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Vanuatu President

President Nikenike Calls for National Prayer and Fasting

by admin June 10, 2024

written by admin

The President of the Republic of Vanuatu, Nikenike Vurobaravu, has issued a compelling call to the entire population of Vanuatu to unite in prayer and fasting for the nation today.

In light of the ongoing challenges facing the country, President Vurobaravu stresses the urgency of this collective spiritual endeavor.

President Vurobaravu acknowledges the longstanding tradition of prayer and fasting within Vanuatu’s church communities, families, and individuals, particularly during times of hardship. He expresses full support for this sacred practice, viewing it as a means to seek divine intervention for the welfare of the nation.

The call to prayer and fasting is directed to all sectors of leadership across Vanuatu, including spiritual leaders, government officials, institutional heads, traditional chiefs, and heads of family units. President Vurobaravu urges these leaders to mobilise their respective communities for this joint endeavor, noting the importance of seeking divine guidance and support.

Furthermore, President Vurobaravu extends the call to every citizen of Vanuatu, regardless of their stature, to participate in the National 24Seven Prayer Cycle. He commented on the need for unity under the nation’s motto, “In God We Stand,” urging citizens to place their full trust in God as the ultimate source of peace, strength, and direction for the nation’s future.

In this season of corporate prayer and fasting, President Vurobaravu calls upon all citizens to humble themselves before God, seeking His guidance and blessings for Vanuatu’s prosperity and well-being.

Source: Daily Post

June 10, 2024 0 comments

Vanuatu

Declared Port Vila land owners visit President

by mnews July 22, 2018

written by mnews

Back row L to R: Principal Private Secretary Peter Bong, Jean-Paul Virelala, Steven Kalsakau, Erick Kaltapang mo Ps. Russel Bakokoto, Assistant Private Secretary Yan Dapang mo long Front row L to R: Kalkot Kaltabang, Kalsef Tangraro, President Obed Moses Tallis and Chief Denny Nmak Kalmet.

On Monday last week the declared custom land owners of the land Port Vila town has been built on met President Obed Tallis to officially inform him of the declaration.

The declaration was reportedly made in May last year by the Efate Island Court last year.

During the meeting with the Head of State, the delegation presented the green certificate for the land that was issued by the Customary Land Management Office.

With this assurance, the President told the delegation that the people of Efate have a good heart to allow people to settle on their land.

He said the development pace of Efate today is testament that reflects the good nature of Efate people.

The President thanked people of Efate for allowing people from other islands to reside in areas like Teouma and Etas.

royson@dailypost.vu

July 22, 2018 0 comments

Vanuatu

The President of the Republic has never spoken of the United States Navy in Vanuatu

by mnews June 28, 2018

written by mnews

The President of the Republi

The Office of the President of the Republic of Vanuatu wanted to say that he had never asked the United States Government to put his military base in Vanuatu.
But the President acknowledge their contribution during the Second World War that his base was already the New Hebrides and now the NGO as “Peace Corps” because it provided the knowledge that give children in the field of health and the field of the literate Englishman.
The President renews his appeal to the US Ambassador during the courtesy call to the State Office in 2017 who will open an Embassy in Vanuatu. This same call had marked the High Commission of England in the Solomon Islands when they visited the State Office.
The Office of the President of the Republic wanted to clarify a rumor about missionary diplomacy but not a military base
God bless and protect the government

June 28, 2018 0 comments

Vanuatu

Chiefs Meet Head of State

by mnews March 5, 2018

written by mnews

CHIEFS MEET HEAD OF STATE

Head of State President, Obed Moses Tallis symbolised his walk in custom to enter the Nakamal of the Malvatumuari National Council of Chiefs last Friday, by laying down a chiefly custom mat and a mini tamtam both wrapped in namele leaves in front of the President of the Malvatumauri, Chief Mol Torvaka Lima Tirsupe, at the entrance to the Nakamal to assure his host he and his entourage arrived in peace.
The Head of State’s visit began with an introduction to the general interior, a visit to the Sacred Council Chamber and an introduction to the Customary Land Management Office, before he accepted a list of Malvatumauri concerns in Chief Tirsupe’s Office.
This was followed by a rare exchange of views between the Head of State, his entourage and the Malvatumauri Executive.

