At this year’s SHEFA Day celebrations, the theme “Yumi mas holem taet fashen blong pis mo respect we i stap plante generesen finis – respekt blong Nakainaga mo Naflak” (We must uphold the values of peace and respect passed down through many generations – respect for Nakainaga and Naflak) was deeply reflected in the keynote speech by Hon. Andrew Solomon Napuat, Minister of Internal Affairs. His message went beyond policy—anchored in cultural respect and shared responsibility, it reinforced his long-standing mission to bring governance closer to the people and empower communities to lead with unity and dignity.
Who Is Andrew Napuat?
Andrew Napuat has been a leading figure in Vanuatu’s political landscape, particularly in the areas of local governance and public service reform. Serving as Minister of Internal Affairs from 2017 to 2020—and again in 2025—Napuat has consistently advocated for a more decentralized, inclusive government structure.
His work began as Parliamentary Secretary for Provincial Affairs and the Decentralisation Program in 2016, where he boldly acknowledged a difficult truth: despite decentralisation being a national priority since 1980, successive governments had failed to fully realize its goals.
From the start, Napuat committed to changing that narrative.
A Track Record of Structural Reform
One of his first major initiatives as Minister was the recruitment of Area Administrators across all 18 Area Councils in Vanuatu—a foundational move in activating local governance frameworks. This effort was followed by a series of practical reforms, including:
- Increasing representation in municipal councils, such as the expansion of the Lenakel Municipal Council to include youth, women, and rural representatives.
- Passing landmark legislation, including the Municipalities (Amendment) Act and the Decentralisation (Amendment) Act in 2018, which reinforced eligibility rules for national candidates and enhanced council responsibilities.
- Empowering traditional governance, by supporting the Malvatumauri Area Councils with government funding to organize local Independence celebrations—a first in Vanuatu’s history.
Decentralisation: The Focus of SHEFA Day 2025
At SHEFA Day 2025, Napuat returned to this mission with renewed clarity. Standing before community members in Siviri Village, he emphasized that decentralisation is no longer just a concept—it is a constitutional obligation and a pathway to equity.
He cited Chapter 13 of the Constitution, which mandates full participation of citizens in local governance, and detailed how ongoing reforms—including strategic area council planning, technical advisory commissions, and budget decentralisation—are building the architecture to fulfill that mandate.
More importantly, he reminded the audience that decentralisation is not merely about establishing structures. It’s about investing in people, ensuring that every official—whether on a remote island or in the capital—has the resources to serve their communities.
His speech also reflected the event’s theme through his strong emphasis on unity, respect, and shared responsibility. By highlighting the need for inclusive governance, service-oriented leadership, and strengthening local structures, he reinforced the importance of maintaining peace and respect within communities. His call for leaders to listen, act with humility, and empower the grassroots speaks directly to the values passed down through generations—values that continue to hold Vanuatu together.
A Call to Vote Responsibly and Govern Inclusively
With provincial elections on the horizon, Napuat urged citizens to think strategically. “Don’t vote for friends,” he said. “Vote for leaders with a vision for service.” His words underscored the importance of leadership accountability in making decentralisation work.
He also reiterated the need for inclusive governance, urging area councils to represent youth, women, and churches, and for civil servants to stay connected to the needs of the most isolated citizens.
More Than Policy—A Philosophy of Service
Whether responding to natural disasters like the Manaro Voui eruption or overseeing public infrastructure upgrades, Andrew Napuat has consistently framed his leadership around service, humility, and resilience. His speech at SHEFA Day 2025 was no exception. He ended with a powerful reminder: “Real leadership lays down its life for the people.”
Conclusion
Andrew Napuat’s vision for Vanuatu is rooted in action, not rhetoric. From legislative reforms to local empowerment, he has shown that decentralisation is not only possible—it is already taking shape. In his SHEFA Day 2025 speech, he reinforced this commitment by calling for leadership grounded in humility and service, citing the Bible’s message that true love is shown through sacrifice for others. His challenge to leaders, citizens, and civil servants is clear: each must play their part in building a nation where governance, respect, and opportunity reach every community.
