Rediscovery Colonisation to Decolonisation to Neo-Colonisation

This presentation will be presented in the National language of Vanuatu “Bislama”. It explores the historical and contemporary journey of Vanuatu from Colonisation, trough decolonisation, to the subtle yet persistent realities of neo-colonisation. Using the structure of the Problem Solutions-Best Fit for Vanuatu, the presentation will unpack how colonial legacies continue to shape political bureaucracy, economic, cultural, and psychological systems in modern Vanuatu.  

The Problem section will critically examine impacts of colonisation on Vanuatu’s identity, land, governance, language, and kastom. It will also highlight how post-independence structure-though locally governed-still reflect colonial frameworks, enabling new forms of control through aid dependency, external influence on laws and policies, and cultural erosion.

The best solution section will offer context-specific recommendations, focusing on reclaiming indigenous knowledge systems, strengthening kastom law, developing a decolonise education and justice system, and reducing dependency external aid by investing in sustainable local economies and leadership.

The presentation calls for a deeper rediscovery of what true freedom means for ni-Vanuatu, challenging us to recognise resist neo-colonial patterns, while restoring indigenous authority and cultural dignity at the centre of national development.