Council of Chiefs

Vanuatu chiefs stand firmly against TamTam bubble proposal

Last month the government announced it would look to reopen the borders between the main island of Efate and New Caledonia in the hope it would boost business in the capital Port Vila and aid necessary travel for those studying in both countries.

However the local Council of Chiefs said borders were still closed to people from New Caledonia and other countries.

The Council Chairman, Chief Simon Poilapa, said a resolution around Efate and its offshore islands which was made in 2020, would stand.

Vanuatu council of chiefs delays elections

The acting president of the Vanuatu council of chiefs delays elections, Seni Maor Tirsupe, was to leave his position in April but has been forced to stay on.

Elections set for July will now be held in September.

The minister for justice and social welfare, Ronald Warsal, said the delay was because chiefs were opposing new eligibility criteria for appointment to the Malvatumauri.

"There have been numerous complaints and criticisms raised from a few chiefs on a few of the islands on the issues and the option of the new election rules," Mr Warsal said.