Port Vila
11 - 14 February
Bauerfield Airport - 11 February 2017
Initiator Francis Janssen, accompanied by Isaac Pattikawa and Marcel Tomasowa, arrived at Vanuatu after 60 hours of travel from Amsterdam. The team was welcomed by Alul Ravue Fanbir and Peter Ranbel.
Republic of Vanuatu
The archipelago of Vanuatu consists of about 82 islands, of which 65 inhabited. Two islands (Matthew and Hunter) are also claimed by France as part of New Caledonia.
In the 1880s, France and UK claimed parts of the archipelago, and in 1906 they agreed on jointly managing the archipelago through an Anglo-French Condominium as the New Hebrides.
An independence movement arose in the 1970s, and the Republic of Vanuatu was founded in 1980.
The walking team spent their first days in and around Port Vila meeting old and new friends, as well as Ni-Vanuatu leading figures and members of the Lini Family.
Networking and Solidarity
Uncle Andy Ayamiseba (Black Brothers and West Papua activist) visited and supported the team.
Talking to Mr. Barak Sopé, former Prime Minister, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. He has always been a supporter of West Papua and Maluku, among other unfree Melanesian people.
Pastor Alan Nafuki is Chairman of the Vanuatu Christian Council, Chairman of the Vanuatu Free West Papua Association, ànd the Chairman of the West Papua Reunification Committee.
An intensive conversation with Hilda Lini.
This inspiring lady made a deep impression, and the walking team marks her words: "If Maluku and West Papua will become independent, the first ten years will be very tough, but that should not withhold you from continuing the struggle."
David Thomas made all the arrangements for the team meeting the Lini Family.
Former Minister of Justice, Yoan Simon
Thanks to Witnol Benko from Nak Media Vanuatu, who provided connections to media outlets such as radio, television and papers in Vanuatu!
Vanuatu Media
Radio & TV
In the morning of 13 February, Francis was invited to the studio of Radio Paradise FM. He presented the Walk's information kit, including a timeline of Maluku historical data and the T-shirt.
Francis gave an interview for Radio Paradise FM, which was followed by camera recording for TV.
We hope to add the audio file at a later stage.
