Vanuatu public servant arrested over hit-and-run

A senior Vanuatu public servant has been arrested and charged for his involvement in a hit-and-run on the island of Santo.

The police said the director of forestry, Rexon Vira, was driving while drunk when he struck a 19-year-old who was trying to cross the road.

He has been charged with driving under the influence, careless driving, driving without a valid licence, and failing to stop after causing an accident.

A relative told the Vanuatu Daily Post the biosecurity department has given the victim a mat and 10,000 vatu, or about US$86, as an apology.