The Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) has approved Lykke Vanuatu as a Dealer in Securities.

Lykke Vanuatu will provide access to Lykke Exchange for residents in Asian and African countries in compliance with local regulations. Internet users in these countries can download the Lykke Wallet application to participate.

Lykke founder and CEO Richard Olsen notes that Vanuatu is the first license of the group. “We welcome our new friends from Asia and Africa and encourage them to visit Lykke Exchange,” he said. “Lykke’s mission has always been to build a global marketplace. We want to level the playing field, so that everyone has access to trading.”

The Vanuatu license enables Lykke to offer a comprehensive service package. The company offers online trading on FX currency pairs and contracts for differences (CFDs) with 0% commission as well as seamless integrations.

Lykke Corp is applying for licenses in Cyprus, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Japan, and the United States to provide broker services all around the globe.

Photo: Richard Olsen, Founder and CEO, Lykke

Disfala Bill bae hem wan long ol Bill wea palamen blong Vanuatu bae  toktok long hem taem hem sidaon stat long naba 21 long November. 

Wanfala sinia memba blong Media Association Blong Vanuatu an President tu blong Pacific Islands Media Association, Moses Steven hem se disfala Bill bae sapotim gut tingting blong gud pasin blong gavman long saet long transparency and accountability. 

Moses hem se disfala loa bae hem givim rait long olketa nius pipol na olketa long pablik tu fo gavman hem givim aot infomesen olketa i askem, anles infomesen hem state secret. 

Hem se disfala Right To Information Bill hem kamap bihaen Media Association Blong Vanuatu an samfala moa NGO i waka tugeda wetem gavman long hem. 

Moses hem se olketa narafala media association long Pacific i shud duim sem samting wetem gavman blong olketa.

The regional media body based in Fiji congratulated Prime Minister Charlot Salwai and his cabinet for their determination to bring this important legislation to the House of Parliament.

“PINA hopes the Bill will have unanimous support of members of Vanuatu’s Parliament, said PINA President, Mr Moses Stevens.

PINA acknowledges the persistent engagement of the Media Asosiesen blong Vanuatu (MAV) and their collaborative partnership with the office of the Prime Minister, Transparency International Vanuatu (TIV), VANGO and other stakeholders in the formulation of the RTI Bill. 

“We congratulate Vanuatu and encourage other regional governments, civil society organisations and stakeholders to work with their national media associations (NMAs) in developing their own RTI bill.

“PINA believes such an engagement would enhance proper management of information from the government side, which in effect would allow people, and the media to have access to relevant and appropriate information.

“Having such a law is vital in a government that believes in transparency and accountability, which are the main components of good governance”.

PINA notes that MAV is one of the remaining national media associations in the Pacific that has remained active and strong, maintaining PINA’s vision of a strong national media association defending and promoting the rights of its members and giving voice to its citizens.

“Despite the political instability and the many changes of governments in Vanuatu in recent years, MAV has maintained its core objectives, one of which was the RTI Bill. MAV leaders have continued to engage with successive prime ministers, while maintaining their partnership with other CSOs and stakeholders on the RTI issue, said Mr Stevens.

PINA also acknowledged the staff of the Prime Minister’s Office who have worked with MAV and other CSO leaders to bring this Bill to fruition.

PINA also recognise the role of TVI in its tireless effort to spearhead consultation, awareness and advocacy efforts throughout Vanuatu.

PINA would like to encourage its members to re-build their NMAs and work in partnership with their governments and other stakeholders in developing their own RTI legislation and other mechanisms that would enhance free media environment, and equally important the people’s “right to know” and the right to access or acquire information that they are entitled to.

Photo Scoop: PINA President Moses Stevens (left) with PINA Secretariat Manager/PACNEWS Editor Makereta Komai 

Andrew Solomon Napuat is the MP for Tanna one of the islands most affected by cyclone Pam in 2015.

He said the initial response after the cyclone had been slow and hampered by bureaucracy but a recovery committee established by the new government in January has been making good progress.

"The government decided to establish what we call the recovery committee and so far I would say we have implemented more than 50 percent of the projects and things are happening now," he said.

"With regards to recovery funds are being released and procurement is going on at the moment and very soon we will be seeing construction works and all that happening.

Photo: RNZI / Jamie Tahana

RNZ reports the Director General of Justice, Joe Ligo, said he wouldn't be re-employed when his contract expires this month and he was moving to the private sector.

