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[Policy Update | Issue 23] Vanuatu Chief Displeased with "Nakamal Agreement" Naming, Citing Lack of Proper Cultural Consultation!
According to reports compiled by the Voice of the South Pacific, Chief Paul Robert Ravun, President of the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs, raised strong concerns on the 1st regarding the bilateral agreement recently signed between Vanuatu and Australia in Canberra, publicly questioning whether it is appropriate to name the agreement after the "Nakamal."
The Pacific Islands News Association website reported that Ravun pointed out the "Nakamal" holds an extremely high status in Vanuatu’s traditional culture, symbolizing gathering and consultation.
He believes that before selecting this name for the bilateral treaty, the government failed to conduct broad consultations with chiefs across the country, opposition leaders, church leaders, and grassroots representatives of women and youth.
Ravun emphasized that terms with such deep national meaning represent national symbols, and the decision-making process should be based on collective consensus rather than a unilateral decision by the government's executive branch.
Notably, this is the second time Ravun has publicly objected. He had already expressed his concerns as early as last year when the agreement was initially signed on Tanna Island, but his recommendations received no response from the government.
Although the agreement was officially signed on June 29 by the Prime Ministers of Vanuatu and Australia, and is seen as an important milestone in strengthening bilateral relations, the cultural controversy surrounding its name continues to escalate.
In response, the Vanuatu Intellectual Property Office (VIPO) stepped forward to confirm that no individual, community, or organization has legally registered the name "Nakamal." VIPO Compliance Officer Harry Abong explained that "Nakamal" has been recognized as "Traditional Knowledge and Expressions of Culture" under the protective scope of the country's laws.
This means that although the law allows individuals or groups to apply for ownership of the name, VIPO is mandated to consult the National Council of Chiefs before approving any such application, to ensure the integrity and lawful transmission of this cultural heritage.
Ravun expressed regret over this, stating that he had tried to communicate with the government months before the agreement was signed, but his appeals were consistently sidelined.
In response to the matter, the Prime Minister’s Office of Vanuatu stated in a declaration that the original intention of selecting the name "Nakamal" was to showcase the traditional values of mutual assistance and the deep national spirit embodied in the agreement to the international community.