Vanuatu celebrates Independence 30th anniversary

Celebrations for the 30th anniversary of Vanuatu’s independence have started in Port-Vila.

July 30th is the day on which, in 1980, the former New Hebrides gained independence from Britain and France.

There was first a large parade including paramilitary police, politicians, students, musicians and dancers in Port-Vila.

They moved up one of the main streets of the city named after the founding father of Vanuatu’s independence, Walter Lini.

Another important ceremony of the celebrations was to take place Friday (Thursday, Tahiti time).

Formal addresses by the country’s President and Prime Minister were scheduled at Independence Park, in Port-Vila.

French Polynesia Assembly Speaker and pro-independence leader Oscar Temaru went to Vanuatu to attend the ceremonies.

Port-Vila will also host next week the 41st Pacific Islands Forum summit.

ATP