The increasing sale of customary land for financial gain could threaten the identity and future of Ni-Vanuatu, according to Senior Statesman, Pastor Sethy Regenvanu, one of Vanuatu’s Founding Fathers of Independence

Speaking to Vanuatu Focus Program on Radio Vanuatu with Marie -Noelle Kaltack, Mr Regenvanu said land remains one of the greatest achievements secured through Vanuatu’s independence and warned that allowing it to pass into foreign ownership could undermine the nation’s future.

“People are now motivated by different values—the value of money, the desire to get rich quickly and other personal interests. It hurts me to see land being sold, especially on Efate and around Port Vila, where foreigners are acquiring land while Ni-Vanuatu are pushed into the background. This is our land and this is our country. We should never become second in our own nation. Today we still have our place in government and politics, but if we are not careful and this attitude continues, one day we could even lose that.”

Mr Regenvanu said the generation that fought for independence was driven by a commitment to reclaim the country’s rights rather than personal wealth.

“When we were fighting for independence, money was never our motivation. What drove us was our country because, at that time, we had no rights and no nation of our own. Independence gave those rights back to us. I am still alive to see what is happening today, and I worry that if we lose these values within my lifetime, no one knows what Vanuatu will become over the next 50 years.”

He also stressed that customary land should continue to provide food security for future generations rather than being viewed only as a financial asset.

“Our food comes from the land. We do not need to rely only on stores because the healthiest food comes from our own soil. Today I see things changing, and while I accept that younger leaders will take over, I regret the direction we are heading. I do not support it.”

Mr Regenvanu said protecting customary land means protecting the identity, culture and future of the Ni-Vanuatu people, urging citizens to remember the values that inspired the country’s struggle for independence.