Ministry of the Prime Minister - Vanuatu

17/06/2026

‼️VANUATU RISES AT MSG — CONGRATULATIONS ANNA NAUPA‼️🇻🇺

Today, Vanuatu stands proud.

Dr. Anna Naupa — one of our nation’s finest minds and respected leader in development — has been appointed Director General of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG).

This is a historic moment. Since the MSG was founded in 1986 by the giants of Melanesia — Paias Wingti of Papua New Guinea, Fr. Walter Lini of Vanuatu, Ezekiel Alebua of Solomon Islands, and our brothers from the FLNKS — Vanuatu has waited 40 years to lead this organization. Today, that wait ends.

As a woman taking the helm, Ms. Naupa’s appointment sends a clear message to every young ni-Vanuatu girl: aspire for the best, because the highest offices in our region are within your reach. Her leadership will inspire a new generation to dream bigger and serve boldly.

The Vanuatu Government holds immense confidence in Dr. Naupa’s capabilities, leadership, and integrity. We commend the MSG and the selection team for a transparent process that has delivered the right leader for this moment.

Prime Minister Jotham Napat extends his warmest congratulations to Dr. Naupa on her successful appointment. He wishes her strength, wisdom, and every success as she takes up this critical role.

We know the MSG was born from struggle — its heart has always been the political aspirations of the Kanak people and the big issues facing Melanesia. Over the years the organization has grown, expanding its focus to trade, sports, culture, and other areas of common interest that bind our nations. Vanuatu believes the success of the MSG under Dr. Naupa’s leadership will depend on never losing sight of that founding spirit — solidarity, justice, and self-determination for our peoples.

Anna, you carry not just a title, but the hopes of a region. You carry Vanuatu’s pride, Melanesia’s trust, and the spirit of Fr. Walter Lini’s vision.

Go well, lead boldly, and make Melanesia shine.

Congratulations, Director General Dr. Anna Naupa🇻🇺👏👏👏

- Office of the Prime Minister
Republic of Vanuatu

17/06/2026

‼️FAREWELL TO TORBA — KASTOM, KAVA, AND COMMITMENT‼️

The final hours of the Prime Minister’s visit to Gaua were spent where it matters most — in a custom village dedicated to keeping culture alive.

Prime Minister Jotham Napat, and his delegation were welcomed with kava, shared in the circle of respect. Then Gaua gave them its voice — the world renowned water music, hands striking the surface, rhythms echoing across the bay. It was Torba speaking to its leaders in the language older than government.

From there, the delegation returned to the ship, bound for West Coast of Santo - another of Vanuatu’s most neglected.

The weather turned, as it does in Torba. Heavy seas meant Merig and Merelava could not be reached. But promises still landed. The water tanks meant for those islands were offloaded on Gaua, with arrangements made to ship them onward. The job will get done🙏

This is the story of this journey — kastom and commitment, setbacks and solutions. One of a few trips by a sitting Prime Minister to tour the province. It came not just with speeches, but with towers, boats, tanks and freezers - basics of a community. Prime Minister Jotham Napat leaves with a name, "Meranag Webak" and with the voices of students, chiefs, mothers, and fishermen in his ears.

Torba, you welcomed us with bowed heads and open hearts. Thank you🙏 You showed us your culture. You told us your needs and we heard you loud and clear.

It is Torba’s turn to shine. And the work to make it shine starts now.

Tank yu tumas, Gaua. Tank yu tumas, Torba 🇻🇺🫡👏👏👏🙏

17/06/2026

A moment of respect on Gaua. Prime Minister Jotham Napat, ceremoniously walks around the pig offered by East Gaua Chiefs — acknowledging kastom, acknowledging the people — before the the pig killing ceremony.

17/06/2026

‼️MERANAG WEBAK — THE BANYAN OF TORBA‼️

This morning on Gaua, history was made in the shade of kastom.

Prime Minister Jotham Napat was given the custom name "Meranag Webak" by the Chairman of the East Gaua Council of Chiefs. The name carries deep meaning. "Meranag Webak" symbolizes a great banyan tree — the one where birds nest and feed, the one whose roots and branches harbour thousands of living organisms. It is shelter. It is life. It is strength for all who gather under it.

The name was bestowed with pride and respect, for Hon. Jotham Napat is the first Prime Minister of Vanuatu to set foot on Gaua. The chiefs saw in him a leader who, like the banyan, must carry many and provide for many.

