Pentecost

“It is important to carry out regular water assessments to make sure water systems are up-to-date and people have access to safe and clean water,” said Annie Samuels, Project Manager for Vanuatu company, Hexagon Water Specialists.

Hexagon Water Specialists has conducted water assessments in western Malekula at Wintua, Limbenwen, Lorlow and Tenmaru; and in northwest Pentecost at Laone village as part of the By-catch and Integrated Ecosystem Management (BIEM) Initiative.

The island was devastated by Cyclone Harold in April.

The islanders normally marked Pentecost Day with traditional dancing, celebrations and feasting.

However because the recovery effort from the cyclone was ongoing, the day was marked in a more low-key manner this year.

But there was joy when each household received 10 kilogrammes of yams and a dozen eggs.

The produce was donated from the islands of Emae, Tongoa, Tongariki and Buniga in Efate as part of a government programme to keep maintain people's protein levels.

The declaration in northwest Pentecost followed a custom ceremony performed by high ranking chiefs of the area.

The Vanuatu Daily Post reports fishing of any kind, mining and burning of trees are completely banned.

Head of Maritime and Ocean Affairs Tony Tevi said the ban followed concerns over rapid resource depletion due to unsustainable practices.

"The chiefs and their people were resolute about improving the state of their environment using their traditional governance system and management practices," he said.

This means islanders no longer have to import drums of petrol and diesel from other islands.

The depot, which operates through solar power and with a generator on standby, was jointly launched by Pacific Energy - the sole supplier of fuel to Vanuatu, and Prime Minister Charlot Salwai - who comes from Pentecost.

The Daily Post newspaper reported Solar Energy chief executive Randell Valette saying the depot is a "game changer" with Pentecost vehicle owners now paying 45 percent less to transport kava.

Leaders from Pangi shed tears during the meeting as they called for boats to return to watch the annual Nangol, or Pentecost Land Dive.

In the past, the event has attracted people from all over the world to watch men plunge from a wooden tower as high as 100 metres with a custom-made bush vines tied to their ankles.

However, the Nangol was halted due to a local land dispute.

A state of emergency remains in place for Ambae because of the volcanic threat.

More than 3000 of those who were evacuated from Ambae have been sent to the islands of Pentecost and Maewo which are more rural than the larger Espiritu Santo where the other 8000 have been sent.

Santo with its international Port and large runway has been made the operational hub for the relief effort.

But its focus has been taken up by the massive influx of people which has almost doubled the population of the provincial capital Luganville.