Vanuatu

The Vanuatu Meteorological and Geohazards Department said winds gusting up to 160 km/hr were expected to hit Pentecost, Ambrym, Malekula, Paama, Epi and the Shepards group.

The Tropical Cyclone currently remains at category two but this may increase over the next 12 to 18 hours as it moves west southwest at 6km/hr.

It is currently 20 kilometres southeast of Ambrym with sustained winds close to the centre estimated at 95km/hr.

Tropical Cyclone Hola was located just east of Ambrym a short time ago [5am Vanuatu time] and is moving west-southwest over Ambrym and Malakula over the next 12 hours.

It is expected to strengthen throughout the day.

At its centre the cyclone will have winds of up to 95 kilometres an hour but increasing to 120 kilometres an hour by tomorrow morning.

Hola is expected to bring gale to storm force winds, high waves, and heavy rain to the northern islands.

The student was reported to have been hanging a wet towel on a wire, without knowing that it was live.

The Vanuatu Daily Post reported a headmaster had been electrocuted at the Anglican Mission School 50 years ago.

The Ministry of Education has advised principals throughout the country to warn their students to take extra care when using electricity, especially if they are wet.

A statement from the ministry said 29 patients have been hospitalised at the Northern Provincial Hospital whilst 57 cases are being managed at home.

All suspected dengue cases are reported from the Northern Provincial Hospital.

The Ministry of Health, through the national and provincial disease surveillance system, is currently monitoring the situation in Luganville, Santo as well as in other provinces and islands

No suspected or confirmed cases have been reported from other provinces or islands.

Natuman, who is also the Minister for Tourism, Trade, Commerce and Ni-Vanuatu Business, has pleaded guilty to two counts of obstructing or interfering with the execution of a criminal process.

Natuman reportedly has an agreement with the Prime Minister, Charlot Salwai, to remain in office for now.

He told Daily Post that he will hold the offices until his sentencing on March 16.

“Depending on how heavy or light the sentence will be, it will then be up to the Prime Minister or even myself,” he said.

Mr Natuman was accused of trying to stop a police team from investigating high-ranking officers when he was prime minister in 2014.

Sentencing is on 16 March.

The Department of Labour's Julie Rereman said the new project focused on the capability and not the disability of people to contribute to the economic development of the country.

Disability Inclusion Project Officer Neneth Garae told the Daily Post newspaper that she will meet the first five applicants next week.

If the project proves successful it is expected to be introduced to other Pacific countries.

Andrew Napuat said a team government departments will start a joint exercise in April to make sure that all foreigners who live in the country outside the law are dealt with.

Mr Napuat told the Daily Post newspaper the number of overstayers in Vanuatu has reached 600.

As the country's labour mobility continues to improve under regional schemes in New Zealand and Australia, Vanuatu's border control officials are looking to review its core duties.

Mr Lini, who is himself from North Pentecost, was present when the official caused the blunder in the chief's traditional meeting house, or Nakamal, at the end of last year.

He did not say what the official had done wrong but asked for the chiefs' forgiveness and said he was sorry for what happened.

He offered two custom red mats and the chiefs accepted them.

A spokesman for the chiefs said his action reflected the high position Mr Lini holds in Pentecost custom as a paramount chief as well as at a political level.

Her comments come ahead of next month's Port Vila Municipal election where five of the 17 council seats are reserved for women.

Ms Ligo said the government needs to be serious in its policies otherwise it could be blamed for manipulating women for its own gains.

She also said political parties must make sure men and women all vote female candidates into power.

Ms Ligo said they must show honesty and stand behind their women candidates.