According to the Daily Post, Mr Ligo, who is a lawyer, called on all public servants to respect their jobs, work hard and put the interest of the nation first at all times.

The government is looking into whether to continue to employ its Director Generals.

The roles were created and people hired as part of the Comprehensive Reform Programme of 1997 to rescue the country from bankruptcy.

They were recruited on merit and had academic qualifications.

While the DGs worked to ensure spending was not squandered, political complaints emerged that they were a stumbling block to government decisions.

Called “Vanuatu 2030: The People’s Plan”, the Vanuatu National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) serves as the country’s highest level policy framework, and provides an inclusive, holistic and comprehensive vision of a stable, sustainable and prosperous Vanuatu.

The NSDP was developed using consultative approach that was comprehensive and open ended, a forward thinking change from the usual methods of planning and policy development. 

 Under the leadership of Gregoire Nimbtik, the Director of the Department of Strategic Policy, Planning and Aid Co-ordination (DSPPAC), teams travelled the length of the country, from Aneityum to the Torres Islands, and consulted in detail with nearly 1,500 men and women.

The Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Charlot Salwai was committed to the NSDP being owned by the people, and the Prime Minister noted that “this is the first time Government is consulting with communities in its national development plans.” 

In 2013, Vanuatu changed the way it talked about development, expanding from a narrow outlook that focused on financial profit, to one that included the other two “P’s” of the triple bottom line approach, the ‘planet’ and ‘people’. 

IUCN Oceania is privileged to have played a role in Vanuatu’s shift to a more inclusive, holistic dialogue on national planning, with its Green Growth Leaders Coalition (GGLC) engaged in and supporting the development of this change in approach during 2013. 

 What has happened in Vanuatu is akin to the Green Economy and Green Growth principles that have or are being incorporated into national development planning in other Pacific Island countries, including in Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Tonga where the GGLC, part of the IUCN Pacific Centre for Environmental Governance, has and continues to play a supporting role.

 As noted in Vanuatu Business Magazine, the NSDP is groundbreaking: “for the first time in Vanuatu - indeed, in the developing world - we are seeing environmental issues formally included into the national strategic dialogue.”

 This is a plan, a step in a journey, worth celebrating, and in the words of Mr Kami “congratulations are due to the government and people of Vanuatu, for pausing to reflect, to engage with each other, and to chart a new course for development, one that is owned and driven by the Ni-Vanuatu, and that has people and the environment at its heart”

 The agreement has been signed by Vanuatu's Prime Minister Charlot Salwai and the Chinese Ambassador to Vanuatu, Mr. Liu Quan.

The agreement also allows for Chinese professional athletic coaches to do the final training in Vanuatu just before the Games, which are scheduled to take place in December 2017.

The agreement is part of the overall Games project which is being funded and built by China.

Photo: RNZI Hilaire Bule

Wok blong kaontem evriwan I bin stat long samba 7 Novemba finis mo bae filwok blong kaontem evriwan bae I finis bifo en blong manis ia Novemba 2016.

Ofis blong Statistiks hemi wantem aknolejem sapot blong evriwan we oli koperet wetem ofis blong Statistik long wok ia.

Ikat ova long 300 man mo woman blong wok we oli stag wokabaot raon long kaontri tru long ol komiuniti blong mekem ol wok ia.

Ofis blong statistiklwantem rimaendem evriwan se Akt blong Statistiks hemi givim pawa long Ofis ia nomo hemi mekem wok blong Senses.

Insaed long Akt blong Statistiks, hemi wan ofens blong refiusem at wokman blong Senses o provaedem at kiaman infomesen long olgeta.

Anda long Akt, bae ofis I save mekem olketa we oli refius o kiaman long infomesen blong pem wan faen, pas long kot mo ko long kalabus, o mekem tufala evriwan.

Tingting blong gat wan Mini Senses hemi kam afta Kaontri I bin ko tru long bikfala disasta blong hariken no long fala drae sisen we I affektem plante pipol long kaontri.

Ofis blong statistik I wantem stresem to se wok blong Mini Senses no rileit long eni politikol pati, inkam tax o eni narafala tingting we pipol oli bin step tingting long hem.

Wok blong senses hemi blong helpem planing mo desisen blong gavman wetem of stekholda blong we I inkludim ol divelopmen patna, ol bisnis haos, mo jenerol pablik.

Hemi hemi inkludim tu lo saed blong save pripea gud long nara.

