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New Vanuatu resort opening ahead of schedule, taking bookings

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It’s all systems go for the new four-star resort, Ramada Resort Port Vila, Vanuatu, scheduled to open on 10 March 2017 – three weeks earlier than previously announced.

Late last year, the resort started taking booking for stays from 1 April and, with the earlier opening, rooms are now available from 10 March, and the resort is celebrating with a generous opening special: a 30 per cent discount on a three night stay, or a 40 per cent discount on a seven night stay – with daily buffet breakfast included (deal expires 28 February 2017).

The first Ramada-branded property to open in Vanuatu, the 80-room Ramada Resort Port Vila is set on the cliffs of Erakor Lagoon and will offer guests unobstructed views of the sandy white beaches and turquoise waters of Erakor Island.

The AUD $30 million development is expected to employ about 120 people from 10 March and will use a team of approximately 200 across the entire construction phase. Currently, all key management positions with the resort are filled and the team is now focused on readying staff to provide personalised and memorable experiences from opening day.

Managing director George Dechaineux said it was a team effort to open the hotel early, something which has not typically happened with major developments in the South Pacific.

“Our team has worked incredibly hard to complete all construction ahead of schedule and to the highest Australian, New Zealand and local standards. We are now fitting out the interior, completing landscaping and focusing on staff training,” Dechaineux said.

“We expect that the exceptional personalised service we will offer, coupled with our excellent location and state-of-the-art technology will be a big draw card. We look forward to welcoming our first guests.”

Located just five minutes from the heart of Port Vila and 15 minutes from Bauerfield International Airport, Ramada Resort Port Vila will offer studio rooms, junior suites and two-bedroom apartments. The resort will have an onsite restaurant and three bars showcasing the finest local produce and ingredients, a swimming pool, a gym and four conference rooms that can cater for up to 140 guests.

     


Intern keen to challenge Vanuatu businesses to become innovative and modern

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When Elsa Malapa left Port Vila in Vanuatu to begin her studies at Ecole de Gestion et de Commerce (EGC) in New Caledonia, she was a little overwhelmed.

“It felt so big, and so fast-paced … I really noticed the difference between my country and New Caledonia, and how advanced New Caledonia is compared to us,” Elsa says.

Fast forward two years, and Elsa has recently arrived in Auckland, to complete an internship at Pacific Cooperation Foundation (PCF), to get her third and final year of studies underway.

“Auckland is huge and much faster than New Caledonia, so I have to get used to being in a bigger city all over,” the 23-year-old laughs.

Having already completed two internships in New Caledonia, Elsa has clear goals of what she wants to achieve during her two months in New Zealand, interning at PCF.

“I would really like to improve my English business skills; to see how PCF works in the Pacific, but particularly how it interacts with New Caledonia and Vanuatu; and to learn about PCF’s programmes and share them with people in Vanuatu so they can apply to be a part of them, and benefit from them.”

She is also looking forward to experiencing different cultures in Auckland, and to spending time out in nature, she adds.

Elsa, who gets her business-mind from her father Kevin, a bank teller at Bred Bank in Port Vila, and her work ethic from her mother Helene, a primary school teacher, says her dream is to return to Vanuatu at some stage.

“I would like to gain work experience in New Caledonia (in finance) as the job market there is bigger, before returning to Vanuatu where I would like to help improve business and trade there.”

There are not many innovative businesses in Vanuatu, and there is a lack of technology, she adds.

“My goal is to help bring Vanuatu onto a level playing field with other countries in the Pacific, such as New Caledonia … it’s hard to change people’s mind-sets however, as they are used to doing things the traditional way.”

With skills gained through internships and work experience, Elsa plans to help implement new ways of doing business in Vanuatu – to help it become innovative and modern.

Elsa is one of 18 students from EGC who have just arrived in NZ to complete two month internships at various host agencies, wrapping up on March 24, 2017.

Over the past few years, PCF has hosted interns from EGC, to help strengthen ties between NZ and New Caledonian businesses.

