Port Vila – 13 April 2026: “Ward Safety Teams will be the eyes and ears of the Police in their respective communities.” This message highlights the ongoing work of the Vanuatu Police Force to support the Government’s Decentralization Policy, which aims to bring services closer to people in all communities.

The Police stress that strong and peaceful communities are key to making this policy work. Community leaders play an important role in guiding people to live in peace, respect one another, and take responsibility for their communities. When this happens, government services delivered at the village level will be better used and maintained by the people.

Last week, the Crime Prevention and Community Policing Unit of the Vanuatu Police Force in Port Vila conducted a two-day Ward Safety Team training at the Nakamal of the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs. The training brought together representatives from all ward councils in Port Vila.

The Police were pleased with the strong turnout and participation. At the end of the training, 176 participants received Certificates of Completion.

During the training, participants learned about their roles and responsibilities and how to carry out their duties in their communities. Ward Safety Teams are expected to work closely with chiefs, who lead traditional governance, and with the Police, who enforce the formal laws of the country.

At the closing, the Vanuatu Police Force encouraged participants to take ownership of their communities and actively support safety by working as partners with the Police.

The Vanuatu Police Force thanks the Government of New Zealand for its continued support and partnership. The Police also thank the chiefs of Port Vila for their leadership, noting that Ward Safety Teams will work closely with the Port Vila Town Council of Chiefs under the guidance of the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs.