Vanuatu

With Tropical Cyclone Pam impacts still fresh in the minds of many, there is an increasing focus on food security as well as domestic food production to support the resilience of local communities.  

Resilient crop varieties of sweet potato, island cabbage, wild yam, corn and taro have also been integrated into these agro-plots which ensure a steady supply of staple food for subsistence purposes even during prolonged dry periods.  

RNZ reports a locally-based Vanuatu team defeated Solomon Islands 24-15 in Port Vila at the weekend in their first international match for two years.

Head coach Lionel Harbin said it was a typically physical encounter between the Pacific nations.

"It was a great feeling ...it's been a long wait since rugby league has been played by the Vanuatu people and it was great that they got the win in front of their home crowd," he said.

The Chairman and Beca Technical Director of Planning was part of the recent NZPBC Business Mission to Vanuatu, which attracted 17 people, representing 12 companies in NZ.

“We had a wide range of companies … and a mix of people already doing business in Vanuatu – for example, Tegel Foods who are a large supplier there and have been for a number of years,” Graeme says.

“Tegel used the mission for the annual visit to its market partner but there was also new people interested in doing business in Vanuatu.

RNZ reports Vanuatu, Niue and the Cook Islands, along with Cambodia, were recognised at a WHO meeting of regional health ministers in Manila.

Filariasis, which is also known as elephantiasis, or in Bislama as 'Big Leg', is an infectious tropical disease caused by round worms and spread by mosquitoes.

To eliminate it regular drug applications are needed.

This is the second DDM training module organised this year by the Vanuatu Ministry of Health and the Pacific Community (SPC), in collaboration with Hunter New England (HNE) Local Health District Population Health from Australia.

The first DDM module was held in July and focused on public health surveillance.

Both trainings are part of the recovery activities in response to cyclone Pam to help strengthen the capacity of Vanuatu health staff on public health surveillance as well as detecting and responding to outbreaks. 

Vanuatu were down 8-0 at half time.

They ran in 5 tries to 2 to end the game on a high.

The game was a welcome return to the international arena for Vanuatu after a scheduled match last year was cancelled following the devastating effects of Cyclone Pam.

Coach Lionel Harbin earlier told RNZ a lot of his players have not played a game of rugby league since last year and can't wait to run out onto the field.

The band which has hit the Reggae Billboard Chat 4 times performed in Luganville, Chapius Stadium on Santo earlier in the week.

Tonight’s performance is part of the Zion Fest.

The concert which is free promises prestigious performances from the Christafari Band.

Zion Fest has featured a number of gospel singers and bands from Vanuatu as well as the region.  

It's a welcome return to the international arena for Vanuatu after a scheduled match last year was cancelled following the devastating effects of Cyclone Pam.

“We had a wide range of companies … and a mix of people already doing business in Vanuatu – for example, Tegel Foods who are a large supplier there and have been for a number of years,” Graeme says.

“Tegel used the mission for the annual visit to its market partner but there was also new people interested in doing business in Vanuatu.

“Since the mission, I have had several people contact me saying they have supplied quotes and have had positive outcomes already.”

RNZ reports the reconciliation is planned for Sunday.

The chairman of the Vanuatu Christian Council, Pastor Allan Nafuki, said they would not support the ceremony and instead plan a march for all Christians in Vanuatu next Friday, to send out a message that Vanuatu is a Christian country.

He said during the march government officials would be present to receive statements from the Christian Council.

Pastor Allan Nafuki Photo: RNZI/ Heather Maraki