Vanuatu

This certificate could be used for travel to Fiji, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and other countries in the South Pacific.

The Minister of Internal Affairs Andrew Napuat made the announcement after revelations of a shortage of Vanuatu passport booklets.

People who wanted to travel to any South Pacific country must follow the passport application process to secure a Certificate of Identity.

The minister said those wanting to travel to other countries will have to wait until the passport booklets arrive.

It has brought a contingent of 21 medical personnel that includes a surgeon, an anesthetist, nurses and a scientist.

The contingent is aboard the HMNZS Canterbury as part of Exercise Tropic Major.

It is the first time the Canterbury's operating theatre and laboratory have been fully operational.

With an intensive care unit, x-ray, ultra-sound facilities and a blood bank, the contingent is capable of performing operations and trauma care.

A New Zealand Defence Force contingent is in Vanuatu to take part in a joint military exercise based on Epi Island. The fictitious scenario involves a breakdown of law and order on the island, prompting the Vanuatu Government to request help to re-establish the rule of law and stability for its citizens. A New Zealand joint task force, embarked on HMNZS Canterbury and HMNZS Wellington, goes to the island to help restore order.

Heavy ashfall from fresh volcanic activity covered parts of the island last month, collapsing buildings, contaminating water supplies and destroying crops.

Another eruption from the Manaro Voui crater last year caused a temporary mass evacuation of Amabae's population of about 11,000 people.

They were relocated to safer parts of the island last month as the government declared a state of emergency and hinted a permanent evacuation might be necessary.

The hotel and casino is owned by Robert and Victor Zagame, the sons of family patriarch Victor Zagame, who passed away late last year after building the family’s hospitality business from its start in Northcote’s Albion Charles Hotel in 1971.

The Zagames previously offered the Grand Hotel & Casino resort for sale in April last year.

At the time, expectations for the eight-level hotel that overlooks the Port Vila Harbour and has views towards Iririki Island were about $25 million.

The Melanesian side saved their best performance for last, chasing down Denmark's 234 for 9 with five balls to spare at the weekend.

Man of the match Patrick Matautaava bagged 3 for 39 with the ball before adding a quick-fire 53 off 42 balls with the bat.

Jonathon Dunn and Joshua Rasu also notched half centuries in a 116-run opening stand.

Vanuatu finished level on points with fourth-placed Jersey but were bumped down into the relegation spots on net run rate.

The athletes are 100m and 200m sprinters Frederick Ageda (Pom) and Linus Kuravi (WNB); distance runners Gethru Komba and Mary Tenge (Simbu) ; middle distance runner Lyanne Tibu (ENB); and East Sepik athlete Isila Apkup who runs 400m.

Athletics PNG President, Tony Green, said the six represent the best of the young talent which emerged from the National Championships and PNG Games last year.

Veteran hurdler and Vanuatu resident, Mowen Boino, will also compete at the Championships and assist team manager Nabase Duaba.

The annual event, which starts today, brings together ambassadors, high commissioners and consul-generals to discuss the foreign and development policy objectives of the country.

The discussions will also involve cabinet ministers and key government agencies.

The meeting provides an opportunity for ambassadors to report on their achievements in 2017 and for the government to give them new directions for 2018.

Around the world, Vanuatu has seven embassies and high commissions and two consul-general offices.

Heavy ashfall from the volcano last month covered parts of the island collapsing buildings, contaminating water supplies and killing off food crops.

Thousands of people have been relocated to safer parts on the island but the Vanuatu Council of Ministers is considering permanently evacuating Ambae.

New Zealand volcanologist, Brad Scott has been supporting the Vanuatu Geohazards Department to monitor the eruption.

Mr Scott was on Ambae last week and said there were mixed reactions to the proposed evacuation.

the NiVans upended the Danes by five wickets with as many balls to spare at the Kinrara Academy Oval to become the first team all week to successfully chase a target at the ground.