Active disruptions from Vanuatu govt put Mini Games hosting at risk

RNZ reports the Pacific Games Council says active disruptions from within the Vanuatu government are a dangerous development which seriously threatens the country's ability to deliver the 2017 Mini Games.

The Van2017 Organising Committee was forced to postpone major initiatives, including this week's scheduled official sponsorship announcements, due to the lack of support and active disruptions from some elements within the government.

The Pacific Games Council said over the past three months the VAN2017 team has been doing an excellent job in making up for many years of lost time, engaging commercial sponsors, sports federations, athletes and the Vanuatu public.

But, with less than one year to go before the Opening Ceremony in Port Vila, it said the government's actions are putting the whole event at risk.

The PGC is visiting Port Vila this week to meet with the Prime Minister, other senior government ministers and the Vanuatu Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee in an attempt to find a way forward for the Games to proceed as planned and contracted under the Host Agreement, signed by the three parties in 2011.

It said the Prime Minister and other senior Ministers have provided assurances on previous visits that the Vanuatu Government wants to host the Mini Games and respects the processes of organising the Games as outlined in the Host Agreement.

The Council said the core responsibilities and obligations outlined in the Host Agreement must be respected so that VAN2017 is in a position to organise the Games in accordance with the PGC Charter.

Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai and Pacific Games Council President Vidhya Lakhan at the PGC General Assembly in May. Photo: ONOC
Source:
Radio New Zealand