Vanuatu’s Minister of Health, John Still Tari Qetu, was taken into custody on Wednesday in Port Vila, charged with intentional assault and public disorder related to a July incident. The arrest occurred around midday, and police confirmed that Qetu provided a sworn statement at the station afterward.
The situation stems from a complaint lodged in 2024 by a man who intervened during an assault on a young woman outside the Grand Hotel & Casino. The complainant alleged that when he attempted to help the woman, recognized as the daughter of a former government colleague of Qetu, the minister and his driver intervened violently. He accused Qetu of punching him in the head and then sitting on him while his driver kicked him, leaving him unconscious until assisted by hotel security.
After the incident, a group of bystanders reportedly confronted Qetu and his driver, resulting in further altercations. The complainant stated that he and his family did not wish to pursue an out-of-court settlement, emphasizing the need for accountability and that the minister should face the full consequences of his actions as a leader.
Following his appearance in court, Qetu was remanded but later granted bail. The complainant has expressed intentions to formally report the incident to the Ombudsman’s Office, seeking an investigation into Qetu’s actions in relation to the Leadership Code Act.
This case has broader implications regarding accountability among government officials in Vanuatu. Such incidents highlight the importance of ethical conduct in public service, reflecting the community’s desire for leaders to be held responsible for their actions. As discussions around leadership integrity grow, there could be potential for positive changes in public service accountability.
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