AGP Executive Report

MSG Prime Minister’s Cup: Fiji’s Bula Boys are under pressure after taking just one point from two matches, drawing Solomon Islands 3-3 and losing 1-0 to defending champions Vanuatu in Suva; the men’s race tightens with Fiji fourth and the top two set to reach finals next Saturday. Sports (women): The Fiji Kulas also fell 1-0 to Vanuatu, with Vanuatu scoring in the 64th minute, leaving Fiji still searching for points. Maritime safety & accountability (Vanuatu): Vanuatu’s Maritime Safety Authority has ended the search for missing people from the MV Matui disaster; it reports two confirmed deaths, 14 survivors and 38 still missing, and says the government will appoint an independent investigation and pursue civil claims, with criminal charges being sought. Citizenship & legal action (Vanuatu): Vanuatu has revoked Andrew Tate’s citizenship and passport, with officials pointing to weaknesses in the citizenship-by-investment screening and saying the revocation power has now been used. Climate governance (Vanuatu): Vanuatu signed the Declaration on Children, Youth, and Climate Action, with the government saying young people’s voices must sit at the centre of national adaptation and resilience planning. Regional labour mobility (Australia–Pacific): Australia released the PALM eligibility list, naming Vanuatu among 10 Pacific countries whose citizens can qualify for work in Australia. Pacific fisheries push: Pacific countries backed stronger support for Pacific-led fisheries strategies at COFI37 in Rome, urging regional cooperation and science-based management.

Pacific Labour Mobility: Australia has released the full list of 10 countries whose citizens qualify for the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, naming Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Tonga and Timor-Leste, framing PALM as a skills-and-remittances pathway central to Australia’s Pacific engagement. UNGA81 Diplomacy: Zambia is using the UN General Assembly’s opening days to build new partnerships under its Grow Zambia agenda, including newly established ties with Uruguay and Vanuatu, as it seeks support for its UN Human Rights Council candidacy. MV Matui Aftermath (Vanuatu): Vanuatu’s Maritime Safety Authority says the search for those still missing after the MV Matui disaster has ended, with 2 confirmed deaths, 14 survivors and 38 still reported missing; the government will appoint an independent investigation and consider civil claims. Climate & Youth Commitments (Vanuatu): Vanuatu signed the Declaration on Children, Youth, and Climate Action, with the government saying children’s voices must be placed at the forefront of national adaptation and resilience planning. Regional Security & Fisheries: Ten Pacific nations carried out a joint operation targeting illegal fishing in WCPFC-regulated waters, inspecting 40 vessels and boarding five.

Maritime Accountability: Vanuatu’s Maritime Safety Authority says the MV Matui search is over, with 2 confirmed deaths, 14 survivors and 38 still missing; the government will order an independent investigation and pursue criminal charges against the captain and owners after claims the vessel carried passengers without permission. Climate & Youth Rights: Vanuatu signed the UN Declaration on Children, Youth, and Climate Action, with Minister Ralph Regenvanu saying children’s voices must sit at the centre of national adaptation and resilience planning. Disaster Response: Cabinet approved just over US$1m for Penama ashfall recovery on Ambae, including water drilling, shelter and roadworks, plus extra support for El Niño response and MV Matui search efforts. Maritime Safety Policy: Regenvanu floated linking marine weather warnings to vessel operating permissions, aiming to turn warnings into clearer guidance for sea travel after the Matui disaster. Citizenship Scrutiny: Vanuatu revoked the citizenship and passport it issued to alleged rapist Andrew Tate under the citizenship-by-investment scheme. Regional Governance & Trade: Pacific countries pushed fisheries priorities at FAO COFI37 in Rome, backing Pacific-led tuna management and cooperation. Pacific Diplomacy: Georgia and Nauru move toward official diplomatic relations, with a protocol set to be signed at the UNGA. Sports (Local Interest): Fiji’s Kulas remain winless after a 1-0 loss to Vanuatu; Vanuatu also beat Fiji in the women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup clash.

