Chief proclaims autonomy

VANUATU – A Vanuatu chief, who gained notoriety by appearing in court to face criminal charges while wearing traditional dress, claims to have set up an autonomous town at his home base in East Pentecost.

Chief Viraleo said this stretch of land comprises what he called the Global Harmonious City.

The chief also heads an organisation on Pentecost called the Melanesian Global Institute where students can study custom.

He has called on other chiefs to consider setting up towns and cities on their islands, to safeguard the principles of what he calls “self-determination in a truly sovereign state”.

Chief Viraleo, who is on bail, was first arrested along with a group of his people for alleged criminal offences on Pentecost last year.

He made headlines by defying the orders of a Supreme Court Judge not to wear his custom attire to court. - RNZI