     

Vanuatu Mini Games announce sponsors

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Organisers of this year's Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu have announced eight new sponsors, expected to provide up to 75 percent of their sponsorship revenue target.

Digicel Vanuatu is the official sponsor of the Mini Games, with Azure Pure Water confirmed as a platinum sponsor and six companies: Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu, ODC Computer Consultants, Pacific Energy - Société de Services Pétroliers - Vanuatu, FR8/DHL Logistics, Hertz Vanuatu and Air Vanuatu, as the gold sponsors.

RNZ reports the eight companies represent 60 percent of the target number of sponsors for the Games.

Chairman of the 2017 Pacific Mini Games, Mark Stafford, said that without significant corporate support from sponsors it would not be possible for the Mini Games to be delivered at the level expected of such an international event.

He also thanked the Vanuatu Government, who are the largest financial contributors to the Games, and the Chinese Government for their contributions towards venues and equipment needed for the Games, and the training of athletes and officials.

Deputy Prime Minister, Joe Natuman, reiterated that the Government of Vanuatu was 100 percent behind the Mini Games and committed to maintenance of the facilities that are one of the legacies of hosting the event.

 

Photo by van2017.com. Games village   

     

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Vanuatu orchard workers in Central Otago learning carpentry skills to help with post-cyclone rebuild back home

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Central Otago orchard workers from Vanuatu are taking part in an exercise to boost their carpentry skills in the wake of last year's devastating Cyclone Pam.

1 News reports the initiative comes after the cyclone obliterated many dwellings in the Pacific Islands nation highlighting the need for better construction techniques.

Otago Polytech carpentry lecturer Brian Turner has been in Vanuatu since the cyclone and saw the need to upskill those who will man the rebuild.

"I think it's fantastic. It's good to see the people benefiting from these boys working in their industry are giving a bit back," says Mr Turner.

They're being taught skills such as how to strengthen a building against cyclone force winds.

Doing things on a budget and with limited materials is part of the thinking during the weekly classes in Cromwell.

"When they're here working they save their money but they want to build big strong houses," says Vanuatu orchard worker Peter Bumseng.

The training scheme is a collaborative effort set up by the vineyards and orchards that employ the workers along with tutoring from Otago Polytech.

Materials have been provided by local building firms and financial help has been provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

 

     

Torba wants to be Vanuatu's first 'Organic Province'

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A group of islands in Vanuatu is looking to restrict the consumption of imported food by declaring itself the first "Organic Province".

RNZ reports Chairman of the Torba Tourism Council Father Luc Dini said the body adopted a resolution to go organic and told operators to stop serving imported food.

Father Dini said there would be health benefits and tourists may be encouraged when they hear only local produce and fish is consumed there.

He said the removal of imported food will be difficult, but targeting people who welcome tourists is a good start.

"As [tourists] they arrive, there will be no rice, no tin fish, no tin meat, no noodles. So for the tea we will use the ferns and the tea leaves and all these things to start with. By doing that we start cutting out some of these imported items."

Father Luc Dini said the national Government had been asked to endorse the declaration for at least the next two years.

     

Erakor thumps Amicale, tops round one

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Port Vila club champions, Erakor Golden Star smashed Amicale FC 7-0 Wednesday in their first match of the Port Vila Football Premier League Championship 2017 at Port Vila Stadium.

This is not a good result for the former Vanuatu club champion as they ended the match with only 10 players after their midfielder, Namuli Namatak was sent off by referee Alick Lukai.

Tony Kaltack who missed EraKor’s trip to Santo last weekend, hit two goals in 31 and 33 minutes and there were two more goals from substitute Tonly Kalotang in 82 and 89 minutes.

One goal each from Brian Kaltack in 18 minutes, Kersom Kalsong in 63 minutes, and Jean Kaltack in 86 minutes sealed the win.

Erakor’s big win against Amicale is like a warning to all the clubs in Port Vila Football that the Golden boys are ready for another year of competition in Port Vila.