Climate Diplomacy: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese told the UN in New York there’s “no avoiding” the cost of climate inaction, pointing to emissions targets and Pacific support. Youth & Rights: Vanuatu signed the UN Declaration on Children, Youth, and Climate Action, with Minister Ralph Regenvanu saying children’s voices must sit at the centre of adaptation and resilience planning. Maritime Safety & Accountability: Vanuatu has ended the search for MV Matui ferry victims; 39 are believed dead, and maritime authorities have filed criminal complaints over alleged breaches, including overloading and failure to heed warnings. Disaster Response: Vanuatu’s cabinet approved US$1m for Penama ashfall recovery (water, gardens, shelter) plus El Niño response funding and support for the Matui operation. International Engagement: Vanuatu is among UN members backing Palestine’s participation in the 81st UNGA, while Regenvanu floated linking marine weather warnings to vessel operating permissions after the MV Matui tragedy. Regional Governance & Security: Ten Pacific nations ran a joint IUU fishing operation in WCPFC-regulated waters, including Vanuatu participation. Citizenship Scrutiny: Vanuatu revoked the citizenship and passport it issued to alleged rapist influencer Andrew Tate under its citizenship-by-investment scheme. Pacific Women’s Agenda: The 4th Pacific Feminist Forum is set for Fiji next week, bringing together women’s rights defenders and youth across the region.

Children, Youth & Climate: Vanuatu has signed the UNICEF-backed Declaration on Children, Youth, and Climate Action, with Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu saying young people’s voices must sit at the centre of national adaptation plans and resilience work. Disaster Response & Resilience: Cabinet approved just over US$1m for Penama communities hit by Manaro Voui ashfall on Ambae, plus El Niño response funding for Torba and Penama and more support for the MV Matui search and rescue. Maritime Safety & Accountability: Vanuatu has ended the search for the MV Matui ferry disaster, with 39 feared dead; the Maritime Safety Authority has filed criminal complaints over alleged breaches, including possible overloading and warnings not being heeded. Climate Governance from the Pacific: Youth from across Aotearoa are drafting a climate statement after a Youth COP, aiming to take rangatahi priorities to Fiji ahead of COP31. Citizenship & Rule of Law: Vanuatu says it has revoked the citizenship and passport it issued to alleged rapist Andrew Tate under the citizenship-by-investment scheme. Regional Fisheries Diplomacy: Pacific countries pressed for stronger international recognition of Pacific-led fisheries strategies at FAO COFI37 in Rome, with Vanuatu among participants.

Maritime Accountability in Vanuatu: Vanuatu has ended the sea search for the MV Matui disaster, with 39 people now believed dead after 14 survivors and two bodies were recovered; the Maritime Safety Authority has filed criminal complaints against Tui Shipping’s owners, management and the ferry’s master, while Prime Minister Jotham Napat points to strong winds, ignored marine warnings, and possible negligence including overloading. Regional Security & Fisheries: Ten Pacific nations ran a joint operation targeting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, inspecting 40 vessels and boarding five, with Vanuatu among the participating officers supported by New Zealand, Australia and the United States. Vanuatu in the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup: Vanuatu’s men’s team drew 3-3 with Solomon Islands and then lost 2-1 to Papua New Guinea; they face Fiji next, while the women’s side plays Fiji after opening with a 1-1 draw against Solomon Islands. Vanuatu Teachers Union Warning: The VTU says it may pursue another nationwide strike if the Teaching Service Commission fails to honour a Memorandum of Conciliation, citing unresolved payroll and salary issues affecting teachers.

