Vanuatu

Chief Garae made the statement today and confirmed that traditional houses have fallen due to heavy ash, water sources are contaminated and the air is no longer safe to breathe.

He said food gardens were covered with ash from the Lopenpen volcano.

The chief also confirmed that all coconut trees had been destroyed.

Chief Garae said he was speaking out because everything on the island had changed and ash continues to fall.

He said concerns had been raised with the Provincial government, the national government and other NGO's as the island is no longer safe.

BSP's Group CEO, Robin Fleming announced the appointment at the same time recognizing Regenvanu as the first Ni-Vanuatu to lead the business.

Fleming acknowledged that Regenvanu will bring a deep knowledge of the market and strong stakeholder relationships to the role.

Hailing from Uripiv Island, Malekula, Regenvanu has over 15 years of banking experience having served in various capacities including most recently as Head of Business Banking in Vanuatu.

Ralph Regenvanu's comment follows reports in Fairfax media citing "preliminary discussions" between Vanuatu and China about a "military build-up" in the Pacific country.

The claim has grown in relation to a recent Chinese-funded expansion of the wharf facility on Vanuatu's biggest island of Espiritu Santo being seen as a potential base.

However, Mr Regenvanu told the ABC the reports were false, and that no one in the government had ever talked about a Chinese base of any sort in Vanuatu.

Miller Pata and Linline Matauatu dropped the first set of their quarter final against England 23-25 after squandering six set points.

The Melanesian pair trailed 14-18 in the second set but rallied to win 21-19 before clinching the decider 15-12.

Miller Pata said they never gave up.

"On the first set we worked really hard to get back up and we [were] down again on the next set, so we talked about the strategy and strong beliefs we can win the next match."

Linline Matauatu said they were made to work hard in all three sets.

Kwevira’s medal is the country’s first ever medal at a Commonwealth Games event.

The event was won by Welsh thrower, Hollie Arnold with a world record throw of 44.43 metres.

Marceline Moli, who also competed in the event, achieved a personal best throw of 16.17m and finished in fifth place.

Photo Twitter @TIVMagazine/Vanuatu Social Media 

Salwai’s message was relayed by the Acting Director General/PMO, Gregoire Nimbtik at the opening of the RTI Officers’ Training at the Prime Minister’s Office Multi-Function Hall Monday.

About 30 government RTI officers or officers nominated for this responsibility in their respective agencies to see what RTI is, how it is processed, get a fair understanding on exemptions under the RTI Act are attending the training.

Mr Napuat has confirmed that there are confirmations that some foreigners have been taking advantage of the program to enter Vanuatu and hide behind the program to do whatever they want.

He added that some foreigners arrive in Vanuatu under Tourists visa and when in Vanuatu they change their visa class in order to find a job.

He also confirmed that there were some foreigners who entered Vanuatu under the Citizenship Program as investors, but after setting up their businesses they applied for other jobs in Vanuatu and are employed to work for other companies.

The six who pleaded guilty are Pipite Marcellino, Silas Yatan, Tony Nari, John Amos, Thomas Laken, and Jonas James.

The Daily Post reports that those who have gone to trial are Paul Telukluk, Arnold Prasad, Sebastian Harry, Jean-Yves Chabod along with lawyer Wilson Iauma.

The retrial comes after the Court of Appeal set aside the convictions in April last year on the grounds the trial judge hadn't tried the men as individuals.

The former MPs were part of a larger group of former MPs who were convicted and jailed for receiving money to cross the floor of parliament.

Prince Charles, who attended the Games opening ceremony on the Gold Coast on Wednesday, is to accompany Australia's Foreign Minister Julie Bishop to Vanuatu.

A release from Ms Bishop said the Prince would call on Vanuatu's President Obed Moses Tallis and Prime Minister Charlot Salwai.

He would also inspect reconstruction of infrastructure damaged by Tropical Cyclone Pam, including Port Vila Central Hospital.

Australia's government said it would cover the Prince's expenses in travelling to Vanuatu, as with past visits by the British royal family.

It's understood to be the first time in Vanuatu that a person found guilty of murder has been jailed for that long.

The Supreme Court found Philip Jimmy guilty of the premeditated murder of Alice Karis.

In his judgement Justice David Chetwynd said there was a need to punish the defendant, in order to deter other men from using violence against women.

He said it was also about reinforcing the need to respect the equal rights of women, particularly in the context of a domestic relationship.