Vanuatu Roundup: MP jail term for car theft, Australian PM visit, teachers’ strike escalates

MP Seoule Simeon begins jail term following car theft conviction

Convicted Epi MP Seoule Simeon reported to Vanuatu Correctional Services on September 10 to begin serving his two-year, six-month sentence for car theft. Officials confirmed Simeon will undergo the same intake and classification process as other detainees, including health checks, risk assessments, and orientation. Simeon has appealed his conviction but must follow all correctional protocols while his case is under review. His imprisonment is one of the rare instances of a sitting MP being formally processed under Vanuatu’s penal system.

Australia’s Albanese makes first visit to Vanuatu before joining Pacific Islands Forum

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived in Port Vila on September 9 for his first visit to Vanuatu as prime minister. He met Prime Minister Jotham Napat and made a courtesy call on President Nikenike Vurobaravu before travelling to Solomon Islands for the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting. Vanuatu’s participation at the 54th PIF Summit will focus on regional priorities, including climate action and economic development. 

Vanuatu seizes 450kg of cocaine in yacht, arrests Chinese and Turkish crew

Vanuatu authorities seized over 450 kilograms of cocaine from the yacht Mi Amore in a joint operation involving police, customs, immigration, and the Australian Federal Police. The August 28 raid led to the arrest of three crew members — one Chinese national and two Turkish nationals — who remain in custody as investigations continue. Minister of Internal Affairs Andrew Solomon Napuat said the bust highlights the importance of maritime security under the VPF’s 100-Day Plan. The yacht was first reported near Gaua on August 7 before being escorted for inspection, where hidden compartments containing cocaine were found.

210 more teachers join nationwide strike 

The Vanuatu Teachers Union confirmed that 210 additional teachers have joined its strike, which is expected to intensify when Term 3 begins. VTU Secretary General Jonathan Yona said solidarity has grown since the Court of Appeal upheld a Supreme Court ruling declaring the strike legal and reinstating over 600 suspended teachers. The union is demanding a Collective Bargaining Agreement worth about VT8 billion (~ $48.8 million) in compensation and unpaid entitlements. Yona said teachers will not return to classrooms until negotiations take place. The VTU is also preparing damage claims on behalf of members, calling the legal win a victory for workers’ rights and urging others to unionise to protect their interests.

CBA exit threatens millions in Vanuatu citizenship revenue

The Vanuatu government and citizenship agents face a potential major revenue loss after the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) announced it will stop processing transfers for “Designated Agents” under the country’s Development Support Program (DSP) and Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) from September 30. The CBA acts as the AUD and NZD correspondent bank for the National Bank of Vanuatu (NBV) and ASB Bank in Auckland. Authorities said new arrangements are being put in place to maintain inflows of citizenship program funds and will be monitored to minimise disruption to government and agent revenues.