The win puts Erakor top of the Premier League 2017 ladder after round one with 3 points.

Erakor’s next match in round two is on Saturday at 1pm is against Siaraga FC.

Erakor Golden Star FC is also planning a trip to New Caledonia next week to play two international friendlies against New Caledonia OFC Champions League representative, Hienghene Sport FC. .

Latest PVFA Premier League Championship ladder after Round One

1. Erakor Golden Star FC 3
2. Ifira Black Bird FC 3
3. Siaraga FC 3
4. Tafea FC 1
5. Mauwia FC 1
6. Mauriki FC 0
7. Tupuji Imere FC 0
8. Amicale FC 0

     

Vanuatu top clubs draw even

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Vanuatu’s two 2017 OFC Champions League-bound clubs Malampa Revivors and Erakor Golden Star took a share of the spoils in two friendly matches in Santo preparing them both for the regional club competition kicking off in March.

Hosts Malampa Revivors were the first to get on top when they shocked Erakor 3-2 at Luganville Stadium, Santo on 28 January.

The visitors were almost able to snatch a draw after being awarded a penalty kick but captain Brian Kaltack missed his opportunity, allowing Malampa to claim the victory.

The two sides met again at Luganville Stadium on 30 January, but this time the Port Vila Premier League champions made the most of their opportunities to reverse the previous match’s score and secure a 3-2 win.

Erakor Golden Star’s Romain Carlot finished two goals for his side before Vanuatu U-20 captain Jason Thomas secured the win with the successful conversion of a penalty kick in the last 15 minutes of the match.

Both sides will feel confident with a win under their belts as they await kick off for the 2017 OFC Champions League.

Malampa Revivors FC will face Papua New Guinea’s Lae City Dwellers in their first Group C fixture of the 2017 OFC Champions League at Mangere Centre Park, Auckland on 11 March before facing defending champions Auckland City FC and Solomon Islands’ Western United for a place in the semi-final.

Erakor Golden Star FC have been drawn with Solomon Islands’ Marist FC, Tahiti’s AS Tefana and Fiji’s Rewa FC in Group D and will take on the group hosts at Stade Pater in Papeete, Tahiti in their first match on 11 March.

 

     

Vanuatu's top judge wants progress on court buildings

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Vanuatu's Chief Justice Vincent Lunabek wants the Supreme Court building, destroyed in arson attack ten years ago, to finally be rebuilt.

He said plans for a new Hall of Justice for Vanuatu have been in front of the government for years.

Vanuatu Digest reports all the Government has done since the arson is to provide the inappropriate Dumbea Centre as a temporary court and to set up a committee that has achieved nothing.

Chief Justice Lunabek, speaking at the opening of the 2017 judicial year, said a new Hall of Justice was long overdue.

He also said other places, such as Luganville, are in serious need of improved court facilities, as are many of the island court houses damaged nearly two years ago by Cyclone Pam.

     

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Sponsors announced for 2017 Pacific Mini Games

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In a ceremony that featured the arrival of the Mascot of the Games – Nasi the Nasiviru - in a canoe, and a live version of the official theme song Ignite the Spirit Within, Van2017 announced its first round of sponsors on January 31 at the Holiday Inn.

Eight sponsors were announced, which represent 60% of the target number of sponsors and approximately 75% of the earmarked sponsorship revenue target.  CEO of Van2017 the organizing committee for the Games said that the organization is thrilled to have the support of these companies who will provide their time, money and resources to help deliver a great event.  Mr Flood indicated that one of the key elements that sponsors also provide is the increased awareness of the Games through their marketing campaigns that they will undertake to promote their involvement with the Games. 

Chairman of the 2017 Pacific Mini Games, Mark Stafford, thanked all the sponsors for their support, and indicated that one of the goals of the Games is to ensure that a positive experience is created for the sponsors, so that on future events, they will have additional incentive to provide their sponsorship. Mr Stafford indicated that without the significant corporate support of these sponsors and others that will hopefully sign up in the next month or two, then the Games would not be possible to be delivered at the level expected of such an international event.   He also expressed gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Vanuatu who are the largest financial contributors to the Games, and the Government of the People's Republic of China for their contributions towards Venues and equipment needed for the Games, and the training of Athletes and Officials.

