The President has used his constitutional authority to commute the sentences of 70 inmates—not to pardon them—following structural damage to correctional facilities caused by a powerful earthquake.

These inmates have been released from the Tropical Market and Stade correctional centres, as well as the Santo Low Risk Unit.

Acting Director of Vanuatu Correctional Services, Mr. Albert Nalpini, clarified the decision in a statement issued yesterday, responding to a misleading article published by the Daily Post that erroneously claimed the President had granted full pardons.

“The President acted on the recommendation of Correctional Services, which was based on an engineering assessment from the Public Works Department following the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Port Vila on December 17, 2024,” said Nalpini. The earthquake caused significant destruction and claimed 14 lives.

According to the engineering report, the affected correctional facilities built during the colonial period have been deemed structurally unsafe and require complete demolition.

A statement from the Ministry of Justice outlined that the sentence commutations are part of a broader plan to ensure a safe and orderly transition to alternative facilities. These include a newly renovated centre in the Collardeau area and a new facility under construction at Stade. However, with over 120 detainees currently held and Collardeau’s capacity capped at 40, relocation remains a pressing challenge.

Mr. Nalpini emphasized that the inmates have not been pardoned. Rather, their sentences have been commuted, and they remain under community-based supervision. Over the next two years, they will participate in monitored community work programs. Any breach of their release conditions will result in immediate reincarceration to complete the remainder of their original sentences.

“These individuals are not fully free. They will be under strict supervision throughout the period set by the Order,” the Ministry of Justice stated.