On October 17th, the Chairman of the Public Service Commission, Mr. Martin Raoul Mahe, officially congratulated Mr. Tony Tevi on his appointment as Acting Director of the newly established Department of Oceans and Maritime Affairs. The announcement was made at the VIPAM Conference room in Port Vila.
In his remarks, Mr. Mahe highlighted the government's commitment to strengthening ocean and maritime policies at both national and international levels. He noted that while the fisheries sector has been cautious about restructuring, the creation of this new department marks an important step forward.
“I’m pleased that the Commission has approved the Department of Oceans and Maritime Affairs to operate independently,” said Mr. Mahe. “As Chairman, I’m proud to see Mr. Tevi appointed to lead this important department.”
The department will work closely with the Public Service to define its responsibilities, ensuring there is no overlap with other ministries. Its focus will include managing ocean boundaries and resources.
Mr. Mahe expressed confidence in Mr. Tevi’s leadership and encouraged collaboration with the Director of Fisheries to address existing gaps and improve coordination. The creation of the Department of Oceans and Maritime Affairs will be followed by changes to the Fisheries Department as part of a wider reform.
Mr. Tevi responded by thanking the Commission and expressing his dedication to the role:
“The government’s vision is clear—we must focus on our oceans and protect our waters. It won’t be easy, but I believe everything will fall into place. I’m grateful for the trust placed in me, and I look forward to leading the team to achieve our goal of independence and strong maritime governance.”
Mr. Tevi’s appointment marks a new chapter in Vanuatu’s commitment to protecting and managing its ocean resources. With the full support of the Public Service Commission, the Department of Oceans and Maritime Affairs is poised to play a vital role in shaping the country’s maritime future. As reforms continue, the leadership and vision behind this initiative will help ensure that Vanuatu’s waters are safeguarded for generations to come.