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Sailor Safe After Yacht Runs Aground on South Efate in Rough Seas

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Sailor Safe After Yacht Runs Aground on South Efate in Rough Seas

The owner of a sailing yacht that was washed ashore near Tamanu on South Efate during rough sea conditions last weekend has been confirmed safe.

The Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority (VMSA) said the vessel, named Apu Ora, encountered strong seas while travelling from New Zealand to Port Resolution on Tanna.

According to VMSA, the yacht’s owner attempted to divert to Port Vila after marine warnings were issued, but rough conditions pushed the vessel ashore.

Video shared on social media and obtained by VBTC News showed the yacht lying on its side on the beach near Tamanu.

VMSA officials and other law enforcement agencies later inspected the vessel.

The authority said all equipment on board remained operational, although minor damage was reported to the yacht’s rudder.

Officials are continuing to monitor sea conditions and say efforts to return the vessel to the water will depend on calmer weather.

The yacht, Apu Ora, is registered in Poland.

VT300 Million Set Aside For Santo Road

Rani Taviti
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VT300 Million Set Aside For Santo Road

Communities in Big Bay, North West Santo and West Santo could soon see improved transport access after the Government confirmed plans to allocate VT300 million in the 2027 national budget for a long-awaited road project.

Prime Minister Jotham Napat announced the funding during a recent visit to the area, describing it as a significant step towards connecting communities that have waited years for better road access.

“We have agreed to allocate a budget of VT300 million in next year’s budget to begin work on the road project.”

The proposed road will link Big Bay with North West and West Santo, improving access for residents and opening opportunities for future development.

Map of northern Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu, showing the proposed road corridor linking Big Bay with communities in North West and West Santo. A red route line highlights the planned road connection, part of a government-funded VT300 million infrastructure project announced for the 2027 national budget.

Secretary of the Tarboe Council of Chiefs, Chief Jean Mao, welcomed the announcement, saying the project answers a long-standing request from communities.

“After 46 years of independence, I am very happy that the Government has come and announced a development that people have waited for over many years.”

He said previous leaders had spoken about the road project, but communities had yet to see it move forward.

Mr Napat said the project would be carried out in stages, with the Government aiming to complete the road connection by 2030.

“By 2030, we should be able to connect the road from this area to Big Bay.”

The existing road currently ends at Tolomako Village in Big Bay.

Once completed, the new road is expected to make travel easier, improve access to markets and services, and create new opportunities for economic development across Santo’s western communities.

Alcohol, Marijuana Fuel Tanoliu Village Community Crime Concerns

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Alcohol, Marijuana Fuel Tanoliu Village Community Crime Concerns

Police officers are in North West Efate this week raising crime awareness through the Farea Program, aimed at bringing police services closer to communities.

Speaking during an awareness session in Tanoliu Village, Officer in Charge of Community Policing Inspector Rayndol Ala identified theft, assault and domestic violence as the three main crimes affecting communities in the area, adding that marijuana and alcohol are among the contributing factors behind these offences.

The program allows residents to engage directly with police officers and access services closer to home.

@vbtcnews

Police officers are in North West Efate this week raising awareness through the Farea Program, aimed at bringing police services closer to communities. Speaking during an awareness session in Tanoliu Village, Officer in Charge of Community Policing Inspector Rayndol Ala identified theft, assault and domestic violence as the three main crimes affecting communities in the area, adding that marijuana and alcohol are among the contributing factors behind these offences. 📺 More in our 7PM News tonight.

♬ original sound – VBTC NEWS – VBTC NEWS

Vanuatu Judiciary Pushes Mediation Reform To Improve Justice Access

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Vanuatu Judiciary Pushes Mediation Reform To Improve Justice Access

The Vanuatu Judiciary is strengthening its mediation system as part of efforts to improve access to justice and reduce case delays in the Supreme Court.

From a press release it states that the initiative follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed on 5 June 2026 between the Judiciary of Vanuatu and the Judiciary of Papua New Guinea, aimed at enhancing judicial cooperation and professional development.

The agreement focuses on strengthening judicial education, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) training, exchange of judicial expertise, and improving court efficiency and ethics across both countries.

A key priority under the partnership is the development of mediation within Vanuatu’s justice system, where disputes are resolved through voluntary and confidential discussions rather than court rulings.

Chief Justice Vincent Lunabek and Chief Justice of Papua New Guinea Sir Gibuma Gibbs Shalika formalised the agreement, which allows Vanuatu judicial officers to observe and participate in mediation practices in PNG.

The Judiciary says this will support efforts to reduce case backlogs and improve access to faster justice outcomes.

