The family of a Chinese construction worker who died after becoming seriously ill while working in Luganville is appealing for the return of his mobile phone and assistance with funeral expenses from his former employer.

The Court of Appeal (COA) has overturned a VT7.5 million compensation order arising from a vehicle collision near Parliament, finding that the amount awarded by the Supreme Court was not properly supported by evidence.

The Utilities Regulatory Authority (URA) has rejected allegations of improper conduct and regulatory interference raised by Opposition Leader Ishmael Kalsakau, saying Safety Order No. 02 of 2026 was lawfully issued to a customer following safety concerns over electricity being exported…

Vanuatu is considering raising the minimum age for workers entering Australia and New Zealand’s seasonal labour mobility programmes from 21 to 25, a move the Commissioner of Labour (COL), James Willie, says would give young people more time to remain…

The Ministry of Justice has declined to comment on calls for tougher punishment for people convicted of rape, including proposals for chemical castration, as debate continues over how Vanuatu should respond to serious sexual offences.

The Opposition has raised concerns over the Vanuatu National Hospital’s (VNH) oxygen supply and recurring power problems, saying the issues could put pressure on critical services, while the Ministry of Health (MOH) says the situation is being actively managed and…

The Opposition is calling for the immediate suspension of the Utilities Regulatory Authority (URA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and an independent investigation into a safety order issued to a local renewable energy company, citing allegations of procedural unfairness and inconsistent…

The United States (U.S.) Embassy in Port Moresby, which handles U.S. interests in Vanuatu, has defended the decision to permanently include Vanuatu in the U.S. Visa Bond Programme, saying the measure is aimed at enforcing immigration laws and reducing visa…

The Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority (VMSA) is taking further measures to strengthen the safety of small boats operating in Vanuatu, particularly banana boats travelling between islands, by making satellite tracking or emergency communication devices mandatory amid challenges faced by authorities…

Vanuatu’s minimum wage is under review, with the country’s Tripartite Labour Advisory Council (TLAC) beginning its first assessment as pressure grows from workers calling for higher wages.

The government is discussing a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with Aneityum Pine Holdings to use local pine timber from the island to build schools, businesses and homes in Vanuatu instead of importing materials.

A five-year plan to strengthen TAFEA’s economy, improve livelihoods and create new opportunities has been launched, with the provincial government seeking a more self-reliant future for the province.

The Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF) has selected a 20-player ntional pre-squad following a one-day selection tournament held at Korman Beach Soccer on last Saturday.

Opposition Leader Ishmael Kalsakau has questioned Prime Minister (PM) Jotham Napat’s decision to approach President Nikenike Vurobaravu over the recent presidential pardon of convicted rapists.

The Opposition has lodged a report with the Ombudsman calling for an investigation into the Government’s handling of a diplomatic complaint from China concerning alleged gambling activities at Vanuatu’s Consulate General in Guangzhou.

The Supreme Court of Vanuatu has sentenced Gregory Rouard to 7 years, 5 months and 8 days’ imprisonment for his role as the main organiser and architect of an airport cash robbery and the earlier theft of a vehicle used…

Australia’s High Commissioner to Vanuatu, Mr. Max Willis, has agreed to fund training for two compliance officers in Australia. This is in response to a request by Transparency International Vanuatu (TIV) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Willie Tokon.

The introduction of Business-to-Business (B2B) discussions at the inaugural National Agriculture Expo (NAE) 2026 has delivered immediate commercial outcomes, with local timber company North Efate Timber securing supply agreements valued at an estimated VT1.5 million over the next six months.

Air Vanuatu has confirmed plans to resume domestic flights to three southern ports, including Aniwa and Dillon’s Bay, with services expected to return in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Pikinini Playtime founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tony Batten has described Vanuatu’s education situation as a “national disaster”, warning that poor literacy outcomes among children could affect the country’s future development.

Minister of Health Robert Bohn said cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among women in Vanuatu, yet it is entirely preventable through vaccination, screening and early treatment.

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 Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) has produced a wide range of curriculum materials and resources, but many teachers are struggling to implement them effectively due to limited training and support.

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…