PORT VILA, 9^th June 2025 – The Government has appointed a team of officials tasked with the responsibility of working with the teachers, or their representatives towards signing a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) to end the long drawn out strike currently affecting the country’s school systems and impacting adversely on students’ learning.

The team has a specific term of reference geared towards settling the teachers’ legal claims and ending the 10 months strike so that the teachers could return to class.

In consultation with his Deputy and the Minister for Education, Prime Minister Jotham Napat called a meeting this afternoon with members of the negotiation team to try and better understand the issue at hand and map out a way forward before meeting VTU members.

Based on legal advice the Government will still follow through on its intention to proceed with an appeal to settle the strike’s legality question beyond doubt, but such a course of action will not prevent the negotiating team from reaching out to the teachers for a settlement.

Prime Minister Napat says however that it was clear from the judgement the case had been mishandled from the beginning.

He also says no leader should be using the issue for their own political ends because in some way or other, everyone has a part in the way the issue was allowed to drag on.

PORT VILA, 3^rd June 2025 – Following the decision of the Supreme Court in Case No.24/2752 between the Teaching Service Commission and the Vanuatu Teacher’s Union and its members, the Government has made its intentions known that it will appeal the decision, with the aim of overturning it because of the potential ramifications that the ruling could have on the future of the country’s education system and the overall Government workforce.

The Government, named as Second Defendant in the case, expresses deep dissatisfaction over the outcome, especially at the manner in which the case was handled and presented before the Supreme Court. As a result, it has so far sought advice from a private lawyer to act on its behalf at the Appeal Court level.

It was apparent from the Supreme Court decision that the interests of the Vanuatu Education Sector and of the Government as a whole were not properly covered by way of documents pleaded and evidence presented, resulting in Mr Justice Edwin Goldsbrough noting at paragraph 35 of his decision:

“In some instances, the parties have won or lost through inadequate pleadings…This is less that a court should expect from counsel.”

Both Minister for Education Johnson Simil and Deputy Prime Minister Johnny Koanapo who is also Minister for Finance met today to discuss possible ways forward and have urged all teachers nationwide whose names are not listed in this week’s court judgement to refrain from joining on the VTU bandwagon, saying any such action could have very detrimental effect on their careers.

“Those who have not lodged any claims must remain loyal to their duties and responsibilities. We will not hesitate to take action against anyone found to be in disobedience of our instructions.”

The Ministry of Education is also aware of members of the Union going round in schools trying to persuade teachers who have not been part of the strike to join in the fray.

“We wish to categorically state that we will not treat this lightly because such approaches unsettle both the teachers’ capacity to deliver on their lesson plans, and disrupts student learning.”

The Government remains steadfast in its commitment to settle what the teachers are legally owed and confirms that all claims submitted thus far have been verified as of 31^st of May and payments are being processed.

The total sum already paid out thus far amounts to close to Vt2 billion vatu – a marked contrast to the original figure bandied around 17 and 20 billion Vatu trumped up at the start of the strike.

The Government notes that a large majority of the claims could not be assessed due to lack of proper justification and/or documentation during the verification process.

“We wish to reiterate that the Government can only follow what was approved as the proper payment plan and endorsed by the Council of Ministers,” says the two Ministers.

Meanwhile, the claims left to be processed fall under four main categories. These are Death in Service, Principals and Deputy Principals allowances, Zone Curriculum Advisers Allowances and Partial Severance – the latter to be paid provided there is available budget.

It’s almost been three months since we took office on the 11^th of February 2025.

We are happy to provide the media and the public with an update on our performance over the past three months. We aim to make this more regular as we improve on our reporting and public accountability obligations.

As Prime Minister I take nothing for granted. As long as we are in a public office, we must continue to perform at the highest levels. The people of Vanuatu expect nothing less.

We thank the media for keeping us all in check. Let’s continue to work together for the betterment of our country. Most definitely, we have seen great signs of improvement, despite all the hurdles and hoops we have had to navigate through.

It seems that people tend to forget that we went through an unprecedented magnitude 7.3 earthquake about six months ago – the scars of which are still very much visible. But we are slowly recovering. I am confident that by the end of this year, we will see the CBD get back up and we must continue to build our coping mechanisms.

