The Director of Education Services, Nanise Lapi, has made a public apology following a comment she posted on social media.

The comment was a response to a post by the Secretary General of the Vanuatu Teachers Union (VTU), who had praised Prime Minister Jotham Napat for his efforts in resolving the teachers’ strike involving VTU members.

Mrs. Nanise issued the apology after her comment drew a wave of public reaction, including calls from the VTU Secretary General for her to resign, saying her remarks were inappropriate for someone in her position.

Director Nanise said she was sorry if her words had hurt the feelings of VTU members.

Nanise Lapi, Director of Education Services:
“To the public and members of VTU — if my comment has hurt your feelings, I don’t want it to affect our work or negotiations. I stand by our ongoing talks under the CBA and remain committed to resolving the issue peacefully. I take full responsibility for my comment and want to rebuild the trust that may have been broken.”

She added that she looks forward to working together with VTU to address teachers’ concerns and create a better learning environment for students.

Nanise Lapi:
“I want to encourage both VTU and SVU. I was once a teacher myself, and I remain committed to resolving the teachers’ issues in a peaceful and meaningful way. We all want to end this strike and work for the future of our children, who are the future of this nation.”