Ol infomesen yu stap providem hemi konfidensel oltaem mo hemi tabu blong Ofis blong Statistiks blong rilisim ol individual infomesen blong wanwan pesen iko long eni wan.

Ohs blong statistic hemi stap apil long evri lida blong komiuniti meal wanwan pesen vve I stap liv insaed long kaontri ia blong all fink hevi lo wok is mo koperet blong mekem sua se yumi gat wan gudfala infomesen mo semtaem, no mestem eniwan long Mini Senses ia.

Siposyu gat ol kwesten, plis kolem ofis long 22110 o email long stats@vanuatu.gov.vs Tanki. -mo Ofis I luk fowod long gudfala koperesen blong evriwan

The bill this morning was welcomed by most Members of Parliament including those in the Opposition.

Prime Minister Salwai says the introduction of the RTI Bill reflected the Government’s continuing commitment to recognise access to information as a human right and as a cornerstone of fundamental democratic principles of good governance. As such the five (5) main indicators for an effective information disclosure addressed in the policy are: Maximum Disclosure, Maximum Accessibility, Affordability, Effective Implementation and Media & Governance Relations”.

While introducing the Right To Information Bill in the Parliament Chamber this morning, Prime Minister Salwai said some of the commitments are:

 Priorities and Action Agenda (PAA) 2006-2015, which recognises the importance of providing for a free flow of information on government programs and services to Members of Parliament, citizens, civil society and development partners’;

The Pacific Plan for Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Integration, which includes in its Good Governance objective improved transparency, accountability, equity and efficiency in the management and use of resources in the Pacific, including work on RTI or ‘freedom of information’;

Vanuatu’s accession to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in 2008, which means Vanuatu has a legal obligation in accordance with Article 19 to respect the right of people to “seek, receive and impart information”;

Vanuatu’s ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). The UNCAC recognises the central role that transparency and the right to information can take in ensuring government accountability. Article 13 requires states to ensure that: “the public has effective access to information” and to undertake: “public information activities that contribute to non-tolerance of corruption, as well as public education programs.”

The Universal Periodic Review Recommendation Vanuatu (a National Implementation Action Plan) 2014 – 2018 also provides for a budget for the enforcement of the RTI Act and the enactment of the RTI Bill by parliament.

Both the Leader of Opposition, Ismael Kalsakau and his deputy, Sato Kilman have welcomed the bill with some reservations.

Mr Kalsakau says while the bill guarantees free access to information in public offices it must not be abused and proper control must be exercised to ensure we safeguard the integrity of Vanuatu.

Mr Kilman on his part questioned the effectiveness of the implementation process amidst reports that the government is intending to remove the DG positions. “These DG’s should be the ones to implement the RTI legislation”.

Minister of Land, Ralph Regenvanu says the RTI Bill is the people’s bill because it provides access to the people to get information from the government to help them make decisions.

Other opposition members also spoke in support of the bill which will be put to vote this afternoon.

Prime Minister Charlot Salwai, who presented the bill, told Parliament this morning that the development and introduction of the RTI Bill reflected the Government’s continuing commitment to recognize access to information as a human right and as a cornerstone of fundamental democratic principles of good governance.

He said “as such the five (5) main indicators for an effective information disclosure addressed in the policy are: Maximum Disclosure, Maximum Accessibility, Affordability, Effective Implementation and Media & Governance Relations”.

Despite a discourse chamber, all 37 members present, 26 from the government and 11 from the opposition, voted in support of the bill.

The Right to Information Bill, provide for setting out the practical regime of right to information for citizens". Under the provisions of the Act, any citizen of Vanuatu may request information from a "public authority."

The Act also requires every public authority to properly manage their records for wide dissemination and to proactively publish categories of information.

Photo:​Vanuatu Parliament Chamber

RNZ reports both cases were in Port Vila and were being managed at the victims' homes.

The Ministry of Health had sent blood samples to New Zealand for further testing.

It had also reconvened its Dengue Early Warning Committee to address the issue.

The Director of the Health Ministry, George Taleo, said his staff would strengthen surveillance around the country to ensure detection of suspected dengue cases.

He said at the same time they would be alert to the threat posed by similar mosquito borne diseases that were now prevalent in the Pacific like Zika and Chikungunya.

Photo: SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

The resort has been closed since Cyclone Pam, soon after which it was sold. Although most of the existing bungalows had limited structural damage the new owners decided to totally revamp and extend before reopening.

