Vanuatu

Unique to Rano, the tour showcases the sacred world of the ‘small nambas’.

Rano is steeped in history with the remains of an ancient nakamal, alter, and refuse heap, the Tourism Marketing Advisor at the Malampa Tourism Office, Ana Terry, stated in a statement.

“Be transported into their ancient world with traditional custom dances, weaving, and food preparation demonstrations followed by hands-on interaction with the ‘small nambas’ ancestors as they sung into the ‘koko nambo’’or bamboo stick.

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

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

The governors-general of New Zealand and Australia, Fiji's president and representatives from the US, Britain, Indonesia and New Caledonia are among foreign dignitaries attending the service.

US Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson said President Lonsdale served Vanuatu and her people admirably, and leaves a legacy of strong, just leadership.

“His background as an Anglican priest clearly guided his decisions, and his firm action to ensure a more corruption-free society in Vanuatu stands as a shining example for the rest of the world.”

“In this time of national mourning, please accept our deepest sympathy and reassurances that the United States stands with Vanuatu as an enduring friend and partner,” Tillerson said in a statement.

On behalf of the University, Acting Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Derrick Armstrong extended their heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the Government and people of Vanuatu, and President Lonsdale’s family and friends.

Lonsdale served as the 22nd Chancellor of USP for a period of one year from July 2015- June 2016 and the University is grateful for his services during this term which he served with distinction.

“H.E. Lonsdale’s chancellorship was inspiring and we admire the passion with which he advocated for the University,” Professor Armstrong said.h

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of President Lonsdale, who had been serving the people of Vanuatu since September 2014. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and I stand in solidarity with the government and people of Vanuatu as they mourn the death of their dedicated and beloved leader,” said the Secretary-General.

The research also found that more than half were in a relationship at the time of offending, nearly all of them had religious affiliations, and around one in ten had leadership roles in the church.

Johnny Marango, Vanuatu's Director of Correctional Services, commissioned the survey and says the findings show that urgency is needed in the government's efforts to address the underlying causes of so many sexual offences.

This year, Vanuatu’s premier music festival is celebrating its association with the Pacific Mini Games, VAN2017, and Fest Napuan’s will relocate for one year only to Korman stadium in Port Vila.

In the logo, long-time Fest’Napuan graphic designer, David Ambong, has incorporated VAN2017’s mascot, Nasi the friendly blue-headed Rainbow Lorikeet. At the heart of the design and acknowledging VAN2017’s own logo are the eternal flames of sporting friendship in Vanuatu’s national colours.

Minister of Health, Jerome Ludvaune and Australian High Commissioner, Jenny Da Rin, officially launched the works during a ceremony yesterday at the VCH.

The rehabilitation work will include repairs to the laboratory and x-ray building –used for pathology and mammogram services – and improvements to the operating theatre, which includes two theatre rooms and a storeroom. Its close proximity to the maternity ward will facilitate the safer delivery of high-risk births and will increase the surgical capacity of the hospital and enhance services for women.

Kilifa and Thomas were sent off by referee Banga Robinson in the first match last Saturday.

Port Vila Football Association (PVFA) competition manager, Florian Sam said the match between Ifira and Erakor is tough and hundreds of fans turned up to watch the match.

Vanuatu will test Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), commonly referred to as “drones”, and the services offered by that industry using an important commodity - lifesaving vaccines. Successful applicants are being challenged to demonstrate the value and suitability of the drones in solving a key development issue – the supply of vital vaccines to children in otherwise inaccessible communities.