Strategy, National Risk Assessment (NRA), and the Mutual Evaluation Technical Team (METT).

This marks a significant milestone in Vanuatu's commitment to protecting its financial system, promoting transparency, and ensuring sustainable economic growth.

The National Risk Assessment has identified key threats to Vanuatu's financial system, including corruption, transnational money laundering, and fraud. In response, the Government temporarily suspended the Citizenship by Investment Program earlier this year and will conduct a full review to ensure the programs align with Vanuatu’s national interests and international obligations.

"We are committed to building a resilient, transparent financial ecosystem that supports growth and inclusion," said Prime Minister Jotham Napat. "This strategy is not just for regulators—it is for every citizen, every business, and every institution that values integrity."

The National AML/CTF/CPF Strategy sets out ten strategic priorities, including:

• Risk-based supervision of financial institutions and Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs)
• Enhanced cross-agency information sharing and coordination
• Targeted capacity building, training, and public outreach
• Strengthened customer due diligence and ‘know-your-client’ measures
• Improved asset tracing, seizure, and confiscation procedures

The Mutual Evaluation Technical Team will lead preparations for the Asia-Pacific Group onsite evaluation in November 2026, ensuring that Vanuatu is well-prepared to demonstrate its commitment to transparency and compliance.

"A successful APG mutual evaluation will affirm our reputation as a transparent, well-regulated jurisdiction, unlock new investment, strengthen tourism and trade, and ensure that Vanuatu remains a trusted partner on the world stage," said Prime Minister Napat.

The Government of Vanuatu looks forward to working with its international partners, stakeholders, and citizens to build a secure, transparent, and globally respected financial centre.

Port Vila, Vanuatu – 22^nd August 2025- Prime Minister Jotham Napat has told the different Heads of Missions attending the 11^th meeting this week in Port Vila that Vanuatu's foreign service remains united in vision, committed to its core principles, and driven by service to the nation.

He delivered the remarks yesterday at the conclusion of the three-day Heads of Mission meeting.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the country's foreign policy is built on the principle that Vanuatu is a friend to every nation-state, a philosophy deeply embedded in its culture and tradition.

"Vanuatu is not a foe, but a friend to everyone, to every single nation-state. This is the DNA of Vanuatu's long-standing foreign policy, heavily embedded in our culture and fasen," said Prime Minister Jotham Napat.

The consultations focused on implementing the Government's 2025 priorities, including post-disaster recovery, economic growth, governance reform, education, health, and climate change advocacy.

He reaffirmed the Government’s overall commitment to supporting the Foreign Service and ensuring that limited resources are used strategically and transparently.

Prime Minister Napat also commended Ambassador Sumbue Antas for his distinguished service in Geneva, highlighting the importance of reinvesting the vast experiences of institutions and individuals for the common good of the Foreign Service.

"Your value as a Heads of Mission or Consul General will always be measured not by the number of meetings attended or the weight of agreements signed, but by the impact you deliver to the People of the Republic of Vanuatu," said Prime Minister Napat, urging the diplomats to prioritize post-disaster recovery, economic growth, governance reform, education, health, and climate change advocacy in their work. He also stressed the importance of defending Vanuatu's sovereignty, particularly in relation to its maritime boundaries.

The Prime Minister concluded by thanking the diplomats for their participation and service, and wished them safe travels as they returned to their postings.