Boycotts and tailspins

in the condominium

From a Vila correspondent A boycott of the New Hebrides Representative Assembly by the Vanuaaku Pati threw political life in the condominium into a tailspin in late February.

The Vanuaaku Pati, formerly known as the National Party of the New Hebrides and the biggest party in the assembly, was demanding the exclusion of the six Chamber of Commerce representatives from the assembly.

British Resident Commissioner Champion had to open assembly proceedings on three separate days in one week before a debate could be secured. When it was, the as sembly was completely deadlocked.

The February 24 vote taken on the motion of Vanuaaku president, Fr. Walter Lini, for the exclusion of the Chamber of Commerce rep resentatives was 20 for, 20 against, and two abstentions (Jimmy Stevens of Nagriamel, and Kalpokor Kalsakao, a representative of the Co-operatives, who is close to the Vanuaaku Pati).

In what was seen as a response to the Vanuaaku Pali’s move, more conservative political parties have stiffened their demands on the joint administration.

The UCNH (Union des Com munautes des Nouvelles Hebrides) issued a strongly worded “ultimatum” to the authorities, “de manding” energetic police action to ttiaintain order.

Anti-Vanuaaku statements tend ed to make much of the “danger of communism” in the New Hebrides.

The boycott of the assembly came within a few weeks of the fifth con gress of the Vanuaaku Pati which, among other things, had; • Condemned the British and French colonial presence in the New Hebrides: • Reaffirmed the party’s stand for independence in 1977; • Resolved that the New Hebrides would now be called Vanuaaku (“Our Land”) and that the party’s name should be changed accordingly; • Condemned Britain and France for failing to provide for true inde pendence and called for the exclu sion of the six Chamber of Com merce seats from the assembly; • Declared that as from January 22, 1977, the British and French District Agents would no longer have jurisdiction within the rural areas.

Other significant decisions in cluded demands that Britain and France immediately establish a ministerial system of government within the assembly, and that rep resentatives of all parties immedi ately begin to formulate a future government structure applicable to the New Hebrides. The party also decided to strengthen its organ isational structure by appointing a six-member cabinet of full-time party workers.