Resort manager Virginia Shore says the existing five villas have been kept but the Tamanu that opens early next month will have a total of 15 villas, an extended restaurant, new pool area and an open air chapel which serves as an alternative to a wedding on the white sand beach.

‘Tamanu previously hosted 35 weddings a year and we are aiming to increase that number,’ says Shore. She says the chapel will double as a ‘chill-out’ area for guests and can also be utilised for private dinners.

She says the new Tamanu will sit at the four-star luxury end of the market in Vanuatu. ‘We’ll have 12 one-bedroom villas – one is a honeymoon villa with a plunge pool – and three two-bedrooms, all with a plunge pool.’

Shore adds that a key attribute for the resort is its white sandy beach – one of the best on the island of Efaté.

The new restaurant will be al fresco and Shore says the resort was always known for its food and service before it closed. ‘It’s a great place for a long lunch.’

Simeon replaces his colleague Union of Moderate Parties MP for Efate, Norris Jack, who was removed for signing the motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Salwai’s leadership.

Prior to his appointment, Simeon was occupying the position of Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports.

In addition, Simeon, who is a first timer in this 11th legislature, also holds the position of Parliamentary Social Policy Committee.

His appointment as a cabinet minister comes as the latest move in the government political maneuvering that continues to lure support from opposition members.

Last week, five Iauko Group members, who initially signed up in support of the motion against PM Salwai, were sitting on the government bench.

The government is also expected to announce more official appointments in the coming days.

Following the recent moves, Deputy Leader of Opposition. Sato Kilman claimed that opposition members had been forced to join the government side.

And Prime Minister Salwai told the media the new appointments in the government was intended to safeguard “stability” and continuation of services to the people of Vanuatu.

“The ‘right to know’ and ‘right to access to information’ is a fundamental right for all citizens (including women and children, and people living with disability) in any democratic country. Transparency and accountability are the two main components of ‘good governance’, said PINA President, Moses Stevens.

“As such, PINA recognises the need for countries in the Pacific to have their own RTI laws so as to enhance proper management and dissemination and or availing of information within their respective jurisdictions. In effect ‘democracy’ is being enhanced and enjoyed in practical and realistic terms in our regional societies.

The Pacific people are a multicultural and multi-ethnic society. Therefore it comes under the ‘one size does NOT fit all’ picture. Each island country and particularly Melanesia, is already diverse in its culture and ethnicity – having their own cultural and traditional governance systems strongly intact, said Stevens.

Stevens reiterated PINA’s call on media organisations in all Pacific countries to revive their national media associations and collectively collaborate and engage with their governments and civil society organisations (CSOs) in developing mechanisms that would enhance citizens’ right to know and the right to access to information.

“PINA maintains that ‘we may be doing things differently, but we are not wrong’. The achievement in Vanuatu is a classic example of how the government, the media industry and the CSOs have collaborated in developing their RTI bill. PINA is encouraged to learn that the consultancy process over the past ten years have gathered the support of everyone in all levels of the society including the chiefs, the church, the women, the youths and even the school children, said Stevens.

The unanimous support of Parliament last week reflected the views and wishes of the people of Vanuatu who wanted their members to support the RTI Bill.

Seoule Simeon has replaced Norris Jack as sports minister while the director general in charge of the sports ministry did not have his contract renewed.

Prime Minister Charlot Salwai publicly confirmed the Government's commitment to hosting the Games back in May.

CEO of Van2017 Clint Flood said the relationship is a work in progress.

"It's again getting this particular minister up to speed with the issues," he said.

"That always has some challenges, a bit of learning curve, but we're confident government is behind us - it's just a matter of making sure there is consistency of approach, in terms of how we do things.

"Government makes changes I'm sure for a particular reason - some positive reasons - but with that change always comes a new learning curve and with that getting to know the new players that are being appointed. It's a challenge but we will work through that."

This Sunday will mark one year until the start of the Mini Games.

Clint Flood said operational planning is in full swing and while they would like to be further ahead in their plans, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

He said the organising committee is still waiting on funding promised by the Vanuatu Government earlier this year.

"Not all in the bank, as would be expected. The government has made commitments through the host contract of a certain amount of level of funding," he said.

"If we get that funding I'm very confident that the programmes we have in front of us will be able to be delivered.

"The sponsors are stepping up as we had hoped and I hope that demonstrates some confidence in our planning so if the money comes forward in the time-frames that we've agreed with the government we will deliver the Games."