The Deputy Prime Minister Honorable Joe Natuman thanked all the Sponsors for their support, and once again committed that the Government of Vanuatu is 100% behind the event, and pledged that the Government is also committed to maintenance of the facilities that are one of the legacies of hosting the Pacific Mini Games.

                Official Sponsor:             Digicel Vanuatu Ltd

                Platinum Sponsor:          Azure Pure Water Limited

                Gold Sponsors:               Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu

                    ODC Ltd – Computer Consultants

                                                        Pacific Energy - Société de Services Pétroliers – Vanuatu

                                                        FR8/DHL Logistics

                                                        Hertz Vanuatu Ltd

                                                        Air Vanuatu (Operations) Ltd

 

     

Van2017 on the hunt

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The Pacific Mini Games is on the hunt for your business.

On Wednesday 8th February, Van2017 is holding a Business Open House event to provide an update to the local business community in Port Vila on the upcoming procurement (tender) opportunities with the 2017 Pacific Mini Games.

The aim of the event is to provide companies with a clear picture of the procurement process and the variety of tenders and proposals that will be issued in the upcoming months.  The CEO for the 2017 Pacific Mini Games Clint Flood said that "our needs are extensive and with looming deadlines to order the goods and services we need to ensure that businesses are aware of these needs and of our timelines and processes in order to put in tenders and proposals.  In terms of what we need-- just think about the planning that goes into hosting a large wedding for example -- food, decorations, sound, tables, chairs, stages, lighting, toilets, power, vehicles etc"  We need all of this and a lot of it!!

On the Van2017 “Shopping List” are over 170 items ranging from large needs: Security, Ablution Blocks, Beds, Plumbing Services, Landscaping, Laundry Services, Mattresses, Furniture, Uniforms, etc – to small needs: sheets, padlocks, mops, wheel barrows, soap, cement, bins, mosquito nets, power-boards, torches, brooms, drinking fountains, paint, …. and the list goes on.

The Business Opportunity Launch will be held at Korman Stadium on Wednesday Feb 08th from 3:00 to 5:30.  Van2017 will provide businesses with an overview of the exciting work that is being done at Korman Complex, where in less than 300 days the Pacific Nations will gather in front of cheering crowds to kick off the Games.  Company registration and business card are required for entry to the event.

To register for the event call ph. 550 2017, or email: pa@van2017.com or find out more details on our Facebook page: Vanuatu2017 or website: www.van2017.com

Don’t Miss Out on this opportunity to tender for Goods and Services for the Pacific Mini Games in December 2017!

Wednesday 8th February  --  3pm-5pm  --  Korman Stadium

 

Photo file 2017 Pacific Mini Games village site 

     

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Remote island community in Vanuatu making headlines after declaring war on foreign "junk food"

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A remote province in northern Vanuatu has made international headlines after island leaders imposed a ban on junk food in an effort to safeguard the future health of their people.

Tourism leader, Father Luc Dini, says they want the population of Torba to embrace local organic produce instead and protect themselves from the illnesses associated with western food.

He has had junk food removed from the shelves of local stores and from holiday bungalows, and tourists are being served only locally grown products.

Tony Wilson, the editor of the Vanuatu Independent, which broke the story, says it's been picked up by news outlets all over the world.

“It even appeared in the Irish Times can you believe. People have to realise that the problems we have here with diabetes is an absolute scourge in the South Pacific and Vanuatu is amongst the worst of all those countries and we just have to take some drastic action and they decided there they would,” Wilson said.

Torba has a population of about 10,000 people and is made up of mostly subsistence farmers. 

