CRB eradication

Arrival of beetle pest in Vanuatu still a mystery

It is suspected the beetle was introduced with aggregate or construction equipment shipped to North East Efate from Papua New Guinea.

The minister told a press conference that standard procedures were observed by biosecurity officials in PNG before the ship departed for Vanuatu.

But the team investigating the pests' incursion wants to know who authorised the offloading of the cargo in North East Efate without first landing in Port Vila for a quarantine inspection, Mr Seremaiah said.

Vanuatu civil servants help authorities eradicate Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle

The Vanuatu Public Service Commission has approved the release of employees under each ministry to be engaged in the CRB State of Emergency that is currently happening at Mangaliliu.

About 100 officers from within these ministries are engaged in eradication programme.

The Government has declared a state of emergency in parts of the island of Efate due to an infestation of Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle.

The order covers north-west Efate, from Gideon’s Landing to Arar Point and parts of Lelepa island.