Vanuatu

The signing of the Order at the Ministry of Trade was one of the first of its kind to be made in front of the media.

The seven government departments enlisted under the Order are the Department of Statistics, Department of Customs, Department of Agriculture, Department of Forestry, Department of Livestock, Department of Tourism, and the Office of the Government’s Chief Information Officer.

These are two of the dominant images that spring to mind when you say the name Anolyn Lulu.

The 38-year-old mother of two is the nation’s leading female table tennis player and one of Vanuatu’s most recognizable sporting identities.

Her sporting CV is unlikely to be bettered by anyone in the country at this stage as she has competed at three Commonwealth Games, five Pacific Games and three Mini Pacific Games.

But her crowning achievement to date was to compete at the 2012 London Olympics where she was the flag bearer for the Vanuatu team.

It was the first time Vanuatu was undergoing a Pacific Islands Forum review of policies and programmes.

The European Union was assisting with the initiative which began with a review of Nauru last month.

RNZI reports the review team was led by Tongan government economist Ma'u 'Alipate Leha who said a toolkit or checklist was being used to guide government planning.

She said it includes the consideration of issues like violence against women and women empowerment.

The committee will continue its work into next year to ensure all the money in the recovery fund is spent and that the closure of the Recovery and Economic Strengthening Plan is smooth and efficient.

Chairperson of the PRC and parliamentarian, Johnny Koanapo Rasou says he is very pleased with the progress of the implementation of the rebuilding programme.

According to Mr Rasou, the government has been informed of the progress so far.

This year’s Independence program on July 30 was earmarked by the appearance of the Pacific Mini Games Mascot Nasi, during the usual concert performed by the Vanuatu Mobile Force Band.

It is the first time an additional entertainer has joined the band on the official Independence program and it was definitely a highlight for all the children - and the adults as well.

Nasi spent some days practicing with the VMF Band before it appeared on the field at Independence Park to entertain the thousands of people who gathered to mark the national day.

The water supply system was handed over to the community by the Ministry of Lands & Natural Resources and its partners, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), United National Children’s Fund (UNICEF) together with ADRA Vanuatu, today.

The president said expatriate professionals can only be hired for tasks which locals have no expertise in.

The president called on the Government to revisit the Employment Act to strengthen the relevant provisions.

He also said the government must ensure the existing list of commercial businesses restricted to ni-Vanuatu is respected.

RNZI reports the president's comments came after a naturalised Chinese investor was given permission to operate a kava bar in Port Vila.

The World Bank-funded upgrade was hurriedly negotiated last year, after Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia cancelled their services to Vanuatu, citing safety concerns about the runway at Port Vila.

The Vanuatu Project Management Unit said the contractors had been mobilising for the effort, including setting up bases, importing equipment, hiring staff and consulting with communities.

The manager of the Aviation Investment Project, Harrison Toar Luen, said work was on schedule and they were continuing to work closely with international airlines.

The Reserve Bank's governor, Simeon Arthy, says the new polymer notes are the first major change to Vanuatu's currency since the current paper vatu was launched soon after independence in 1982.

Mr Arthy says the new notes will be more durable and secure.

RNZI reports the new note incorporates the theme 'tourism,' with a number of the country's key attractions pictured.

The old paper notes will continue to be legal tender, but will be gradually phased out in the coming years.

A statement said the Government of Vanuatu welcomes the review as it will strengthen current work mandated by ministers. 

“With these efforts and commitments, the Council of Ministers decision number 94 of 2017 mandated the Ministry of Climate Change, Education, Land, Agriculture and Local Authorities to incorporate Gender Responsive Budgeting in their budgets for 2018 and other Ministries will follow suit in the 2019 budget,” said John Ezra, Senior Policy Analyst with Vanuatu’s  Department of Strategy, Policy, Planning & Aid Coordination.