Vanuatu Roundup: Constitutional change, citizenship controversy, teachers strike

Citizens vote for constitutional change

In Vanuatu's inaugural referendum, the electorate affirmed two constitutional amendments designed to stabilize the nation's volatile political landscape. The government's objective is to halt the practice of party-switching and compel independent politicians to affiliate with established parties, with the populace casting the decisive vote. This comes on the heels of numerous no-confidence motions and a trio of governmental turnovers in 2023. Article 17A garnered the approval of 59.28 percent of the voters, which equates to 53,809 individuals. This provision mandates the automatic relinquishment of a parliamentary seat by members who resign or are dismissed due to withdrawing their support from a political party, reports Scoop.

Teachers end strike

Schools in Vanuatu have resumed classes following the suspension of a countrywide teachers' strike. The strike was called off after the Vanuatu Teacher’s Union settled with the government. The protest, which saw over 1,000 educators, predominantly from state schools, abandon their posts, was sparked by postponed payments of dues, according to ABC. Johnathan Yona, the Secretary General of the Vanuatu Teachers Union, stated that the accord necessitates a governmental blueprint for the disbursement of these entitlements. "Within 14 days, the Government will plan when and how much to pay the outstanding claims," said Mr Yona. "I hope the message is clear to the government...worker's rights are very important and should be considered whenever Government implements policy."

Chinese disguised as Vanuatuan arrested

Vigilant immigration officials at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) apprehended a man suspected of being a Chinese national impersonating a Vanuatuan during the past weekend, just as he was about to embark on a Thai Airways journey to Bangkok. The individual, identified by Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco on Sunday as 43-year-old Alex Cooper, a Vanuatu passport holder, has been taken into custody. As reported by The Manila Times, Cooper is currently held at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) detention centre in Taguig City, facing an investigation over his dubious identity, which could lead to his deportation.

Grounded carrier Air Vanuatu eyes potential investors for revival

The appointed liquidators representing the now-defunct airline Air Vanuatu have disclosed that multiple parties have shown interest in acquiring the airline. On May 9, 2024, Air Vanuatu ceased operations, grounding its aircraft and nullifying all scheduled flights, while designating the advisory company EY to manage its liquidation. The abrupt halt in Air Vanuatu's operations resulted in numerous travellers from Australia and New Zealand being marooned in the South Pacific, necessitating the arrangement of alternate flights with different carriers in the vicinity, reports Aerotime Hub. “We have received interest from a range of parties seeking to resume Air Vanuatu’s operations,” says Morgan Kelly, Partner in Strategy & Transactions at EY. “We’re reviewing these offers and will be working toward a resolution as soon as possible.”

Citizenship controversy

The Citizenship Commission of Vanuatu has confirmed that an Australian businessman, despite his conviction, passed all required screenings before being awarded citizenship and a Vanuatu passport. Andrew Spira received his citizenship several months post his arrest on charges of fraud and narcotics in Australia, yet prior to his conviction. This incident has once again spotlighted the debate surrounding Vanuatu's citizenship-by-investment program. Moreover, it coincides with the European Commission's contemplation to revoke Vanuatu's visa exemption status within the EU, as ABC has reported. Allan Liki, the secretary general of Vanuatu's Citizenship Commission, stated that Spira underwent multiple vetting processes, including checks by INTERPOL and Vanuatu's Financial Intelligence Unit. "We received from Interpol at the Vanuatu police force, they have given an offence against Mr Spira but it was specifically on his passport, that his passport was either lost or stolen, which to us is not categorised as a criminal offence or any other activity as such," said Liki.