Hold leaders accountable: TIV

Jun 30, 2025 | News | 0

“We must educate our leaders—our Members of Parliament, Councillors, Chiefs, and Community Leaders—about the meaning of the word corruption. They must be held accountable for their actions.”

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Transparency International Vanuatu (TIV), Dr Willie Tokon, made the remarks in support of the growing call from national leaders, including Prime Minister Jotham Napat, for action against corruption. This aligns with TIV’s ongoing advocacy.

“When there is corruption, there is no development, because funding allocated for the community ends up benefiting only one or two individuals,” the CEO said.

“Now, after almost 46 years of independence, people are speaking up. When our leaders speak out against corruption, it is important to listen. They must also be reminded that their actions must match their words.

“This is a promising sign. It shows that our leaders are beginning to respond to public awareness campaigns from civil society organisations, integrity institutions and government programmes focused on criminal behaviour, especially corruption.

“When people ask their leaders tough questions, it shows they feel empowered. It is their right to seek and receive clear answers.

“They must also know where to go to verify those answers—at the Right to Information (RTI) Office at the Prime Minister’s Office, the Police, the Ombudsman’s Office, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office. The Prime Minister’s Office must assist by appointing the RTI Commissioner to implement the RTI Act.

“One day, the country will also establish its own Vanuatu Independent Commission Against Corruption (VICAC).”

Dr Tokon said TIV welcomes the declaration from Prime Minister Napat that, “All persons holding public office must perform based on regular positive appraisals. If they do not perform, they must be removed—including me if I do not perform.”

As a reminder, the CEO said, “The Global Corruption Barometer shows that ten countries in the Pacific, including ours, face serious corruption challenges.

“This report comes from a 2022 survey based on people’s lived experiences—not speculation or rumour.

“When we hear of high-profile cases within the Vanuatu Police Force, and the newly appointed Commissioner of Police Mr Bongran confirms that pending cases will be reopened, we should welcome it. This is the kind of progress we have long hoped to see. Leaders must be accountable.

“Being a leader does not place anyone above the law. During a conversation with a former Public Prosecutor, TIV was told that individuals had approached him and advised him not to pursue certain cases or people.

“When senior public servants reveal these kinds of interactions, it shows that more work is needed to tackle and reduce corruption.”

Dr Tokon also pointed to recent reports in the local media about irregularities in police recruitment for UN peacekeeping training. The initial list of selected officers was later withdrawn and replaced.

“This is the kind of corrective step we want to see,” he said.

He also acknowledged the Ministry of Climate Change Adaptation for establishing a National Advisory Board (NAB) to review all Climate Change Project proposals across the country.

“As someone who has lived in Port Vila for decades, this is the first time I’ve heard of NAB. Since 1980, I didn’t know where the cyclone recovery funds were going. Only one or two islands seemed to benefit, while civil society groups in other areas continued to struggle.”

With Provincial Elections scheduled across all provinces on July 8, Dr Tokon confirmed that TIV plans to deploy election observers to all polling stations.

“We hope our observers will arrive in all six provinces one week before voting day to provide voter education in communities, monitor voting, and remain another week to explain why every vote matters. What qualities should voters look for in candidates?” he asked.

“But four or five years ago, people asked us, ‘Why should I vote? What will I get if I vote?’

“Sometimes, those elected—or their supporters—would turn people away based on whether they had voted for them or their party. That is wrong. Whoever is elected in a constituency or ward, regardless of political party, is responsible for serving everyone.”

Dr Tokon concluded: “Well done to our leaders who speak out against corruption. Keep going—and follow through on your words. Corruption prevents development.”

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Pikinini Playtime founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tony Batten has described Vanuatu’s education situation as a “national disaster”, warning that poor literacy outcomes among children could affect the country’s future development. Speaking during an interview on Kava Mo Kajap, Mr. Batten said reports that around 70 per cent of children are unable to read and write at the expected level should be treated as a serious national concern. “I think it is a national disaster, like a hurricane or an earthquake,” Mr. Batten said. He said Vanuatu’s greatest resource is not its land or natural resources, but its people, and education is the foundation needed to develop that human resource. “Human resources are the number one resource for Vanuatu,” he said. Mr. Batten said countries that have successfully moved from being less developed to more advanced economies have done so by investing heavily in education and building a skilled population. However, he said Vanuatu’s current education results remain a major concern despite the country spending a significant amount of its national budget on education. “Vanuatu gives a lot of money per capita into education, but the results are still among the lowest in the Pacific,” he said. The Pikinini Playtime founder said the challenge is not only about funding but about how the education system delivers results. He questioned why many students continue to leave school without basic reading and writing skills despite years spent in classrooms. Mr. Batten said the impact of poor education outcomes can also be seen in the country’s workforce, where businesses often recruit skilled workers from overseas to fill positions. “We bring people from the Philippines and other countries to do accounting, bookkeeping, management, building and supervisory work, but many ni-Vanuatu are not able to take those opportunities because they do not have the basic education,” he said. He said the literacy issue must be addressed early because children who fail to develop strong reading skills in their early years often struggle throughout their education journey. Mr. Batten also raised concerns about the value placed on education within the system. He said teacher absenteeism, weak accountability and a lack of support for educators contribute to children losing confidence in learning. “When children see that school is not important, they begin to believe they don’t need school,” he said. Mr. Batten acknowledged that many teachers are working under difficult conditions but said the system needs stronger support, training and leadership to improve outcomes. He believes improving education requires everyone involved — government, schools, teachers, principals and parents — to work together. “Children are smart. They have the ability. But they need the right support and the right opportunities,” he said. Mr. Batten said addressing literacy must become a national priority because the future of Vanuatu depends on the quality of education provided to today’s children. SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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