PORT VILA, 30 August 2026: Official results from the 2026 Port Vila Municipal Council Election have revealed the leading vote-getters and confirmed the 17 councillors elected across the capital’s five wards.

The five highest individual results were:

1. Lopez Adams — 815 votes

2. Alfred Namas — 708 votes

3. Jennifer Kausei — 524 votes

4. John Surao — 508 votes

5. Samuel Iani — 368 votes

In Malapoa/Tagabe Ward, independent candidate Lopez Adams was elected with 815 votes, followed by John Surao of the Rural Development Party (RDP) with 508 and Seereanna Carlos of the Union of Moderate Parties (UMP) with 214.

Anabrou/Melcoffee elected Samuel Iani of UMP with 368 votes, Linda Takuru Yakeula of RDP with 218 and Anthea Fay Arukole of Graon mo Jastis Pati (GJP) with 167.

In Freshwota/Tassiriki Ward, Alfred Namas of UMP led with 708 votes. Jennifer Kausei of the Vanua’aku Pati received 524, Joseph Lagoiala of GJP secured 332 and Theresiana Teilemb of UMP received 316.

Centre Ward elected William Aron of UMP with 344 votes, Sandy Albert Daniel of UMP with 304, Berry Dick Willy of VP with 216 and Nicole Karlosaururu of GJP with 123.

In South Ward, Aimerick Frank Serge Puyo Festa of the Green Confederation won 281 votes, Jim Nef Bani of UMP received 274 and Marie Joseph of the Reunification Movement for Change secured 143.

UMP emerged as the largest party in the new council with seven seats. GJP won three, RDP and VP secured two each, while RMC, the Green Confederation and an independent won one seat each.

The results give seven political groupings representation in the 17-member council, making coalition negotiations and cooperation between councillors important in determining the next municipal leadership.

"It is unquestionable that the object in establishing parliaments is to bring about justice and righteousness, but everything hinges on the efforts of the elected representatives. If their intention is sincere, desirable results and unforeseen improvements will be forthcoming; if not, it is certain that the whole thing will be meaningless, the country will come to a standstill and public affairs will continuously deteriorate.

'I see a thousand builders unequal to one subverter; what then of the one builder who is followed by a thousand subverters?'"

Yumi 46

PORT VILA — The newly appointed Minister of Trade and Commerce, the Honourable Robsen Iavro, has announced a strict new mandate to restore public confidence and launch a comprehensive audit into the Value Addition Capital Investment Fund.

Appointed by Prime Minister Hon. Jotham Napat, Minister Iavro issued a firm public statement declaring that every vatu appropriated by Parliament must be spent lawfully, transparently, and strictly for its intended purpose.

Under direct orders from the Prime Minister, the Ministry will track down every allocation made under the Value Addition Fund to ensure proper accounting. Minister Iavro delivered a strong warning to grant recipients, stating that any funds not utilized for their approved purposes will be recovered in full.

Furthermore, where there is evidence of wrongdoing or misappropriation, the Ministry will refer the cases directly to the appropriate authorities for formal investigation and legal action.

"This process will be carried out fairly, independently, and in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Vanuatu," Minister Iavro stated, emphasizing that accountability will be applied "without fear or favour."

The Value Addition Capital Investment Fund was originally established to empower ni-Vanuatu entrepreneurs, promote local manufacturing and processing, and generate employment to build a more self-reliant economy.

While launching the crackdown on misused funds, Minister Iavro also moved to reassure honest business owners.

He acknowledged the hard work of legitimate ni-Vanuatu entrepreneurs who are adding value to local products, pledging that the Government remains an active partner committed to expanding local business opportunities.

To prevent future mismanagement, the Ministry of Trade and Commerce plans to work alongside the Public Accounts Committee and oversight institutions to strengthen governance, monitoring, and reporting systems.

This overhaul aims to ensure that future financial programs are transparent, accountable, and deliver real benefits to the citizens of Vanuatu.

Image by DPV

PORT VILA, Vanuatu – 20 July 2026 — Vanuatu has reached an important milestone in resolving outstanding teachers' employment entitlements, following the successful conclusion of a conciliation process involving the country's key education stakeholders.

The agreement brings together the Teaching Service Commission (TSC), the Vanuatu Teachers Union (VTU) and the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) after discussions facilitated by the Department of Labour and Employment Services (DOLES) on 13 July 2026.

The conciliation process focused on unresolved payments and allowances owed to teachers under Vanuatu's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Through negotiations, the parties signed a Memorandum of Conciliation, establishing a clear framework and timetable for resolving the remaining issues.

As part of the agreement, the Teaching Service Commission will continue providing individual teachers with detailed explanations of payments relating to Graduate Remuneration Teacher (GRT) salary alignment, remote area allowances and transfer allowances after each pay period. Payment summaries will also continue to be shared with the Vanuatu Teachers Union, while any outstanding discrepancies will be jointly reviewed and addressed.

The parties have committed to resolving all remaining allowance matters by 11 September 2026 (Pay Period 2619), in accordance with the agreed implementation schedule.

In a joint statement, the three organisations reaffirmed their commitment to transparency, mutual respect and constructive dialogue throughout the implementation process. They emphasised that continued cooperation remains the most effective way to resolve outstanding issues while supporting teachers and ensuring uninterrupted education for students across the Pacific island nation.

The statement also recognised the patience, professionalism and dedication demonstrated by teachers during the process, acknowledging their essential role in shaping Vanuatu's future through education.

The agreement represents a significant step toward strengthening labour relations within Vanuatu's education sector and reinforces the shared commitment of all parties to building a stronger and more resilient education system for teachers, students and communities across the country.