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Vanuatu has achieved a major breakthrough by generating an unprecedented revenue of over 570 million Vatu (VT) from its Jack Mackerel quota under the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO).
As conveyed to the Vanuatu Daily Post, the successful transfer of funds overseen by Mr. Saade Makhlouf, the Government Agent responsible for managing and selling the quota.
The achievement is an indicator of the country’s potential in the offshore fisheries sector and represents a notable accomplishment for Vanuatu, in light of the fact that just around April 2023, the nation made international headlines after it was exposed that its mackerel fishing rights had been awarded to Unimed Glory SA, a Panama-based company, for a fraction of the market value, literally peanuts — only US$2 per tonne.
The controversial agreement, allegedly between Mr. Christophe Emelee, the former Vanuatu Commissioner for Offshore Fisheries and a current Member of Parliament (MP) and the Panama company was first discovered by Mr. Makhlouf in February, leading to a legal battle in the courts of England.
Ultimately, on December 1, 2023, the case reached a settlement based on terms agreed upon by the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister (PM) Charlot Salwai.
However, the handling of the case and the terms of the settlement have faced criticism from various political parties and leaders, both within the government and the opposition.
Some argue that if the case had continued, the government could have potentially reclaimed the entire quota.
Mr. Makhlouf stopped funding the legal costs after Mr. Emelee was reinstated as Minister of Education by PM Salwai on October 6, 2023.
Makhlouf then demanded Mr. Emelee’s resignation to resume funding the case, but it was only four days after the settlement that he was dismissed.
Despite Mr. Makhlouf’s complaints about the lack of cooperation from certain government departments, no corrective action was taken, leaving no way for the legal process to proceed.
Meanwhile Mr. Makhlouf, who confirmed the successful transfer to the Vanuatu Daily Post, also revealed that an additional payment of over VT700 million is expected within the next four months.
He emphasised that this case exposes previous mismanagement of Vanuatu’s public funds and assets. Additionally, Mr. Makhlouf suggested that three more significant cases will be opened soon.
Regarding offshore fisheries sector, Mr. Makhlouf acknowledged that there is still substantial work to be done, particularly with the Vanuatu quota of Tuna.
He projected that if all quotas are successfully reclaimed, the government could receive over VT5 billion annually.
While this process is lengthy, delicate, and costly, it is crucial and should be pursued diligently.
Mr. Makhlouf expressed his gratitude to the former PM and the current Leader of the Opposition, Ishmael Kalsakau, for his unwavering support and determination in the pursuit of reclaiming the quota.
He acknowledged that without their support, nothing could have been achieved.
He also extended his appreciation to MP Jotham Napat, Minister John Salong, and Minister Ralph Regenvanu for their support during a period of political instability.
The dedication and efforts of Mr. Makhlouf in safeguarding Vanuatu’s national interests are beginning to yield positive outcomes for the people of Vanuatu.
He has reaffirmed his commitment to continue advocating for a more prosperous future for the nation, ensuring responsible management and utilisation of its resources for the benefit of its citizens.
The Jack Mackerel quota saga has been the subject of much public scrutiny since it emerged, and MP Emelee had responded on numerous occasions to the accusations surrounding his involvement.
In November last year, he publicly vowed his support for any Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the Jack Mackerel quota scandal, saying an inquiry will expose some of the politicians involved in a crooked system.