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Honours Act

Commencement: 30 July 1980

LAWS OF THE REPUBLIC OF VANUATU
REVISED EDITION 1988

CHAPTER 120

HONOURS

JR 28 of 1980

ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS

SECTION

1. Establishment of orders of honour, medals and decorations
2. Provision for Independence Medal
3. Awards to be made by President
4. Awards to be gazetted
5. Citation
6. Posthumous awards
7. Regulations
8. Offences

SCHEDULE
Part 1-Vanuatu Independence Medal
Part 2-Description of Vanuatu Independence Medal

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HONOURS

To provide for the award of honours in the Republic of Vanuatu.

ESTABLISHMENT OF ORDERS OF HONOUR, MEDALS AND DECORATIONS

1. (1) The President may on the advice of the Council of Ministers by Order published in the Gazette establish or create -
   

(a) orders of honour for the purpose of granting recognition to citizens and other persons for achievements or distinguished service;

(b) decorations for persons who perform acts of bravery;

(c) decorations limited to members of disciplined forces of the Republic of Vanuatu who perform acts of bravery;

(d) medals for long service for members of the disciplined forces of the Republic of Vanuatu;

(e) medals to mark historic events in the Republic of Vanuatu to be awarded to persons holding certain offices or of certain lengths of service or who have given good service.

(2) The Order creating an order of honour, medal or decoration may provide conditions relating to the order of honour, medal or decoration generally including -

(a) the division of the award into classes or divisions;

(b) the manner by which persons may be chosen to receive the award; and

(c) the restriction of the award to an issue of a certain number or to a maximum number of persons who may be appointed to it or hold it from time to time.

PROVISION FOR INDEPENDENCE MEDAL

2. The medal provided for in Part 1 of the Schedule shall be deemed to have been established in accordance with section 1.
   

AWARDS TO BE MADE BY PRESIDENT

3. A person may be appointed to an order of honour or granted a medal or decoration by the President acting on the advice of the Prime Minister.
   

AWARDS TO BE GAZETTED

4. The name of any person appointed to an order of honour or granted a medal or decoration in accordance with this Act shall be published in the Gazette.
   

CITATION

5. (1) When appointing a person to an order of honour or granting a medal or decoration the President shall sign a citation giving brief reasons for the appointment or grant.
   

(2) When the grant of a medal or decoration is for an act of bravery short details shall be included in the citation of the facts related to the act.

POSTHUMOUS AWARDS

6. A posthumous award may be made of a decoration granted for an act of bravery.

REGULATIONS

7. The President, on the advice of the Prime Minister may by Order make regulations for -
   

(a) the cancellation of an award made in accordance with this Act;

(b) the manner of wearing insignia of orders of honour and medals and decorations;

(c) any conditions not provided for in an order creating an order of honour, medal or decoration;

(d) any other matter that may provide for the better carrying into effect of the provisions of this Act.

OFFENCES

8. Any person who -
   
   • (a) counterfeits the insignia of an order or a medal or decoration;
     
   • (b) without right wears or makes use of the insignia of an order or a medal or decoration;
     
   • (c) falsely represents himself as entitled to wear an insignia of an order or a medal or decoration; or
     
   • (d) wilfully defaces or destroys an insignia of an order or a medal or decoration;
     

commits an offence and shall on conviction be liable to a fine of VT20,000 or to imprisonment for 1 year or to both.

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SCHEDULE

(section 2)

PART 1
Vanuatu Independence Medal

1. There is hereby created a medal to be known as the Vanuatu Independence Medal.
   
2. The medal is described in Part 2 of this Schedule.
   
3. The medal is limited to an issue of 300.
   
4. The medal may be awarded to -
   
   • (a) Heads of State and other foreign dignitaries who are invited to an do attend the celebrations of the Independence of Vanuatu;
     
   • (b) persons holding certain offices;
     
   • (c) persons who have contributed with distinction to the attainment of Independence.
     

PART 2
Description of Vanuatu Independence Medal

(a) Made of cupro nickel-silver colour and suspended from a ribbon.

(b) Circular in shape with a diameter of 36 millimetres.

(c) Raised edge round circumference on obverse and reverse.

(d) Obverse bears in relief the Vanuatu Coat of arms and the Word "Vanuatu" above it and the Word "Independence" below it followed by "1980".

(e) Reverse bears in relief the national emblem namely a stylised curved pig's tusk making a circle round crossed namele leaves.

