Vanuatu

George Koran originally from North Ambrym, Vanuatu said he passed by the Research Office one day and noticed the wear and tear on the current one standing outside.

He then approached Mr Henry Bill, Deputy Chair USP Student Association (USPSA) Federal and offered to carve a new one. Mr Bill then met with Professor Jito Vanualailai, USP Director Research and this is how the initial agreement came into place.

They are part of Vanuatu’s team of four companies attending the Pacific Trade & Invest (PT&I) NZ Pacific Path to Market delegation for Pasifika Festival on 25-26 in Auckland’s Western Springs.

The small company is part of the Vanuatu delegation on the Pacific Trade & Invest (PT&I) NZ Pacific Path to Market delegation which will be at the Auckland Pasifika Festival in March 25-26.

With just three employees, the company is new to the market and is only producing kava products.  However, New Zealand is on its radar for international exports, along with Australia and Europe.

Her aim is to for Vanuatu’s products to take their place on the international stage and thus stepped up to lead the group. Ms Wylie is leading the Vanuatu delegation.

“It is not about me but the opportunity for emerging exporters to be able to access a market that is both hungry for Pacific Island products but also matched to the capacity of supply,” she said.

“I look on leading this delegation as a mother mentor, I want to see Vanuatu exporters be successful.  I believe that Vanuatu products are the best and we are the nutraceutical capital of the South Pacific.

But at the same time demand for the traditional brew is growing in lucrative international markets, so governments in the Pacific are urgently seeking ways to produce more kava of the best quality.

In Vanuatu, the government has amended the Kava Act to ensure only high-potency varieties that are good enough for export can be grown, but Dr. Vincent Lebot from the Department of Agriculture says turning the industry around will take time.

World Vision trained local builders to build the new cyclone-resistant community kitchens as part of the Build Back Better (BBB) program.

An article by World Vision in Vanuatu reports the community kitchens were handed over to female leaders from each community. This is a big development step for women on the island.

Chairman of Simanlo Island Council, Chief Willie Netai, said, “Today women can now make money from the kitchens and it’s a big improvement for all the villages on the island.”

The dispute claimed one life and two others needed hospital treatment.

RNZ reports twelve police officers were deployed to South Pentecost last week to deal with the tension between the communities of Londar and Bunlap village.

The police media unit said the officers had since witnessed a reconciliation ceremony between the warring communities.

Police said three of the suspects would be charged with murder and seven others with unlawful assembly, damage to property and criminal trespass.

The new complex was opened last week by government officials including the private secretary of the Minister of Education, Acting director of Education Services and the PEO of Shefa province.

The SCA or School Community Association remained very committed to making this dream became a reality.

VNS community consist of over one thousand students and 45 staff members.

Photo supplied 

He is sending the latest information on crop production back to Port Vila to guide decisions about crop availability.

Vanuatu’s Extension Officers are being equipped and trained to respond to disasters and plan for improved resilience with practical training and “know-how.”

Witnessing the event will be the presidents of the 20 Island Councils, the Prime Minister and his Cabinet, diplomats and the general public of Port Vila.

RBNZ reports the event will include elaborate custom ceremonies which have not been since the original opening of the Traditional Meeting Place almost 40 years ago.

The original thatch roof of the building was wrecked by Cyclone Pam two years ago.

The restoration, which cost $US181,000 was financed by the Cyclone Recovery Funds.