As part of this development, Supreme Court newly appointed Master Aurelie Tamseul—who has served as Deputy Master for more than eight years—will be exposed to mediation training and practice in Papua New Guinea to strengthen her role in the system.

Supreme Court Master Aurelie Tamseul stands with Chief Justice Vincent Lunabek during the ceremony marking her official appointment as Master of the Supreme Court in Vanuatu.
Supreme Court Master Aurelie Tamseul stands alongside Chief Justice Vincent Lunabek during the ceremony marking her official appointment as Master of the Supreme Court of Vanuatu, a historic milestone for the judiciary.

The Judiciary also plans to call for expressions of interest from individuals wishing to train as mediators, expanding local capacity in dispute resolution.

Officials say the initiative will strengthen case flow management and improve how disputes are handled within the courts.

Police, Statistics Office Join Forces on Crime Data

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Police, Statistics Office Join Forces on Crime Data

A Memorandum of Agreement signed on 18 June 2026 between Vanuatu Police Force Commissioner, Kalshem Bongran and Chief Statistician, KAP Calo Andy will strengthen the use of crime data to support decision-making and national planning.

Under the partnership, anonymised crime data will be shared with the Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics for analysis and reporting, helping provide a clearer picture of crime trends across the country.

Officials say the collaboration will also improve data security, strengthen statistical reporting, and support evidence-based policies through training and knowledge sharing between the two agencies.

After 30 Years, Healthcare Comes Closer for Teouma Dark Bush

Essen Jack
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After 30 Years, Healthcare Comes Closer for Teouma Dark Bush

More than 1,000 people living in Teouma Dark Bush now have easier access to healthcare after a new dispensary opened in the community last week.

The facility is expected to bring essential health services closer to home for residents who have spent years travelling long distances to seek medical treatment.

For more than 30 years, families from the area relied on services at Vila National Hospital and other health facilities outside their community.

The new dispensary will provide maternal and child health care, vaccinations and preventive health programs, while allowing residents to access treatment without the cost and inconvenience of frequent travel.

Public Health Manager Morris Amos said the Ministry of Health upgraded the original plan for an aid post after recognising the growing population and lack of healthcare services in the area.

“The community is large and there was no health facility available, so we decided to upgrade it to a dispensary.

“Opening it as a dispensary means government can place health staff here to provide services to the people.”

For many residents, the opening is more than just a new building.

Community member Evelyn Andrew said women in Teouma Dark Bush had faced significant challenges accessing healthcare, particularly during pregnancy.

“In the past, mothers living in Teouma Bush delivered babies on the road, but I am happy the government has finally recognised the needs of mothers in Teouma Dark Bush.

The project grew from a community-led initiative after a small building originally constructed for a water catchment system was later converted into an aid post before being developed into a full dispensary.

Residents believe the facility will improve health outcomes and reduce the financial burden of travelling to Port Vila for basic medical services.

Young resident Charly Iavil described the development as a historic moment for the community.

“This will help us avoid spending money travelling to Port Vila and back whenever we need medical services.

Health officials also expect the dispensary to help address hygiene-related illnesses in the area through improved access to health education and preventive care.

El Nino Expected to Prompt Price Increase of Local Food: VMHS 

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El Nino Expected to Prompt Price Increase of Local Food: VMHS 

Local food prices could increase later this year as the expected El Niño event brings prolonged dry conditions across Vanuatu, according to the Vanuatu Meteorology and Hydrological Services (VMHS).

Forecasters say the climate pattern is expected to strengthen between November 2026 and January 2027, potentially affecting agricultural production and water supplies in several parts of the country.

VMHS warned that reduced rainfall and extended dry periods could impact local crops, leading to lower food production and higher market prices.

Public and stakeholders are encouraged to prepare early by adopting water conservation measures and strengthening food security plans.

Officials say while El Niño is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon, its impacts can be significant for Pacific Island countries that depend heavily on rainfall for agriculture and water resources.

Expected impacts of El Niño in Vanuatu

  • Less rainfall in many parts of Vanuatu
  • Higher chance of drought (very dry conditions)
  • Low water levels in rivers, springs, and other water sources
  • Increased pressure on water supply, especially for communities that rely on rainwater
  • Dry ground conditions affecting farming and food production
  • Higher risk of bushfires due to dry weather
  • More very hot days, which may affect people and animals (temperatures may increase by about 0.5°C to 1.5°C)
  • Significant damage to the environment, including forests and freshwater areas
  • Increase in food prices

VMHS will continue monitoring conditions closely and provide regular updates as the event develops over the coming months.

