His Excellency, President Nikenike Vurobaravu, has signed an official order on May 2 authorizing the commutation of sentences for 70 detainees.
According to the Acting Director of the Vanuatu Correctional Services, Mr. Albert Nalpini, the individuals were released from the facilities opposite Tropical Market, Stade Correctional Centres, and the Santo Low-Risk Unit.
Mr. Nalpini explained that the President made the decision under Article 38 of the Constitution, which gives the Head of State the power to commute sentences.
He emphasized that although the detainees have been released from physical custody, they are not free. They will now serve their remaining sentences under community-based supervision for the next two years. This includes mandatory supervised community work under strict conditions. Any violation of these terms will result in their immediate return to custody to serve the remainder of their original sentences.
“Commutation means reducing the length of a sentence but does not erase it entirely,” Mr. Nalpini clarified. “These individuals are still under legal restrictions.”
The President’s decision was based on a recommendation from the Correctional Services, following an engineering report from the Public Works Department after last year’s earthquake.
According to Mr. Nalpini, the report found that both detention facilities in Port Vila are no longer structurally safe and must be demolished.
The commutation strategy aims to ensure a safe and orderly transition out of the two outdated prison buildings. The Correctional Services Department plans to transfer some detainees to Santo and to a newly renovated centre in the Collardeau area, as well as a new facility currently under construction at Stade.
