Vanuatu will host the 2027 Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Prime Ministers Cup, following an announcement at the 6th MSG Sports Ministers Meeting in Suva, Fiji, yesterday.

From a press release it states that Vanuatu’s Minister responsible for Sports, Job Sam Andy, represented the country at the meeting, which was chaired by Fiji’s Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, and attended by ministers and officials from MSG member countries.

Vanuatu also proposed adding men’s and women’s boxing to the 2027 competition. The proposal received support from technical officials.

The meeting also endorsed the Melanesian Games Charter, which will provide a framework for the inaugural Melanesian Games planned for 2029.

The Charter was developed by a technical taskforce of chief executive officers, reviewed and endorsed by directors, and then approved by sports ministers.

The inaugural Games are expected to feature six sports, with additional disciplines to be introduced gradually. The 2028 MSG Prime Ministers Cup, to be hosted by Solomon Islands, will help build capacity and prepare for the 2029 Games.

Ministers also approved a proposal for an annual, separate contribution to fund the future Melanesian Games through the MSG Secretariat. The contribution will be separate from existing membership dues, as the Secretariat currently has no dedicated budget for the Games.

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