The Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs has apologized, saying a statement which called for the revocation of Dr Anna Naupa from the position of the Director General of the Melanesian Spear Head Group (MSG) is misleading.

Both the Government and Leader of Opposition, Ismael Kalsakau have condemned the report that the Malvatumauri opposes the appointment of Dr Anna Naupa as Director-General of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG).

The response follows a Daily Post article reporting that the Malvatumauri wanted Dr Naupa removed from the position before 30 July, arguing that the role should be held by a man in line with customary practices.

Since the article was published this morning, Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs President, Chief Paul Ravun has apologized to the government through the Ministry of Justice saying he was not consulted and the information is misleading. 

Chief Ravun says the information was not released by his office.

In a statement released this morning, the Office of the Prime Minister said the Government was deeply disappointed by the reported position of the Malvatumauri and strongly condemned what it described as an attack based on gender.

The Government said Dr Naupa’s appointment was not made by the Government of Vanuatu, but through a rigorous and independent selection process involving all MSG member countries.

It said Dr Naupa was selected on merit as the most qualified candidate and described any attempt to undermine that process on the basis of gender as “regressive, divisive and an embarrassment” to the values of leadership and unity.

The Prime Minister’s Office has called on the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs to issue an immediate and unconditional public apology to Dr Naupa, the women of Vanuatu and the people of the MSG region.

Opposition Leader Ishmael Kalsakau also criticised the reported position, calling on the Malvatumauri to withdraw its statement.

Mr Kalsakau said the comments send the wrong message to young women, suggesting they cannot achieve leadership positions at the highest levels in Vanuatu, the Pacific and internationally.

The Government reaffirmed its full support for Dr Naupa and wished her success as she prepares to lead the Melanesian Spearhead Group during what it described as a critical period for the region.