Moana Carcasses

Former Vanuatu PM Moana Carcasses leaves politics

Carcasses handed over the leadership reins of the VGC to Silas Yatan on 15 September according to a report by the Vanuatu Daily Post.

Carcasses was among the 14 former Members of Parliament (MPs) who were jailed in 2016 for bribery charges.

After he was released in October 2017, he decided to resign from politics. In an unforeseen turn, after the President of the VGC vacated his seat, he took back the presidency shortly after in mid 2018.

Constitutional case of ex- Vanuatu MPs continues

While he was still the deputy prime minister, Moana Carcasses and the other applicants who were ministers and members of parliament allegedly showed up at the Magistrate court premises on June 12 last year for the bribery case.

The applicants claim in their constitutional application that during that time parliament was in session and they are under parliamentary immunity as enshrined in Article 27 (2) of the Constitution.

Vanuatu Cabinet Minister admits taking loan

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.

Bribery trial draws crowds in Vanuatu

The politicians are alleged to have received bribes a year ago from the then opposition leader, Moana Carcasses, who is now deputy prime minister.

Moana Carcasses was allegedly trying to procure the MPs support before a planned vote of no confidence to remove the then prime minister Jo Natuman.

It is alleged that US$319,000 was involved.

Radio New Zealand International's Vanuatu correspondent, Hilaire Bule, says it is the first bribery case involving the country's leaders and about a hundred people are observing the trial in Port Vila.

Vanuatu bribery case back in court Wednesday

The MPs are alleged to have received bribes a year ago from the then opposition leader, Moana Carcasses, who is now deputy prime minister.

It is alleged that $US319,000 were involved.

Mr Carcasses was allegedly trying to procure the MPs support before a planned vote of no confidence to remove the then prime minister Jo Natuman.

Our correspondent in Vanuatu says sources say the money involved may have come from a businessman in Hong Kong.

Another three MPs, who had been facing charges, are now prosecution witnesses.