Sydney’s sugar rush: how the colony’s most powerful profited from Australia’s slave trade
Australia likes to think its history is untainted by slavery but a new book traces how a who’s who in the NSW capital profited from the capture and sale of ‘blackbirded’ Pacific Islanders Emelda Davis is a former Sydney city councillor, community advocate and second-generation descendant of blackbirded South Sea Islanders . Otherwise known as enslaved people. Australia has often sought to reassure itself that at least the nation is untainted, unlike Britain and the US, by a heinous history of slavery. But “the evidence of the Australian slave trade through blackbirding is everywhere – it hides in plain sight”, Davis says. Continue reading...
2026-08-09 15:00:18

Vanuatu’s education crisis a ‘national disaster’ - Pikinini Playtime CEO
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.
2026-08-07 21:00:00

Cervical cancer preventable, yet a leading cause of death among Vanuatu women
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.
2026-08-07 21:00:00

First-ever B2B discussions in NAE secure VT1.5M in timber supply deals
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.
2026-08-07 20:45:00

Air Vanuatu confirms Aniwa flights to resume in fourth quarter
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.
2026-08-07 20:45:00

Pikinini Playtime CEO: Better teachers, better schools, better future
Around 70 per cent of children in Vanuatu are unable to read and write at the expected level, a figure that Pikinini Playtime founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tony Batten (TB) says should alarm every parent, teacher and leader...
2026-08-07 20:30:00

Foreign investment backs Vanuatu tourism recovery
Vanuatu’s tourism sector has emerged as one of the country’s strongest-performing industries for foreign investment, with new figures showing a sharp increase in tourism-related investment approvals during the second quarter of 2026.
2026-08-07 20:30:00

Corruption remains a major governance challenge, says Minister Andy
Corruption is one of the greatest challenges to good governance and sustainable development, Minister of Justice, Youth and Community Services Job Sam Andy has said, warning that it erodes public trust, diverts scarce public resources and weakens institutions.
2026-08-07 20:30:00

Education reform moves to nationwide consultations
Vanuatu’s National Education Reform process will move into its next phase with nationwide consultations planned from August 2026 to February 2027 to validate recommendations from the National Education and Training Forum and gather further input from communities across the country.
2026-08-07 20:30:00

Final notice served in Rah Labaen land dispute
Jerry Boe Lawyers and Consultancy Service has issued what it describes as a final notice to residents of Rah Labaen Island on behalf of its client, Baddely George, giving them three weeks to leave the disputed land.
2026-08-07 20:30:00

Is the Government’s 70/30 scheme’s boat component achieving its purpose?
Member of Parliament (MP) for Luganville Matai Seremaiah has questioned the effectiveness of the Government’s 70/30 assistance scheme, particularly its fishing boat component, saying it is not achieving its intended purpose of increasing local fisheries production and reducing reliance on...
2026-08-07 20:30:00

Ngwele demands Ombudsman withdraw Shipping Registry Working Paper recommendations
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...
2026-08-06 21:00:00

PLTA uncovers VT10,000 bus permits sold for up to VT200,000
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.
2026-08-06 20:45:00

VMSA suspends MV Kafe Star operations
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.
2026-08-06 20:45:00

Teachers left unsupported on curriculum implementation
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.
2026-08-06 20:45:00

Maewo High Chief shares insight into giant taro tower origin story and million-vatu harvest
A towering display made up of thousands of taro corms has become one of the standout attractions at the National Agriculture Expo 2026 on Maewo Island, not only for its size but for the cultural story it tells about the...
2026-08-06 20:30:00

Alarming teacher-student ratios must not be ignored: Principal
The Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) and Teaching Service Commission (TSC) have been urged not to ignore the alarming teacher-student ratios in urban areas, where overcrowding is putting pressure on educators and learners.
2026-08-06 20:30:00

VT84M Tanna evacuation centres completed
Tanna, home to Yasur volcano, now has four completed evacuation centres to strengthen disaster preparedness, as Ambae continues to await similar facilities amid the activity of Lombenben volcano.
2026-08-06 20:30:00

91-year-old grandfather jailed for indecent acts against grandchildren
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.
2026-08-06 20:30:00

Vanuatu engineers begin specialised training to strengthen infrastructure maintenance
More than 40 government engineers and technical officers will today begin a two-week intensive training programme aimed at improving the operation and maintenance of Vanuatu's public infrastructure, following the official opening ceremony held yesterday at the Ministry of Infrastructure and...
2026-08-06 20:30:00

Galaxy departs for OFC Champions League in Fiji
Galaxy FC has departed Port Vila yesterday for Fiji to compete in the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Champions Legue after returning from a series of international friendly matches in Solomon Islands.
2026-08-06 20:00:00