(f) Ribbon has 5 vertical banks of colour which are from the left -

• (1) Red 10 millimetres
  
• (2) Black 3 millimetres
  
• (3) Gold 4 millimetres
  
• (4) Black 3 millimetres
  
• (5) Green 10 millimetres
  

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[Subsidiary]

SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION

HONOURS REGULATIONS

Order 46 of 1987

ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS

REGULATION

PART I
Interpretation

1. Interpretation

PART II
Establishment of the Order of Vanuatu

2. Order of Vanuatu
3. Membership of Order
4. Appointment of persons to Order
5. Appointment to be signed by President
6. Prime Minister to recommend appointees
7. Registrar of Order
8. Awards Advisory Committee

9. Duties of Awards Advisory Committee

10. Nominations for appointments

First Class

11. Appointment as members in the First Class

12. Entitlement to wear insignia

13. Badge of Honour
14. Miniature Badge of Honour
15. President to appoint members

Second Class

16. Appointment as members in the Second Class
17. Entitlement to wear insignia

18. Badge of Distinction
19. Miniature Badge of Honour
20. President to appoint members

Third Class

21. Appointment as members in the Third Class
22. President to appoint members
23. Entitlement to wear insignia
24. Vanuatu Distinguished Service Medal
25. Miniature medal
    

Fourth Class

26. Appointment as members in the Fourth Class

27. Entitlement to wear insignia

28. Vanuatu Meritorious Service Medal

29. Miniature medal

PART III
Institution of the Vanuatu Gallantry Medal

30. Vanuatu Gallantry Medal
31. Eligibility for medal

32. President to award medal on recommendation of Prime Minister
33. Description of medal
34. Registrar of Awards
    

PART IV
Institution of the Vanuatu Long Service and Good Conduct Medal

35. Vanuatu Long Service Medal

36. Eligibility to medal
37. President to award medal on recommendation of Prime Minister
38. Description of medal

39. Description of clasp of medal
40. Certificate of good character
41. Register of Awards
    

PART V
Institution of the Vanuatu General Service Medal

42. Vanuatu General Service Medal

43. Award for historic events
44. President to award medal on recommendation of Prime Minister

45. Description of medal

46. Register of Awards

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SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION

HONOURS REGULATIONS

To establish the Order of Vanuatu, and to institute the Vanuatu Gallantry Medal, the Vanuatu Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and the Vanuatu General Service Medal.

PART I
INTERPRETATION

INTERPRETATION

1. In these regulations -

"Act" means the Honours Act, Cap. 120;

"disciplined forces of Vanuatu" means the Vanuatu police force established under the Police Act, Cap. 105 and includes such other police force as may be specified by the President;

"Order" means the "Order of Vanuatu" established under regulation 2;

"Registrar of Awards" means the Registrar of Awards appointed under regulation 34;

"Registrar of the Order" means the Registrar of the Order appointed under regulation 7.

PART II
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ORDER OF VANUATU

ORDER OF VANUATU

2. An Order of honour to be known as the "Order of Vanuatu" (hereinafter called "the Order") is hereby established for the purpose of granting recognition to citizens and other persons for achievements or distinguished service.
   

MEMBERSHIP OF ORDER

3. The membership of the Order shall be classified into 4 classes namely -
   

(a) First Class;

(b) Second Class;

(c) Third Class; and

(d) Fourth Class.

APPOINTMENT OF PERSONS TO ORDER

4. (1) Subject to the provisions of these regulations, a person appointed to the Order shall be appointed in any of the classes referred to in regulation 3.
   

(2) The names of the persons appointed to the Order shall be published in the Gazette.

APPOINTMENT TO BE SIGNED BY PRESIDENT

5. (1) Appointment to the Order shall be made by instrument signed by the President and sealed with the seal of the Order, and shall have effect from the date of affixing of the seal or if a later date is specified in the instrument from that date.
   

(2) The seal of the Order shall be the National Seal of the Republic of Vanuatu.

PRIME MINISTER TO RECOMMEND APPOINTEES

6. No appointment to the Order shall be made except on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
   

REGISTRAR OF ORDER

7. (1) There shall be a Registrar of the Order, appointed by the President.

(2) The Registrar shall be in charge of the administration of the Order and shall hold office for a period of 2 years from the date of his appointment and shall be eligible for reappointment.

AWARDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

8. There shall be an Awards Advisory Committee consisting of four members who shall be appointed by the President for a period of 2 years and who shall be eligible for reappointment.
   

DUTIES OF AWARDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

9. The Awards Advisory Committee shall -

(a) consider nominations of persons for appointment to the Order;

(b) make recommendations to the Prime Minister in relation to these nominations; and

(c) advise the Prime Minister on such other matters concerning the Order as he may refer to the Committee for consideration.

NOMINATIONS FOR APPOINTMENTS

10. Any person or organisation may submit to the Registrar of the Order for consideration by the Awards Advisory Committee a nomination of a person for appointment to the Order as a member of the First Class, or Second Class as the case may be.
    

First Class

APPOINTMENT AS MEMBERS IN THE FIRST CLASS

11. Appointments as members in the First Class shall be made for eminent achievement of the highest degree in service to Vanuatu or to humanity at large.
    

ENTITLEMENT TO WEAR INSIGNIA

12. Every member of the First Class shall be entitled to wear as a decoration the insignia prescribed for the members in the First Class of the Order.
    

BADGE OF HONOUR

13. (1) The insignia prescribed for the members of the First Class of the Order shall be known as the Badge of Honour.
    

(2) The Badge of Honour shall measure approximately 60 mm by 60 mm and shall be made of sterling silver, hard gold clad and consist of stylised curved pig's tusk, enamelled in white and set on crossed namele leaves, enamelled in green, the whole suspended by a ring.

(3) The Badge of Honour shall be worn suspended from the neck by a ribbon 32 mm wide which shall consist of 8 vertical stripes each 4 mm wide of red, black, yellow, green, red, black, yellow and green.

MINIATURE BADGE OF HONOUR

14. Members of the Order may wear suspended on the left breast a miniature of the Badge of Honour, which shall be half the size of the Badge of Honour and the appropriate ribbon.
    

PRESIDENT TO APPOINT MEMBERS

15. The President may appoint to be members of the First Class not more than two members in any one year and there shall not be at any one time more than twenty members of the First Class.
    

Second Class

APPOINTMENT AS MEMBERS IN THE SECOND CLASS

16. Appointments as members in the Second Class shall be made for eminent service to Vanuatu in duties of great responsibility.
    

ENTITLEMENT TO WEAR INSIGNIA

17. Every member of the Second Class shall be entitled to wear as a decoration the insignia prescribed for the members in the Second Class of the Order.
    

BADGE OF DISTINCTION

18. (1) The insignia prescribed for the members in the Second Class of the Order shall be known as the Badge of Distinction.
    

(2) The Badge of Distinction shall measure 60 mm by 60 mm, and shall be made of sterling silver and consist of stylised curved pig's tusk, enamelled in white, the whole suspended by a ring.

(3) The Badge of Distinction shall be worn suspended from the neck by a ribbon 32 mm wide which shall consist of 8 vertical stripes each 4 mm wide of red, black, yellow, green, red, black, yellow and green.

MINIATURE BADGE OF HONOUR

19. Members of the Order may wear suspended on the left breast a miniature of the Badge of Honour, which shall be half the size of that Badge and the appropriate ribbon.
    

PRESIDENT TO APPOINT MEMBERS

20. The President may appoint to be members of the Second Class not more than five members in any one year and there shall not be at any one time more than fifty members of the Second Class.
    

Third Class

APPOINTMENT AS MEMBERS IN THE THIRD CLASS

21. Appointments as members in the Third Class shall be made for most distinguished service rendered to Vanuatu.
    

PRESIDENT TO APPOINT MEMBERS

22. The President may appoint to be members of the Third Class, not more than ten members in any one year and there shall not be at any one time more than one hundred members of the Third Class.
    

ENTITLEMENT TO WEAR INSIGNIA

23. Every member of the Third Class shall be entitled to wear as a decoration the insignia prescribed for the members in the Third Class of the Order.
    

VANUATU DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL

24. (1) The insignia prescribed for the members in the Third Class of the Order shall be known as the Vanuatu Distinguished Service Medal.
    

(2) The Vanuatu Distinguished Service Medal shall be circular in shape, 38 mm in diameter and made of cupro-nickel silver and rhodium plated and the obverse of the medal shall show in relief a representation of the sun rising behind an island which is surrounded by the sea around which is a pair of namele leaves crossed at the bottom.

(3) The reverse of the medal shall have the inscription "FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE" surmounted by the word "VANUATU" with namele leaves crossed at the bottom and extending around the edge.

(4) The medal shall be suspended from a circular ring on a ribbon, 32 mm wide, consisting of 3 vertical stripes of black, green and red each 8 mm wide yellow vertical stripe at each side.

MINIATURE MEDAL

25. The miniature shall be a true representation of the medal 19 mm in diameter suspended from a ribbon 16 mm wide.
    

Fourth Class

APPOINTMENT AS MEMBERS IN THE FOURTH CLASS

26. Appointments as members in the Fourth Class shall be made for most valuable service rendered to Vanuatu.
    

ENTITLEMENT TO WEAR INSIGNIA

27. Every member of the Forth Class shall be entitled to wear as a decoration the insignia prescribed for the members in the Fourth Class of the Order.
    

VANUATU MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL

28. (1) The insignia prescribed for the members of the Fourth Class of the Order shall be known as the Vanuatu Meritorious Service Medal.
    
    • (2) The Vanuatu Meritorious Service Medal shall be circular in shape, 38 mm in diameter and made of cupro-nickel silver and rhodium plated and the obverse of the medal shall show in relief a representation of the sun rising behind an island which is surrounded by the sea around which is a pair of namele leaves crossed at the bottom.
      
    • (3) The reverse of the medal shall have the inscription "FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE" surmounted by the word "VANUATU" with namele leaves crossed at the bottom and extending around the edge.
      
    • (4) The medal shall be suspended from a circular ring on a ribbon, 32 mm wide, consisting of 4 mm vertical stripes of black, yellow, red on 88 mm wide vertical stripe of green in the centre and then 4 mm wide vertical stripe of red, yellow and black.
      

MINIATURE MEDAL

29. The miniature shall be a true representation of the medal 19 mm in diameter suspended from a ribbon 16 mm wide.
    

PART III
INSTITUTION OF THE VANUATU GALLANTRY MEDAL

VANUATU GALLANTRY MEDAL

30. A medal to be known as the Vanuatu Gallantry Medal (hereinafter in this Part called the "medal") is hereby instituted for the purpose of according recognition to persons who perform acts of bravery.
    

ELIGIBILITY FOR MEDAL

31. (1) Subject to the provisions of these regulations, persons including the members of the disciplined forces are eligible to be awarded the medal.
    
    • (2) Persons who have performed acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril, acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances or acts of bravery which are considered worthy of recognition, shall be considered eligible to be granted the medal.
      
    • (3) There shall be no limit to the number of the Gallantry Medals which may be awarded.
      

PRESIDENT TO AWARD MEDAL ON RECOMMENDATION OF PRIME MINISTER

32. (1) The award of the medal may be made by the President on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
    

(2) The names of the persons to whom the medal is awarded under this Part shall be published in the Gazette.

DESCRIPTION OF MEDAL

33. (1) The medal shall be circular in shape, 38 mm in diameter and made of cupro-nickel silver and rhodium plated and the obverse of the medal shall show in relief a representation of the sun rising behind an island which is surrounded by the sea around which is a pair of namele leaves crossed at the bottom.
    

(2) The reverse of the medal shall bear the inscription "FOR GALLANTRY" surmounted by the word "VANUATU" with namele leaves crossed at the bottom and extending around the edge.

(3) The medal shall be suspended from a circular ring on a ribbon, 32 mm wide consisting of 4 mm wide vertical stripes of green on either side of a 24 mm wide red stripe.

(4) The miniature of the medal shall be a true representation of the medal 19 mm in diameter suspended from a ribbon 16 mm wide.

REGISTRAR OF AWARDS

34. (1) There shall be a Registrar of Awards who shall be appointed by the President.
    

(2) The Registrar of Awards shall maintain a register of the names of persons to whom the medal has been awarded; and shall keep such other records relating to the award of the medal as the President may direct.

PART IV

INSTITUTION OF THE VANUATU LONG SERVICE
AND GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL

VANUATU LONG SERVICE MEDAL

35. A medal to be known as the Vanuatu Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (hereinafter in this Part called "the medal") is hereby instituted for the purpose of according recognition to members of the disciplined forces of Vanuatu, for long and good service rendered to Vanuatu.
    

ELIGIBILITY TO MEDAL

36. (1) Subject to the provisions of this regulation, persons who are members of the disciplined forces are eligible to be granted the medal.
    

(2) The medal shall be awarded to the members of the disciplined forces who have completed 16 years in continuous service in the disciplined forces.

(3) A clasp to the medal may be awarded after the completion of 20 years continuous service in the disciplined forces.

(4) On the completion of each subsequent period of 4 years, a further clasp may be awarded.

PRESIDENT TO AWARD MEDAL ON RECOMMENDATION OF PRIME MINISTER

37. (1) The award of the medal or clasp to the medal may be made by the President on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
    

(2) The names of the persons to whom the medal or clasp to the medal is awarded under this Part shall be published in the Gazette.

(3) There shall be no limit to the number of medals which may be awarded.

DESCRIPTION OF MEDAL

38. (1) The medal shall be circular in shape, 38 mm in diameter and made of cupro-nickel silver and rhodium plated and the obverse of the medal shall show in relief a representation of the sun rising behind an island which is surrounded by the sea around which is a pair of namele leaves crossed at the bottom.
    

(2) The reverse of the medal shall bear the inscription "For Long Service and Good Conduct" surmounted by the word "VANUATU" with namele leaves crossed at the bottom and extending around the edge.

(3) The medal shall be suspended from a circular ring on a ribbon, 32 mm wide consisting of 16 vertical stripes, each 2 mm wide of red and green alternating.

DESCRIPTION OF CLASP OF MEDAL

39. (1) The clasp of the medal shall be made of cupro-nickel silver and shall be in the form of a namele leaf spring, 24 mm wide with a single pin attachment for securing to the ribbon.
    

(2) A small circular emblem, 8 mm in diameter made of cupro-nickel silver and bearing, in relief a representation of stylised curved pig's tusk, denoting the award of a clasp, shall be worn on the ribbon when the ribbon only is worn.

(3) The clasp and emblem may be worn on the ribbon of the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, where such medal has been previously awarded.

(4) The miniature of the medal and clasp shall be the half size of the medal and clasp respectively.

CERTIFICATE OF GOOD CHARACTER

40. No person shall be recommended for the award of the medal or clasp unless it is certified by the Commissioner of Police that the person's character and conduct have been exemplary.
    

REGISTER OF AWARDS

41. The Registrar of Awards shall -
    
    • (a) maintain a register of the names of persons to whom the medal has been awarded; and
      

(b) keep such other records relating to the award of the medal as the President may direct.

PART V
INSTITUTION OF THE VANUATU GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL

VANUATU GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL

42. A medal to be known as the Vanuatu General Service Medal (hereinafter in this Part called the "medal") is hereby instituted for the purpose of according recognition to persons who hold certain offices or of certain lengths of service or who have rendered good and special service to Vanuatu.
    

AWARD FOR HISTORIC EVENTS

43. The medal shall be awarded to mark historic events in Vanuatu.

PRESIDENT TO AWARD MEDAL ON RECOMMENDATION OF PRIME MINISTER

44. (1) The award of the medal may be made by the President on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
    

(2) The names of the persons to whom the medal is awarded under this Part shall be published in the Gazette.

(3) There shall be no limit to the number of medals which may be awarded.

DESCRIPTION OF MEDAL

45. (1) The medal shall be circular in shape, 38 mm in diameter and made of cupro-nickel silver, rhodium plated, and the obverse of the medal shall show in relief a representation of the sun rising behind an island which is surrounded by the sea around which is a pair of namele leaves crossed at the bottom.
    

(2) The reverse of the medal shall bear the inscription "FOR SERVICE TO VANUATU" surmounted by the word "VANUATU" with namele leaves crossed at the bottom and extending around the edge.

(3) The medal shall be suspended from a circular ring on a ribbon, 32 mm wide consisting of 4 mm wide vertical stripes of red, yellow and green; an 8 mm wide vertical stripe of black in the centre and then 4 mm wide vertical stripes of green, yellow and red.

(4) A bar or bars, 32 mm wide, made of cupro-nickel silver, inscribed with the historic event or the name of the place at which the event occurred shall be attached to the ribbon and shall form part of the medal. Where two or more bars are awarded they shall be worn on the ribbon of a single medal.

(5) The miniature of the medal and bar shall be half the size of the medal and bar respectively.

REGISTER OF AWARDS

46. The Registrar of Awards shall -
    
    • (a) maintain a register of the names of persons to whom the medal has been awarded; and
      

(b) keep such other records relating to the award of the medal as the President may direct.

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