Port Vila, Vanuatu - March 12^th, 2026 — The Council of Ministers (COM) today approved a Cabinet paper presented by Minister for Internal Affairs Andrew Solomon Napuat to address longstanding financial liabilities facing the Vanuatu Police Force and the Government - dating back to 2016.

This decision once implemented, settles accumulated retirement severance payments and unpaid family allowances of the Vanuatu Police Force from 2016 up until this year, totalling approximately Vt1.8 billion.

 The payment plan targets Force members aged 54-62, many still in active duty despite having reached legal retirement age of 55 under the Police Act (CAP 105).

 The Ministry of Internal Affairs has been tasked by COM to prepare payment plans and table them at the next Supplementary Appropriation for Parliament's endorsement.

 "This decision ensures consistency in the Vanuatu Police Force operations and prevents further accrual of entitlements," said Prime Minister Jotham Napat, crediting Minister Napuat for tabling the long overdue paper.

 The Government acknowledges previous administrations' lack of foresight had contributed to the situation and is taking a proactive approach to ensure service consistency, restore organisational balance, and support operational effectiveness within the Vanuatu Police Force.

Port Vila, Vanuatu -10^th March 2026 – The Government is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East, where the US/Israeli conflict with Iran has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil supply route for the Asia-Pacific region. About 80% of the region's oil passes through this strait, which has been impassable since March 2, 2026, halting oil exports from the Gulf of Arabia.

 The Government has engaged with Pacific Energy, Vanuatu's primary fuel importer and supplier, to assess potential impacts on national fuel supply.

Pacific Energy has confirmed:

- Current stocks are sufficient to cover usual consumption.

- The company's supply program, based on a three-month rolling forecast, is secured, and no shortages are anticipated in the foreseeable future.

 However, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on oil production and transport facilities have led to increased oil prices and freight rates on the international market. The duration and level of these increases are currently unpredictable.

 The Government will maintain regular engagement with fuel suppliers and stakeholders to ensure continuity of fuel supply. The public is advised that there is no current need for concern regarding fuel availability. Unnecessary stockpiling is discouraged, as supply arrangements remain stable.

 The Government will provide updates should global developments significantly affect fuel supply or prices.

Port Vila, Vanuatu - February 23^rd, 2026 —The Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Hon. Jotham Napat, today emphasized the need for economic transformation as the central goal of the Government, at a first-ever government forum that his office is spearheading – bringing together government ministers, director generals, and senior officials.

 In his address, Prime Minister Napat reflected on the Government's first year in office, highlighting achievements in stability, control, and credibility. "We have achieved a lot together, and that work matters," he said. "Without it, nothing else is possible."

 Looking ahead, the Prime Minister stressed that the world has changed, with climate shocks, global conflict, and rising costs impacting Vanuatu. "Doing 'business as usual' is no longer safe," he said, emphasizing the need for a stronger economy to protect people, create jobs, and fund essential services.

 The Government has been working on a new strategy that puts economic transformation at its centre, recognizing the critical role of health and education. The strategy aims to build on existing foundations, including infrastructure, energy systems, and telecommunications, and will focus on three key areas: the economy, healthcare, and education. One of its key objectives is to clarify the NSDP and outline clear outputs before the country reaches its 50^th anniversary mark.

 "We want to make sure that we have clearer structure in place which also allows all of you to have a voice at the table on an ongoing basis," Prime Minister Napat said, inviting feedback and ideas from participants.

 The forum is part of a consultation process, seeking input from government officials and stakeholders to shape the Government's strategy. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for a whole-of-country effort, involving businesses, communities, and individuals in Vanuatu's development journey.

 "We must be disciplined and work together to achieve our goals," he said, calling for alignment among coalition partners, ministerial leadership, and a commitment to support each other.

 In the coming days, each government ministry will work on refining their service targets and outputs, ensuring they are specific, measurable and achievable by 2030 when the country celebrates its 50^th anniversary.

Port Vila, Vanuatu - February 6^th, 2026 — The Council of Ministers (COM) has considered the Commission of Inquiry Report (Report) on matters relating to the affairs of the Vanuatu Citizenship Commission and its related programs.

COM directed all relevant Government agencies concerned with the findings of the Report, to act on relevant recommendations highlighted for Part 1 of the Report.

In the coming days, with support from the Ministry of Finance and the Citizenship Commission, specific updates will be made on progress made to date to the country’s citizenship by investment schemes, and what more should be made to further enhance them and to seek legal redress where necessary in order to uphold the integrity of the schemes both locally and internationally.

The Government, through the Ministry of Justice, also acknowledges the public’s high interest regarding issues of good governance, transparency and accountability and will welcome any efforts to seek remedial actions, where necessary on its citizenship programs so that the Government continues to uphold principles of good governance and transparency in public offices.