Port Vila, Vanuatu – Last week, Chief Justice Vincent Lunabeck paid a courtesy visit to the Honorable Job Sam Andy, Minister of Justice, Sports, and Community Services. The meeting was an opportunity for the Chief Justice to congratulate the Minister on his recent appointment and discuss key priorities within the justice sector in Vanuatu.

The Chief Justice expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Minister Andy, particularly on addressing the pressing needs of the judiciary. One of the main topics discussed was the long-delayed Vanuatu Hall of Justice project. Chief Justice Lunabeck urged the Vanuatu Judiciary Commission to expedite efforts on the project, emphasizing that it had been significantly delayed and was crucial to the continued development of the country’s judicial system.

“The Vanuatu judiciary has faced significant challenges since the fire that destroyed the historic Supreme Court building in Port Vila in 2007. Since then, both the Supreme Court and Magistrate Court have been forced to operate from temporary rented office spaces,” said Chief Justice Lunabeck.’’

In response, Minister Andy assured the Chief Justice that he would meet with the Vanuatu Project Management Unit (VPMU) to follow up on the progress of the Vanuatu Hall of Justice project.

Additionally, the Chief Justice raised concerns regarding the importance of the government adhering strictly to legal processes and procedures. He emphasized that previous administrations had faced significant costs due to decisions that were later found to be unlawful. Both leaders agreed on the importance of ensuring all government decisions are in line with the law to avoid future legal challenges.

The meeting was brief, as it was primarily a courtesy visit, but both leaders expressed their commitment to holding more detailed and productive discussions in the future to advance the development of the justice sector in Vanuatu with the support of the current government.