VT60 Million Coastal Protection Project Launched at Fatumaru Bay

Thompson Marango
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VT60 Million Coastal Protection Project Launched at Fatumaru Bay

A VT60 million coastal protection project officially launched yesterday at Fatumaru Bay, with construction set to strengthen vulnerable shorelines and help communities adapt to the growing impacts of climate change.

The Nature-Based Coastal Protection Pilot Project will see a 40-metre seawall built at Kawenu Point as part of efforts to address coastal erosion, storm surges and rising sea levels affecting the area.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Minister of Internal Affairs, Andrew Napuat said the project is an investment in long-term solutions that will protect both the coastline and the environment for future generations.

“This project will help safeguard our area and ensure that future generations continue to enjoy this place that has been generously shared with people across Vanuatu and visitors from overseas.”

The project is funded by the Asian Development Bank and forms part of the Greater Port Vila Urban Resilience Project.

Minister Napuat said the initiative responds to increasing pressure on Fatumaru Bay caused by population growth and ongoing coastal development, while also helping communities better understand the importance of climate action.

Mr Nelson Bakokoto, Community Liaison Officer for the Ifira Marine Management Committee, said the project is expected to deliver important environmental benefits.

“One of the key achievements we want to see is the protection of coastal areas from rising sea levels. We also want communities to understand that caring for the environment is everyone’s responsibility, not just the government’s.”

Mr Bakokoto added that the project could also help restore marine species that have disappeared from the area over time.

“We hope to see some species return. In the past, this area had Caledonian crabs, but today we no longer see them. Some species have been lost due to the impacts of development.”

The project represents a partnership between the Asian Development Bank, the Government of Vanuatu, Port Vila Municipality, traditional leaders and the local community.

MoET Reassures Teachers: CBA Commitments Stand, Arrears Funding Still Pending

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MoET Reassures Teachers: CBA Commitments Stand, Arrears Funding Still Pending

The Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) has reaffirmed a commitment to implementing the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), including ongoing work on salary arrears for 621 teachers.

The Ministry says implementation of commitments under the CBA is progressing within the agreed 2026–2028 timeframe, while discussions continue through the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC), the mechanism established to monitor progress and address concerns raised by stakeholders.

A JMC meeting was convened on 16 June 2026, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss the implementation of the Government Remuneration Tribunal alignment process, salary arrears for affected teachers, and the agreed framework for delivering commitments under the CBA.

According to the Ministry, a Government New Project Proposal has already been submitted to support funding requirements associated with salary arrears, and efforts are continuing to ensure implementation is carried out in a responsible and sustainable manner.

MoET said the CBA remains an important milestone for strengthening the education sector and supporting teachers across the country.

MoET acknowledged the dedication of teachers throughout Vanuatu and the vital role they play in the education and development of children and communities.

The Ministry says it remains committed to maintaining open communication with all partners and believes continued dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation remain the best way forward in addressing issues relating to the implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

No Explaination on Vanuatu’s Exclusion from Pacific Engagement Visa

Thompson Marango
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No Explaination on Vanuatu’s Exclusion from Pacific Engagement Visa

Vanuatu has not been included in this year’s Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) ballot, despite being part of the program in 2025.

Last year, Vanuatu was among 12 Pacific Island countries eligible to participate in the Australian visa scheme. However, the 2026 ballot list includes only 11 countries, with Vanuatu notably absent.

Speaking to VBTC News today, Director of Foreign Affairs Ivon Basil said the Government of Vanuatu has not received any formal notification from Australia regarding the country’s exclusion from the program.

“The Government has not been formally informed of any decision relating to Vanuatu’s exclusion from the Pacific Engagement Visa ballot,” Mr. Basil said.

The reason for Vanuatu’s omission remains unclear.

The development has sparked debate within Vanuatu, with some observers linking the decision to the long-pending Nakamal Agreement and broader geopolitical considerations in the region.

When approached for clarification and the reasons behind Vanuatu’s exclusion, a spokesperson for Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) did not directly address the questions. However, the spokesperson reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Vanuatu through the proposed Nakamal Agreement.

“Australia remains committed to finalising the Nakamal Agreement to strengthen our partnership with Vanuatu,” the spokesperson said.

“We approach this as equal partners and have been patient and respectful of Vanuatu’s domestic processes.”

The spokesperson added that Australia would continue to support Vanuatu’s priorities and seek to advance cooperation through the agreement, including in the area of labour mobility.

“Australia will continue to respond to Vanuatu’s priorities and seek to match its ambition through our Nakamal Agreement, including on mobility arrangements,” the spokesperson said.

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