President Vurobaravu acknowledges Churches’ contributions towards nation

President Vurobaravu said these stakeholders all have roles to play and while carrying out those roles, they must work together, as these roles are clearly defined in the social policy objectives under the sustainable development plan.

Vurobaravu stressed that the churches must understand their rights and responsibilities and work collectively.

The president highlighted that the churches designed the architecture of the nation, not the French and British colonial governments, which he said stood here for 75 years without significant infrastructure development.

Vurobaravu mentioned the lack of roads, wharves, and airfields during colonial times, and noted that education was inaccessible to many. He recounted being one of the first seven graduates with a bachelor’s degree upon independence, while Samoans and Tongans were already graduating with PhDs.

Regarding education, Vurobaravu credited the churches for pioneering it and mentioned institutions like Onesua Presbyterian College, Saint Patrick’s College, Ranwadi Churches of Christ College, Aore Adventist Academy, and Lycee Catholique du Montmartre. He added that the British Secondary School (now Malapoa College) came much later.

Vurobaravu also acknowledged the churches’ role in establishing hospitals around the islands to address health needs.

The president recalled the historical issue of Black Birding, where many ancestors were taken to Queensland and Fiji as slaves on sugar cane plantations. He highlighted how the churches initiated Vanuatu’s first foreign affairs diplomacy, sending pastors to London and Paris to demand an end to Black Birding. This led to the establishment of the New Hebrides colony and eventually independence.

Vurobaravu noted the churches’ involvement in the decolonisation process, contrasting the British and French approaches, with the British eventually supporting Vanuatu’s push for independence.

Regarding decolonisation criteria set by the United Nations (UN), Vurobaravu mentioned the requirement for a common culture, which Vanuatu did not initially have due to diverse island cultures and languages. He emphasised that faith in God, upheld by the churches, united the islands and facilitated independence.

While discussing leadership, Vurobaravu credited the churches for training up the first leaders, including himself, through partnerships with overseas member churches. He said that church leaders played noteworthy roles in drafting the constitution and forming political parties like Vanua’aku Pati (VP) and Union of Moderate Parties (UMP), citing Pastor Willie Korisa of the Presbyterian Church as a key figure.

Call for unity

President Vurobaravu referenced Anglican priest Father Bochenski, who prophesied about Vanuatu’s independence to youth. He quoted Father Bochenski’s advice to never take unity for granted.

Vurobaravu said unity is very important, starting with the family.

He lamented the prevalence of broken homes in Vanuatu and challenged the congregation to address this issue collaboratively.

Vurobaravu stressed the role of families in nurturing future leaders, emphasizing the need for united families to build united communities and ultimately a united nation.

Reflecting on 44 years of independence, Vurobaravu admitted there are challenges, including the lack of unity within families, which he urged the church congregation to confront and resolve for the nation’s future.

He concluded by urging stakeholders to unite, work together, and take ownership of the UN sustainable development goals, emphasising the need for Vanuatu to lead its own path to progress.

Vurobaravu expressed optimism about legislative developments and political unity, citing upcoming laws and policy efforts aimed at enhancing leadership stability.

He referenced a biblical verse, 1 Corinthians 12:12, likening the church to a unified body with diverse parts, unified by the Holy Spirit.

Elder James Aru thanked President Vurobaravu for attending the service at Sarabetu Church and for his inspiring message, urging the congregation to heed the President’s call for unity.