Vanuatu students sent home after land dispute on Malekula
The management at a primary and secondary school on the Vanuatu island of Malekula sent 300 students home on Tuesday (October 20) following a protest by custom land owners.
The landowners closed down the school claiming the Government owes them 90 million vatu, or $USD940,000, in outstanding rent.
The Government is negotiating with the landowners to allow the children continue their studies.
The Director-General of lands, Russel Nari, said the government can’t release the money because the land is still in dispute and the issue is now before the land court.
Mr Nari said the government would pay it after the court confirms the true custom owners.
The present term is particularly important for many students because they have examinations which determine whether they can progress to higher classes next year.