Former New Hebrides police members claim Vt1.8 billion compensation

A Spokesperson for 307 former New Hebrides Police Force Members, whom he said have laid down their life in duties and loyalties, to help put down the 1980 rebellion, are still waiting for an answer to their compensation claims.

The Spokesperson who asked to remain unanimous, said the 307 former New Hebrides Police Members claims have been submitted to thirteen different Prime Ministers since after the 1980 Independence, but not one of them, has respond to their claims, the Spokesperson alleged.

“The claims from the 307 former New Hebrides Police Force Members are for injuries sustained during the 1980 rebellion and also for psychological effects, damage to their properties and other effects upon their lives including that of their families sustained during the 1980 rebellion,” the Spokesperson alleged.

He said without these former New Hebrides Police Force Members, it would have been difficult for the leaders that spearheaded the struggle for political independence to have launched out with the message of independence to the rural population as well as the urban population of the then New Hebrides and later Vanuatu and to gain the support of the majority of the population who stood up for independence.

“We believe that the Vt1.8 billion compensation claims by the 307 former New Hebrides Police members is justified and the government should respond to it and to meet the claims,” he said.

He said some of their members have passed away but the remaining members will continue to pursue their claims to the end for them and for their families and relatives.

“We believe this government will give consideration to the claims and look forward to an answer in due course,” he said.

He will not disclose it if some of them are still in active duties or that they may all have retired.