New Caledonia's pro-independence party, the Caledonian Union, says it has been a serious mistake to insist on maintaining air links to France in view of the Covid-19 crisis.
The party's leader Daniel Goa said the French High Commissioner knew all along that keeping the air link to France exposed the territory to a risk of public disorder should the virus arrive.
Mr Goa said the Commissioner also knew the territory lacked the means to cope with such a catastrophe.
He said it is also inadmissible to have left New Caledonia's citizens abroad as it is not Australia's and New Zealand's job to look after them.
He said they have been left stranded without word from the authorities or the local airline.
Mr Goa said it is unacceptable planes have flown people to Australia and returned empty while New Caledonians have no means to come home.
He said once New Caledonians have been brought back, the borders should be sealed.
Mr Goa has likened the official communication in recent days to a cacophony as instructions are not being followed.
New Caledonia has recorded nine Covid-19 cases so far.
