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Vanuatu Enters Dry Season with El Niño Warning

Tiffany Baldwin
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Vanuatu Enters Dry Season with El Niño Warning

Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department (VMGD) said Vanuatu has officially entered its dry season, with authorities warning communities to prepare for colder temperatures and reduced rainfall in the coming months.

The dry season has already begun across the islands and is expected to continue through to October.

The Principal Scientific Research Officer, John Ruben, said May is considered a transition month, with weather conditions expected to become noticeably drier during July and August.

“Usually the driest months are July, August and September, with August recording the lowest rainfall,” said Ruben.

Climate models also indicated the possible development of an El Niño to develop soon.

Although Vanuatu is currently in a neutral climate phase, meteorological agencies say the event could established between May and July.

“El Niño usually peak around November, December and January, when the effects becoming stronger across the Pacific during these months.”

Authorities say the developing conditions could increase pressure on water supplies, agriculture and health if rainfall drops below normal levels, cooler temperatures rises with much windy conditions.

Communities depending on rainwater harvesting are now being encouraged to check and manage water storage systems early in preparation for the months ahead.

Climate officials say monitoring of the dry season and potential El Niño conditions will continue over the coming months.

Australia Shifts Focus to Fiji after Vanuatu Talks Stall

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Australia Shifts Focus to Fiji after Vanuatu Talks Stall

Australia has shifted its focus to Fiji for a new security agreement after negotiations with Vanuatu were put on hold.

The proposed deal with Vanuatu, reportedly worth $500 million, was shelved after concerns were raised that it could limit the country’s ability to seek funding from other international partners.

Vanuatu is also continuing discussions with China and has already received funding support for infrastructure development.

Following the setback, Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong travelled to Suva for talks with Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on a new agreement known as the Vuvale Pact.

The agreement is expected to focus on three main areas:

  • Security
  • Economic cooperation
  • People-to-people ties

Senator Wong said both Australia and Fiji would make decisions based on their own national interests, despite questions about possible reactions from China.

“We are a sovereign nation, as Fiji is, and we will make our decisions in our sovereign interests.”

Australia’s Pacific Minister Pat Conroy said the partnership would also help both countries tackle shared challenges such as transnational crime.

During the visit, Australia also announced a $30 million support package to assist Fiji in addressing its ongoing fuel crisis.

Source: AAP
AAP Newsroom – Home

Pacific Leaders Call for Stronger Media Independence at Press Freedom Talks

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Pacific Leaders Call for Stronger Media Independence at Press Freedom Talks

World Press Freedom Day discussions highlighted the urgent need for independent and responsible media to strengthen democratic resilience across the Pacific during an event held at the Laucala Campus in Fiji.

The University of the South Pacific School of Journalism, in collaboration with Fiji National University, hosted a high-level panel under the theme “Shaping the Future at Peace,” exploring whether media can act as both a peacemaker and a watchdog in a divided society.

Speakers emphasised that press freedom is essential for democracy, transparency, and accountability, with Fiji’s Assistant Minister Shalen Kumar stating that recent steps have been taken to remove restrictive media laws and create a more open environment.

UN Human Rights Office Pacific Representative Heike Alefsen stressed that media regulation must be based on human rights law and remain free from political influence.

Panelists also highlighted the challenges faced by journalists in small Pacific societies, the importance of holding power to account, and the need for media to balance responsibility with freedom. Vanuatu’s experienced media professional Dorinda Mabon was also part of the discussion.

The discussion concluded with a call for stronger collaboration among Pacific media organisations to promote ethical and independent journalism.

VPF rolls out 60-day crackdown to restore law and order

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VPF rolls out 60-day crackdown to restore law and order

The Vanuatu Police Force has announced a nationwide operation to address growing concerns over crime, youth disorder, and alcohol-related violence.

From a press release it states that the move follows a rise in incidents across communities, including youths loitering at night, public disturbances, and serious criminal activity.

Police Commissioner Kalshem Bongran said the force remains fully committed to protecting the public and restoring safety.