Van2017 organisers will announce seven new sponsors next week, including the major sponsor of the Mini Games.

Photo: Van2017

The key chorus line of the theme song is “Rise Vanuatu Rise – Shine Pacifika Shine … for a moment in time, we’re together as one, to ignite the spirit within.” Life is moving on every minute, second, hour and we need to make our mark now.”

The original piece displays a magnificent 7 - genre musical build up from traditional “bubu” shell “custom” calling 24 countries in one “solwora”, to an orchestral inspirational touch, synonymous to all international games opening ceremonies to Vanuatu reggae with a tint of French zouke and rap transiting to the original “nasiviriu” mascot dance flutter in Afro beat with Pacific chants climaxing to today’s euro techno dance with a children’s and local choir.

The panel of 5 Judges that were part of the judging process were Henry Tavoa CEO of VASANOC, Ms. Sarah Doyle a representative of the Vanuatu Youth Council, Mr. Clint Flood CEO of Van2017, renowned International Singer Vanessa Quai and   Florian Sam Van2017 Events and Graphics Coordinator.

The competition itself was a great success with a total of 21 entries by musicians from all over the country who entered the competition.

The judges based their critical assessments solely on melody and lyrics that best capture what the office of Van2017 were looking for.

They rated each song anonymously and did not know the name of the musicians or bands as they listened to each entry.

Each judge had a list of criteria’s to rate each song according to lyrical and melody composition, suitability for promotional and marketing purposes, appropriate use of the games theme “Ignite the Spirit within”, as well as the feeling generated by the song itself.  

It was decided by all 5 judges that the song that best captured the true essence of all those components combined was Arthur.

The original song was produced and composed by Arthur however it was his aim to have the song done by a family of artists featured as Vanuatu All Stars 1980-2017 linking all generations of top musicians in one voice, one song.

“The aim was to be able to present Vanuatu as a musical family professionally on the world stage with a song that was original, uplifting, creative, easy to understand and sing a-long to, inspiring athletes all over the region and effectively bringing out 2017 games theme in the spirit of sports, youth and development,”said Arthur.

“This was the dream of my mentor, the late Joe Bomal Carlo, who believed in the power of youth and development, and who successfully managed to assist Vanuatu Government to win the bid for Vanuatu to host the 2017 Pacific Games,”added Arthur.

Arthur said this was an opportunity for Vanuatu to shine on the world stage and he wanted all artists to join spirit in song to show their unity, resilience and positivity in every way.

The original song was recorded and sound engineered by Harvest Studio.

There is an original version which won, an all stars mix, extended remix, Afro Vanuatu-Pacific Dance Mix and Euro radio pop mix to market Vanuatu to different markets in the world. 

The combined All Stars version also features Vanuatu’s top artists from all generations and walks of life, including Tim Teo Kalmet, Reynolds, Ben Ziro (Huarere),  Dalida, Suzanna, reggae sensation -Brada Cloud, songstress Alcina Charley, Jean Pierre, JP Rapper (Wan Voes), Telnsley Bule (DJ Roxy), Rexly, Christine Charlie and Allan Stevens Tom to name a few.

“It was a great pleasure joining such talented and powerful singers merge into one. I am happy Vanuatu can present itself professionally on the world stage. We are ready.”

Arthur has dedicated the song to all past, present and future sports men and women who have for many years helped develop the industry and motivating athletes.

The song will be launched at the Port Vila City Festival at 8.30am tomorrow along with the official mascot Nasi and will be uploaded on all electronic media sites with promo video shortly.

Mr Salwai came to power after the general election in January.

The motion, which was lodged and approved last week, was signed by 31 MPs in the 52-member parliament.

However, the deputy prime minister Joe Natuman is confident the government will survive the motion.

He said the government managed to get members of the Union of Moderates Party to join ranks by swearing in a new health minister and creating new under-secretary positions.

Photo: RNZI/ Johnny Blades .Seated second from left: Vanuatu's Prime Minister Charlot Salwai visits NIWA in Wellington, New Zealand. 10-08-2016 

“The current motion was received on 23rd of November and I made a declaration that the motion was in order and will be debated today 30th when the motion becomes mature”, Mr Saimon said.

However, he added that after closer consideration, the Standing Orders clearly state that only the Prime Minister or majority of members could call for an extra ordinary session. In this case, the motion was lodged by the Opposition but it failed to meet the requirement of the Standing Orders (rules of parliament).

