[New York, 05 March 2024] – Saade MAKHLOUF, General Manager of VLAS, strongly condemns the current government’s launch of two commissions of inquiry on the subject of the shipping registry and the Jack Mackerel. This move is nothing but a blatant attempt to distort the facts and cover up corruption, and we will not allow it to pass unnoticed. While we acknowledge that not everyone in the government is corrupt, it is disheartening to see that those who are righteous often lack the ability to confront, while the corrupt thrive on their cunning and sly tactics.
Our concerns about the credibility of these commissions are well-founded. The two commissions were launched during ongoing legal proceedings in Vanuatu and New York and while the public opinion is focused on the referendum.
It is concerning to note that the chairman of one of the commissions is allegedly connected to wrongdoing associated with the shipping registry dating back to 1993. Our investigations have uncovered evidence suggesting his involvement with individuals engaged in corrupt activities, including Robert Bohn and Tom Bayer. Mr. Willie Jimmy, the Chairman in question, formerly held the position of Minister of Finance in 1993 and was responsible for the termination of the initial successful maritime administrator of Vanuatu International Shipping Registry (VISR), Vanuatu Maritime Shipping Incorporation (VMSI), on the grounds that it did not meet the criteria of a Vanuatu International Company. Additionally, he entered into the initial contract with companies owned by Robert Bohn and Tom Bayer, namely VMSL and VMML, in 1993.
In 2007, despite receiving advice to the contrary from the state law office, the individual in question approved a ten-year contract with companies owned by Robert Bohn and Bayer, namely PITCO and VMML. It is important to note that this approval was granted without conducting any tender process or background checks, and appeared to be contrary to the best interests of the nation. During this period, Robert Bohn faced criminal charges in the Supreme Court of Tennessee, USA, for allegations of Fraud and Money Laundering and was ultimately convicted on all counts in June 2008. Additionally, Tom Bayer has been under investigation by the US Senate for similar criminal offenses few years earlier. The actions taken by Tom Bayer had significant implications for the country’s development, resulting in Vanuatu’s banking system being placed on a blacklist for an extended period of time.
It is notable that Mr. Willie Jimmy was convicted in 2015 of the crime of bribery. Given these facts, how can we trust that the commissions will be fair and just in determining the facts? The presence of such an individual within the commission is sufficient evidence of its true intention, which is to obscure the truth and exonerate the criminals.
We have taken decisive action by engaging our legal team to initiate a judicial review in order to halt the ongoing proceedings, which we consider to be a farce. While we acknowledge the importance of establishing a Commission of Inquiry (COI), it is our position that such an inquiry should be conducted when there are no ongoing legal proceedings. We strongly believe that the COI should thoroughly investigate all past contracts, including the 2017 contract, which was entered into by the same individuals who are now opposing (VLAS). This contract, in violation of numerous laws, including the GCT Act and the Leadership Code, raises significant concerns. If deemed necessary, we are fully prepared to make all relevant documents and information available to the public through a dedicated website. By doing so, we aim to expose the true intentions of these individuals and demonstrate that their actions do not serve the principles of justice and truth, but instead protect their corrupt sponsors who have caused irreparable harm to our nation and the future of our citizens. It is disheartening to witness their continued deception of the public, falsely claiming to act in the best interest of the public while being driven solely by personal gain.
In regard to the Commission of Inquiry on the Jack Mackerel, we strongly believe that it is yet another attempt to divert attention from the facts and truth. It is crucial to note that there is an ongoing civil case against Tuna Fishing Vanuatu Co. Limited and a criminal case against MP Christophe Emelee. It is our belief that their true intentions are to exploit the COI as a pretext to withdraw the civil and criminal cases and subsequently utilize the COI to conceal their crimes. We possess a comprehensive report compiled by independent third parties, encompassing all the facts, documents, and information pertaining to the issue at hand. We are fully prepared to present this report to the public prosecutor and make it accessible to the public, ensuring that no attempts are made to manipulate the investigation or hide the truth.
We caution those involved not to underestimate us. We do not fear them, and we are prepared to fight until the end. While we have acted responsibly thus far, we are ready to expose all their wrongdoings, dirty secrets, and conspiracies. We will pursue all legal means to hold them accountable for their actions at the right time if they do not take appropriate actions to rectify the situation immediately.
Lastly, we earnestly urge the political leaders who have demonstrated a steadfast dedication to safeguarding the national interest to not turn a blind eye and instead intervene to safeguard the welfare of our country.
