Vanuatu's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Moana Carcasses

Vanuatu resort owner says harassment threatened lives

Hugh Lowe said a group of youths have been harrassing him for months causing over US$2 million worth of damage.

He said it started with an unsuccessful demand for money, the vandalism of trucks belonging to a Chinese construction firm working there, and the burning of five bungalows.

He said the group returned this week to finish the job, forcing him and around 21 Australian tourists to leave for the capital, Port Vila.