PORT VILA, MARCH 25: The Culture Minister, John Amos Nalau, stressed the need for the Vanuatu National Cultural Council to realign its role with the constitutional mandate outlined in Articles 30 (1) and (2).

The council's primary responsibility should be to support the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs in preserving and promoting the Ni-Vanuatu culture and language.

Minister Nalau emphasized that the council's role as a research institution could greatly aid Malvatumauri in shaping policy direction.

To achieve this, he highlighted the need to strengthen custom governance across Vanuatu, identify proper authorities, clarify ownership rules, and bolster governance systems.

He also underscored the importance of using the 19 resolutions passed by the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs in 2011 as a guiding framework for cultural preservation and governance efforts.

Honourable Minister John Amos Nalau expressed confidence in achieving these objectives with concerted efforts and support from the Ministry.

He ended his speech by wishing long live the National Cultural Council and long live the rich heritage of the Republic of Vanuatu.