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!