Office of the Ombudsman of the Republic of Vanuatu

Ombudsman Bulu is pleased to welcome four third-year students from the National
University of Vanuatu (NUV) who have recently joined the Office of the Ombudsman as
interns.

The four students have been accepted for an eight-week internship placement with the
Office of the Ombudsman, commencing on 18 June 2026. Prior to assuming their
duties, the students formally took their oath on 17 June 2026. Throughout the duration
of the internship, all four students will be assigned to the Investigation Section, where
they will gain practical experience and exposure to the Office’s core functions.

In his welcome remarks, Ombudsman Bulu provided a briefing on the role and functions
of the Office of the Ombudsman and outlined the expectations the students will face
during their time in the Investigation Section. These include participating in interviews
with leaders and engaging with all public servants across various government
departments.

The Ombudsman also expressed his appreciation to the Public Service Commission, particularly the Vanuatu Institute of Public Administration and Management (VIPAM), for
facilitating this placement. This initiative supports the students in completing an
essential requirement of their NUV academic program.

The Office of the Ombudsman extends its best wishes to Ms. Fidela Leitau Firiam, Ms.
Jennifer Kutoserlowo, Ms. Santrine Peter, and Ms. Simona Teguebu for a successful,
productive, and rewarding internship experience.

Vanuatu Office Of The Public Service Commission
Université Nationale de Vanuatu

I am writing in response to a comment published in your esteemed newspaper on the above subject and specifically on the concluding sentence that stated “Minister Harry remains innocent until proven guilty by a court, as the Ombudsman report is not a court judgement”.

Read more: https://www.dailypost.vu/opinion/ombudsman-s-response-to-10-mps-face-possible-leadership-code-action-article/article_8b0ed361-ee55-52e0-9a8d-9361605ea112.html

The Office of the Ombudsman is pleased to welcome Mr. Amanake Taulahi, a third-year
law student from the University of the South Pacific (USP), who has recently joined the
Office as an intern.

Mr. Taulahi has been accepted for a two-week internship placement with the Office of
the Ombudsman, where he will be attached to the Investigation Section. During this
time, he will learn about the work of the Ombudsman and assist with investigation-
related duties as part of his studies.
On Tuesday, 21 April 2026, Mr. Taulahi officially took his oath of office before commencing his duties, in accordance with the requirements governing confidentiality and professional conduct within the Office of the Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman expressed appreciation to Mr. Taulahi for choosing the Office of the
Ombudsman as his place of work placement and welcomed his interest in contributing
to the work of the institution. The Office values opportunities to support and mentor law
students and emerging professionals who demonstrate an interest in public service,
integrity, and good governance.

The Office of the Ombudsman wishes Mr. Taulahi a productive and rewarding internship
experience.

USP Community Law Information Centre

Section 26 of the Leadership Code Act [CAP 240]: Interest in Government Contracts in Vanuatu
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Section 26 of the Leadership Code Act [CAP 240] provides that a leader must not
have or seek a beneficial interest in a government contract, except where such
interest is obtained on a transparent, arm’s-length commercial basis, in accordance
with the law, and through a legitimate tender process. This applies where one of the
parties to the contract is the Government, a statutory body, or a company wholly or
partly owned by the Government.

The provision is designed to ensure that public resources are managed fairly and without improper influence from those in positions
of authority. This restriction applies to all persons classified as “leaders,” including those holding positions prescribed under Section 5 of the Leadership Code Act and Article 67 of
the Constitution.

These individuals—such as Members of Parliament, Ministers, and senior public officials—are entrusted with public power and are therefore bound by
strict ethical and legal standards. By virtue of holding such offices, they are expected
to avoid any situation where personal business interests intersect with public duties.
In effect, Section 26 significantly limits, and in practical terms defeats, a leader’s
ability to own or maintain interests in companies that engage in government
contracts.

While the law allows a narrow exception where dealings are transparent, lawful, and conducted through proper tender processes, the threshold is high. Any undisclosed, preferential, or improperly influenced arrangement would amount to a breach of the Leadership Code.The purpose of this provision is to prevent conflicts of interest and abuse of office. Leaders are placed in positions where they can influence decisions relating to contracts and procurement.

Section 26 ensures that such influence is not used for personal or associated gain, whether directly or indirectly through relatives,
associates, or proxy entities.

A breach of Section 26 constitutes an offence and may lead to serious legal consequences, including investigation, prosecution, and penalties under the Leadership Code framework. Ultimately, the section reinforces the principle that leadership is a public trust, requiring those defined under Section 5 of the Act and Article 67 of the Constitution to separate their private business interests from their public responsibilities.

The Office of the Ombudsman wishes to remind all Directors General of government
ministries of their legal obligation under Section 13A of the Leadership Code Act to
notify the Ombudsman of any appointment or removal of a leader within their respective
ministries.

A recent amendment to the Leadership Code Act makes this obligation mandatory. Section 13A provides that:
“A directorgeneral must, within 14 days after the appointment or removal of a leader
from a position under his or her responsible ministry, inform the Ombudsman of the
appointment or removal.”

This requirement applies regardless of the reason for the appointment or removal and is
not discretionary. The amendment was enacted to strengthen the Ombudsman’s
registry of leaders, ensuring that records remain accurate, up to date, and reflective of
current leadership positions across government ministries.

The Office of the Ombudsman encourages all ministries to review their internal
procedures to ensure that notifications of leadership appointments or removals are
submitted within the prescribed 14 day timeframe.

Vanuatu Office Of The Public Service Commission

‼️The Ombudsman issues Public Report on the Tenancy Agreement Between Minister of Public Utilities and Infrastructure - Hon. MP Xavier Harry and Vanuatu Tourism Office.‼️

Read the full content of the report via link below:👇
https://ombudsman.gov.vu/index.php/resources/publications/public-reports