     

Ol bikpela Vanuatu gavman projek na Port Vila Community Sanitation

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Sait long hygiene na sanitation we i karamapim ol samting olsem gutpela wara na peles blong pekpek longen long ol setolmen long arere long ol taon long rijin, em i wanpela bikpela wari.

Em i wankain long ol setolmen long ol bik ples olsem Mount Hagen, Lae, Madang, Port Moresby, Honiara na Port Vila.

Tasol long ol setolmen raon long Port Vila, bik taon blong Vanuatu, gavman i nau wok long bildim ol Community Sanitation Facilities long dil wantaim dispela isiu.

Dispela projek i kam aninit long Vanuatu Project Management Unit we i ronim 5 pela bikpela projek blong gavman we i kostim 26 billion vatu.

Public Relations Officer blong Unit, Kiery Manassah i tok ol komiuniti sanitesan fasiliti ia ol i wok long bildim long Mele Waisisi, Blacksands, na ol seaside komiuniti blong Tongoa, Paama na Futuna.

     

Vanuatu heightens dengue concern

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Vanuatu's Ministry of Health has confirmed the country has 210 dengue fever cases.

RNZ reports this comes after over 1,000 suspected cases had been reported.

The Health Ministry has started a media blitz to encourage the public to report to the nearest health centre when a person is suspected to be sick with dengue.

A dengue zero tolerance campaign was launched last month.

     

APTC welcomes over 700 students

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The Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC) welcomed more than 700 Pacific Island students undertaking training in technical and vocational courses with a two-day orientation program.

The orientation sessions at APTC campuses in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu on January 16 and 17, provided valuable information to new students on APTC facilities, student support services, regulations, and their responsibilities.

APTC is an innovative development program funded by the Australian Government, delivering internationally-recognised Australian skills and qualifications for a wide range of vocational careers for skilled workers across the Pacific.

APTC Chief Executive Officer, Denise O’Brien, warmly welcomed the students, encouraging them to make the most of their time at APTC.

“We want to ensure you have access to personal development and the ability to build your expertise to enable you to be a valuable employee and contributor to your family and community. Study hard, commit to a high standard of work ethic and do everything in your power to make the most of the opportunity that has been presented to you,” she said.

O’Brien added she looks forward to seeing students successfully complete their six-month programs, and join the growing pool of over 10,000 APTC graduates.

The orientation program has been a great learning experience for students who had to travel out of their home countries to study, like Tana Maalo. 

“I want to gain new skills and experiences during the next six months so that, when I return to Samoa, I can get a better paid job to support my family and also tell other youths that there are such training opportunities available for them,” he said. 

Maalo is pursuing Certificate IV in Youth Work at APTC’s Vanuatu campus. 

For Annette Lavenia, undertaking a Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical (Machining) at the Fiji campus, the orientation program has helped her make new friends.

She hopes to showcase her newfound knowledge and skills to her employer when she returns after completing her APTC studies.  

Another student, Manase Taufa, said he was grateful for the opportunity to study at APTC. Mr Taufa will be undertaking the Automotive Master Trainer course which combines two vocational qualifications – Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.  

The qualification will allow Taufa, an instructor at the Tonga Institute of Science and Technology, to work and train others in the automotive industry.

“I believe this course is tailored towards developing my skills to gain experience in practical and theoretical methods of delivery and contribute towards the development of the automotive industry in Tonga,” Taufa said. 

During orientation, students met their trainers and tutors and received information on classes, APTC’s e-learning platform MyVillage, and about health and wellbeing. Students also toured the campuses and various training centres, as well as the city and accommodation areas.

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Press release

Right to information becomes law in Vanuatu

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Vanuatu journalists are preparing their first requests under Vanuatu's new freedom of information rules.

RNZ reports the Right to Information Act was gazetted yesterday establishing an Information Commissioner and putting Vanuatu alongside 105 countries around the world with similar legislation.

The Media Director of the Vanuatu Daily Post Dan McGarry said he had asked his journalists to test the system and to put in requests for information.

He said questions still hung over how the law will be implemented and there was a possibility bureaucrats could drag out requests.