There are certainly rooms for more improvement as we continue making progress in our recovery process.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS – 100-DAYS PLAN

This Government took office on February 11 2025 and the 100-days plan took effect in early March. Today marks about three months since we launched the plan, covering some 76 different policy initiatives. We are about two weeks away from reaching the 100-day mark.

Whilst we have achieved 63% of our targets, I believe more could be done. There are activities on the M&E dashboard showing ‘in progress’ status which means our policy initiatives are being implemented, but yet to yield the desired outcomes. We anticipate that by the end of the 100 days we should be close to the 80% mark, which would be a remarkable achievement if we can make that happen.

Policy formulation and implementation always require time. We hope that the Government can be accorded and afforded the time to see its plans through.

Nevertheless, I wish to thank everyone for putting in the effort.

PRIME MINSITER’S OFFICE

1. Constitutional Changes

We have been able to amend our Constitution through the Ninth Amendment during the recent Special Sitting of Parliament. Many do not realize this, but to amend the Constitution requires a lot of will from parliamentarians – at least two-thirds of the members, representing all four coalition partners. To pass the amendments with a resounding majority vote from both sides of the house was no mean feat. I thank both the Opposition and the Government for recognizing the significance of the amendments to help facilitate our economic growth and protect the values we stand for as a sovereign Melanesian country founded on eternal Christian principles.

The proposed EDZ are designed to unlock our potential for economic expansion and growth in the next 10 to 20 years.

We have also instigated further changes towards reforming our political system geared towards achieving more stability in the government policy making process, and to restore public confidence in the public sector. We are pursuing this through a 12-month grace period which will now be decided at the 2024 referendum. Political stability must remain our high priority to stop us from going round in circles. I cannot emphasis enough the importance of stability to the economy and our growth prospects. Without it, investor confidence plummets and the economy stagnates, whilst demand for Government services continues to increase, given our high population growth rate.

2. Passport and citizenship

In keeping with the Government’s 100-days plan to address shortfalls in our CIIP and DSD regulations I have signed off on new set of regulations to strengthen programs which are so vital to our revenue collection measures. The Office of the Citizenship Commission has already moved swiftly in March to address gaps within its Citizenship by Investment Program, by tightening loopholes that may have been the likely source of corruption and abuse by individuals over the years – seriously undermining the government’s citizenship programs. Under a new Chairmanship we are implementing new invoicing processes, integrated directly with the Ministry of Finance and the treasury department – enabling a streamlined invoicing process where all application fees deposited directly into the government treasury.

The key features of the new integrated payment system include:

• Automated invoicing
• Standardised payment; and
• Enhanced compliance

Today, I am happy also to announce that I have signed off on a new set of regulations to pave the way forward for our CIIP and DSD programs. All agents should follow the same rules and there will be no preferential treatment.

Also, we have now tightened many of the loopholes in our regulations one of which is to ensure that all agents are registered locally for easier monitoring by the government.

3. Telecommunications

In terms of telecommunications the government is committed to increasing telecommunication coverage for many of our remote communities. The following areas will see erection of new towers this year 2025: Akamb (Malekula), Bombua (Santo), Pesena (North Santo), Lolovoli (South Ambae), West Ambae, Port Patrick in Aneityum, Womet (Malekula, West Wasaka – Vanualava, Tevaliaut in Paama and Tongomea in Emae. The Government has allocated 690 million for contruction of these towers which will greatly increase our mobile coverage to 86% but population-wise we are at 99% coverage.

FINANCE AND ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT

1. Stimulus Package

The application process for the Small Business Grant (SBG) and Wage Subsidy Scheme (WSS) is open.  If you followed last week’s parliament you will have learned about the breakdown of how we are assisting our small to medium businesses, as well as a loan facility through commercial banks. We have copies of that statement available for pick up after this.

We are determined to get businesses back up and operating. The schemes will only be applicable to businesses that are located in the red zone of the CBD area. The rollout is through the Department of Finance, in close partnerships with the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Businesses should be working with Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce to access the assistance.

