Background
The Language Services Department (LSD), formerly known as Translation Unit, was established by virtue of Order No.1/PM/79 of 17th January 1979 and, later on, placed under the portfolio of the Ministry of the Prime Minister (MPM).
It was created purposely to assist the Government in implementing Article 3 of the Constitution of the Republic of Vanuatu, which declares Bislama, English and French as the three official languages of the country, as well as Article 64(1), which stipulates the right of a citizen to “obtain, in the official language he uses, the services which he may rightfully expect from the Republic’s administration”.
Over the years, the LSD has grown into a very strategic Department in the Government machinery since it facilitates communication between speakers and users of the three official languages, both internally and externally, as well as enabling the Government to communicate effectively in regards with all its foreign dealings relating to cultural, educational, development, technical and economic matters.
Today, the Department is delivering essential services to the Republic of Vanuatu and its people. The language services that the Government is providing, through the Language Services Department, in terms of information in the three official languages are essential because information from the Government to its people could never stop. This is the reason why language services provided by LSD are essential services.