Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat has cancelled his planned trip to the United Nations General Assembly in New York as search and rescue operations continue following the MV Matui tragedy, with up to 30 people still unaccounted for.
Napat and his delegation were scheduled to leave for the annual UN General Assembly this Friday, but the Prime Minister said the situation required him to remain in Vanuatu.
Instead, he will travel to Santo this weekend to meet survivors recovering from the tragedy and receive first-hand briefings from response teams.
“A lot of valid questions are being asked publicly that demand answers and solutions,” Napat said.
“The Government acknowledges that this situation could have been minimised or avoided had all responsible authorities been alert and up to the task. We must learn from this and take appropriate action so that we do not face this again.”
The Government has also decided to transfer the functions of the Vanuatu Maritime and Safety Authority (VMSA) from the Ministry of Ocean and Maritime Affairs to the Office of the Prime Minister.
Napat said the move was intended to strengthen the agency’s authority, coordination and resources, particularly during emergencies.
The MV Matui tragedy has raised questions over Vanuatu’s maritime safety and search and rescue systems.
Napat said VMSA, which is responsible for search and rescue, must be “improved, strengthened, and properly resourced” to ensure it can respond effectively during crises.
The Government has committed to a full investigation into the MV Matui incident and said those responsible for any failures would be held accountable.
“The maritime sector must undergo full reform to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again,” the Government said.
Napat has also postponed Public Service Commission Day, which was scheduled to be held in Torba, until further notice.
“This is a time for the entire nation to do some soul searching,” Napat said.
“Our focus must be on supporting grieving families, strengthening our systems, and restoring a sense of normalcy for everyone affected by this tragedy.”
The Government said further updates would be provided as the search and rescue operation continues.