As part of lessons learnt from the COVID roll out, payment initiatives this time around contains the option of the Vanuatu Post Kwik Pay facilities. This initiative is part of the government's ongoing dedication to support affected businesses as detailed in the 100-day recovery plan. For further details of these break-down of funds and how the government is helping to restore the economy through the stimulus initiative are accessible here, while the 100-days plan achievements are available here.

EDUCATION

1. Damaged School Infrastructures

Since the December earthquake schools that have been damaged have remained as they are. We have successfully sought funding support from one of our key donor partners – Australia who have stepped in generously with additional funding of almost Vt400 million to help repair schools that suffered damage during the earthquake.

This was announced last week by their Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong. I take this opportunity once again to thank Australia for always standing by to assist us. I also wish to thank all the teachers and school pupils who have persevered despite their learning conditions. (Refer to separate print out for achievements).

But there are lots of progress in some of the key policy targets, one of which is to harness the use of ICT so that we can deliver more online learning for students. We must maximize the use of technology in our education systems or we risk being left behind in technological innovation and uptake.

2. Teachers Claims

As much of these claims are subject to a court judgment expected today, I will be brief. I can confirm the Government is working tirelessly to address all legitimate teachers’ claims, some of which date back to 2010. And we will pay these irrespective of the court outcome as long as they are legitimate and properly verified and documented. According to the latest from the ministry of education, the Government has paid a total outstanding number of claims of 590. These ‘legal entitlement’ claims comprise of:

• Death in service,
• Primary teachers who taught at junior levels,
• Junior teachers who taught at senior levels,
• Principals and deputy principals’ associate allowances,
• Severances; and
• Zone curriculum advisor claims.

All claims have had to be separated into three different categories:

• Legal entitlements
• Approved but only if there was available budget
• Claims outside the legal period (with no supporting documents)

As of this month, the ministry has processed further verified claims to Finance bringing the total amount paid to well over 2 billion vatu.

To date, 696 teachers are still not at work due to the strike action of June 2024. As a result, the TSC has recruited 377 replacements so that students can continue their learning uninterrupted. Unfortunately, a couple of schools within Sanma have had to be closed due to lack of teachers.

Details of the achievements under the 100-days plan are here.

HEALTH

COM has already agreed for Health to come under a separate commission. Given the technical nature of the health profession, they will need a Commission that is capable of addressing their needs by getting the right structures in place.

There are lots of mothers dying unnecessarily due to all kinds of cancers. Many are having to travel overseas to India to get specialized cancer treatments. We can do that locally with correct planning now and better resourcing. Earlier in our reign we launched the country’s first every CT Scanning Machine. We’ve now installed a new Mammogram machine, thanks to our Japanese partners. We will install a second one in Santo with the current Government commitment. We have much to do still in this key sector, with ambitious plans to re-develop our hospitals and to equip them with the right personnel, equipment and resources. I would like to see more effort put into some of the policies we have prioritized, such as a health insurance policy. So far there is some progress made in advancing this which will greatly help families who are needing to seek specialized medical attention.

Details of the 100-days plan achievements are in the appendix.

INFRASTRUCTURE

1. CBD Reopening Update

1.1 Demolition Progress

• A total of 22 buildings have been identified for demolition, with this number expected to rise as updated assessments by building owners continue.
• To date, 14 buildings have been fully demolished.
• Demolition is currently underway on 4
• 2 buildings are in the process of reviewing their demolition plans.
• 2 buildings have yet to submit their demolition plans.
• Overall, demolition progress stands at approximately 64%.

1.2 Reduction of Restricted Area & Traffic Management Plan

• The target for full CBD reopening is set between mid-June to July 2025.
• Businesses located outside of restricted areas are classified as “White” zones and may begin repairs and restoration immediately. Once repair work is complete, a fitness-to-occupy certificate will be issued, allowing business operations to resume.
• PVCC is collaborating with PWD to repair road infrastructure within the CBD.
• Business owners are encouraged to clean up their premises, while PVCC will be responsible for street cleaning.

1.3 Strategic Recovery Plan and the Rebuilding of Port Vila

In response to this unprecedented disaster, the Government of Vanuatu has developed a National Recovery and Reconstruction Framework, aimed at rebuilding Port Vila with enhanced resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity. The principles of climate-adaptive infrastructure, social equity, and economic revitalization underpin our national recovery strategy.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs is coordinating our CBD reconstruction. This is a process that will soon involve everyone as a consultative process to gauge your views on how we would like the new Port Vila to look like.