Maritime Accountability: Vanuatu has ended the search for the MV Matui disaster, with 39 feared dead and 37 still missing after the sea operation closed; the Maritime Safety Authority has filed criminal complaints against Tui Shipping’s owners, management and the ferry’s master, while PM Jotham Napat points to strong winds, ignored marine warnings and possible negligence including overloading. Labour & Education: The Vanuatu Teachers Union warns it could pursue another nationwide strike over alleged failures by the Teaching Service Commission to honour a Memorandum of Conciliation, citing payroll instability and salary anomalies. Police Cooperation: Vanuatu police recruits will train next year at PNG’s Bomana Centre of Excellence in a six-month joint program, aimed at strengthening cross-border policing links against transnational crime. Disaster Preparedness: Minister Ralph Regenvanu says Vanuatu wants to host a Pacific Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre, building on national monitoring capacity and seeking SPREP engagement. Regional Governance & Security: Pacific fisheries leaders at COFI37 push for stronger recognition of Pacific-led tuna management and cooperation, with Vanuatu among the delegations. Sports (Local Interest): Fiji’s Bula Boys coach Stéphane Auvray urges players to seize chances as Fiji faces Vanuatu in the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup; PNG also opened the tournament with a comeback win over Vanuatu.

Maritime Accountability: Vanuatu has ended the search for the MV Matui disaster, with 39 people now believed dead after the sea search closed and 37 remained missing; the Maritime Safety Authority has also lodged criminal complaints, calling for the captain to be arrested over alleged breaches, including passenger carriage without proper authorisation and concerns about overloading. Disaster Response & Governance: Prime Minister Jotham Napat says the loss followed strong winds and marine warnings not being heeded, with possible negligence; officials also flagged earlier reporting delays and uncertainty over the passenger count. Regional Security & Cooperation: Vanuatu police recruits are set to train for six months at PNG’s Bomana Centre of Excellence, aiming to strengthen cross-border policing links against transnational crime. Climate & Risk Planning: Vanuatu has formally registered interest in hosting a Pacific Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre, building on its monitoring capacity. Public Sector Labour: The Vanuatu Teachers Union warns of possible further strike action over the Teaching Service Commission’s alleged failure to honour a Memorandum of Conciliation. Sports (Local Interest): Fiji’s Bula Boys drew 3-all with Solomon Islands, while Vanuatu’s MSG Cup campaign continues as PNG and Vanuatu prepare for upcoming fixtures.

Maritime Accountability: Vanuatu has ended the sea search for the MV Matui disaster, with 39 people now believed dead after the Sept 11 sinking between Santo and Ambae; 14 survivors and two bodies were recovered earlier, and 37 remained missing when the search stopped. Criminal Complaints: Vanuatu’s Maritime Safety Authority has filed criminal complaints against the vessel’s owners, management and captain, alleging breaches including overloading and carrying passengers without proper authorisation, while PM Jotham Napat pointed to strong winds, ignored marine warnings and possible negligence. Police Training: Vanuatu police are set to train next year at PNG’s Bomana Centre of Excellence, with 50 recruits doing a six-month program alongside PNG instructors to strengthen cross-border policing links. Disaster Recovery Funding: China has donated NZ$155,000 to support recovery on Ambae and after the ferry tragedy, including heavy machinery for drilling wells and improving access to fresh water. Local Governance Pressure: The Vanuatu Teachers Union warns it may pursue another nationwide strike over alleged non-compliance with a Memorandum of Conciliation, citing payroll and salary anomalies.

Maritime Accountability: Vanuatu has ended the sea search for the MV Matui disaster, with 39 people now feared dead after no new survivors or bodies were recovered since last weekend; the maritime authority says it has filed criminal complaints against Tui Shipping’s owners, management and the ferry’s master over alleged breaches, while PM Jotham Napat points to strong winds and warnings not being heeded, possibly including negligence and overloading. Police & Training: Vanuatu police are set to train next year at PNG’s Bomana Centre of Excellence, with 50 recruits joining a six-month joint program to strengthen cross-border policing skills and professional networks. Climate & Early Warning: Minister Ralph Regenvanu has formally registered Vanuatu’s interest in hosting a Pacific Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre, building on national monitoring capacity and aiming to progress the proposal through regional meteorology councils. Teachers’ Industrial Action: The Vanuatu Teachers Union warns it could pursue another nationwide strike if the Teaching Service Commission fails to honour a Memorandum of Conciliation, citing unresolved payroll and salary anomalies. Regional Security Signals: Pacific leaders at the PIF endorsed a joint statement over a recent intercontinental ballistic missile test overflying the region without adequate notice, with only Nauru and Kiribati declining to sign. China Support for Recovery: China has donated NZ$155,000 to Vanuatu for recovery from Ambae volcanic activity and the ferry disaster, including support for drilling wells and improving access to fresh water. Sports & National Pride: Vanuatu’s Bula Boys and Kapuls campaigns continue in the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Suva, with PNG beating Vanuatu 2-1 in the men’s opener and Fiji drawing 3-3 with Solomon Islands in the other match.