“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/

March 5, 2018 0 comments

Vanuatu

National Chiefs Day Today: Chief performing a custom ceremony

by mnews March 5, 2018

written by mnews

Chief performing a custom ceremony

Today is Chiefs Day and a national holiday, allowing communities throughout Vanuatu to observe the day in their respective traditional ways.
The March 5, national Chiefs Day, allows the nation and communities to pay their respects to the chiefs who are the pillars of the Melanesian society of the country, on which the communities live the thrive. The theme for this year’s Chiefs Day is: Link Government and Custom Authority so they function together.

In the capital, Port Vila, Malvatumauti national council of chiefs has a program of activities at the Chief Nakamal to commemorate the day, which will be addressed by the Head of State, President Obed Moses Tallis.
The President of Malvatumauri, Chief Seni Mao Tirsupe, is inviting guests including the Head of State and the Prime Minister, Charlot Salwai, to the Chiefs Day celebration, who will start arriving at 8 am.
There will be a flag raising performed by the Vanuatu Mobile Force Band, followed by a custom ceremony in front of the Chiefs Nakamal, speeches by the President of Malvatumauri and the Head of State, a medal presentation, and refreshment.
Entertainment will consist of custom dances from all six provinces – TORBA, SANMA, PENAMA, MALAMPA, SHEFA, TAEFA and also Lycee students. The program will end around midday.
The program for Mangaliliu village on West Efate has been entrusted by the chief to the women of the village to organize, and the event will be addressed by the Vanuatu National Council of Women (VNCW) President for Shefa Province, Mrs. Leisara Kalotiti.

Jonas Cullwick, a former General Manager of VBTC is now a Senior Journalist with the Daily Post. Contact: jonas@dailypost.vu. Cell # 678 5460922
Sourve: http://dailypost.vu/

March 5, 2018 0 comments

Vanuatu

The New President of the Republic of Vanuatu: Obed Moses Tallis

by mnews July 8, 2017

written by mnews

DailyPost – By Godwin Ligo Jul 7, 2017

he new President of the Republic of Vanuatu is Obed Moses Tallis, from Port Vato, West Ambrym in Malampa Province

The new President of the Republic of Vanuatu is Obed Moses Tallis, from Port Vato, West Ambrym in Malampa Province.
His candidature was supported by the Government of Prime Minister Charlot Salwai, and the Coalition partners.
He was elected as the 9th President of the Republic of Vanuatu by the Electoral College at Parliament Chambers yesterday (July 6, 2017) with 39 votes which is just above the required number of 38.
President Tallis has held the position of the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu twice.
First term of office was from 2009 to 2010 and again, from 2013 to 2016 and has been re-elected for another term, at the time of his successful election as the new President.
The 61-year-old President holds a Diploma in Divinity and Mission from Sydney Missionary and Bible College in Australia and another Diploma in Theology in Talua Bible College as well as a graduate of Alan Walker School of Evangelism, Australia.
He attended Tangoa Presbyterian Bible Institute, South Santo from 1977 to 1978 and prior to this, the new Head of State was engaged in the teaching profession in schools around the islands of Vanuatu.
Tallis played a major role in both spiritual and physical life of not only the Presbyterian Church but Vanuatu as a whole, when he occupied the positions of Clerk of the Ambrym Presbytery on his home island, served in missionary work on Erromango, North Ambrym, Luganville town on Santo, and contributed largely too in the education, health and other similar services within and outside the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu.
Immediately after his swearing in by Vanuatu’s Chief Justice Vincent Lunabek, President Obed Tallis, addressed the Electoral College and the nation.
He quoted a Bible Scripture in Hebrews 13: 7, and called for one minute silence in remembrance of the late President Baldwin Lonsdale.
The new President also acknowledged past leaders before and after independence.
He went on to acknowledge the members of the Electoral College and thanked them for their deliberations up to his eventual election, with special mention also to the Vanuatu Chief Justice in his role as the Returning
Officer during the four rounds of voting by the Electoral College, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, the President of the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs and leaders at all level of communities.
The new President called for unit amongst all leaders at the national, provincial levels and the people of Vanuatu.
President Tallis was joined by the Speaker of Parliament, the Chief Justice, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in a large cake cutting
(cake decorated with the colours of the national flag) as Prime Minister Charlot Salwai congratulated the President Tallis on behalf of the Government and the people and all communities of Vanuatu at large and proposed a toast to the new President.
The customary toast of kava was also
shared with the President by the national leaders, including the Leader of the Opposition, Ishmael Kalsakau, who appropriately congratulated the new Head of State, assured him of the support of
working together and wish him well in his important duties and responsibilities to the nation.
A special custom dance from Ambrym was performed inside the Parliamentary arena in honor of one of their own family from their island and the province who was elected to the position of the President of the Republic Vanuatu.
Chief Temas, son of Chief Tofor, of Ambrym, presented a custom leaf namele to the President signifying the new Head of State as a symbol of peace in the nation.
Daily Post will be running a special feature on the election of the new Head of State in the weekend edition.

