![Two Lindu people fish on Lake Lindu in Sigi regency, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, June 22, 2023.](https://wantoknews.com/mnn/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/0ff9bab9-b55b-4004-a2bb-b96c9c5db943-300x182.jpeg)
Two Lindu people fish on Lake Lindu in Sigi regency, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, June 22, 2023.
Two Lindu people fish on Lake Lindu in Sigi regency, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, June 22, 2023.
A prominent Maewo chief is calling for the implementation of the customs governance system in the country.
Chief Moliaute Jonah Toakanase said it is time for everyone to unite together to achieve their economic rights and benefits.
Chief Toakanase made the statement in regards to the economic status of the country, asking what some of the individual benefits Vanuatu has achieved to enhance its wellbeing, livelihood and wealth are after 38 years of Independence.
He urged all 52 Members of Parliament in Vanuatu to work together and address this longstanding matter which is enslaving the people from the original ideology and philosophy of independence and economic struggle.
He emphasized that so far, community investment is good however individual investment remains a major challenge.
Chief Toakanase said foreign economic policy adapted in Vanuatu has resulted in the people facing the challenge of gaining individual economy benefits, rights and wealth.
“We are slaves under our current governing system,” he said. “With the current system, we have faced a rapid increase in our cost of living where minimum wages are low, VAT increases and transportation rates are high including all business investment strategies.
He said for too long there has been talk about economy plans but the people are still slaves of their own governing system as it is not originally “ours”.
Chief Toakanase referred back to 1979 when the Nagriamel movement President back then, late Jimmy Stevens had opted to use the custom governance system but was turned down after he refused to sign a memorandum leading to the signing of the Constitution.
He also mentioned an exchange of notes which took place between the United Kingdom, the Northern Ireland and the government of France on the Independence of Vanuatu. He elaborated that the exchange note saw the name Sovereign economic state of New Hebrides changed to the Sovereign state of New Hebrides.
The chief said custom governance system is the way forward to address the economy challenges faced within the country.
He is calling to the John Frum and Kapiel movement in the southern region, Natatok movement in the central region and the Nagriamel movement to unite and work together in the custom ideology, philosophy and doctrines to create political stability in 2020 and carry Vanuatu forward to realise its economic promise land after 38 years of walking around the wilderness of political slavery.
He said through unity, the visions of the late Jimmy Stevens can be implemented. He recited a famous Vanuatu proverb, saying the people are already standing on the back of the turtle but they are still searching for foreign turtles such as Australia and New Zealand.
Chief Toakanase is appealing for an immediate review to address the economic challenges faced by the people of Vanuatu.
Source: Daily Post Vanuatu
CHIEFS MEET HEAD OF STATE
“For the Government to give them (chiefs) Vt250,000 at the end of five years is a mockery of their responsibility and leadership,” Chief Tirsupe said.
President Tallis on 14 former MPs: “A case is currently before the court so we will need to await the completion of the case before any attempt to look into the need to clean the State Office through custom”.
On the call for review of Constitution: “When i was still in my other post (as pastor), i heard of a review committee working on the Constitution but to this day my Office is still waiting for the result of the said review, your concerns are mine also”.
On custom law: “I think this is true. We have slightly different custom laws on differnt islands. I wonder if those custom laws which are similar could be compiled to become our National Custom Laws”.
On concern over 14 former MPs: “While you have expressed your view on your side, my Office is considering the other side of it, to analyse what it has to do when the current case before the court is completed”.
On custom law versus modern law: “I understand your concerns because custom law has a vital role to play in our society. If we are not careful, western culture could take over our traditional way of life and we would not know how to turn”.
On chief’s gratuity: “It makes sense and perhaps we could approach Government with the concern. We’ve just returned from Ambrym last week and it was through chiefs that people gathered to welcome us”.
Malvatumauri Executive Member, Chief Isaac Worwor said the case still remains with Malvatumauri to carry out a reconciliation ceremony when the court case is over.
“Regarding Chief’s Day when we proclaim that the country operates from three pillars then Government should allocate funds for fair celebrations in all island councils of chiefs”, Chief Worwor suggested.
He said Chief’s Day is the equivalent to the Nation’s Anniversary. “To compare the gratuities of MPs after four years is that MPs get paid Vt5 million for four years while chiefs get Vt250,000 for five years so there is a clear unfairness in the amounts involved”, Chief Worwor said.
Executive Member, Chief Jimmy Meameadola raised an additional item for all newly sworn in foreign diplomats to also pay a courtesy call on the President of the Malvatumauri after presenting their Credentials to the Head of State.
State Office Senior Official, Peter Bong said it would be an administrative matter for the Malvatumauri to consult with the Department of Foreign Affairs on the proposal, as it would not require any amendment of the law.
He also cautioned against any direction regarding the 14 former MPs now until the current cause is over.
Bethuel Solomon of the State Office welcomed the rare opportunity allowed by Malvatumauri for the two sides to sit and discuss national matters of concern in an amicable environment in the Office of the President of the Malvatumauri.
“Such a meaningful exchange of views and opinions on concerns of national interests should be encouraged by both sides,” he concluded.
The Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs has been operating successfully since 1980 with five members of staff; the President, Chief Executive Officer, Secretary, driver and cleaner.
Meanwhile it controls (through the Customary Lands Management Office) all lands in the country and upholds peace and unity for all.
Source: http://dailypost.vu/
Chairman of the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs, Chief Mol Torvaka Lima Tirsupe