More boys than girls drop out of school
More boys than girls are dropping out of secondary schools in Vanuatu, with TORBA Province recording the highest dropout rate.
2026-08-05 21:00:00

Ombudsman investigates alleged leak of Shipping Registry Working Paper
It is alleged that a Working Paper from the Office of the Ombudsman relating to its investigation into the tender process for the Vanuatu International Shipping Registry (VISR) is now in the public domain.
2026-08-05 21:00:00

Government to turn schools, hospitals into major markets for local farmers
The Government plans to make schools, hospitals, correctional facilities and other public institutions major buyers of locally produced food as part of a new strategy to strengthen Vanuatu's agriculture sector and provide farmers with guaranteed markets.
2026-08-05 20:45:00

Push for farmer-hotel contracts to secure local food supply
The Government is looking to establish stronger links between farmers, hotels and industries through formal supply agreements, with Agriculture Minister Ian Wilson saying farmers must know there is a market before investing in production.
2026-08-05 20:45:00

Two years on, Santo still waiting for certainty on aviation: ESTA
More than two years after Air Vanuatu's liquidation triggered a crisis in the country's domestic aviation network, the Espiritu Santo Tourism Association (ESTA) says recovery efforts have yet to translate into reliable connectivity for Santo, despite a growing perception that...
2026-08-05 20:30:00

Father's lessons become lifelong skill protecting riverbanks and coastlines
What began as childhood memories of helping his father build stone walls has become a valuable skill for Alick Tari, who is now helping protect riverbanks, coastal properties, and tourist bungalows in Sola from erosion and rising sea levels while...
2026-08-05 20:30:00

Correctional staff trained to become trainers
More than 10 staff members from the Vanuatu Correctional Services Department are undergoing a Training of Trainers (TOT) programme this week in Port Vila.
2026-08-05 20:30:00

Local timber policy aims to boost Vanuatu forestry sector
The Government is preparing a new policy aimed at increasing the use of locally produced timber in public institutions, as part of efforts to create more market opportunities for Vanuatu's forestry sector.
2026-08-05 20:30:00

3-day UN Convention against Corruption review mission
Vanuatu’s systems for preventing corruption and recovering assets linked to corruption have been examined under a United Nations (UN) review assessing the country’s implementation of international anti-corruption standards.
2026-08-05 20:15:00

FIFA assess grassroots football in Vanuatu
A two-day Grassroots and Amateur Football Environment Analysis Workshop is underway at the Ramada Resort in Port Vila as part of FIFA’s global analysis involving 85 member associations.
2026-08-05 20:00:00

Ni-Vanuatu to access PNG's new Cancer Centre at subsidised rates: PNG PM
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.
2026-08-04 21:00:00

Establish a National Education Commission: VTU
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.
2026-08-04 21:00:00

Dr Kasso calls for more eye specialists as Vanuatu faces growing demand for eye care
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.
2026-08-04 20:45:00

Twin Otter back to Aniwa this Sunday
The Government confirmed that Aniwa Airport will reopen to flights on Sunday, August 9, 2026, with the Twin Otter aircraft set to resume operations.
2026-08-04 20:30:00

Pacific women leaders connect through shared fight against violence
Women leaders from New Caledonia and French Polynesia have visited Vanuatu to exchange experiences with the Vanuatu National Council of Women (VNCW) and learn about the roles of both VNCW and the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs in supporting communities...
2026-08-04 20:30:00

Tanna Coffee to showcase Vanuatu at Australia’s largest food trade exhibition
Tanna Coffee will represent Vanuatu at Australia’s largest food trade exhibition later this month, joining 14 other exporters from across the Pacific in a regional showcase aimed at connecting premium island products with international buyers.
2026-08-04 20:30:00

Vanuatu's Permanent Representative to the IMO presents credentials
Vanuatu’s Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Nigel Morrison, formerly a senior lawyer in Port Vila, has had his credentials accepted by the Secretary General (SG) of the IMO in London, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez of Panama.
2026-08-04 20:30:00

‘A nation that cannot feed itself is not fully independent’ — Agriculture Minister
Minister responsible for the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry and Biosecurity (MALFB), Ian Wilson, has challenged Vanuatu to increase local food production, saying the country cannot achieve full independence if it continues to rely heavily on imported food.
2026-08-04 20:30:00

Education a shared responsibility: PM
Education is not only the responsibility of the government, but a partnership that involves everyone, said the Prime Minister (PM) Jotham Napat.
2026-08-04 20:30:00

AELAN makes history for Vanuatu with two Great Taste Awards
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.
2026-08-04 20:30:00