ligo@dailypost.vu

July 8, 2017 0 comments

Vanuatu

Vanatu Presidential Election Today

by mnews July 3, 2017

written by mnews

Vanuaty Daily Post – By Jonas Cullwick
The Electoral College is meeting at 9 o’clock this morning to elect the eighth person to hold the office of the President of Vanuatu.
A total of 16 candidates including one woman have been confirmed eligible by the Electoral Commission, for the poll by secret ballot.
The law for election of the President of the Republic of Vanuatu requires that at first calling a quorum of three-quarters (3/4) of the Electoral College of 58 members – 52 Members of Parliament and 6 Chairmen of Provincial Councils, is needed.

In the event a quorum is not present, the Electoral College will meet again 48 hours later and may proceed and elect the President if two-thirds (2/3) of the Electoral College is present.
The candidate that receives the vote of two-thirds of the members of the College will be elected President.
The Government currently commands 44 MPs but as has been experienced in the past, support for candidates that come from provinces has always overridden party or government support.
Voting for the last President had to go for seven attempts before the Chief Justice, Vincent Lunabek, had to put his foot down to make the College ignore party or provincial lines and elected Baldwin Lonsdale, President of Vanuatu until his untimely death on the morning of Saturday, June 17 forcing this election today for his successor.
The President’s term of office is five years.
Previous holders of the office of President of Vanuatu have been President Ati George Sokomanu (Shefa Province) who served two terms, President Fred Timakata (Shefa), President Jean-Marie Leye Lenalcau (Tafea), President John Bennett Bani (Penama), President Kalkot Matas-Kelekele (Shefa), President Iolu Abbil (Tafea) and President Baldwin Lonsdale (Torba).

Jonas Cullwick, a former General Manager of VBTC is now a Senior Journalist with the Daily Post. Contact: jonas@dailypost.vu. Cell # 678 5460922

July 3, 2017 0 comments

Vanuatu

Women are ready for President: Viregagaru

by mnews July 3, 2017

written by mnews

By Len Garae, Vanuatu Daily Post
Self-employed women’s rights activist, founder and chairwoman of Women Against Crime and Corruption (WACC) and Chairwoman of Coalition for Gender Equity in Parliament, Jenny Ligo Viregagaru has snapped at the view of the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs that women are not ready for the position of the President of the Republic at this time; stressing women are indeed more than ready for the position.
Firing at negative comments in the social media about the abilities of women, she says throughout history it has always been women who toiled in the shadows for their men to achieve paramount heights in society.
But now with international call and recognition for women’s rights and gender equity, women in Vanuatu have been successfully climbing the ladder of success in droves and have come out better than “some of those in Government Cabinet”.
“We respect the chiefs and I am one of the women who support the work of the Malvatumauri but I do not support the statement that has come out.
“A female candidate has to be more than a chief to qualify for the highly respectable post.
“I was honoured when the departing President of the Malvatumauri, Chief Paul Tahi referred to me as ‘Mama blong Nesen’ (Mother of the Nation).

Furthermore her WACC network has worked with the Malvatumauri to mobilise a historic protest march of 1,000 men, women and children to parliament during parliamentary session to present a petition which was adopted that same afternoon for debate.
She is adamant it is not true to claim that women are not ready to become the President of the Republic.
Jenny Ligo is also the Founder and Honourary Adviser to the Vanuatu Widows Association, Honourary Adviser to Vanuatu Chinese Women Association, Member of Vanuatu Anti Corruption Commission, NGO Community Organiser to Pro-Active Mamas after Cyclone Pam, Member of Penama Vavine Bulu Association, Member of VANGO, Member of Breast Cancer Support Group, Member of international Women’s Group and Co-Founder of Vanuatu Four Square Church.

July 3, 2017 0 comments

Vanuatu

Applicants For President’s Post Include Women

by mnews June 28, 2017

written by mnews

Vanuatu Daily Post – By Godwin Ligo
At 3.45pm yesterday when the Daily Post called at the Electoral Office, male applicants, including two females, were queuing up filling their applications for the position of the new President for the Republic of Vanuatu, just 1 hour 15 minutes before closing time.
The staff assisting the applicants looked at the clock on the wall and remarked: ”We have one hour 15 minutes more to go, at closing time,” as five to seven more candidates push for time to get their applications before 5pm.
While the staff of the Electoral Office, were busy handling application documents, the Daily Post could not get any response of the actual figure of applicants or names at that point of time, in the afternoon.

