Vanuatu marks Constitution Day today

It was October 5 in 1979, when Vanuatu national leaders put an end to the question of whether or not New Hebrides (then) was capable of assembling itself as an independent nation.

This suspicion became eminent during the signing of the national constitution by 31 national leaders to pave way for Vanuatu’s independence on July 30 1980.

The annual ceremony to commemorate this significant event took place in front of the Government Building, now known as the Constitution Building, the exact location where the original signatories put pen on paper.

Out of the signatories of the Constitution, more than half have passed away, and about 3 including the deputy leader of opposition, Joe Natuman, were present for the solemn historic event.

This morning, the Head of State Fr Baldwin Lonsdale, standing on the exact spot where the Constitution of the Republic was signed, 36 years ago, recalled that it was not an easy task for our national leaders who had to go through difficult circumstances under the colonial powers to ensure the existence of the constitution.

The Head of State said the constitution which we remember today also marks the breakthrough by the people of Vanuatu to achieve their freedom. “Today Vanuatu enjoys freedom as an independent nation. It allows our freedom therefore we are bound to uphold the spirit of the constitution through willingness to ensuring its application as well as protecting its fundamental beliefs, through good times and bad times. Whilst freedom is guaranteed, it is not that cheap. It comes with the responsibility to carry it on our shoulders throughout our entire lives”.

He said this constitution is the supreme law that contains our political structure and that we are also entrusted to check the balance of our daily works against this constitution by making sure nobody acts above the law.

However, he pointed out that a lack of knowledge on the spirit of the constitution could misguide anyone. “Ignorance and misguided concepts are worse experiences within a free society”, he said.

When making reference to national leaders, the President said Members of Parliament should also be exercising their responsibilities within this same spirit of the constitution.

Fr Lonsdale said ordinary citizens likewise, should continue to renew their knowledge on the constitution.

“It is important that the country must properly utilize this national day (public holiday) to educate the younger generation to acknowledge, appreciate, and respect national historic events, rather than going out for picnics”. “This respect is very important for the over-all stability and Unity of this nation.

The activities ended with kava ceremony.