Vanuatu

Hawkins Infrastructure Limited (HIL) began the Asian Development Bank (ADB) funded $18 million project on the Port Vila wharves for the Vanuatu Government in December last year well and is well on track for completion in the last quarter of 2017.

At the heart of the continuing success of HIL is the inter-regional partnerships formed by the New Zealand business and its Pacific counterparts.

The service which is based at Lambubu Primary School, is providing a broadband internet connection at speeds of up to 17 Mbps from a Kuband satellite. A small VSAT terminal has been installed to receive the signal, and all villages can now get the benefit of high speed internet connectivity. Matevulu College in Luganville was also recently connected, and several further schools and healthcare centers will be connected over the first few weeks.

The installation at Lambubu School is a result of a joint project between the Vanuatu Government, local ISP Telsat and Kacific.

The call comes in the wake of police recording an increase in the number of incest cases.

“Incest and sex-related crimes on children is increasing at high rate”, a police report said.

According to police record, adopted children and step children are the most vulnerable victims of child sex-related crimes with girls being the most likely victims.

One of the villages visited was the Tsureviu community, where the team members distributed pocket size copies of the Bislama version of the national constitution, known to many as the “Vanuatu Mama Law”.

 “This is my first time to see and own a copy of the Mama Law” explains an elderly aid-post health worker, who had learned and practiced his trade at the British Hospital on the island of Iririki, during the Condominium period.

“Thank you for having the time to come and visit us at this remote location,” expressed the Chief of the community to the TIV officers.

All three are ni-vans and are active and senior members of the Vanuatu Police Force (VPF).

They include the only female applicant, Chief Inspector Clera Seth, who is currently the officer in-charge of the General Duties of the VPF.

Two other candidates are the acting police commissioner, Robson Iavro and the VPF’s legal officer, Albert Nalbini.

According to police sources, the trio were interviewed yesterday at VPF headquarters at Vansec House.

Chief Kalsakau, who hosted the International Widow’s Day event at his nasara, said he was proud and honored to host the event to demonstrate his recognition of the contributions from widows of Ifira towards the development of his community and the Ifira Island as a whole.

The paramount chief of Ifira said it is now time for the government to give special recognition to the situation of widows.

This was confirmed today by the chairman of the Police Service Commission, Api Jack Marikembo.

The police chairman confirmed receiving eight applications for the police top job, one being a foreign national since the post was advertised regionally and in line with recent amendments made to the Police Act. There is also a female candidate.

“The applications are currently under process. At this stage the selection panel is interviewing the candidates”.

MP John Sala from Malekula Constituency was delighted to witness the endowment of the partnership between Malfakal Soccer and Vanuatu’s leading Telecommunications Company.

“This partnership is important to the province of MALAMPA to help support the balanced development and success of outer island football teams. Football contributes to bring families and friends together to share happy moments. It is a pleasure to see that outer islands are not left behind and that Digicel spreads happiness in outer islands too.” said MP John Sala.

Released on Wednesday, the report is a compilation of the views and experiences of those who took part in the relief effort after Pam in March last year.

RNZI reports the category 5 cyclone, which was the worst to ever hit Vanuatu, affected 188,000 people and damaged 96 percent of the country's crops.

The new service is sure to be a delight to the Ni-Vanuatu people who are known for their love of music.

Digicel customers will now have access to their favourite local and   Pacific music which they can also share with family and friends.

Music Store is set to become the new lifestyle trend as it’s designed to spread happiness to all users with much loved rhythms.

All the Digicel Vanuatu customers can now share their happiness in music by accessing the Music Store that offers high quality full track MP3 downloads and Caller Ring Back Tones.