13 Facts About Walter Lini

Walter Lini was a key figure in Vanuatu's struggle for independence.

Walter Lini started school at the age of five when he attended the Australian Missionary Sunday School at Lamalanga on North Pentecost.

In May, 1974, Walter Lini addressed the United Nations Committee of 24 on decolonisation, and called for independence for the New Hebrides by 1977.

Walter Lini was instrumental in the NHNP changing its name to the Vanua'aku Pati.

Walter Lini was elected Chief Minister following the VP's victory in the 1979 New Hebridean general election, and ascended to the position of Prime Minister upon Vanuatu's independence on July 30,1980.

Walter Lini went on to lead the VP to victory in the 1983 and the 1987 general elections.

Walter Lini suffered a stroke in 1987 but subsequently remained active in politics.

Walter Lini's administration was very controversial in because of its ties with the Eastern Bloc, Libya, and other communist and socialist countries viewed with disdain by the United States and its staunch opposition to nuclear testing in the region.

Walter Lini was a critic of Western market economies, arguing that they caused poverty in the Third World.

Walter Lini's term ended in 1991, due to factionalism within his party.

Walter Lini joined the National United Party, of which he was leader at the time of his death.

Walter Lini was later appointed deputy prime minister, minister of justice and minister of interior.

Walter Lini died of an illness in Vanuatu's capital Port Vila.