"I think there's some room for abuse that might be tightened up in the future but by and large as a piece of legislation, it's a really really significant piece of policy for the government and we do applaud it."

The law will be rolled out over the next two years.

     


Scheme to lift productivity of Vanuatu public servants

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Vanuatu's Prime Minister says his government is committed to fully implementing a performance management system for the public service.

RNZ reports Charlot Salwai launched the programme in Port Vila on Tuesday in front of more than 500 public servants.

Mr Salwai said it was important to drive the performance of all public servants so they can improve their productivity and service delivery.

He said after 36 years of independence he was very happy to see the public service embrace innovative programmes to help achieve the government's priorities.

A study was carried out 12 months ago to isolate any barriers faced by public servants and the new performance management system aims to attack these barriers.

     

Vanuatu media in unchartered territory as Freedom of Information laws become a reality

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Journalists in Vanuatu are already preparing to make Freedom of Information requests to test the government’s new laws.

David Robie is a professor of journalism at Auckland University of Technology and the director of the Pacific Media Centre.

He says the new laws are a step in the right direction, but it will also take a change in mindset from the government to make sure Freedom of Information requests are taken seriously.

“This is a tremendous encouragement for the media in Vanuatu, also for NGOs and other people seeking information and it’s a tremendous boost for the whole of the Pacific because Vanuatu is now the second country to follow on from Cook Islands,” Robie said.

However, he told Pacific Beat not to expect immediate change.

“I think fundamentally the government is committed to a much more open access to information and that was certainly reflected in the vote among MPs for bringing this Act before parliament and voting last year. Now that it’s actually in force. But we have got to actually allow for change in mind set because basically officials have gotten along quite happily for many years of just withholding information and being terribly helpful to the media,” Robie said.

 

Photo file: Vanuatu journalists at a press conference 

     

     

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Clubs release players names ahead of Grand Casino Cup

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Amicale FC and Western Sydney Wanderers FC team 2 have released the names of their players to play in the Grand Casino Cup 2017 in Port Vila, Vanuatu on Saturday.

Amicale FC management has confirmed that the three Brazilian players who have sign with Rewa FC in the OFC Champions League will join the Red Roosters list and Bong Kalo, Tafea FC midfielder.

Amicale FC List: 1- Seloni Iaruel, 2- Godsen Donna, 3- Alphonse Boingham, 4- Diego Benedito Maximo, 5- Whitley Bebe 6- Octav Meltecoin, 7- Marcello Tenause, 8- Chanel Obed, 9- Elias Junior, 10- Bong Kalo, 11- Alphonse Lency, 12- Solo Iaruel, 13- Namoli Namatak, 14- Jackson Temakon, 15- Francoise Sakama, 16- Gibson Dadau, 17- Daniel Natou, 18- Yersin Avock, 19- Watson Maliwan, 20- Jeffrey Bob, 21- Roger Marcel, 22- Roddy Lenga 23- Simon Tousi, 24- Richard Manuriki.

Coach: Robert Yelou

Western Sydney Wanderers Team B List: 2- Malcolm Ward, 3- Tate Jackson, 4 –Joshua Bartolotto, 6- Tacettin Kumsuz 8 -Blake Currey, 9- Alexander Lopez, 10- Brandon – John Robertson, 12- Oliver Wiggin, 14- Brodie Clarkson 15- Mohamed Al-Taay, 16- Zachary Duncan, 17- Richard Stewart, 18- Jerry Skotadis, 19- Jamie Percevski, 21- Anthony Vastag, 30- Jack Groeneveld, 40- Mackenzie Syron.

Coach: Athanasios Diles

 

Photo Vanuafoot Facebook

     

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Vanuatu behind 'Tanna' movie as Best Foreign Language Film at 2017 Oscars

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The people of Vanuatu would obviously be a little biased when it comes to who should win the Best Foreign Language Film at the 2017 Oscars.

The movie ‘Tanna’ is one of the nominees for the Best Foreign Language category.

