Vanuatu Cabinet Minister admits taking loan

Vanuatu Internal Affairs Minister, Hosea Nevu, has confirmed last year he received a 1 million vatu (US$8,928) loan from Moana Carcasses.

He is one of 16 MPs facing trial on bribery charges over allegations that they had illegally accepted loans provided by Mr Carcasses, who was then the Opposition Leader and is now Deputy Prime Minister.

But Mr Nevu told the Supreme Court that the money was not given in connection to a motion of no confidence in the then Prime Minister, Joe Natuman.

Mr Nevu also told the court the money did not come from the Green Confederation Community Fund but from the personal account of Mr Carcasses.

Meanwhile Finance Minister Willie Jimmy, who has pleaded guilty to the bribery charge, is expected to give evidence following a request from the Public Prosecutor.