2. Aviation

2.1 Pekoa

This is a major airport infrastructure development that the Government has earmarked for development to be carried out in four phases. It will be a major upgrade for Pekoa Airport. The Government has already allocated 1.8 billion towards the first phase. The Pekoa Upgrading project is in line with the overarching aim of making Santo Vanuatu’s key economic hub and comments other developments already gaining a lot of momentum, such as the South Santo Road Project.

2.2 Olal Airport and Maewo’s Malolo Airport

100 million Vatu from the Government recurrent budget has been allocated to Olal Airport construction and another Vt100 million to Malolo Airport on Maewo. The airport project in Olal has taken quite some time but I am happy that finally construction can commence with Pierre Brunnet already mobilizing to Ambrym and Maewo.

While we have issues with the airline, I am confident we will get the airline back up. As an archipelago of 83 island, we cannot afford to not address this issue as a matter of priority.

2.3 Air Vanuatu

Air Vanuatu under AV3 will be revitalized. You can be rest assured of this. Whilst I cannot give you all the details, all I can say is that we would like to see our airline fully resurrected because we need it in order to continue to support our tourism sector. But also because we are an island nation and a regular airline service must remain our priority. You may have noticed that we have put out an Expression of Interest for qualified individuals to come in and be part of the rebuilding process as Board members of both Air Vanuatu and AVL.

What the government is looking for are people with proper aviation, finance and governance expertise to take over the airline and rebuild it from the bottom up. Once a new Board is in place, they should begin reforming the airline.

For over 30 years Air Vanuatu has suffered from poor management and political interference. We have learnt our lessons and we will not go down the same route again.

Regarding funds deposited in 2019 for Air Bus aircrafts that never came, that this was a decision made at the time and based on advice then. Deputy Prime Minister who is also responsible for Finance will be traveling to France soon to address the matter with Air Bus. We are also looking other legal avenues to try and recover the funds.

3. Roads Upgrade

3.1 Northeast Malekula Road Upgrade

The Government has earmarked Vt300 million towards tar sealing the roads in North East Malekula from Lakatoro to Vao. Invitations for tender are currently being advertised and will be due on June 10. We look forward to carrying out this key road upgrades to help our people in Malekula.

But more road upgrades must be prioritized on this island. As Vanuatu’s key economic corridor to Santo, Malekula is one of Vanuatu’s sleeping giants. Given the right conditions and better infrastructures, the island could contribute significantly to the national economy given its enormous potentials.

I urge the people of Malekula to cooperate with the Government in its future plans to fully unlock the potential of the island.

3.2 Efate Ring Road and East Coast Santo Road

We have commenced rehabilitation of Efate Ring Road and East Coast Santo roads. Both rehabilitation works are fully funded by the Government to an approximate amount of 2 billion vatu.

3.3 Port Vila CBD roads

China are funding our roads upgrades within CBD with an amount of 2 billion vatu. Currently the works are under design stages. Once done, China will procure a contractor for these works to be carried out. PNG have also contributed 300 million vatu to upgrade the Kumul High Way.

These major roads upgrades require time but once fully implemented we will start seeing and experiencing a lot of change which will bring a different kind of experience for everyone. We understand the frustrations of road users but there are no short cuts to development.

4. Ports

4.1 Cruise Jetty Platform - Port Vila

In Port Vila, next month we will be welcoming our first cruise ship to the harbor. A Request for Tender has been released for the Cruise Barge and Jetty Platform with a total planned value of Vt831 million. This should gradually bring back our cruiser visitors. I urge everyone to be prepared. The Government is working on what it needs to do but it is our tourism operators who will ensure that the tourists enjoy their experience here.

4.2 Santo Simonsen Wharf

As mentioned earlier, the government’s initiative to develop Santo as an Economic Hub, the Simonsen Wharf remains a key government priority to deliver the second standard domestic wharf after South Paray in Port Vila, which is opening next month.  The government is currently formalizing the funding, and the tendering process will follow soon after.  

