Page 332 - Melanesia

ne becomes such a figure by holding a tion also provides for the establishment of T ourism increased 17% from 2007 to
village or island courts presided over by 2008 to reach 196,134 arrivals, accord-
O number of lavish feasts (each feast al- chiefs to deal with questions of customary ing to one estimate. Tourism has been pro-
law. moted, in part, by Vanuatu being the site of
lowing them a higher ceremonial grade) or several reality-TV shows. The ninth season
alternatively through inheritance (the latter T ourism brings in much-needed foreign of the reality TV series Survivor was filmed
only in Polynesian-influenced villages). exchange. Vanuatu is widely recognized on Vanuatu, entitled Survivor: Vanuatu—
Government and society in Vanuatu tend to as one of the premier vacation destinations Islands of Fire. Two years later, Australia’s
divide along linguistic French and English for scuba divers wishing to explore coral Celebrity Survivor was filmed at the same
lines. Forming coalition governments, how- reefs of the South Pacific region. A further location used by the US version. In mid-
ever, has proved problematic at times due significant attraction to scuba divers is the 2002, the government stepped up efforts to
to differences between English and French wreck of the luxury cruise liner and con- boost tourism.
speakers. The Supreme Court consists of a verted troop carrier SS President Coolidge
chief justice and up to three other judges. on Espiritu Santo island. Sunk during the
Two or more members of this court may Second World War, it is one of the largest
constitute a Court of Appeal. Magistrate shipwrecks in the world that is accessible
courts handle most routine legal matters. for recreational diving.
The legal system is based on British com-
mon law and French civil law. The constitu-