However, the truth is that most Ni-Vanuatu will not know the Oscars are on or what they represent.

A release from Vanuatu Tourism Office says once it is understood that “Tanna” could win on such a global stage there will be much more interest in understanding what all the fuss is all about. 

While thinking about what a win for the movie might mean for Vanuatu, the Vanuatu Tourism Office team was quick to list a few of its own reasons as to why it thinks the ‘Tanna’ Movie should be the winner.

Here are the thoughts of the team.

  • The beauty of the island of Tanna is clear throughout the film. These beautiful locations are not just on Tanna but throughout Vanuatu. The landscape, the jungles and waterfalls really do look like they do in the movie.
  • The movie is true to our traditions and kustom. The dress, the language, and the lifestyle are all as you would find in the traditional villages of Vanuatu. My life is a bit easier but family, tradition and kustom are always present in Vanuatu life.
  • It makes me wonder if other people from other cultures and places are faced with the same decisions
  • They hope that I never have to make a decision like Wawa and Dain and I admire their flight for what they believe in.
  • They hope that people who see the movie will want to learn more about Vanuatu and will at some stage come and visit Vanuatu and experience for themselves our beautiful country.

These thoughts will become themes and be heavily promoted in VTO's social media channels in a new #TannaForOscars campaign.

The VTO is inviting everyone to get behind Tanna's win by asking all Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter users to upload a photo or video that they've taken on Tanna island, inline with any of the 5 themes, and add #TannaForOscars in their post.

Don’t forget to also add #TannaMovie #Oscar2017, which will be shared across VTO's social media channels.

Tanna is an island located in the southern province of Vanuatu, one of 83 islands. The island is renowned as being the home of Mount Yasur, one of the world’s most accessible volcanoes and it is behind this back drop that the movie ‘Tanna’ is set.

The movie follows the village life of the Yakel Tribe who live on Tanna, where the Directors Martin Butler and Bentley Dean and crew spent 7 months living with the Yakel people in order to capture this poignant story.

The Vanuatu Tourism Office Team wishes everyone involved with the movie the gudfala luck on the night and hope everyone gets to enjoy the story of Wawa and Dain.   

The Oscars will be held in Los Angeles on February 26, 2017.

     

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Vanuatu’s RTI requests can be made after Ministerial Order

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The Right To Information Unit (RTIU) in Vanuatu has clarified that the gazetting of the Act gives effect to preparations for the first phase of the implementation process.

This follows the formal gazetting of the Right to Information (RTI) Act by the State Law Office on February 6, 2017.

PACNEWS reports the RTI Act requires three stages of implementation covering a period of nearly five years. 

The first phase will begin within six month from the date of gazettal during which only those departments and agencies that are covered under a Ministerial Order from the Prime Minister, will be required to give information under the Act. This will be followed by another 24 months during which more government departments and line agencies will be identified and declared under the Second Ministerial Order to comply with the Act. 

Departments and agencies not covered in the first and second phase will be on the last list of agencies on the final and Third Ministerial Order.

In preparation for the first phase, the RTI Unit has this week disbursed baseline assessment forms to all government departments and agencies, including all government statutory bodies which will be filled in and returned by the end of this month. The form aims to assess and identify certain agencies that are potentially ready with human, finance and ICT resources, to begin implementation.

The RTI Consultation sessions with Director Generals, along with their directors, chief executive officers and heads of their respective divisions and units have also been scheduled for separate meetings throughout this year. 

The sessions come in line with the National RTI policy and is part of the first phase of the RTI Implementation Plan. It will give an overview on what each, ministry, departments and agencies are expected to do in preparation for the implementation of the RTI law. This will include a new structure consisting of a position for the RTI Officer. 

The consultation sessions will also help departments and agencies put in place their respective Agency Action Plans to ensure they respond positively to requests for information.

The gazetting of the RTI Act reflects the continued commitment of the Charlot Salwai led-coalition Government to the United Nations Conventions on Human Rights signed by Vanuatu.

     

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