An urgent executive meeting was held earlier this week, leading to the immediate rollout of intensified operations, including the reactivation of Zero Tolerance Operations and Operation Spotlight for the next 60 days.

Stronger policing measures

During this period, police will:

  • Increase foot and mobile patrols in hotspot areas
  • Set up checkpoints across urban centres including Port Vila
  • Monitor youths found loitering late at night
  • Target alcohol-related violence and disorderly behaviour

Police will also strengthen intelligence-led operations to identify repeat offenders and groups contributing to public disorder.

Alcohol control crackdown

In partnership with the Port Vila Municipal Council, police will carry out strict compliance checks on alcohol outlets.

Measures include:

  • Monitoring operating hours and licence conditions
  • Taking action against illegal sales, especially to minors
  • Conducting random and undercover inspections

Authorities warn that selling alcohol to underage individuals is a serious offence and will lead to prosecution.

Focus on youth intervention

Alongside enforcement, police will introduce a Youth Rehabilitation Program targeting at-risk youths in selected areas of Port Vila.

The program will focus on:

  • Mentorship and counselling
  • Life skills and discipline
  • Pathways to training and employment

Police say this approach aims to address the root causes of youth involvement in crime.

School cadet program

A new School Cadet Program is also being planned at Onesua Presbyterian College for students in Years 9 to 11.

The initiative will promote discipline, leadership, and teamwork, with plans to expand nationwide if successful.

Call for community support

Police are calling on parents, community leaders, and businesses to work together to improve safety.

The public is also urged to cooperate with officers and report suspicious activities.

Authorities say increased police presence will be visible across communities as efforts continue to restore peace and public confidence.

New Rights Announced for Vanuatu Cricket Uniform

Keith Hinge
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New Rights Announced for Vanuatu Cricket Uniform


New rights will be used on the national team uniform of the Vanuatu Men’s and Women’s Senior Cricket following a partnership launch in Port Vila .

The announcement was made during the launch of a new partnership between Alpha Insurance and the Vanuatu Cricket Association.

The short meeting is seen as an important step for the future of cricket in Vanuatu, with Alpha Insurance coming in to support the sport.

Group CEO of Alpha Insurance, Michael Sherwood, said the sponsorship aims to build national pride.

“Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this landmark partnership with VCA in delivering community support and providing opportunities for sports men and women.”

CEO of Vanuatu Cricket Association, Tim Culter, said he is very happy with the support.

“It is a big year. We just had our U-19 PNG team returning, and also ICC women returning from Rwanda. On Tuesday afternoon, our men’s team will head to Japan for a World Cup qualifier.”

The association is also looking forward to hosting international competitions this year, including a U-19 World Cup qualifier.

The Vanuatu Cricket Association also thanked its sponsors, including Holiday Inn Vanuatu, Digicel, and Integents, along with others supporting cricket in Vanuatu.

Ongoing Road Issues in Vanuatu are being Driven by More than just Climate Change

Tiffany Baldwin
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Ongoing Road Issues in Vanuatu are being Driven by More than just Climate Change

Climate change alone is not the cause of the ongoing issues with road conditions in Vanuatu.

A reliable source claims that the systems put in place by authorities are not strong enough to maintain road quality standards across the country.

Vanuatu has two main seasons each year: the wet season from November to April, and the dry season from May to September.

Under the VanKIRAP climate project within the Ministry of Climate Change, these conditions are well known and are already factored into road design standards and construction timelines that the infrastructure sector is expected to follow.

A source involved in the public works sector says the real problems are poor drainage systems, weak supervision, and a lack of consistent maintenance — all key drivers of deteriorating road conditions.

The source explains that when drainage is blocked or not cleared after heavy rain, water builds up on the roads. This seeps into the pavement base, damages the road, and leads to potholes and overall road deterioration.

The source adds that in many cases, potholes are not properly patched, which becomes a safety concern.

There are also concerns about the lack of regular maintenance in other provinces, with many roads continuing to worsen.

