The Teaching Service Commission (TSC) now stands as the sole appellant challenging the Supreme Court’s decision that declared the teachers’ strike legal. The Government, initially the second appellant, has discontinued itself as a party.

Vanuatu Teachers Union (VTU), Legal Council,  Andrew Bal confirmed to VBTC News that he received the notice of discontinuance from the Government on June 27.

The appeal will now move forward between TSC and VTU, with a hearing date set for August 6.

On the same day the Government withdrew, it also responded to a customary invitation from Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs to attend a reconciliation meeting at the chiefs’ nakamal, seeking a peaceful resolution to the dispute affecting students nationwide.

Education Minister Simil Johnson, speaking at the nakamal, acknowledged the value of resolving matters through custom rather than court.

“If we are arguing, fight, go to court, we cannot find peace inside the community. Peace comes when performing in kastom, not in court. So I want to assure the people of this country that the Government has made a commitment to settle legal claims of the teachers, and is already doing it,” Minister Johnson said.

While the VTU participated in the custom talks earlier, TSC did not attend, citing the ongoing legal process and its independent legislative role, despite being a government body.