Archive - May 28, 2011

The Republic of Vanuatu and the Republic of San Marino signed and concluded the Tax Information Exchange Treaty (TIEA) between the two countries in a short ceremony this week in Brussels, Kingdom of Belgium.

Minister of Public Utilties and Infrastructure Harry Iauko has been charged over the assault of Daily Post Publisher Marc Neil-Jones.

But he is yet to appear in court after the magistrate court postponed their plea last Friday as the Speaker of Parliament summoned the 3rd extraordinary sitting of 2011 to confirm if Prime Minister Sato Kilman commanded the numbers to lead the coalition government.

O-League runners-up Amicale are looking to put the defeat against Auckland City in April’s final behind them and have already begun their preparations for the next campaign.

Team manager Andrew Leong says the outcome of the previous tournament is now consigned to the history books and changes must be made as the club looks to move forward.

“We have been silent publically since our loss in the final of the O-League in New Zealand,” Leong says. “But we have had a lot of discussions with our players and coaches and have agreed that we now have to look to the future.”

On her recent trip back to Tasmania, Development Manager, Sarah Murfett, was invited to Latrobe High School on behalf of VNA to receive a donation for the Tour to Tasmania.

Ella Coates, who is a student at Latrobe High School and a member of their student council, recently visited Vanuatu as part of the Aztecs Netball Club Tour. After returning to Tasmania Ella spoke to the other members of the school’s student council, supervising teacher, Chelsea Gale and Principal, Phil McKenzie about VNA’s efforts to raise money for the Tour to Tasmania.

A five-year Mission programme of outreach to the people through support and assistance for community development in the village of Utas, South East Ambrym is now complete.

Teams of up to 15 members from Blenheim, New Zealand have visited each year since 2007 to work alongside the village folk on a range of projects requested by the community.

These projects have included:

• Re-roofing and refurbishing of the interior the Church with a porch also being added.

• Restoration of a concrete tank and well to enhance the community water supply.

The Vanuatu Constitution requires that no leader’s action should give rise to doubt in the public mind as to whether he is carrying out or has carried out following the requirements of the Leadership Code.

1. Prosecution of those who assaulted Daily Post publisher: We have written last week to the Police to ask why MP Harry Iauko, the alleged ringleader of the gang of assailants, was apparently not charged. Latest information sought from the Public Prosecutor’s Office revealed that all files are still with the State Prosecutors (Police), no charges have been laid and no dates have been set for hearing after more than a month after the assault. We understand the Victim had requested for a Private Prosecutor to handle the case but the Public Prosecutor refused to allow that to happen.

Vanuatu’s Minister of Finance Moana Kalosil Carcasses says he is checking on claims a baby died as a result of being held up by police searching Luganville’s wharf on Friday.

The police had been searching the premises of the Northern Islands Stevedoring Company Limited, which the government’s accused of misusing funds.
The search warrant was issued as a result of a complaint brought by the Minister.

Vanuatu’s Minister of Finance Moana Kalosil Carcasses says he is checking on claims a baby died as a result of being held up by police searching Luganville’s wharf on Friday.

The police had been searching the premises of the Northern Islands Stevedoring Company Limited, which the government’s accused of misusing funds.
The search warrant was issued as a result of a complaint brought by the Minister.

The Magistrate Court has issued a Restraining Order concerning Mele Trustees Limited to the Second Claimants and Defendants until the matter is determined by the court.

The Second Claimants consist of Benjamin Malas, Frank Lota, Freeman Lango, Sele Chilia and Lolo Tastuki.

The Defendants consist of Simeon Poilapa, Mimi Tarimiala, Emil Soromon, Abela Mansale, Kaotangi Matanaatu, Kalori Anatu, Kasuatu Numalo, Tabanga Sarapera, Manai Bangalulu, Tupi Nakakora, Supu Taravaki, Philip Malas, Robert Serveux and Edward Kalchichi.