FISHERIES AND OCEAN RESOURCES

Our fisheries sector has a lot of potential. I am glad Parliament has now ratified the Antigua Convention to ensure long term conservation and sustainable use of our fish stocks. The new Ministry for Fisheries is working in earnest to develop the country’s first ever Fisheries and Oceans Policy. We have lost out significantly because of a lack of strategic planning in the past. We believe this is a sector that could generate more in terms of income generation and future economic sustainability. But we need the right legislative and policy framework in place.

INTERNAL AFFAIRS

In collaboration with the Port Vila Municipality and the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has been charged with demolition of all condemned buildings already highlighted above.

I am happy to announce that Council of Ministers has approved a paper towards rebuilding of our CBD and soon the public will have the opportunity to also contribute their ideas on how they want to see Port Vila rebuilt.

Apart from recovery and planning the reconstruction of the CBD, the Ministry has also been working on a number of electoral reforms to improve our electoral systems and to protect national sovereignty, values and identity. Much of these reforms are still to be refined and once completed, we will commence more consultative processes to gauge your views.

Details of the achievements to date from the Ministry are attached (appendix)

CLIMATE CHANGE

Under our 100-days plan we pledged to source another fuel company to break with the current monopoly and improve fuel prices. So far there’s been some interested companies who have registered their interest in set up an alternative fuel company. One of the reasons for Vanuatu’s high cost of doing business is directly linked to the high cost of fuel.

On Malekula, we’ve now secured 90% of the materials to construct three Solar Powered Mini-Grid Projects for Rensarie, Akhamb & Farun, Peskarus and Maskelynes in South Malekula. These are projects that will be of great benefit to the communities concerned as we gradually move more into cleaner energy sources.

Similar projects are already afoot for Efate and Tanna (See Appendix for details)

In addition, the Government was on Pentecost earlier this month for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Vanuatu Green Transformation Project which will see three different additional hydro projects for the people of Pentecost in East and Central Pentecost. These projects, funded by the Japanese Government with technical support from the UNDP takes the country a step further to achieving its energy targets under the Vanuatu National Energy Road Map.

Construction is expected to be completed before the end of the year.

Similar clean energy projects are being implemented on Malekula and Santo. We are also seriously looking at the Takara Geothermal project in North Efate.

Details of the projects being implemented and policy directives under the `100-days plan can be viewed here.

LANDS

1. Luganville Water Project

One of the biggest projects under the Ministry of Lands is the Luganville Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Project (LUWSSP) which was handed over to the Vanuatu Project Management Unit in 2024, remains high on the Government’s priority list. This is a Vt7 billion project funded partly by a loan and a grant from the Asian Development Bank.

We are fully aware of the ongoing water supply issues of the northern town and if we are to focus on developing our northern town, water has to be key. The Government will ensure further progress to tendering the construction is done before the end of the year. The sooner the project commences the better before the planned road projects in Luganville.

2. Port Vila Water Source Relocation

Port Vila and the surrounding communities will need a new water source in the next five years. The current water source at Tagabe is running out and with the high demand for good quality water, the Government, through the Department of Lands and Natural Resources will soon go to tender for the relocation of the water source to Teouma. Relocation cost alone is Vt500 million funded by the Asian Development Bank. This development will free up space for Port Vila Airport for future growth and development. In addition, given the current traffic issues Port Vila is experiencing, future construction of a bypass to link airport areas and Bellevue should be possible once we have relocated the water source.

FOREIGN RELATIONS

Since we came in, we have received many of our foreign partners, or their representatives, including UN agencies and other multilateral partners. I can confidently say that there is a lot of trust and confidence expressed by our partners in what we are doing. All are keen to do business with the country.

Australia in particular has sent two government ministers which demonstrates how much confidence they have in the Government and what we are doing.

Last week I had the honour of welcoming Australia’s Foreign Minister under the new term of the Albanese Government. Amongst many issues we have discussed, we have focused on a proposed security partnership agreement called the ‘Nakamal Agreement’. While I cannot reveal for now what this will entail, you definitely know more later in September/October. I am confident that we can make this agreement a win-win for both countries.