Teachers’ Industrial Action: The Vanuatu Teachers Union is warning of another nationwide strike, saying the Teaching Service Commission has failed to honour a Memorandum of Conciliation and that teachers still face payroll and salary anomalies. Maritime Accountability: After the MV Matui tragedy, Vanuatu’s Maritime Safety Authority has lodged a criminal complaint seeking charges against the captain, owners and management, alleging the vessel was not authorised to carry passengers and that warnings were ignored. Disaster Response Funding: China has donated NZ$155,000 (VT11 million) to support recovery on Ambae and response to the MV Matui disaster, including drilling wells for clean water and relief supplies. Police Training Link-Up: Vanuatu police recruits will train for six months at PNG’s Bomana Centre of Excellence, with joint instruction aimed at strengthening cross-border policing and professional networks. Early Warning Push: Minister Ralph Regenvanu says Vanuatu has formally registered interest in hosting a Pacific Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre, building on local meteorological and geo-hazard monitoring capacity. Regional Security & Cooperation: A Vanuatu PM office-linked update highlights broader Pacific engagement themes, while the week’s coverage also points to ongoing regional cooperation efforts around law enforcement and maritime security. Sports & National Pride: Vanuatu’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup campaign continues in the Melanesian football spotlight, with PNG and Fiji results setting up Vanuatu’s next matches.

Maritime Accountability: Vanuatu’s Maritime Safety Authority has lodged a criminal complaint over the MV Matui tragedy, calling for the captain’s arrest and charges against the owners and management for alleged breaches of the Shipping Act, after the ferry sank on 11 September with dozens still missing. Government Response: Prime Minister Jotham Napat cancelled his UN General Assembly trip to stay in Vanuatu, meet survivors in Santo, and push for stronger, better-resourced maritime safety and search-and-rescue capacity, including shifting VMSA functions to the Prime Minister’s Office. Disaster Aid: China donated NZ$155,000 to support recovery on Ambae and response to MV Matui, with funds earmarked for drilling wells and improving access to clean water. Police Cooperation: Vanuatu police will send 50 recruits next year for a six-month training programme at PNG’s Bomana Centre of Excellence, aimed at strengthening cross-border policing skills and professional networks. Regional Climate Leadership: Vanuatu has formally put forward interest in hosting a Pacific Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre, building on its growing meteorological and disaster-risk monitoring capacity. Pacific Fisheries Diplomacy: Pacific countries used COFI37 in Rome to press for stronger recognition and support for Pacific-led, science-based fisheries management. UN Credentials Politics (Vanuatu link): Vanuatu is listed among the UN Credentials Committee members as Myanmar’s Kyaw Moe Tun faces a decision on whether he can remain in his role.

Maritime Accountability: Vanuatu’s Maritime Safety Authority has lodged a criminal complaint over the MV Matui disaster, calling for the captain to be arrested and charged, alleging breaches of the Shipping Act and that the vessel’s safety certificate did not authorise passenger carriage; VMSA says warnings were issued and that responsibility lies with the owner and master. Government Response: Prime Minister Jotham Napat has cancelled his UN General Assembly trip to stay in Vanuatu, and the government is transferring VMSA functions to the Office of the Prime Minister to strengthen emergency coordination and resourcing. Ongoing Search: Rescuers continue looking for more than 30 people still missing after the ferry sank off Vanuatu, with questions growing about reporting delays and whether marine weather warnings were acted on. International Push: The US says it will deepen Pacific engagement with a shift toward private-sector-led growth, maritime security and energy shock resilience. Regional Climate Rights: Human rights lawyer Julian Aguon says climate change is eroding Indigenous culture and rights, arguing it should be treated as a human rights violation. Local Governance Watch: Australia’s visa fee cut for eligible citizens from Vanuatu and other Pacific states is set to reduce costs for specialist skills applicants.

