Prime Minister Jotham Napat has clarified that his directive to halt government travel was only in effect during the government’s 100-day plan — and that period has now ended

Speaking to VBTC News, Prime Minister Napat explained that his own overseas travel was postponed until after the 100-day plan had lapsed.

“When I stopped travel, it was during the 100-day plan. I didn’t travel either — I waited until it ended before making my first trip to Fiji,” he said.

He added that while government travel has resumed, it will continue to be monitored, and any signs of misuse by ministers will prompt a review.

“If ministers start to abuse travel privileges, then we must draw the line and revisit the policy — whether we allow it or not,” the Prime Minister said.

Mr. Napat defended the recent overseas trip by the Minister of Trade, who led a delegation of over 20 officials to Fiji. He said the trip had a strategic economic purpose tied to Vanuatu’s development goals.

“The government is exploring the idea of establishing an Economic Trade Zone. Fiji is one step ahead of us in this area. We’re trying to find the best model that suits Vanuatu, and that’s why it was important to send a larger team to look at the different solutions Fiji has implemented,” he said.