Vanuatu

The wardens have received instructions to start inspecting all kava bars operating in Port Vila today (Monday) to observe if the kava bar owners are abiding with the standards required by Business By-Law Levy Fee 20/2000 and in particular the Kava Control by-law.

A fundamental duty of the Port Vila Municipal Council as explained in section 25 (1) in the Municipalities Law is the town authority must ensure “to safeguard the public health” of the citizens of Port Vila.

The dispute adds to mounting opposition to Phoenix Life Sciences International, which claims its drug can treat diabetes.

Phoenix Life has wasted no time since obtaining approval from Vanuatu's government to manufacture drugs last October.

In March, it broke ground on a clinic and pharmacy in Port Vila and recruited a former Health Ministry director general.

But its diabetes-treating drug has prompted scepticism from health experts and Vanuatu's doctors' association, who want an ethics committee formed.

Vanuatu is a strong proponent of West Papuan self-determination from Indonesia and has taken the battle for decolonisation to the global stage.

Mr Reganvanu said West Papua was discussed at the Forum Foreign Ministers' meeting last year where an existing resolution about constructive engagement with Indonesia was kept.

However, he said that resolution now needs to be upgraded.

This follows revelations that 125 traffic accidents were recorded in the capital over the last four months.

Most of the accidents have been blamed on careless or reckless driving.

There were two fatalities and 26 accidents involving drunk drivers.

The police said they suspect other accidents were not reported.

Vanuatu has signed a deal with China for a feasibility study on a small port and a connecting road on the island.

The move comes as the US continues to warn of the increasing Chinese influence in the region.

Last year Vanuatu refuted claims that it was discussing the possibility of a Chinese naval base in the country.

Mr. Reganvanu pointed out the latest development is simply to aid the domestic kava trade.

Vanuatu has signed a deal with China for a feasibility study on a small port and a connecting road on the island.

The move comes as the US continues to warn of the increasing Chinese influence in the region.

Last year Vanuatu refuted claims that it was discussing the possibility of a Chinese naval base in the country.

Mr Reganvanu pointed out the latest development is simply to aid the domestic kava trade.

Air New Zealand pulled flights out of Port Vila in January 2016 citing concerns over the state of the runway.

However there have been various repairs since then and airlines such as Virgin Australia have resumed services.

During a visit to Port Vila Mr Peters said he was aware of the important part tourism played in the local economy.

The minister said the visiting delegation is returning home fully apprised of the situation and they will be making their thoughts well known to Air New Zealand.

The Head of State, President Obed Moses Tallis, had sought the legal clarification: he wanted to know if the creation of the parliamentary secretaries - as a second tier ministerial posts - needed a national referendum.

The Chief Justice, Vincent Lunabek, ruled the creation of the posts was unconstitutional without a national referendum.

Mr Peters is scheduled to meet his government counterparts including Prime Minister Charlot Salwai and Foreign Minister Ralph Renganvanu today.

He also paid a visit to the president Obed Moses Tallis when he arrived in Port Vila.

While in the capital Mr Peters is expected to announce a $NZ2.7m package to assist with facilities for more than 3,000 school children who have relocated because of the volcanic activity on Ambae.

Labour mobility through the Recognised Seasonal Employers Scheme is also high on the agenda during his two day visit.

Australia currently allows two kilograms per person, but the government is considering doubling that to four.

In submissions to Australia's Office of Drug Control, Fiji's government proposed a quota of 10 kilograms per person, while Vanuatu suggested 15.

The director general of Vanuatu's foreign affairs department, Kalfau Kaloris, said he didn't believe 4 kilograms was enough - particularly if it's to be used at a large ceremony.

Australia's restrictions on kava are driven by concerns about its misuse in remote communities.