Maritime Safety Overhaul: Vanuatu’s PM Jotham Napat cancelled his UN General Assembly trip as the search for MV Matui survivors continues, with reports of at least two deaths and more than 30 still missing; the government says warnings may not have been heeded and is taking steps to strengthen response capacity, including shifting oversight of the Vanuatu Maritime and Safety Authority to the Prime Minister’s Office. Climate Rights in Focus: Human rights lawyer Julian Aguon says climate change is unraveling Indigenous culture and rights, arguing the harms go beyond environment and economics—an argument tied to Vanuatu’s landmark ICJ climate case. China Aid for Recovery: China has donated about VU$11 million (NZ$155,000) to support Ambae recovery and the MV Matui response, including drilling for clean water and relief supplies. Pacific Engagement Shift: The US says it will deepen Pacific engagement by promoting trade over aid, with emphasis on private-sector growth, maritime security, energy resilience and digital connectivity. Regional People-to-People Politics: Australia introduced lower specialist-skills visa application fees for citizens of 13 Pacific nations including Vanuatu, effective 1 July 2026, covering family members applying with the primary applicant.

Maritime Disaster Response: Vanuatu’s MV Matui ferry sank between Ambae and Santo with 47 aboard; at least 2 are confirmed dead and more than 30 remain missing as searches shift toward the coastline amid strong currents. Accountability & Safety Oversight: The Prime Minister’s Office has taken control of the Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority, with officials pointing to strong winds, marine warnings not being heeded, and possible negligence/overloading; questions also grow after delays in reporting and search start times. PM Diplomacy Disrupted: Prime Minister Jotham Napat cancelled his UN General Assembly trip to stay in Vanuatu, visit survivors in Santo, and push for answers and reforms. Disaster Aid: China has donated about VU$11 million (NZ$155,000) for Ambae volcanic recovery and MV Matui response, including a drilling machine for wells and relief supplies. Climate Litigation Spotlight: A legal push from Vanuatu helped shape an ICJ ruling that countries must limit greenhouse gas emissions, giving Pacific communities a new tool to demand climate action. Digital Finance Angle: A look at how fintech in Vanuatu must work across oceans and islands, tying mobile money and inclusion strategy to real access for outer communities.

Climate Litigation: Vanuatu’s climate case at the ICJ is being framed as a major legal tool, with Indigenous advocates arguing that loss is not just measurable in warming and money but also in cultural and spiritual harm. Maritime Disaster—MV Matui: Vanuatu PM Jotham Napat has cancelled his UN General Assembly trip as the search continues for more than 30 people missing after the MV Matui sank between Ambae and Santo; 15 survivors and one death have been confirmed so far, and authorities say strong winds and marine warnings were not heeded, with possible negligence including overloading. Government Response: The government has shifted the Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority to the Prime Minister’s Office, and Napat says the agency must be strengthened and properly resourced; questions are also growing after reports that the vessel was deregistered and not certified for more than 30 passengers. Accountability & Safety: A Vanuatu MP criticised a 30-hour search delay, while meteorological officials say warnings were issued days ahead but the final decision rests with operators—prompting calls to tighten how warnings trigger action. Regional Diplomacy: Indonesia has sent a 60-day hospital ship mission to Vanuatu and other Pacific states, offering free medical services and boosting ties. Other Pacific Politics: Solomon Islands politics remains tense after a no-confidence motion against PM Matthew Wale was withdrawn, amid renewed debate over foreign interference.