Only One Gov’t: Napuat

The opposition party office stated that the Minister of Internal Affairs should apologize to the Lord Mayor and the Municipal Council of Port Vila (PVCC) for his alleged "unauthorized interference in the affairs of the Municipal Council." Simultaneously, the opposition party also urged the Mayor and the Municipal Council to penalize the vendors involved in causing this "unauthorized interference." Such measures would ensure accountability and respect for local governance.

Opposition Leader Ishmael Kalsakau made the remarks in a statement entitled "Yes, Vanuatu has only one Government, but there are 10 governments within Vanuatu" on February 28. The opposition cautioned government ministers, particularly the Minister of Internal Affairs, Andrew Napuat, against misinterpreting the Prime Minister's statement about there being only one government. This clarification aimed to prevent overreach and maintain the balance of power.

The opposition statement pointed out that on February 21, Minister of Internal Affairs Napuat co-hosted the partial reopening ceremony of the Port Vila Central Business District (CBD) with small vendors. The opposition claimed that this reopening was without the authorization or consultation of the Municipal Council and its Mayor. "The keys to Port Vila are in the hands of its custodian, the Lady Mayor and her Municipal Council, in accordance with the Municipalities Act [CAP 12]," the statement read. "Any activity that needs to be carried out within Port Vila must be authorized by the Municipal Council, as required by law."

The opposition emphasized that the Minister of Internal Affairs must act within the legal framework and respect the jurisdiction of Port Vila. As Minister for Decentralization Affairs, he must also recognize the six provincial governments—Torba, Sanma, Penama, Malampa, Shefa, and Tafea—as well as the municipalities of Port Vila, Luganville, Lenakel, and Lakatoro. As required by the Decentralization Act [CAP 230] and the Municipalities Act, these local governments must be consulted and not ignored when it comes to matters within their jurisdiction. This collaborative approach ensures effective governance.

Minister of Internal Affairs Napuat dismissed the opposition party's statement as misleading and unprofessional. "There is only one government," he emphasized. "At the Council of Ministers (COM) meeting on February 17 and in discussions with the private sector at Warwick Hotel, the Prime Minister announced that the roads in the CBD would be reopened. An opposition MP was present and heard this firsthand. All officials, including the National Recovery Committee (NRC), were present. They acted on the Prime Minister's instructions under the 'One Government' policy and prepared the order for reopening."

Napuat explained that the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Johnny Koanapo, was originally scheduled to host the reopening ceremony, but he fell ill on February 20 after attending a full day of Ministerial Budget Committee (MBC) meetings. "He then asked me to host the opening on his behalf," Napuat said. "All ministers, the Lady Mayor, municipal councilors, members of parliament, and members of the National Recovery Committee were invited. The town clerk informed attendees that the Lady Mayor had other engagements that day."

The Minister dismissed the claims as baseless and superficial. Regarding post-disaster reconstruction efforts, Minister Napuat stated that collaboration is essential. "We must work efficiently and effectively with the private sector, government, and relevant departments to support struggling businesses that need to reopen, operate, and contribute to the economy," he said. "We must also help those who have lost over 800 jobs to regain employment so they can support their families." This collaborative spirit fosters resilience and economic recovery.

Napuat said they conducted a brief survey. "We conducted a brief survey of 68 businesses from Mullins to the Von Van intersection, which employ over 200 people," he said. "The public has been enjoying the reopened roads and parks. It is peaceful there, and children and the elderly are swimming and playing. The feedback has been very positive. It is regrettable that, after the earthquake impacted businesses, families, and the government, the Leader of the Opposition has not offered hope but has instead called for the punishment of businesses. This would unnecessarily lead to unemployment for Vanuatu workers and exacerbate the plight of already struggling families."

Regarding the claim that the Lady Mayor was not consulted, Napuat said this was untrue. Photos show that she met with business owners to discuss the reopening of the roads, and the Municipal Council was also involved in the cleanup efforts. "If we allow 10 governments to operate independently and ignore the central government, this will lead to disaster and duplication of effort. It is contradictory and strange to call for the Minister of Internal Affairs to apologize for carrying out the instructions of the Prime Minister and the National Recovery Committee," Napuat said. Such coordination is vital for effective governance and disaster response.

He added that the Disaster Recovery and Resilience Act (DRR) empowers the Prime Minister to issue orders, which the National Recovery Committee executes through signed directives. Part 4 (16) of the Act grants the Prime Minister this power, while Part (17)(b) stipulates that the National Recovery Committee, not the Minister of Internal Affairs, can decide on road closures and related matters. "The opposition is barking up the wrong tree," he said. This legal framework clarifies the roles and responsibilities during times of crisis.