REPUBLIC OF VANUATU

THE INTERPRETATION (AMENDMENT)ACT
No. 21 OF 1982
July 1982

Arrangement of Sections
1. Amendment
2. Commencement

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Amendment.

1. The Interpretation Act No. 9 of 1981 is amended by adding the following section after section 16:-

"Authentic Version

16A. (1) In construing an enactment, all its version in the official languages of Vanuatu shall be equally authentic.

(2) Where there is a difference between two or more versions of an enactment, preference in construing such enactment shall be given to the version which, according to the true spirit, intent and meaning of the enactment, best ensures the attainment of its objects.

(3) In this section -

"enactment" means any provision in an Act of Parliament or in any order, rule, regulation, notice, proclamation or other instrument made or issued under the authority of any Act of Parliament;

"version" means any version published by, or under the authority of, the Government or any public authority of Vanuatu."

Commencement.

2. This Act shall come into force on the date of its publication in the Gazette.

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Explanatory Note:

Since the Constitutional practice requires Acts of Parliament and Statutory Orders to be passed in more than one language which are all equally authentic, difficulties of interpretation may arise where there is a difference in an enactment between its different versions.

The purpose of this law is to provide a guideline which is to be followed in the event of a difference in the different versions of an Act.

W. HAHDE LINI
Prime Minister and
Minister of Justice
JULY, 1982.