The source further states that subdivision developers, where the government is investing, are also being questioned about whether they meet proper road condition standards.

Despite using existing road design models from Australia and New Zealand, there are still issues with effective supervision and quality assurance.

A road contractor with six years of experience in concrete pavement in the country, Kenery Owe, owner of Otal Excavation, says concrete pavement is more effective in reducing repeated road maintenance.

“The solution for our roads is probably concrete pavement only; it is one of the best ways for us to build our roads so they can last a long time, especially given our weather conditions, which include a lot of rain.”

All these points show that climate change is not the main cause of road failure in Vanuatu — it only exposes weaknesses in supervision, drainage, and maintenance systems.

Experts say that if authorities fix these areas, roads will be better able to withstand the country’s harsh weather conditions.

Fuel Access Reaches Northwest Malekula Communities

Robsen Ruru
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Fuel Access Reaches Northwest Malekula Communities

“People in northwest Malekula should be proud to have a leader bringing services closer to the community.”

A new fuel station has been established in northwest Malekula, marking a key step in improving access to essential services for rural communities.

The project, launched recently, aligns with the government’s National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) 2030, which aims to ensure all citizens have access to basic services, including fuel.

The initiative is a collaboration between Member of Parliament and Third Deputy Speaker, Paul Paolo, and Pacific Energy Vanuatu.

Minister of Internal Affairs, Andrew Napuat, said the development reflects the government’s decentralisation policy.

“Communities in the northwest should be proud. This shows leadership that recognises government policy and works with partners to deliver services closer to people. Development is not only the role of government — everyone must contribute to grow the economy.”

President of Malampa Province, Jeppy Talo, highlighted the importance of the fuel station for local livelihoods.

“This fuel station will help many people — farmers, fishermen, transport operators, small businesses and families.”

Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Energy Vanuatu, Randall Valette, confirmed the station is part of a wider rollout across the country.

“This is our 22nd service station in Vanuatu and the fifth in Malekula.”

Authorities say the new facility will improve connectivity, support economic activity, and make fuel more accessible for surrounding communities.

Residents are being encouraged to take care of the infrastructure to ensure it continues to provide reliable service in the long term.

Labour survey reveals youth job crisis in Vanuatu

Essen Jack
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Labour survey reveals youth job crisis in Vanuatu

“Close to half of young people aged 15 to 24 are not in employment, education or training.”

That is one of the key findings from Vanuatu’s first-ever Labour Force Survey 2025, released by the Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics.

The survey paints a concerning picture of the country’s job market, highlighting major challenges facing employment, especially among young people.

According to the report, the unemployment rate stands at 4.5 percent. However, labour underutilisation is significantly higher at 24.6 percent — meaning many people are either working fewer hours than they want, in unstable jobs, or unable to find work.

Director General of Internal Affairs, Leith Veremaito, said the biggest concern is youth unemployment.

“Close to half of the young people aged 15 to 24 — around 44% — are not in employment, education or training. This is a striking figure, not because they are lazy, but because pathways are not available.”

The survey also found that 58.5 percent of those employed are working in the informal sector, including small-scale businesses, farming, and casual jobs with little or no job security.

In rural areas, many families continue to rely on subsistence farming to survive.

The report highlights a gender gap as well, with women participating less in the workforce compared to men.

Officials say this is the first time Vanuatu has had a comprehensive dataset showing how people work, where they work, how many hours they work, and how much income they earn.

Chief Statistician Andy Calo said the survey will help guide future policies.

“The Labour Force Survey helps us understand the labour market — both supply and demand — and will support better planning for employment and economic development.”

New Zealand High Commissioner Peter Kemp described the survey as an important tool for the country’s future.

“This survey is not just about statistics — it is about understanding people’s lives and using that knowledge to build a stronger future.”

Authorities say the findings are a wake-up call for policymakers to address key issues including job creation, youth employment, women’s participation, and challenges in the informal sector.

