A driver has been charged following a fatal traffic accident on Stade Road early Saturday morning that claimed a life.

The crash occurred at approximately 1:00am, with police receiving the report at 3:00am before immediately responding to the scene.

Police said the victim was traveling on the back of the vehicle and allegedly fell off, sustaining serious, fatal injuries.

Police have charged the suspect with driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving causing death, and intentional harm. The accused has been remanded in custody while the case remains under police investigation.

Vanuatu will host its first National Summit on Border Security and Preparedness for Emerging Drug and HIV Threats next month in Port Vila.

It will bring together border security agencies, law enforcement authorities, health officials, chiefs, church leaders, youth representatives, civil society groups and regional experts to address rising concerns over drug trafficking, transnational crime and public health threats including HIV.

The summit, organised by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, will be held on 7 and 8 July under the theme “Protecting Vanuatu’s Borders, Communities and Future: A National Response to Emerging Drugs, Transnational Crime and HIV Threats”

Director General of Internal Affairs Leith Veremaito said the summit comes at a critical time as Pacific countries continue to face increasing pressure from drug trafficking and related criminal activities.

“Given what we are seeing in the region, especially in relation to drugs, the Pacific has become a transit area. Because of our proximity with countries like Fiji, it is important that Vanuatu increases its focus on how we deal with these issues,” Veremaito said.

He said the summit will be the first of its kind in Vanuatu and will provide a platform for agencies to reassess current systems and strengthen cooperation.

Day one of the summit will focus on border security, information sharing and national coordination to prevent crime and drug trafficking.

Day two will focus on community awareness, prevention strategies and public health preparedness.

Veremaito said a collective approach is needed, including reviewing legislation and strengthening national systems to respond to emerging threats.

“We need to look at whether our legislation is strong enough and whether we are properly prepared to deal with these issues. It is important that agencies come together to strengthen what is already in place,” he said.

The Government says the summit will help improve coordination between agencies and communities, and support future policy development to better protect Vanuatu’s borders and people.

Italy has reaffirmed its support for Pacific climate action and says it is preparing to contribute to Pre-COP 31 discussions in Fiji later this year.

The commitment was made by Italy’s Ambassador-Designate to Vanuatu, Nicola Lener, during the presentation of his credentials to President Nikenike Vurobaravu at State House.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Lener said Italy looks forward to participating in the Pre-COP meeting in Fiji in October, where regional and international leaders will discuss key climate issues.

“We are preparing to provide a substantive contribution in the Pre-COP to be held in Fiji in October, where crucial topics such as keeping the temperature goal of 1.5 degrees within reach, access to climate finance and elevating ocean-based climate action will be discussed.”

Lener said Italy also looks forward to strengthening cooperation with Vanuatu and other Pacific nations through upcoming regional meetings.

During the ceremony, the Ambassador thanked Vanuatu for supporting Italy’s successful bid for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2026–2028 term.

President Vurobaravu welcomed Italy’s continued partnership and acknowledged its support during times when Vanuatu has faced climate-related disasters and natural calamities.

“We are especially grateful for the solidarity and assistance extended by Italy during times when Vanuatu has faced the devastating impacts of climate-related disasters and other natural calamities.”

He said Vanuatu remains committed to working with international partners to advocate for stronger global action on climate change and build resilience for future generations.

President Vurobaravu added that he is confident Ambassador Lener’s appointment will further strengthen cooperation and friendship between Vanuatu and Italy.

The owner of a sailing yacht that was washed ashore near Tamanu on South Efate during rough sea conditions last weekend has been confirmed safe.

The Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority (VMSA) said the vessel, named Apu Ora, encountered strong seas while travelling from New Zealand to Port Resolution on Tanna.

According to VMSA, the yacht’s owner attempted to divert to Port Vila after marine warnings were issued, but rough conditions pushed the vessel ashore.

Video shared on social media and obtained by VBTC News showed the yacht lying on its side on the beach near Tamanu.

VMSA officials and other law enforcement agencies later inspected the vessel.

The authority said all equipment on board remained operational, although minor damage was reported to the yacht’s rudder.

Officials are continuing to monitor sea conditions and say efforts to return the vessel to the water will depend on calmer weather.

The yacht, Apu Ora, is registered in Poland.

Police officers are in North West Efate this week raising crime awareness through the Farea Program, aimed at bringing police services closer to communities.

Speaking during an awareness session in Tanoliu Village, Officer in Charge of Community Policing Inspector Rayndol Ala identified theft, assault and domestic violence as the three main crimes affecting communities in the area, adding that marijuana and alcohol are among the contributing factors behind these offences.

The program allows residents to engage directly with police officers and access services closer to home.