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A total of 250 chainsaws, worth VT12.2 million, were reportedly handed out without following the proper government procedures. This has raised serious concerns about the possible political misuse of government property. According to reliable sources inside the Vanuatu Government, the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) bought a container of chainsaws as part of the national recovery program after two major cyclones hit Vanuatu in past years. These chainsaws were meant to help schools clear debris, reopen roads, and support emergency services after the disaster. However, many schools across the country say they haven’t received any chainsaws, even though official records show 250 were distributed between May 19 and June 25, 2025. A leaked internal list shows the following chainsaw allocations: 100 chainsaws to Shefa, received by Deputy PEO 50 chainsaws to Tafea, reportedly for Minister of Education Simil Johnson 10 chainsaws to Monmartre Plantation, received by a foreman 50 chainsaws to former Minister of Education Samson Samsen 20 chainsaws to Minister Simil Johnson, received by an office supervisor 10 chainsaws to Matevulu College, received by an office supervisor 10 chainsaws to Penama Office, received by Principal Henry W. 10 chainsaws received by PEO John Tari 10 chainsaws to Office Supervisor Robert Simon, received by Robert Simon Sources say that many of these people and places have no connection to schools or disaster recovery work. This has led to claims that the chainsaws may have been given out as political gifts or favors. When asked about the issue, Education Minister Simil Johnson denied any involvement. “This is news to me. I am not involved. We have strict rules for purchasing and distributing government items,” he told the Vanuatu Daily Post. However, his name appears multiple times in the leaked records, with at least 70 chainsaws linked directly to him or his office. Other senior officials, including former Minister Samson Samsen and multiple education officers, are also listed in the distribution. Each chainsaw is valued at VT48,800, and the total value of all 250 chainsaws is VT12.2 million.