Vanuatu Close to Ending Malaria, While Some Provinces Still at Risk

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Vanuatu Close to Ending Malaria, While Some Provinces Still at Risk

Vanuatu is getting closer to eliminating malaria, however health officials say the fight is not over yet.

After World Malaria Day on April 25, the Ministry of Health (MOH) repeated its message under the theme “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.”

The country has made strong progress, while some provinces are still facing cases.

One major success is that no one has died from malaria in Vanuatu since 2012. This has continued for more than 10 years, even though there are still cases in some areas. Health workers say this shows that early testing and treatment are working well.

Different Situation Across Provinces

Some provinces are doing very well, while others still have challenges.

  • Tafea Province has had zero local malaria cases since 2014 and has been malaria-free since 2017.
  • From 2021 to 2025, 24 islands in Malampa, Shefa, and Torba also reported no local malaria cases.

But malaria is still present in other places:

  • Sanma Province has the highest number of cases, making up about 70% of the 2,059 cases in 2025.
  • Torba and Malampa Provinces still have some outbreaks, even though some islands are malaria-free.
  • Shefa Province has fewer cases.
  • Penama Province has low numbers, but malaria has not been fully stopped.

Progress Over the Years

The Ministry of Health says this progress comes from strong teamwork between government, communities, and partners.

Some key actions include:

  • Giving out mosquito nets to families
  • Using rapid tests to check people quickly
  • Providing proper treatment in health centres
  • Improving systems to track and respond to cases
  • Teaching communities how to prevent malaria

In 2025, more than 76,000 mosquito nets were given out, especially to pregnant women and young children.

Challenges Still There

Malaria is harder to control in rural and remote islands. Some of the main challenges are:

  • Difficult travel and access to health services
  • Weather and environment that help mosquitoes grow
  • Movement of people between islands
  • Need for more funding and trained health workers

Cases also increased after COVID-19, showing that efforts must continue.

Next Steps

The Ministry says Vanuatu is now at an important point. Malaria can be eliminated, but action must continue.

Plans include:

  • More mosquito nets in high-risk areas
  • Health outreach to remote communities
  • Better tracking of cases
  • Training for health workers

Everyone Has a Role

The Ministry reminds people that everyone can help by:

  • Sleeping under mosquito nets every night
  • Cleaning areas with standing water
  • Going to the clinic early if they have fever
  • Taking full treatment if diagnosed

Vanuatu has already shown that malaria deaths can be stopped. Now, the goal is to stop malaria completely across the whole country.

Fuel Sales On Hold in Vanualava After SSP Dispute

Mika Albie
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Fuel Sales On Hold in Vanualava After SSP Dispute

Fuel sales at Vanualava Petroleum Cooperative in Sola have stopped after the society broke a contract with South Sea Petroleum (SSP).

There are now many questions about whether the Vanualava Petroleum Cooperative Marketing and Consumer Society will operate again after it stopped earlier this year.

In an interview, chairman John Sovan said the society had no reason to stop fuel sales, but it was the SSP team in Santo that stopped the fuel.

“Society has nothing outstanding. The only issue is they claim we increased VT250, but when they came to check, the price in the fuel station is the same as in Santo.”

He said all their outstanding issues are already cleared.

But SSP Santo Terminal Manager Heinricko Seosse said the cooperative is now on hold because it broke the contract between the two parties.

“The contract we have with them is to sell fuel at the same price as in Luganville and Port Vila. That’s why we stopped them and put them on hold until management makes another decision.”

Sovan said they are not happy with the decision because SSP did not give them a 15-day notice or a formal letter, as required in the contract, before stopping the fuel. He said they have now asked the Cooperative Department in Port Vila to help with the issue.

Seosse also questioned why fuel prices in Vanualava are higher than in Santo and Port Vila, even though SSP pays all the freight costs.

“We see that the cost does not need to be high.”

The stop in fuel supply is causing big challenges for fishermen, sea transport, government departments and NGOs in Torba, as they depend on fuel to travel between islands.

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