Ifira Island, Port Vila, Vanuatu – 7 August 2026 – Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat Director General Dr Anna Naupa, the first ni-Vanuatu and first woman to ever serve as Director General of the MSG Secretariat, performed a customary protocol to Chief Teriki Paunimanu Mantoi Kalsakau III and the Ifira Farea (Council of Chiefs) on Ifira Island, in recognition of the important role of customary leadership and customary governance as part of the Melanesian Way.
As the traditional custodians of the Port Vila lands on which the MSG Secretariat is housed, Teriki Paunimanu and his Council reaffirmed its support for the work of the Secretariat and emphasized the importance of safeguarding Melanesian values, culture and customary knowledge as foundations for regional progress, cooperation and unity.
Dr Naupa was accompanied by her traditional leaders from Erromango island, and MSG Secretariat staff.
As a daughter of Erromango, Dr Naupa expressed her gratitude to Chief Teriki Mantoi Paunimanu Kalsakau III and the Ifira Council of Chiefs for their warm welcome. In recognition of her ancestral links between her paternal island of Erromango and Ifira, as well as her kinship links with the Imere community on Efate, she performed the protocol in accordance with the kastom roads of the southern and central islands in Vanuatu – cultural pathways that order and govern relationships and responsibilities. This is an indigenous diplomatic protocol where inter-island connections are respected for fostering dialogue, mutual understanding, peace and unity. The participation of representatives of Simanlou Erromango Island Council of Chiefs and Dr Naupa’s family underscored the shared cultural values that connect communities across Vanuatu and the wider Melanesian region.
During discussions, Dr Naupa acknowledged the significant contributions of the Ifira community and its customary leadership to the development of Vanuatu and the region. She paid tribute to the longstanding support of Ifira leaders and community for Vanuatu’s independence, regional cooperation and their contributions to the formation and advancement of the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
“We stand together with the deepest respect, humility and honour for you Teriki Paunimanu, the Farea and your people.” Dr Naupa said, noting the MSG and Ifira share a history through former PM Barak Tame Sope Mautamata, and former President Kalkot Mataskelekele who were instrumental in establishing the MSG with Walter Lini, Nikenike Vurobaravu, Joe Natuman on the side of Vanuatu.
“This thread of history with Ifira has continued over the years, not only by the MSG Secretariat being allowed to work peacefully on your traditional lands since 2008, but also recently when former PM Ma’aukoro Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau chaired the MSG and hosted the 7th Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival, bringing people together from across our vast Melanesian community from Fiji and Kanaky, all the way to Torres Strait and West Papua.”
Chief Teriki Paunimanu Mantoi Kalsakau III and members of the Ifira Council of Chiefs congratulated Dr Naupa on her historic appointment as the first woman to lead the MSG Secretariat. “Without women, we do not have men, a society or a future generation of leaders,” Teriki Paunimanu said, as he assured Dr Naupa of the Ifira Farea’s blessing and support. “Women must be respected totally and play important and influential roles within culture, community and society. This is the Melanesian Way.”
The Council welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed its support for the work of the Secretariat and emphasized the importance of safeguarding Melanesian values, culture and customary knowledge as foundations for regional progress and unity.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of gifts from Chief Teriki Paunimanu Mantoi Kalsakau III and the Ifira Council of Chiefs to Director General Dr Anna Naupa, and her delegation. The presentation of gifts to every member of Dr Naupa’s delegation is a symbolic gesture that recognising the central importance of women in all Melanesian cultures and homes, and their role in bringing people together.
The customary protocol was sealed with a traditional kava ceremony and luncheon hosted by the Chief and the Council, reflecting the spirit of Melanesian hospitality, mutual respect and unity. The occasion reinforced the strong relationship between customary leadership and regional institutions in advancing the collective interests of Melanesian peoples and communities.
The visit formed part of Dr Naupa’s introductory engagements following her appointment as Director General. Under her leadership the MSG Secretariat remains committed to strengthening ties between regional institutions, customary governance structures and communities across Melanesia.
