Vanuatu celebrates 34 years of independence

Transcript

The Vanuatu Prime Minister says the country's Independence Day today is a good time to reflect how far the nation has come and what needs to be done to make it stronger in the future.

People in Vanuatu are commemorating 34 years of freedom from British and French rule in 1980, with events underway all over the country.

Joe Natuman says the country has come a long way since colonial rule, now having its own currency, airline, a unified parliament and one school, health and police system.

But he told Mary Baines there is still more work to be done, and his government will look at strengthening the economy and developing its land and fisheries for a more prosperous Vanuatu.

JOE NATUMAN: It's very important. It's a time where we got rid of the colonial powers and got our independence in 1980, so it's an important occasion for everybody in Vanuatu, including those in the Highlands. There are celebration centres in the main cities, so Port Vila and Santo, but also there will be celebrations up in the villages as well.

MARY BAINES: How far has Vanuatu come since getting its independence in 1980?

JN: A long way. Those who have studied Vanuatu history [will know] we had two colonial powers, two administrations, two everything else - two education systems, two health systems, two police systems. We have managed to bring everyone together nationally in what is important, unify all the various systems. One independent united government of the Republic of Vanuatu, and we have created our own currency, Vatu, we have our own airline, we have our own national time. We set down as well police force, one administration administering the country and one parliamentary system. So, yeah, we've come a long way.

MB: It's been reported you've said the country needs to revisit its vision of independence.

JN: That's what I said when they elected me nearly two months ago, I said we have to revisit our roots. Go back to basics. I will tell about the struggle, the vision of our forefathers and foremothers and how we proceed from there. I will be saying something along those lines during the flag raising at the Independence Park.

MB: So what needs to be done to further develop the country?

JN: Try to, you know, do more in the area of economic development, develop our land. In the past it seems to me the last government were trying to do certain things which I will be reviewing. But there is no, what I am trying to say is there is no quick way to build prosperity, you have to build your economy, develop your land, develop your fisheries. What happened was that the last government they were selling passports and selling citizenship, I will be reviewing those.