A 91-year-old grandfather has been sentenced to three years and nine months in prison after being convicted of two counts of indecency with a young person involving his grandchildren.

Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority (VMSA) Commissioner Mr. Less John Napuati yesterday indefinitely suspended the Safety Certificate of MV Kafe Star, a domestic vessel operating within Vanuatu waters.

The Public Land Transport Authority (PLTA) has uncovered a practice where bus permit holders purchase permits for VT10,000 before selling them to other operators for between VT150,000 and VT200,000, prompting the authority to immediately stop approving transfers of bus permits.

The leak of a Working Paper from the Office of the Ombudsman concerning the tender process for the Vanuatu International Shipping Registry (VISR) has prompted Deputy Leader of the Opposition and former Minister of Infrastructure Jay Ngwele to reject the…

Education is not only the responsibility of the government, but a partnership that involves everyone, said the Prime Minister (PM) Jotham Napat.

AELAN Chocolate Makers has achieved another major international milestone for Vanuatu after two of its locally produced cocoa products received awards at the prestigious Great Taste Awards 2026, organised by the Guild of Fine Food in the United Kingdom.

Vanuatu's first and only Consultant Ophthalmologist, Dr Johnson Kasso, is calling on young Ni-Vanuatu doctors and students to pursue careers in ophthalmology, saying the country urgently needs more local eye specialists to ensure sustainable eye care services.

Papua New Guinea's (PNG) new Cancer Centre will be open to patients from across the Pacific, with Prime Minister (PM) James Marape saying Ni-Vanuatu patients will be able to access treatment at subsidised local rates after travelling to Port Moresby.

A recommendation has been made for the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) to operate as a standalone commission to strengthen decision-making and respond more effectively to challenges facing the sector.

The area on the left-hand side of the road leading down to Korman will be transformed into Port Vila’s next green public park, as the Government continues its drive to beautify the capital and create more recreational spaces for residents…

Papua New Guinea (PNG) has announced a package of reciprocal commitments, including land for Vanuatu’s future High Commission in Port Moresby and funding to rehabilitate Port Vila’s Kumul Highway, following yesterday’s groundbreaking for its new chancery in Port Vila.

The European Union (EU) continues to assess security risks linked to Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment scheme, with the EU Ambassador to the Pacific saying the bloc remains engaged with the Vanuatu Government on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures.

The Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority (VMSA) has filed legal proceedings against Vanuatu Logistics & Administrative Services Limited (VLAS), the company responsible for administering the Vanuatu International Shipping Registry (VISR), over the alleged non-payment of statutory fees required under the country’s…

Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and President of Timor-Leste Dr José Ramos-Horta has shared lessons from his country’s journey towards independence, peace and reconciliation during a public lecture at the National University of Vanuatu (NUV).

The Prime Minister (PM) of Papua New Guinea (PNG), James Marape, and the President of Timor-Leste, José Manuel Ramos-Horta, are among the guests invited to attend the country’s 46th Independence anniversary in Port Vila.

As Vanuatu celebrates 46 years of independence, a former police officer has shared a remarkable story from one of the country’s most turbulent periods—recounting the night he helped save the life of the man who would one day become the…

Vanuatu and Timor-Leste strengthened bilateral relations yesterday with the signing of a Development Cooperation Agreement and a Visa Waiver Arrangement.

A call has been made to all ni-Vanuatu to mark this year’s 46th Independence anniversary as an opportunity to renew national pride, strengthen unity, and recommit to building a stronger, more resilient and prosperous Vanuatu for future generations.

Two men convicted of serious sexual offences against children are back in the community after being granted presidential pardons on July 23, the eve of Children’s Day, despite each having more than five years remaining on their prison sentences.

Roza Local String Band from Ngurua Village on Emau Island has released its second music album, paying tribute to Vanuatu’s traditional chiefs and highlighting their vital role in preserving the country’s culture and guiding local communities.

Police officers will be deployed across official celebration venues, roads, beaches, entertainment centres, bars and nightclubs as part of a nationwide security operation to ensure public safety during Vanuatu’s 46th Independence celebrations.

Eligible Ni-Vanuatu have just one week left to register for Australia’s 2026–27 Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) ballot, which offers successful applicants the opportunity to live, work and study permanently in Australia.

Former Speaker of Parliament and former Member of Parliament (MP) for the Epi Constituency, Seoule Simeon, is among 13 inmates who have been granted a presidential pardon by the President of the Republic of Vanuatu, Nikenike Vurobaravu, in a decision…

The Prime Minister (PM) has tasked the new Minister of Trade and Commerce, Robson Iavro, to ensure all value addition funds are properly accounted for and any money not used for its intended purpose is refunded in full.

The 2026 Santo Rodeo will feature more than cowboys and bulls, with local producers also being given an opportunity to showcase their products during this year’s event.

The Public Land Transport Authority (PLTA) has ordered all public transport owners and drivers across Vanuatu to remove foreign country flags displayed during the recent FIFA World Cup, warning that those who fail to comply could face a VT10,000 fine.

A senior specialist at Vanuatu National Hospital (VNH) is warning that high blood pressure, medically known as hypertension, is becoming a major public health challenge in Vanuatu, with changing lifestyles putting more people at risk of heart disease, stroke and…

The Prime Minister (PM) has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the principle that no one is above the law amid public concerns over the disbursement of the VT180 million Value Addition Investment Capital Fund (VAICF).

The Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs has issued an ultimatum to Prime Minister (PM) Jotham Napat, demanding the immediate revocation of Dr Anna Naupa’s appointment as Director General (DG) of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). The Council warned that if…

Vanuatu’s first national tourism market readiness assessment has found that more than four out of five tourism businesses assessed are still working towards becoming fully ready to compete in regional and international markets, guiding the next phase of targeted training…

The Kiwa “Pacific CIRCLE” (Pacific Community Inclusion for Resilient Climate and Ecosystems) project was launched yesterday in Port Vila, marking the start of a 3.5-year programme focused on ecosystem restoration and resilient livelihoods.

A free community book exchange has been established at the Port Vila Main Market, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to take, read and share books at no cost.

The Teaching Service Commission (TSC) and the Vanuatu Teachers Union (VTU) have agreed to a Memorandum of Conciliation (MOC) to resolve teachers’ outstanding entitlements by September this year.

Virgin Australia has confirmed that it cancelled flights between Brisbane and Port Vila on Sunday and Monday due to volcanic ash from the ongoing eruption of Ambae Volcano, saying the decision was made to protect the safety of passengers and…

A new regional climate resilience project worth approximately VT690 million (€4.8 million) will be launched in Port Vila on Monday, with a strong focus on empowering women, young people and people with disabilities to lead climate adaptation efforts across four…