‘Mama Jenny’ returns to Vanuatu, invests in Port Vila Harbour tourism venture

April 16, 2026 9:39 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Doddy Morris.

A woman affectionately known as “Mama Jenny” by many Ni-Vanuatu PALM seasonal workers has returned to Vanuatu and is now investing in a new tourism venture at Port Vila Harbour.

Jenny Disley, speaking to the Daily Post, confirmed that she and her partner, Colin Singh, have recently purchased The Haabar, with plans to transform it into a vibrant and iconic attraction on the waterfront.

Ms Disley said the move is both a business venture and a personal journey, shaped by her long-standing connection with Ni-Vanuatu workers she once hosted in Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme.

“I became ‘Mama Jenny’ to a few hundred Ni-Vans,” she said. “It was one of the most delightful times in my life.”

She explained that after years of accommodating backpackers on her farm in Australia, she shifted to hosting Ni-Vanuatu workers, many of whom became like family to her.

That connection led her to visit Vanuatu several times before eventually deciding to relocate.

“I visited some of my special family here and kept coming back. It became a natural progression to move here,” she said.

Now based in Port Vila, Ms Disley said she is eager to give back while contributing to the country’s tourism sector.

“We are trying to create an iconic part of the Port Vila Harbour,” she said.

Having only arrived in the country a few weeks ago, she said the couple has already begun promoting The Haabar, inviting locals, expats, tourists and Ni-Vanuatu to experience the venue.

“It’s wonderful to invite all the locals, expats, Ni-Vans, and tourists on board,” she said.

According to Ms Disley, the floating venue will cater for a wide range of functions, including children’s birthday parties, proposals, and private events, while also offering activities such as snorkelling.

“This is just the start of our business,” she said. “We hope to be getting a number of different boats for different purposes, and they will all be here in the water promoting Port Vila.”

Ms Disley said she is proud to now be part of the local community and hopes her investment will encourage more people to enjoy the harbour.

“I am very happy here and being part of the very vibrant local community,” she said. “I hope to make a difference by letting people enjoy the harbour and use it for their own personal enjoyment.”