The Prime Minister accepted the name with humility. Then he delivered a message straight to the heart of every person present: It is Torba’s turn to shine.❗️

He did not come with empty words. To the communities who spoke of isolation, he answered with commitment — two additional telecommunications towers to be built here on Gaua. To those who asked for roads to connect gardens to markets and children to schools, he answered with action — a new fleet dedicated to Torba before the end of the year.

Meranag Webak🫡. A name earned, not given lightly. May the Prime Minister govern as the banyan grows — deep roots in kastom, wide branches for all people, and shelter for the next generation.

Today Torba stood taller. Today Torba began to shine.

Tank yu tumas, East Gaua. Tankiu tumas, Meranag Webak 🇻🇺

17/06/2026

‼️THE HEART OF GAUA — OUR STUDENTS‼️🫡🫡🫡🇻🇺

What a humbling sight on Gaua today.

Students lined the pathway to the main venue, welcoming Prime Minister Hon. Jotham Napat and his delegation with quiet dignity. Heads bowed, hands crossed over their chests — a gesture of deep respect that spoke louder than any words.

In that moment, you saw the best of Torba. Our young people, standing tall in their studentuniforms, showing the world what respect and honor look like.

To every student who stood in the sun to welcome us: tankiu tumas. You reminded us exactly who we serve, and why we must deliver for your future.

Gaua, your children are your pride. 🇻🇺

17/06/2026

Gaua warriors meet Prime Minister Jotham Napat and his delegation this morning 🇻🇺

16/06/2026

After traveling the entire night from Lo, the PM's delegation safely arrives in Gaua🇻🇺

16/06/2026

Coping mechanisms in place🇻🇺🙏 Absorbing the after effects of fuel price hike🇻🇺🇻🇺🇻🇺

Easing the Pressure: VT192 Million Fuel Subsidy for Electricity |

Good news for households and businesses! The Ministry of Finance and Economic Management, working with the Ministry of Climate Change Adaptation and the Utilities Regulatory Authority, has rolled out a VT192 million subsidy to help cushion rising electricity costs.

Approved under Council of Ministers Decision No. 18 of 2026, this support responds to the impact of global fuel price increases on electricity generation across Vanuatu. The subsidy applies to all regulated electricity providers UNELCO Engie, VUI Ltd, and VANPAWA and will help keep tariffs more affordable as fuel costs rise.

The subsidy takes effect this month, with its impact reflected in the July 2026 billing period, and will continue until the allocated funding is fully utilised.

The Government remains committed to keeping electricity services affordable and accessible for all Ni-Vanuatu.

16/06/2026

‼️MESSAGE TO ALL PARTNERS DELIVERING SERVICES TO RURAL COMMUNITIES‼️

Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Johnny Koanapo has raised serious concerns after visiting a WASH project that was built in Tegua with substandard materials and left unfinished. A water catchment and flush toilet meant for the community were never completed properly and are now falling apart.

This cannot continue. Our people in rural Vanuatu deserve better. They deserve projects that last, that work, and that respect the funds and trust placed in us by government, donors, and taxpayers.

From today, we expect everyone involved — contractors, supervisors, donors, and government officers — to lift the standard and work together. If you take on a job for our islands, deliver it with pride and finish it properly. If corners are cut, if materials are poor, if communities are left with broken promises, someone should be held accountable.

We are asking for real collaboration moving forward. Talk to each other. Monitor each other. Listen to the communities. Make sure what we build actually serves the people.

The Government and its people cannot accept second-rate work for our rural families. Let us do better, together, for Torba and for every island of 🇻🇺

16/06/2026

‼️FIVE MORE WATER TANKS FOR LO ISLAND‼️

These are just some of the beautiful faces of Lo Island.

Today the people of Lo - once again gave a warm Torres welcome to Prime Minister Jotham Napat and Deputy Prime Minister’s delegation.

Before departing, the delegation offloaded five more Australian-funded 5000 litre water tanks and a solar-powered freezer for the community. Clean water and food security — practical help where it matters.

Due to weather, the delegation is now heading to Sola, Vanua Lava instead of Toga as originally planned. We will return to Toga soon.

Tankiu tumas, Lo Island, for your hospitality. Torba is our gateway 🇻🇺