The President of the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs, Chief Paul Robert Ravun, has raised concerns over the use of the name “Nakamal” in the agreement signed today between Vanuatu and Australia in Canberra.

Chief Ravun says the term “nakamal” carries deep cultural and traditional significance in Vanuatu and should not have been used without proper and wider consultation with chiefs across the country.

He says the decision to use the name should have involved not only government leaders, but also the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs and other key stakeholders.

“It must be consulted at the highest level, including members of the government executive, the Leader of the Opposition, chiefs, church leaders, women leaders, youth and children.”

This marks the second time for the Malvatumauri president to raise this concern. This concern was first raised after the initial signing of the agreement in Tanna last year.

Chief Ravun stressed that custom systems in Vanuatu are inclusive and national symbols or culturally significant terms should reflect collective agreement.

While the Nakamal Agreement was officially signed today in Canberra by the Prime Ministers of Vanuatu and Australia, he says the use of the word “nakamal” was not properly discussed with chiefs.

His comments come as the government continues to highlight the agreement as a major milestone in strengthening relations with Australia.

The government has not yet responded to the concerns raised by the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs.