More Pigs Demanded in Local Elections. This May Make Pigs Fly.
A very special woman, on the tropical island of Vanuatu, is once more under threat, as pressure is brought to bear in the brutal arena of politics.

/Politics News Articles/ - PORT VILA, VANUATU, August 21, 2008 - In the male dominated arena of politics, women need a special recommendation. Women such as Ms Hilary Clinton, who is once more in the headlines, now backing Barack Obama, who is again under violent attack.

A world away, on a tropical island in Vanuatu, in the South Pacific, another woman who dared to enter politics, faces unbelievable odds. Mrs Jenny Ligo is also under pressure from an unexpected source.

Jenny has followed her famous Aunt's footsteps, when she was granted a chiefly title early this year, by the head of the National Council of Chiefs, Chief Paul Tahi. In order to enter the brutal field of politics, Jenny ceremoniously killed eleven pigs. A feat Ms Ligo also performed at her wedding to Joe Ligo, late last year.

Jenny is the niece of Political and Women's rights activist, Grace Molisa. She became the first woman to take up the post of private secretary to the first Prime Minister of the country, the late Father Walter Lini, 28 years ago, after the nation received its independence.

It's only weeks to the general election in Vanuatu and Mrs Ligo has returned to her home island of Ambae. All should have been plain sailing for this courageous lady as she travelled to most parts of the island. Wrong!

On behalf of some of the Chiefs of Ambae, Chief Moli Tari said according to island custom principles, Jenny is not allowed to contest in her home island. Strange how this principle never floated to the surface during the pig killing ceremony. Perhaps the ancient custom principles of the island change from day to day?

Chief Moli told Jenny she can only contest the Ambae constituency on one condition. She must perform a custom ceremony, presenting the chiefs with 10 tusked pigs. This is because she was married to Joe Ligo on the island of Penecost.

You can't shop around in Vanuatu and readily buy 10 tusked pigs. Particularly if the pigs are of any reasonable age and size. In Vanuatu tusks are real currency. They are one of the highly prized possessions and the wealth of every village.

As chief Moli is not a resident of Ambae island, would Jenny have to present the pigs on the island of Ambae, or to the chief residing on the distant island of Santo? Where does Mrs Ligo find the 10 highly valued pigs she may have to pay to chief Moli and his group? Will the pigs have to be flown to the island where the chief is?

The plot thickens as two more chiefs have stepped into the politicial arena. Chief Benwel Garae of North Ambae and Chief Pascal Sese of Lolopuepue. They come from the chiefly rank of Mambuhangvulu, the second highest rank of the Ambae chiefly system. They told the local newspaper in Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, the call made by Chief Moli is childish and has no substance.

For some unknown reason Chief Moli is not available to meet Mrs Ligo face to face.

We have confidence that the strongly determined, former chairwoman for the Vanuatu National Council of Women has what she needs to contest this election. A mother, and gently spoken woman, who has a real heart for the next generation. Jenny is the kind of candidate who can alter the education situation in Vanuatu, where there is no free education.

YouMe Support Foundation is one of the few charities assisting the children in these tropical islands. Through a Blue Moon Opportunity they offer you a chance to change your lifestyle, as well as make a real difference in these children' lives. Like Jenny, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity you can't afford to miss. It could make your dreams come true.

Press Release Contact Information:

Wendy Stenberg-Tendys
YouMe Support Foundation
CEO
P.O. Box 5101
Port Vila, Efate
Vanuatu 0000
Voice: 678 26551
Fax: 678 26551
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