In Vanuatu a French businessman, Thierry Bourgeois, has been made a custom chief on Pele Island, a small island off the coast of Efate.
Chief Maserei confers title on Chief Maseimata. Photo: RNZI/Len Garae
Paramount chief Maserei, the tribal chief, who initiated Mr Bougeois into the council, says it is because of his historical assistance to his family and village and island.
Mr Bourgeois' late father, Pierre Bourgeois, who was an investor, was also adopted into the chief's family and given the same chiefly name, Maseimata.
The Vaturisu Council of Chiefs, the umbrella organisation of all chiefs of Efate and its offshore islands, has endorsed the move saying it follows the guidelines of Efate's custom governance system.
