Newly appointed Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat has expressed a desire to strengthen ties with the United States, calling for increased US presence in the Pacific region.

In his first official speech this week, Napat acknowledged the importance of international partnerships, stating that Vanuatu looks forward to building a stronger relationship with the US based on shared values and mutual interests.

“The Vanuatu Government is hoping that the United States of America will increase its presence in the Pacific Region after the review. In the same spirit, Vanuatu is looking forward to developing a strong partnership with the United States based on shared and common values and principles,” Napat said.

His remarks come at a time when geopolitical influence in the Pacific is growing, with major powers like the US, China, and Australia competing for stronger ties with island nations. Despite the Trump Administration’s suspension of USAID, the US has been increasing its engagement in the Pacific through new embassies, security agreements, and climate change initiatives.

Napat also acknowledged the support of development partners who have assisted Vanuatu over the years, emphasising the need to strengthen these relationships further.

As the new government takes office, its foreign policy approach will be closely watched, especially in how it navigates partnerships with global powers while maintaining Vanuatu’s independent stance in regional affairs.

PM Napat also took the opportunity to acknowledge the leadership of former PM Charlot Salwai for guiding the Government of Vanuatu until the formation of the new government Tuesday.

“We have faced a breakdown in our national airline, which disconnected many of the most populated areas in Vanuatu. The education sector has been in crisis due to teachers pursuing their rightful claims, which have greatly affected our children. We ended the year with an unforeseen natural disaster, one of the biggest disasters that Vanuatu has ever experienced,” Napat said.

Looking ahead to 2025, Napat reminded the nation of its motto, “Long God Yumi Stanap” as a Beacon of Hope for the country and assured citizens that the government he leads is dedicated to their welfare.

“I want to assure every citizen of the Republic of Vanuatu that the government I lead is your government. The outcome of the snap election shows that the coalition government I lead is fully committed to serving the national interest of all,” Napat stated.

The new PM emphasised that the coalition government would be performance-based, with regular assessments for state ministers and officials.

“If certain Director Generals (DGs) and Directors are not performing, they will be removed and held fully accountable to the Republic of Vanuatu, 2 he said.

In terms of governance, Napat stressed that his government would operate transparently and deliver on its commitments. He assured the people of Vanuatu and development partners that despite challenges, the government would be serious about reforms that uphold good governance and the rule of law.

“No one is above the law of the Republic of Vanuatu. There will be no immunity for anyone who breaks the law. This government will work with transparency and accountability, ensuring that justice and fairness are upheld in all our decisions,” he said.

Napat also expressed confidence that his government represented a strong political arrangement for advancing Vanuatu’s interests and future.

“We are strongly committed to responsible leadership that delivers stability, growth, and progress in services provided to the people,” Napat concluded.

He extended his gratitude to coalition partners for their trust and reaffirmed his commitment to leading by example with sincerity, integrity, and dedication.

To Vanuatu’s development partners, he said, “We deeply value the development support provided to Vanuatu over the years. We look forward to strengthening and reinforcing these important relationships.

Five Tanna MPs hold PM position and key ministerial portfolios

The newly elected Prime Minister (PM) of Vanuatu, Jotham Napat, has appointed four Members of Parliament (MPs) from his constituency as state ministers, holding key portfolios in his cabinet.

PM Napat was elected in parliament with 50 votes and two void votes and was the only nominee for this high position in the 14th Legislature.

As President of the Leaders Party of Vanuatu (LPV), PM Napat, with nine other MPs and three political movements, brings a total of 12 elected MPs. The coalition between Graon mo Jastis Pati (GJP), Vanua’aku Pati (VP), Reunification Movement for Change (RMC), and Iauko Group (IG) resulted in a total of 39 MPs on his side, according to the seating arrangement in the parliament chamber yesterday.

The other group, on the left side of the House, with only 13 MPs, did not have any nominees for the position of PM or for the position of Speaker of Parliament and its deputies.

Parliament also elected the Speaker of Parliament, Stephen Felix, unchallenged, and Senior Member Ralph Regenvanu conducted the Speaker’s election, according to the Standing Orders of Parliament.
Parliament also elected four Deputy Speakers (DS) unchallenged: First DS John William Timakata from Shepherds Outer Islands (VP), Second DS Marcellino Barthelemy of Malekula (RMC), Third DS Paul Paolo from Malekula (GJP), and Fourth DS Camillo Ati from Santo (IG).

Once Parliament concluded its business, the executive, led by the newly elected Prime Minister, appointed its cabinet.

The four Tanna MPs appointed as ministers are: Johnny Koanapo (VP) as Deputy PM and Minister of Finance, Simil Johnson (VP) as Minister of Education, Andrew Napuat (GJP) as Minister of Internal Affairs, and Harry Xavier Emmanuel (IG) as Minister of Infrastructure. Together with PM Napat, this brings the total to five Tanna MPs holding key ministerial portfolios in the 14th Legislature.

PM Napat also appointed Job Sam Andy (LPV) as Minister of Justice, John Still Tari Qetu (IG) as Minister of Health, Rick Tchamako Mahe (RMC) as Minister of Lands, Ian Wilson (Ngwasoanda Custom Movement/LPV) as Minister of Agriculture, Samson Samsen (VP) as Minister of Trade and Commerce, Marc Ati (IG) as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ralph Regenvanu (GJP) as Minister of Climate Change Adaptation, and Jack Norris Kalmet (RMC) as Minister responsible for the new Ministry of Ocean, Fisheries, and Maritime.

According to the Standing Orders of Parliament, after the election of the PM comes the appointment of parliamentary committee members, but this was not mentioned in the parliamentary summons.

As such, Speaker Felix has adjourned parliament to Friday this week at 8:30am to allow time for the government side and the opposition to nominate their MPs for the position of Chairman of Parliamentary Committees and its members.

PM Napat asked all the people of Vanuatu to trust this government and promised that all of his cabinet ministers would perform to the highest standard and deliver results for the people. All work must be aligned with, and meet, the goals of the National Sustainable Development Plan.

source:  Islandsbusiness.com