Video Chapters / Timestamps
0:00 – Introduction & Welcome
1:30 – Acknowledgements & Cultural Opening
3:00 – Why Decentralisation? Framing the Vision
5:00 – Constitutional Foundation: Chapter 13 Explained
7:00 – Timeline of Reforms (2017–2025)
9:30 – Area Councils & Their Strategic Role
11:00 – Financial & Staffing Challenges
13:00 – Aligning Constituencies with Governance
14:30 – Budget Transparency & Local Authority Powers
16:00 – Global Examples: What We Can Learn
17:30 – Electing Visionary Leaders
19:00 – Not Just Structures – People Matter
20:30 – Civil Service Role in Decentralisation
22:00 – Tech Giveaways & Youth Engagement
23:00 – Final Message: Love, Service & Humility
Summary of full speech below:
Full Breakdown and Explanation of Andrew Napuat’s SHEFA Day 2025 Speech:
1. Opening Remarks
“The development forum discussion from yesterday focused on reconnection through traditional values and unity for more development.”
Explanation:
Napuat begins by linking the SHEFA Day celebration to the previous development forum. He emphasizes that national development should be rooted in traditional values and community unity—setting a cultural and philosophical tone before transitioning into policy matters.
2. Clarification on Public Holiday
Clarification is made regarding the public holiday following a parliamentary amendment… A public holiday means a cessation of work and business activities.
Explanation:
Napuat reminds the public that public holidays are intended for unity and national reflection, not just relaxation. It highlights the deeper social and patriotic purpose of the day.
3. Decentralisation: Where Are We Heading?
Key questions to consider: Where are we heading? What decisions must be made? How do we ensure services reach rural areas?
Explanation:
These questions frame the speech’s central theme: decentralisation. He encourages national introspection and collective responsibility for charting Vanuatu’s development path.
4. Constitutional Basis for Decentralisation
Reference to Chapter 12 and Chapter 13 of the Constitution… “The Republic of Vanuatu… shall enact legislation necessary to realize that ideal.”
Explanation:
By citing the Constitution, Napuat elevates the conversation from political preference to constitutional duty. It grounds decentralisation as a fundamental national objective.
5. Timeline of Decentralisation Efforts
From 2017 consultations, to appointment of area administrators, to 5 million vatu budget allocations.
Explanation:
He shares a timeline of tangible milestones to show that decentralisation is not a new or empty promise—it’s a process in motion, with real government resources behind it.
6. Role of Area Councils
Councils must include youth, women, churches, and have strategic plans.
Explanation:
He stresses inclusion and strategy. Effective governance should reflect diverse voices and operate under long-term development plans, not informal or exclusive decision-making.
7. Technical Support and Coordination
Integration under the Public Service Act is vital… ensure line agencies work together.
Explanation:
Napuat calls for structural reform across government agencies. Decentralisation must come with coordination to avoid duplication and improve service delivery to rural areas.
8. Challenges and Reform Needs
Access to services remains difficult… example: questioning the need for a secretary in a small council.
Explanation:
He highlights inefficiencies and suggests reforms tailored to community size. The focus is on practicality—ensuring governance is smart and responsive, not wasteful.
9. Constituency Alignment
Proposal to align constituency and area council boundaries.
Explanation:
Napuat brings up a key reform issue. Misaligned boundaries can dilute representation. Aligning them could improve service delivery and local accountability.
10. Provincial Budget Transparency
One province has a budget of over 315 million vatu.
Explanation:
This underscores the importance of financial transparency. Decentralisation is serious business—large budgets must be handled with accountability and competence.
11. Global Examples & Priorities
Reference to the Philippines: large population, strong local revenue systems.
Explanation:
Citing the Philippines shows that decentralisation works even in larger and more complex systems. It provides a model Vanuatu can adapt, especially in strengthening local revenue.
12. Elections and Leadership
Vote for vision, not for friends or family.
Explanation:
A bold, honest appeal. He urges voters to prioritize capability and vision over personal relationships—a call to elevate democratic standards.
13. Structure Alone Is Not Enough
“Structure isn’t enough… empower people with resources.”
Explanation:
A key message: governance isn’t just about creating councils—it’s about making sure those structures are funded, trained, and equipped to do their jobs effectively.
14. Civil Servants & Reflection
Civil servants must reflect on their sectoral work.
Explanation:
The responsibility doesn’t lie with leaders alone. He calls on all civil servants to be self-critical and proactive in making their work relevant to national development.
15. Closing Message: Love & Service
“The ultimate expression of love is laying down one’s life for others.”
Explanation:
Napuat ends with a powerful moral reminder. For him, leadership is about sacrifice, humility, and service—not self-interest. It’s a fitting close to a speech grounded in values and national duty.
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