The motion was not accompanied by a separate notice to call for an extra ordinary session to debate the motion.

The Speaker then asked signatories of the motion to indicate if any of them are withdrawing and that he would allow only three to speak on behalf of the 8 who have written letters to withdraw their support.

Union of Moderate Parties (UMP) newly appointed Minister for Health, Jerome Ludvaune told Parliament he is withdrawing his signature because he was in his constituency.

Ludvaune said upon his return from the island, he signed the document not know he was signing a motion of no-confidence.

Epi’s UMP newly appointed Minister for Sports Seule Simeon also indicated he was elected to stay with the government and was withdrawing his signature.

MP for Malekula, Marcellino Barthelemy also withdrew his signature on the floor.

The decision of the Speaker was met with strong opposition from the opposite side of the chamber.

Former leader of government business and MP for Paama, Tasso Fred, who remained with the Opposition, could not believe the MPs reasoning for the withdrawal.  “Parliament should be told the truth”, he said with his figure pointing to his colleagues who signed the motion with him.

MP Fred Tasso said those who signed the motion knew what they were doing and must tell the truth.

Greens Party MP for Port Vila, Seule Kalo who recently left the government side, says those who signed and then withdrew will only “look shame in the eyes of their voters”.

MP for Efate, Joshua Kalsakau said he had evidence via text messages to confirm that those MPs who were withdrawing their support, had intentions to sign the motion to oust PM Salwai from his leadership.

Leader of Opposition Ishmael Kalsakau revealed that the initiator of the motion was the Secretary General of the Prime Minister’s party, MP Barthelemy, who at the time was announcing his withdrawal.

“A decision was already made by you, Speaker, and we are here to debate the motion”, the Opposition Leader reasoned.

Mr Kalsakau described the Speaker’s decision as “cart pulling the horse”, and says the matter now is an issue that is likely to be challenged in court.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bruno Lengkon says the issue is about the process, which the Opposition did not comply with.

Mr Lengkon says Opposition leaders are well aware of the process that needs two separate documents, one is the motion and the second is the calling of Parliament.

The Second Extra ordinary Session was then closed by the Speaker.

Dengue fever is transmitted by the bites of an Andes mosquito infected with a dengue virus.

Director of Public Health, Dr Len Tarivonda says from the 14 cases 6 are confirmed while 8 are suspects whose blood samples are now being tested in New Zealand.

He said the cases come from Port Vila mainly from the central and southern wards.

Dr Tarivonda said from the 14 cases, only one was admitted while the rest were managed at their respective homes.

He said the blood tests in New Zealand would also alert health officials of any confirmed cases of zika or chikungunyan since all three deadly sicknesses are transmitted by the same mosquito.

The Ministry of Health is strongly appealing to everyone to quickly report to any health facility at the earliest stage of showing symptoms of dengue fever which usually begins four to six days after infection and that may include high fever, severe headaches, severe joint and muscle pains,  vomiting, pain behind the eyes, and skin rashes.

Dr Tarivonda says doctors and nurses at the hospital are able to do quick tests to help with diagnoses.

There is no specific medication for treatment of a dengue infection. Persons who think they have dengue should use pain relievers such as panadol but avoid medicines that contain aspirins. They should also rest, drink plenty fluid to prevent dehydration, avoid mosquito bites while febrile and consult a physician.

Dr Tarivonda says the Ministry of health is stepping up efforts to strengthen national and provincial level surveillance system to increase detection and reporting on dengue suspected cases.

Meanwhile, an operation team in Port Vila will continue to spray around high risk areas.

The Ministry is also appealing to all property owners to clean their yards and reduce all breeding spaces for mosquitos in a bid to reduce all chances for spread of the sickness. All other precautionary measures must be put into practice.

According to Islands Business, The Cook Islands has reported a Vanuatu flagged fishing boat for possible black listing in the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Vessel List.

The ship, according to the latest report of the Technical and Compliance Committee (TCC) of the WCPFC, is identified as ESSEN No 108.

The report did say that the two countries are already in talks and hope to resolve the matter before the 13th session of WCPFC, which is due to start in Nadi, Fiji on Monday.

“If they could do so, the Cook Islands would be willing to withdraw the nominated listing,” states the report of the committee dated 17 November 2016. “Vanuatu confirmed that it was working to resolve the matter with Cook Islands,” added the report of the TCC.