Criticism will not grow Vanuatu basketball: FIBA Oceania CEO

Oct 20, 2025 | Sports | 0

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FIBA Oceania, Amanda Jenkins, said criticism will not grow Vanuatu basketball, and real progress requires national support.

“Real progress requires national support-from better facilities and school programs to sustainable funding and partnerships. Criticism alone will not help Vanuatu grow stronger; investment, encouragement, and collaboration will,” she said.

She made this statement in response to negative reactions following the men’s and women’s teams’ losses at the Melanesian Cup underway in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

This is the first time that Vanuatu has competed in the Melanesian Cup-an achievement for a young basketball nation.

“Many of the teams in this tournament have been competing since 2017. They have stronger infrastructures, regular competition cycles, and established programs. For Vanuatu, this was a first-stepping onto the regional stage with limited resources and facilities. That takes tremendous heart,” said the CEO.

“Basketball is not only about winning or losing one tournament,” Jenkins added. “It’s about growth. It’s about giving young people opportunities, developing coaches, improving infrastructure, and building programs in every province — not just Port Vila.

“Let us celebrate these young athletes who carried their flag with pride. Their courage deserves applause, and their journey deserves support. The future of basketball in Vanuatu starts here.”

The FIBA CEO congratulated the national teams for their debut participation at the regional event.

“While results on the scoreboard may not reflect victory, what was obvious is that for each consecutive game, the team improved their games. This is the experience they gained by stepping into this tournament. This represents progress, courage, and commitment to the game’s future in Vanuatu,” according to a statement from her.

Meanwhile, the Vanuatu national men’s team head coach Sam Lewis has also expressed disappointment at the social media critics.

“Some of the comments from keyboard warriors are shocking. These are young men representing their country with pride and playing against seasoned pros. They deserve support, not criticism.”

“This is just the beginning. We have a long-term plan, five to ten years to rebuild and grow basketball in Vanuatu. We’ve got some amazing young talent and a very bright future. But to compete internationally, we need proper facilities, training, and community support.”

Despite limited resources and preparation, Vanuatu’s team has gained the respect of officials, including FIBA, for their conduct and spirit.

“The boys are excited, and we’re incredibly proud of what they’ve accomplished. Now, we just need the Vanuatu public and media to stand behind them.”

Lewis said what the public should understand is that the Vanuatu team is young and are competing against seasoned national squads with professional players. The team’s youngest player is 22 years old, and there are no professional players.

“We’re competing against national men’s teams with high-performance centres, world-class facilities, and players who’ve trained together for years,” said the coach.

“We had just three to four months of preparation, and some of our key players only joined in the final two weeks. Yet, the boys have been fantastic.”

In a recent match against reigning champions New Caledonia, Vanuatu lost by 31 points; a result Coach Lewis described as a “massive win” given the circumstances.

“To be within 31 points of a team that’s been dominating for years is unbelievable,” he added.

Despite facing tough opponents and difficult conditions; including training on a rain-damaged court with potholes, the team has shown rapid growth and resilience.

“These last three games have been the best training sessions of our lives,” Lewis said.

Regarding some negative public reaction accusing the team of wasting government funds, Lewis said: “We’ve received zero government funding. Everything has been raised through personal connections, the coaches, and the players themselves. The biggest contributor has been a program with the Australian Federal Police.”

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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A prison sentence is not a child protection plan The Ministry argues that reports of criminal convictions reveal much less about what happens to the children themselves after abuse is discovered. “The cases reported in the newspapers tell us something about how Vanuatu’s criminal justice system responds to child sexual abuse. But they tell us much less about what happens to the children themselves,” MOJYCS says. Referring to the five-year-old girl whose father was sentenced for sexually assaulting her, the Ministry says the court’s decision explains the consequences for the perpetrator but does not establish what protection was put in place when the abuse came to light, whether other children were at risk or what support was available to help her recover. These questions, the Ministry says, are just as important as the criminal prosecution. The MOJYCS describes a situation in which a girl tells her teacher that someone at home has been sexually abusing her. She is frightened to return home, her mother may be financially dependent on the perpetrator, and younger children in the household may also be at risk. “The police can investigate the crime. But who assesses whether she is safe to go home that afternoon? Who helps her family find a safe way forward? Who ensures she receives medical care, counselling and ongoing support? And who follows up to make sure she remains safe?” the Ministry asks. “These questions cannot wait months or years for a criminal trial to conclude.” Vanuatu already has laws criminalising rape, incest and other sexual offences. Police, prosecutors and courts play an essential role in investigating crimes and holding perpetrators accountable. However, the MOJYCS says criminal investigations and child protection responses serve different purposes. “A criminal investigation asks whether an offence was committed and who is responsible. A child protection response must ask a different, equally urgent question: is this child safe, and what needs to happen now to protect them?” the Ministry says. “Protecting a child must begin when abuse comes to light, not when a perpetrator is convicted.” The Ministry says this is why the proposed Child Protection Bill matters. The Bill seeks to establish a stronger legal framework for protecting children at risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation. It would establish clearer reporting responsibilities, strengthen the authority of child protection officers to assess and respond to abuse, and provide mechanisms for emergency protection, court orders and safe alternative care. The MOJYCS says these measures would establish clear responsibilities and provide the legal authority needed to intervene when a child is in danger. “A child who discloses sexual abuse needs more than a police investigation. That child needs to be safe tonight, tomorrow and in the months and years that follow,” the Ministry says. Parliament has an opportunity to act The MOJYCS recognises that families, chiefs, churches and communities all have important roles in protecting children. However, it says informal arrangements and goodwill are not always enough when abuse occurs within a family or community. Children need a system with clear legal responsibilities, trained professionals and the authority to intervene when their safety is at risk, the Ministry says. It also cautions that legislation alone will not end child sexual abuse. A strong Child Protection Bill must be backed by trained child protection officers, accessible services, effective referral pathways and sustained investment, including in rural and remote communities. Without these investments, the MOJYCS warns, the promise of stronger legal protection risks remaining just that — a promise. For children experiencing abuse, the Ministry says, the issues are not abstract questions about legislation or government responsibilities. They concern immediate safety, dignity, care and recovery. The MOJYCS says a child’s access to protection should not depend on where they live, whom they know or whether someone happens to be available to help when they disclose abuse. “To the MPs who will consider the Child Protection Bill this month: the children behind these headlines deserve more than our concern. They deserve action,” the Ministry says. “Vanuatu cannot undo the abuse these children have suffered. But it can decide what happens when the next child comes forward. “Pass a strong Child Protection Bill. Commit the resources needed to make it work. And ensure that when a read more…

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