Pacific

Vanuatu chiefs worried about people leaving villages

06:28 am on 10 July 2014

The Penama chiefs in Vanuatu say 2,000 people from the islands of Ambae, Maewo and Pentecost migrate to Port Vila annually.

The chiefs told the Daily Post newspaper they are concerned about social problems in the capital and the loss of people from their villages.

They say they will promote fundraising activities for annual events such as Penama Day as a way to entice people to return to the islands.

Interim chairman of the Penama Council of Chiefs in Port Vila, chief Lazar Asal, says the people have a constitutional right of movement, but need to have more incentives to return.