Vanuatu

The decrease was attributed to decreases in exports for copra, coconut oil and cocoa over March quarter of 2016.

There was an increase though in beef exports for the period in review.

Beed exports increased by 32% or 35 tonnes in March quarter 2017 from 109 tonnes in March quarter 2016.

Vanuatu’s trade deficit stood at VT 7,059 million in March quarter 2017.

The trade deficit deteriorated by VT 1,566 million compared to March quarter 2016, according to the latest March quarterly statistics released by Vanuatu National Statistics Office last Friday.

The men were travelling in a mini bus, heading south to pick fruit when their vehicle collided head on with an oncoming semi-trailer on Bruce Highway

Rita Kelly of Queensland Ambulance Service told 9 News, their officers “came across a very horrific scene.”

It was raining at the time of the incident and the roads were very wet.

Vanuatu media have identified the deceased as Ioan Malas, Bridly Kere and Veta Bong.

Two other passengers Charlie Seule and Etienne Malep suffered neck, back and leg injuries and are admitted at Innisfail Hospital.

According to the Daily Post, the defence counsel Edward Nalyal said the case was supposed to be heard last week but then through conference, the trial was moved.

The case is related to a decision by Mr Natuman during his term as the Prime Minister in an alleged attempt at sorting out an existing rift affecting the Vanuatu Police Force.

Tete was reacting to concerns from the public that authorities may have been too quick to announce the election of a new President only hours after the state funeral of the late President Baldwin Lonsdale.

According to a Vanuatu Daily Post report, Tete said the death of the President was an unexpected situation as it was the first time a sitting President died while in office and the laws governing the election of the President when the office became vacant gave everyone a very short timeframe to complete the task.

Mr Minogue said the trip was important with less than 6 months now to go before the Games to obtain a first-hand update on progress and to ensure that all Government support is in place.

The Pacific Games Authority confirmed that the remaining funds required by Van2017 will be forwarded to the Organizing Committee in accordance within an agreed to cash flow and under special considerations drafted by the State Law Office.

The head of state position was left vacant after President Baldwin Lonsdale died on Saturday.

According to a writ issued by the chief justice, nominations for presidential candidates can be filed before next Wednesday.

The electoral college will then vote to nominate a candidate.

The college consists of the 52 members of parliament, the presidents of local government councils and the mayors of Vanuatu's three municipalities.

Both countries will be moved from the grey list with effect from 01 July, joining other flag states such as Belize, Moldova, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Cambodia and Tanzania.

A total of 123 inspections took place on Palau-flagged vessels and 23 of them resulted in detentions.

There were 277 inspections on Vanuatu-flagged ships, with 31 detentions.

From the 73 flags evaluated by Paris. 

At its 50th meeting last month, the Paris MoU Committee approved the 2016 inspection results and adopted new performance lists for flags and Recognised Organisations (ROs).

Xinhua News reports mourning Lonsdale's death, Xi, on behalf of the Chinese government and people and in his own name, expressed sincere sympathy to the people of Vanuatu and Lonsdale's family.

China regards Vanuatu as a good friend and partner in the Pacific island region and is willing to work with Vanuatu to continue pushing forward bilateral strategic partnership, Xi said in his message of condolences.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull had requested the Australian National Flag be flown at half-mast all day today in respect of the passing of the President of Vanuatu.

In a statement the Prime Minister said in accordance with protocol, the Australian national flag should be flown at half-mast all day on Wednesday 21 June 2017 Australia wide from all buildings and establishments occupied by Australian Government departments and affiliated agencies. Other organisations were welcome to participate.

Lonsdale, 67, died at Vila Central Hospital last Saturday.

Thousands of people have been paying their respects to Father Lonsdale who died after a suspected heart attack at the weekend.

Father Lonsdale's body was moved from State House early this morning for the funeral at parliament buildings in the capital Port Vila.

The day has been declared a public holiday and shops will close as the cortege makes its way to the airport where the Vanuatu mobile force will fire a salute.

RNZ International correspondent Len Garae is at the airport in the capital.