Home | Databases | WorldLII | Search | Feedback Vanuatu Ombudsman's Reports

Improper Appointment of Luc Siba as the Commissioner of Police and his Misconduct in Office [1998] VUOM 17; 1998.17 (13 August 1998)

REPUBLIC OF VANUATU

OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN

PUBLIC REPORT

ON THE

IMPROPER APPOINTMENT OF MR LUC SIBA
AS THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
AND HIS MISCONDUCT IN OFFICE

13 August 1998

----------------------------------------

TABLE OF CONTENTS

-----------------------------------------

'Destruction and misery are in their ways, and the way of peace have they not known there is no fear of God before their eyes...'

Romans 3 v 16 - 18

As we consider the facts that have emerged in this investigation, it is difficult not to feel pessimistic and disillusioned as we see successive actions by people in power which are rooted in little else other than thoughts of revenge for real or imagined injustices suffered at the hands of political or religious opponents.

It appeared to be impossible for these leaders to look beyond the small-minded motives of either avenging personal or religious grievances or acquiring political advantages by filling as many posts as possible with persons of their own particular personal allegiances so that the new government’s policies could be implemented without opposition in order to avenge past wrongs of one kind or another.

The use or rather the misuse of power to further the interests of one group or section of the population based on religious or political affiliations resulted in successive unbalanced, biased and unfair decisions and appointments, with no regard for legal procedures or for a fair and honest evaluation of the abilities and qualities of the best candidates.

Indeed it is obvious that those whose responsibilities it was and should have been to choose the candidate whose character and record fitted him above all others for the vital position of Commissioner of Police failed in that simple but important duty, and readers of the Report will see the shameful list of excuses and evasions that were offered to the Office of the Ombudsman in order to attempt and justify actions or failure to act.

There was never a time and it is difficult to foresee a future time more vital for Vanuatu to have a strong, principled and talented experienced leader of the Police to provide moral example and high principles. Without this, it is difficult to be optimistic about real progress.

1. SUMMARY