According to a table of names that appeared to be that of the candidates that were posted on social media with the heading “Presidential Candidates for Screening List 2017”, it listed 37 names.
Whether or not this included the last minute applications yesterday afternoon, the Daily Post could not ascertain this, however, it was further confirmed to the Daily Post by the Electoral Office staff that the Electoral College will meet on Monday next week, July 3rd, 2017 to elect the new President for the Republic of Vanuatu.
The Daily Post understands that in accordance with the relevant laws governing the election of a President for the Republic of Vanuatu, names of all candidates must first be screened and endorsed by the Electoral Commission, then submitted to the Speaker of Parliament for the Electoral College, to meet and elect a new President for the Republic of Vanuatu.
In the meantime, candidates are already in the political corridors lobbying political parties, Members of Parliament (MPs) and Electoral College to support their candidatures.
It remains to be seen on Monday as to which candidate will emerge out of so many others to become the next President of the Republic of Vanuatu, after the position was left vacant by the late President Baldwin Lonsdale, who died while in office.
Meanwhile, a member of the Electoral College, Ralph Regenvanu, has written to the Chairman of the Electoral Commission and the Principal Electoral Officer for the provision of background information on all the candidates for the position of President to the members of the Electoral College by Friday (June 30), to give them sufficient time to consider the merits of the different applicants before they vote on Monday.
Regenvanu says in the last vote for the President in 2014, one of the factors that contributed to the Electoral College taking so long to elect a candidate was that there was no information on the candidates provided to Electoral College members.
He said without such background information, there is little chance of members of the Electoral College making an informed decision about which candidates to vote for.

ligo@dailypost.vu

June 28, 2017 0 comments

Vanuatu

An Unprecedented Outpouring

by mnews June 22, 2017

written by mnews

Vanatu Never seen an Outpouring like this

Vanuatu has never seen an outpouring of sorrow and admiration such as it witnessed yesterday.
Many alive today may not see another in their lifetime.
Heads of state from Fiji, New Zealand and Australia all attended the state funeral, which was held in the Parliamentary rotunda, commonly known as the ‘pig’s tusk’ because of its spiral architecture.
They were joined by dignitaries from China, the United States of America, Tonga and elsewhere.
The service was offered by the Bishop of Melanesia, out of deference to Mr Lonsdale’s status as a clergyman in the Anglican church.
In front of a solemn gathering that included Vanuatu’s living former Presidents, Prime Minister Charlot Salwai, his ministers and MPs,
Opposition Leader Ishmael Kalsakau and hundreds of people from all walks of life, the choir opened the service with a moving musical rendition of the 23rd

Psalm.

Outside Parliament, thousands of school children and members of the public lined the road, waiting for the cortege that would escort the body of the late President to the airport, where it would be flown to the Banks islands, his home.
Following the service, Mr Lonsale’s casket was loaded onto the back of a flatbed truck festooned with flowers and the Vanuatu flag. It led a kilometre-long procession of hundreds of vehicles through the main streets of Port Vila.
The road was carpeted with flowers all along the procession route. In the Manples area, the road was lined with brightly coloured calicos. As the procession passed, the market vendors sang a song in the Tongoan language, a moving tribute to one of the most widely respected figures in Vanuatu since Father Walter Lini, the country’s first Prime Minister.
It is difficult to accurately estimate the number of people who lined the roughly 6-kilometre long route, but there has been no similar public gathering in living memory.
This unprecedented display of grief and admiration was not limited to Vanuatu alone. In solidarity with this nation, flags flew at half mast yesterday in Australia, New Zealand and in other locations throughout the Pacific islands.
The body was flown to the Banks islands yesterday, and the President will be mourned by the people of Torba province today. His body will be laid to rest in Sola, Vanua Lava tomorrow.

June 22, 2017 0 comments

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Vanuatu President

President Nikenike Calls for National Prayer and Fasting

Declared Port Vila land owners visit President

The President of the Republic has never spoken of the United States Navy in Vanuatu

Chiefs Meet Head of State

National Chiefs Day Today: Chief performing a custom ceremony

The New President of the Republic of Vanuatu: Obed Moses Tallis

Vanatu Presidential Election Today

Women are ready for President: Viregagaru

Applicants For President’s Post Include Women

An Unprecedented Outpouring

Psalm.

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