But we remain steadfast in our conviction that this development cooperation framework should encapsulate a multidimensional, holistic approach to bilateral cooperation. It must consider Vanuatu’s foreign policy doctrine—free from external geopolitical entanglements or strategic manoeuvrings. Our priority focus will be on enhancing trade, connectivity, human capital development, and climate resilience—while remaining wholly aligned with the sovereign interests of Vanuatu.

There is more that could be said, but we will leave it at that.

We have print outs of the details of some of the Government achievements we are able to gather from relevant ministries for you to pick up.

Thank you all!

Your Excellency President of the Republic of Vanuatu,

With humility, it is indeed a great honor and a privilege to stand in this august parliamentary chamber today as Prime Minister and Leader of the current Government in this First Ordinary Session of the 14th Legislature and to express the Government’s appreciation for the guiding wisdom in his Excellency’s address.

I acknowledge and give praise to the Almighty God for His continued protection over our country. Through years of challenges and inherent exposure to natural disasters – as a people - we have remained resilient because of the fundamental principles and values that underpin our nation. His Excellency’s statement “Turning back to GOD should be part of our national consciousness” is that compass now and into the future.

First and foremost, I would like to offer my sincere thanks and gratitude to his Excellency, for demonstrating wisdom in his mediating role and assistance to the leaders of all political parties in the 13^th Legislature, to seek unity and consensus, which has so far enabled the country to steer away from the uncertainties and instability concerns that have stunted this country’s economic growth and impacted adversely on the welfare of our peoples in the last 30 years.

I give recognition to the customary owners and custodians of the land in which our capital city is located. In the same vein I extend the Government’s gratitude to customary land owners throughout the country who have and are allowing developments and critical infrastructures to take place on their land for the long-term benefits for our nation

I acknowledge and thank the leaders of all political parties, the churches, the chiefs and community leaders in working together to achieve a peaceful transition that enabled last year’s successful referendum, effectively setting into motion new Articles of the Constitution- 17A and 17B which we are now seeing come into force.

When this Government came to power a little over two months ago, we found ourselves having to deal with the aftermath of a major natural disaster never before witnessed in an independent Vanuatu.  

But the good thing is we have the collective resolve to rebuild back better and stronger.

As the saying goes, ‘strong seas make good sailors’.

The Government I lead has embarked on an ambitious 100-day plan that for the first time is being monitored live online – allowing citizens, our valued development partners and the general public, to monitor our achievements, progress or otherwise. We hope they appreciate the level of transparency and accountability that we want to cultivate within the public sector.

So far we have delivered over 60% of the plan. By way of an update, the plan is underpinned by 5 broad sectors and I wish to highlight briefly how much we have achieved in less than three months:

• Economic Recovery and Growth– 53%
• Education Sector – 64%
• Foreign Relations and Policy Sector – 57%
• Governance and Reform – 50%
• Recovery and Infrastructure – 73%

As of today the Government has 34 days left to achieve its targets. We are well on the way to achieving most of the 75 policy priorities. They include yesterday’s 9^th amendment to the constitution but further political reforms will be required. We must not fear in making the right decisions for the betterment of our country.

These efforts complement and support the NSDP and its Acceleration Plan up to 2030. Moreover, this Government is already thinking ahead towards the country’s Golden Jubilee and preparing for what is to come after the end of the People’s Plan. 

On behalf of the Government I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to both sides of the House for demonstrating maturity in their bipartisan support and conscious votes for the changes; all aimed at protecting our sovereignty, values, and restoring credibility to our parliamentary system.

Your Excellency, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of promoting, facilitating and maintaining stability to enable an administration to build and progress national development goals.

Due largely to natural disasters over the years the country has continued to be subjected to catastrophic events which have had and will continue to have a significant negative impact on all our efforts.

Fortunately, we have our very supportive friends and development partners who have stood by us to help us overcome many of these challenges.  With a humble and gracious heart, I take this opportunity to express the gratitude of a grateful people and a grateful nation.

His Excellency raised an issue which was inherited from long past administrations with Vanuatu’s international fisheries participations which we now know have deprived this nation of enormous benefits and financial capacities.

