Vanuatu

Vanuatu’s Independence Day is marked on 30th July.

Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, also sent two similar congratulation messages to the President according to the Emirates News Agency.

Vanuatu started the match as the better side dominating the game inside the first 20 minutes with star player Bong Kalo having multiple shots on goal but barely troubling the impressive Bonito keeper, Philip Mango.

The hosts opted to a more defensive style of play, but found more rhythm heading into the middle of the first half with the ever impressive Micah Lea’alafa continuously causing havoc for the Vanuatu defense.

Lea’alafa teaming up with Jerry Donga, and Gagame Feni was the nemesis for the Ni Vans.

Speaking at the opening of the building in Port Vila this week, Ambassador Liu said he believes that it will become an important landmark in the course of the development of relations, for it shows not only the importance China attaches to her relations, but also China’s commitment to developing long-term relationship with Vanuatu.  

“Moreover, the opening ceremony of the new Embassy is one of the most important celebrations to mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations.”

It is anticipated that the international friendly will be an exciting and entertaining match for the soccer-mad nation of Solomon Islands.

In their last international friendly in 2011, Vanuatu defeated Solomon Islands 1-0 and there is no doubt that they are keeping this at their back of their mind to maintain the winning record.

Tomorrow’s friendly match is going to be the eighth time that both teams have met to help each other prepare for bigger games.

In their first friendly in 2004, Solomon Islands won 2-1 and lost 1-2 in the away game.

The candidates selected to participate in the trials are: Volans-i inc., Martek Marine Ltd, JAR Aerospace Pty Ltd, Colugo Systems, Finish the Call LLC, and Firetail Bormatec JV.

These six self-funded candidates will travel in August to Vanuatu from countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Israel and Australia to demonstrate the performance of their drones.

A New Zealand Instructor for Netball Oceania, Belinda Clark, conducted theory and practical training for the Ni Vanuatu bench officials team.

“The bench officials are the people that keep the score sheets, keep shooting statistics, keep the time of the game, control the time of the game, help the umpires to manage the game, ensure the scoring is accurate, as well as the centre passes, and the smooth running of the games,” she said.

The process began last week with handpicked Central School teachers, among other selected institutions, NGOS and the general public.

Those selected will then be shortlisted and finally chosen to be placed in various functional areas to oversee the management of services to be provided during the Games.

Team Leaders will liaise with the Van2017 coordinating team in each sector to coordinate a group of volunteers in their respective service areas and fields of play.

There were reports that ten students from Vanuatu studying at the University of the South Pacific, Laucala campus in Fiji had their scholarships terminated for failing to pass their courses.

President of VSA, Benson Obed said only four have returned home.

“I only drop off three students at the airport while one student left early,” he said.

Mr Obed said some students who were included in the termination appeal for reconsideration while some of them are private sponsored so they are now continuing with their studies.

The Pacific women are recognised for their role in shaping development in the region.

Napuat is someone who knows first-hand what it’s like to live with a disability, according her story on the SPC website.

Born with one leg on the island of Tanna, she’s had to overcome many challenges throughout her life.

The appearance of the Pacific Mini Games Mascot, Nasi, and his partner Em Pawa was a highlight of the program.

At every venue where Nasi was invited to join the children, many of them rushed to the big bird to touch and hug him, and some just to touch his tail.

Over the weekend, Port Vila city was busy with different activities, and on Saturday Nasi was at each village of Efate to receive and encourage  the first runners of Wilco Round Island Relay who passed by.