Vanuatu

The ship and passengers were greeted by Salwai Charlot, Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Joe Natuman, Deputy Prime Minister, Liu Quan, Chinese Ambassador to Vanuatu, Parliament representatives, other Vanuatu government officials, the local media, as well as representatives of the local Chinese community.

The VIP Delegation of Vanuatu was later welcomed by Captain Nicolo Alba.

Prime Minister Charlot and Captain Alba exchanged plaques during the commemorative meeting.

RNZ reports the police media unit said the two students, who have been studying in Vanuatu, were about to return to the Solomons for the Christmas holidays.

But they allegedly claimed there was a bomb in their luggage.

Police then arrested them for allegedly contravening aviation regulations.

A killing and related injuries last month in Port Vila prompted the call for action.

Chief Isaac Warwor said he expects around 500 people from Vanuatu's Christian Council, other chiefs groups, women's organisations and the National youth council at the march.

He said Vanuatu kastom and the law both need strengthening to help defeat violence.

"If somebody's dead it's simple, the law has to come in to penalise who did the action, but the kastom has to also come in to make sure we always have peace," he said.

The motion for a vote of no confidence was withdrawn yesterday afternoon with deputy opposition leader, Sato Kilman, saying they did not have the numbers.

RNZ reports the government had always been confident that it retained the backing of its 34 government members.

To win the government benches in Vanuatu 27 votes are needed.

It is the second time in two weeks the opposition has announced plans for a vote but failed to get it to the floor of parliament.

RNZ reports the opposition deposited the motion with the Speaker a week ago.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister, Hilaire Bule, says they have been assured that the 34 government members continue to back Mr Salwai.

If that is the case the opposition would have the support of just 18 MPs, but would need 27 to effect a change of government.

This is the second attempt in a matter of weeks to try and remove Mr Salwai whose government is promising constitutional reforms to try and limit the de-stabilising effects of no confidence motions.

Vardy played an instrumental role in Leicester's unbelievable EPL title win for 2015/16, scoring 24 goals, leading to the Vanuatu Daily Post, responsible for the nation's vote, rating him ahead of Real Madrid superstar Ronaldo.

Overall, Vardy finished eighth in the Ballon d'Or standings, with Ronaldo picking up the award for a fourth time ahead of rival Lionel Messi. 

Vardy has this season helped Leicester through the group stage of the Champions League, where they will face Spanish side Sevilla in the round of 16.

According to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Joe Natuman, tourism is the mainstay of the economy of Vanuatu.

“Since cyclone Pam in 2015 the economy was really down and it was the tourism that lifted Vanuatu’s economy to what it is at the moment,” Natuman said..

“This is very important and overall it will contribute to the economy of Vanuatu. It will contribute to the livelihoods of people who produce all these products, who are here with us on the boat today,” he added.

According to the company’s CEO Kevin Murcko, this tactical relocation is an initial step with an end goal of expanding its footprint and evolving the firm’s brand in light of the ever-changing global marketplace.

“The ability to grow WITH a regulator is a key, as over-bloated regulations can end up being a hindrance rather than a virtue” stated Mr. Murcko in a corporate statement today.

Last week the Games Council said active disruptions from within the government were threatening the country's ability to host the Games and sponsorship announcements were postponed after the government withheld funding.

But CEO Clint Flood said the government has confirmed their commitment through legislative changes which had been waiting to be passed by Parliament for four years.

Fast forward to 2016 where Seasonal Solutions Cooperative Ltd and the Vanuatu Government has that problem solved.

A gathering at The Packing Shed in Earnscleugh on Friday celebrated 10 years of the cooperative

Coming to Central Otago for seven-month stints for the past 10 years under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme had been tough for Vanuatu man Peter Bumseng, but well worth it.

He was one of a handful left of the original 45 that came in the summer of 2006-07.

To me it's a big privilege to come here," Bumseng said.