Vanuatu today lost its seventh Prime Minister, former Minister and former Prime Minister Ham Lini Vanuaroroa, who passed away at the Vanuatu National Hospital in Port Vila.

According to information from the Parliament today, a state funeral is expected to be held on Wednesday.

The late Vanuaroroa had previously served as a councillor and President of Penama Province.

He entered Parliament following the death of his brother, the late Father Walter Lini, in 1999 and served until 2020.

During his time in Parliament, he held several positions and served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2008, while also leading the National United Party (NUP).