Vanuatu’s headlines are hot this week, with former VNPF General Manager Parmod Achary suing the Ombudsman’s Office for VT32 million. Yes, you read that right: thirty-two million vatu.

What’s the Claim About?

Parmod Achary, a Fijian national and former GM of the Vanuatu National Provident Fund (VNPF), has filed civil proceedings in the Supreme Court of Vanuatu. His claim? He wants VT32 million in damages for what he says was wrongful and humiliating treatment by the Ombudsman’s Office.

The saga started in September 2019, when the Ombudsman’s Office issued an ex parte order restricting Achary from:

• Dealing with VNPF funds,
• Convening board meetings,
• Making public comments,
• Leaving Vanuatu.

They even seized his passport, allegedly with threats of criminal charges if he didn’t comply. Within five days, the order was withdrawn, but Achary claims the damage was done.

What He’s Claiming:

He is asking for:

• VT2 million for humiliation,
• VT2 million for harassment,
• VT3 million for mental suffering,
• VT2 million for unlawful restriction of movement,
• VT2 million for physical suffering,
• VT2 million for vindictive treatment,
• VT2 million for interference with duties,
• VT2 million for reputational damage,
• VT2 million for lost opportunities,
• VT8 million in exemplary damages,
• VT5 million in legal costs.

Total: VT32 million.

Achary claims the Ombudsman’s actions were malicious, degrading, and traumatic, causing health issues and forcing him out of his duties. He argues that the Ombudsman’s later withdrawal of the order, paired with an alleged promise to pay damages, was effectively an admission of liability.

The Bigger Picture:

While the case unfolds, this claim has triggered sharp discussions in Vanuatu, a country where VT32 million could fund classrooms, community water tanks, or agricultural start-ups. For many, the figure feels out of touch with the economic realities of the average ni-Vanuatu.

Why It Matters:

This isn’t just about one man’s payout. It touches on how public authorities exercise power, accountability, and the potential financial burden of errors on the government’s purse (and taxpayers). If Achary wins, it could set a precedent for how public authorities handle restrictions on officials.

For now, the Ombudsman’s Office has yet to file a formal defence, and the matter remains active in the Supreme Court.

We’ll be watching closely to see whether VT32 million will change hands or just remain a headline that got Vanuatu talking over morning kopi.

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This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available reports regarding ongoing legal proceedings in Vanuatu. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise, and the matter remains before the court. This post does not constitute legal advice or an official statement from any party involved.