This Government has recognized the potential significance of some of this country’s international arrangements in the fisheries, marine and maritime sectors, to the extent that we now have a new Ministry of Fisheries, Maritime & Oceans devoted solely to this sector and which will also provide the framework for the growth of the Blue Economy across our nation.

Attention should also be drawn to the Vanuatu International Shipping Registry which has not fulfilled its national aspirations of generating revenue as expected or create job opportunities for our seafarers –products of the Vanuatu Maritime College, after so many years in commercial existence.

The Government is focused on finalizing and completing maritime boundary negotiations, securing the status of Mathew and Hunter Islands as part of Vanuatu and continuing the work done with our friends in returning some of the financial benefits from Vanuatu’s international fisheries quotas back to the country. We have had to work harder just because of an unjust colonial legacy that refuses to recognize our national sovereignty from north to south, and east to west.  

We will, on top of our efforts with the International Court of Justice, continue to emphasize with our partners and neighbors, the importance of acknowledging the severe impacts of climate change and it will continue to be this Government’s position that for Vanuatu and its Pacific partners, climate change is and must always be an important national security and defense agenda priority.

Tourism which has been the backbone of our economy has suffered immensely from recent events including the liquidation and restructuring of Air Vanuatu and the December earthquake, and was set back considerably because of these events.

The introduction of flights by foreign carriers have replaced the national airline services with increased flight capacities happening regularly, however the disastrous impacts of the earthquake on the capital and the central business district and many of our tourism facilities will take time to recover.

We have been encouraged by the test flight of China Southern Airlines into Vanuatu and the Government is now actively engaged in preparing for regular flights. The economic corridor on Santo and the Government’s enduring commitment to the upgrade of Pekoa International Airport are all part of these ambitions in taking Vanuatu’s economic development to the next level. 

This government places a high priority on economic development however we are continuing to work around overcoming the impacts of natural disasters, as well as inherited barriers and difficulties in order to facilitate progressive economic growth.

The Government will continue to recognize the private sector as integral to the economy with its many branches in Vanuatu’s commercial and economic diaspora and promote an inclusive, cohesive and progressive working arrangement with this important sector.

 As part of this initiative, the Government has held meetings with the private sector, to identify ways forward and for members of the government’s administration to be familiarized with the challenges they face.

It has been identified that Vanuatu has an excessive number of public holidays and it is the intention of this Government to rationalize and unify many of the holidays so that celebrations can be conducted nationally rather than have separate celebrations at different times in different places with the added burdens placed on people in the communities. We are one nation and one people united in our diversity.

Whilst considerable controversy has arisen over this issue, as Prime Minister, I would like to re-emphasize this message: “Vanuatu is a nation of peoples, encompassing 6 provinces and over 80 islands. Vanuatu is not one man, one family, one island, one community or one province”.  It will always be embedded in our history those who have valiantly fought for our independence.  They will always be remembered.

To think otherwise is to deny the unified nation-wide validation of our independence and promote disunity and neo-colonialist attitudes, which will only weaken Vanuatu as a nation and the national identity. That is why the Government is placing the reforms of the education system as a fundamental priority where in the future we can embrace foreign languages as assets, but not to fragment us as a people. 

Vanuatu must move away and extract itself from these disturbing trends which have contributed to the disunity and instability that has affected this nation and delayed its national progress.

The impact of social media as a forum for public debate and public interest must be for the benefit of the country. Abuse of social media and distortion of facts with malicious intentions are not acceptable and will be dealt with under the new laws soon to be passed during this session.

Many have commented on the changes passed yesterday by parliament – a few of which will be taken to the national referendum. We must acknowledge that the world has changed and the country has changed. Therefore, in order for this country to grow and prosper, we the Government and the people must be prepared to evolve and adapt accordingly.

The Constitution of Vanuatu when drafted, signed and brought into effect by our founding fathers was not a sealed document. The founding fathers recognized that as the country grows and changes because of the dynamic global trends, there will be a great need to initiate and implement changes for the better.

The country is getting ready to celebrate its 45^th independence anniversary and requires a reset. These transformations are preparing Vanuatu for its onward journey.

As the population grows and the older generations leave us it is important for the people and especially the youth and the generations of tomorrow to understand why Vanuatu became a country in July 30^th, 1980.

Thank You!