14 Jun 2006

Vanuatu opposition MP urges government to stop amendment bill

2:06 pm on 14 June 2006

The Vanuatu opposition MP Charlot Salwai has asked the government to withdraw the bill for the Vanuatu Commodities Marketing Board Amendment Act.

The Amendment Bill follows the government's decision for the VCMB to control kava exports, which some critics say creates a monopoly on the product.

The Daily Post reports that Mr Salwai has also urged the government to carefully appraise the kava situation before making any amendments.

Mr Salwai says the businesses have not been consulted on the proposed amendments and this is contrary to the Comprehensive Reform Programme policy of the private sector leading the economic growth of the country.

He says the majority of members of parliament are elected by the people living in the rural areas who do not support the amendment.