Port Vila, 20 April 2026: The Minister of Youth, Justice and Community Services has reaffirmed confidence in the leadership of the Vanuatu Law Reform Commission (VLRC) with the reappointment of Mr. Lawson Jack Samuel as Secretary, following the Commission’s formal endorsement on 4 December 2025. The decision reflects strong recognition of Mr. Samuel’s eight years of dedicated service and his pivotal role in advancing key law reform initiatives, strengthening institutional capacity, and positioning the VLRC for its next phase of transformation.
In signing the reappointment in accordance with subsection 5(3) of the Law Commission (Amendment) Act No. 24 of 2012, the Minister emphasized the importance of strengthened collaboration between line agencies and the Ministry of Youth, Justice and Community Services.
Mr. Samuel was first appointed as Secretary in April 2018 by former Minister of Justice and Community Services, Hon. Ronald Kay Warsal (MP), following a recommendation from the Commission under the chairmanship of the late Frederick John Gilu. The initial recommendation was made by an independent panel comprising representatives from the Commission, the Ministry, and an independent member.
He was subsequently reappointed in 2022 by former Minister Hon. Saimon Esmon (MP), again upon the Commission’s recommendation, during the tenure of Chairman Frederick John Gilu. The year 2026 marks eight years of Mr. Samuel’s leadership of the VLRC and the completion of his second term in office.
His reappointment will support the transition of the Commission from its 2021 structure to a new organizational structure approved on 4 September 2025. The reappointment is consistent with existing legal provisions, which do not restrict the number of terms or prohibit reappointments.
During his tenure, Mr. Samuel has overseen significant institutional achievements, including:
- The restructuring and establishment of new divisions within the VLRC;
- The introduction of working committees to translate final report recommendations into comprehensive policy papers and drafting instructions;
- An increase in the number of law reform reviews adopted and enacted as Acts of Parliament;
- The establishment of the Law Reform House as the Commission’s administrative office in 2023;
- A 100 percent increase in staff numbers, from 5 in 2018 to 10 in 2026;
- A 100 percent increase in the Commission’s budget, from 18 million vatu in 2018 to 37 million vatu in 2026; and
- Enhanced visibility and engagement with national stakeholders, regional partners, and other law reform institutions.
The VLRC acknowledges the continued support of the Ministry of Youth, Justice and Community Services and key partners, including the Vanuatu Australia Policing and Justice Program (VAPJP) and SPC HRT, from 2018 to 2026. The Commission looks forward to strengthening these partnerships in the years ahead.
