Archive - 2011

Inauguration of the site for the ACTIV chocolate factory recently saw the start of an important "value adding" facility for Vanuatu cocoa produce at Second Lagoon.

It also saw the opening of a local construction incorporating shipping containers, bamboo and natangura into a storage depot for cacao from the ACTIV islands. Financial assistance under the French Embassy's "Fonds Social de Développement" enabled the building of the first structure on a block which will ultimately provide headquarters for both the chocolate factory and ACTIV handicraft project.

Inauguration of the site for the ACTIV chocolate factory recently saw the start of an important "value adding" facility for Vanuatu cocoa produce at Second Lagoon.

It also saw the opening of a local construction incorporating shipping containers, bamboo and natangura into a storage depot for cacao from the ACTIV islands. Financial assistance under the French Embassy's "Fonds Social de Développement" enabled the building of the first structure on a block which will ultimately provide headquarters for both the chocolate factory and ACTIV handicraft project.

The Minister for Finance and Economic Management, Moana Carcasses, has appointed the Director of the National Statistics Office, Mr Simil Johnson as the Chairman of the Vanuatu National Provident Fund (VNPF) Board.

This appointment was made just before Christmas on December 23.

Minister Carcasses said the appointment was made following the resignation of member and former Chairman of the Board, Maurice Michel.

Seriously what’s the rush, why is that we wish to be what our developed neighbors are, be older, allowed to drink, drive a car, go overseas, have a girlfriend or boyfriend, build a house or as a nation trying to be a tertiary place before we have been a primary or secondary nation, what was wrong with how we are or were before.

“Christmas is a time for family unity. It is a time for the whole family to be together and share God’s heart.”

This is the Christmas message from the Head of State President, Iolu Abbil, to the population of Vanuatu on Christmas Eve.

“We believe the market for tamarind value added products can be increased to 100 different products and in two years time when Asian countries complete their research on the tamarind seed there will be a tamarind shortage worldwide because it will help sick people.

“Our supply of tamarind does not meet the demand; presently I am supplying only ten shops out of the 400 shops in Port Vila, many of which are asking to sell tamarind. There are others in Santo as well who want to sell tamarind products,” he said.

The children at the children’s ward in the Vila Central Hospital received Christmas gifts from the Indian Community in Port Vila last Sunday.

The Indian Community in Port Vila chose to visit the sick children at the Vila Central Hospital with gifts they believe will touch the hearts of the little ones who may not have the chance to be out of hospital by Christmas.

As we are approaching the Christmas season this year, many of the communities are also celebrating their achievements.
Iatukei community in South East Tanna has also celebrated one of its greatest achievements where their Aid Post and Forestry Nursery Project was opened on December 14.

This is one of greatest achievements in our community, it’s like killing two birds with one stone, says George Turiak, one of the former councilors for Nibrantata.

The Vice Secretary General of the Union of Moderate Parties (UMP), Georgio Carlo has said the National Council Meeting that took place Friday last week had quorum.

He added that because there was quorum the council meeting proceeded and in accordance with the procedures within the UMP constitution.
The UMP Vice Secretary General replied to the latest political development within the UMP ranks that has seen the national council last week dissolve the Efate UMP Regional Council and the Ambrym UMP Regional Council.

Vila Central Hospital Superintendent Dr Willie Tokon and his dedicated Outpatient Extension Committee have proved their critics in Government wrong by successfully funding the new Vt6 million Extension entirely with patient contribution fees.

Acting Director Southern Health Care Group, Morris Amos opened the new Extension on behalf of the Minister of Health before yesterday.