[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 1 September 2015

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "Sixteen Members of Parliament are in the Supreme Court to answer the charges of bribery tomorrow. Their pleas will be given then. Further investigations are expected according to this week's Vila Times. Daily Post today has "more MPs may become Prose" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 1 September 2015 by bobmakin Sixteen Members of Parliament are in the Supreme Court to answer the charges of bribery tomorrow. Their pleas will be given then. Further investigations are expected according to this week's Vila Times. Daily Post today has "more MPs may become Prosecution witnesses." VBTC has signed an intention for a memorandum of understanding with a Chinese equipment supply company. The full MOA is to be signed this month. The move is intended to extend terrestrial TV availability throughout the Vanuatu islands on cell phones. The company will fund and supply all the equipment and programme material needed, VBTC News said yesterday. The project should be completed by May next year. Many will wonder at the overall value of such a service when VBTC technical facilities and Vanuatu's mobile telephone providers gave such a poor showing at the time of cyclone Pam. Ensuring proper disaster warning and advisory information should surely be considered a greatest responsibility for the national broadcaster. Head of State Fr Baldwin Lonsdale is pressing for a Vanuatu Christian Council representation in the Electoral College to choose a head of state in future. Such a representative would join the politicians from Parliament and the regional assemblies. The President's campaign will continue. (VBTC) Today Radio Vanuatu News is covering the supply of more cyclone-resistant planting material for certain varieties of food crops. This may well be of immense value in future and the Digest will report more later. Daily Post yesterday reported Education Minister Alfred Carlot promising a monthly increase to teachers' housing allowances, from VT 15,000 to VT 25,000. This follows a petition of teachers and much more news is bound to result as "illegal salaries" and planned re-structuring are addressed. Daily Post today details an alleged illegal handling of the IRU agreement between the Government and Interchange, the company operating our cable link. It is said the Government's Chief Information Office (OGCIO) is improperly selling band width and charges may well have to be increased in future. Ninety days has been allowed for resolution of the problem. Kenneth Natapei, son of the late Leader of the Opposition, will stand in the by-election to choose a replacement for his father. He will do so as a Vanua'aku Pati candidate. bobmakin | September 1, 2015 at 11:07 am | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-DD Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1Jt7PCs Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 29 August 2015

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "The Vanuatu Cultural Council has decided to suspend three staff members of the national museum and terminate one, despite their case being lodged with the Vanuatu National Workers' Union. The Chairman of the union, Ambong Thompson, told Radio Vanuatu News" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 29 August 2015 by bobmakin The Vanuatu Cultural Council has decided to suspend three staff members of the national museum and terminate one, despite their case being lodged with the Vanuatu National Workers' Union. The Chairman of the union, Ambong Thompson, told Radio Vanuatu News yesterday the decision was unfair. One staff member was terminated without disciplinary warning. Thompson said the Board of the Cultural Council failed to observe the proper requirements for a suspension. It was earlier observed by museum friends that the appointments to the new Board were improperly carried out. A regional Climate Change adaptation and resilience support programme depending on information sharing and offered by an Australian university has had the support of ni-Vanuatu stake-holders. The Australian Government is financing the programme which is assisted by SPREP, Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga which share their information on climate change as appropriate. The aim is to build a data base concerning climate change, Radio Vanuatu reported today. Marokon Alilee, Director of Trade, pointed out at the opening of the Trade Fair this week that Vanuatu has people with considerable talent for production, but we produce less than other Pacific island countries. PM Kilman spoke of the need to ensure maintenance of projects undertaken and the high cost of this to budgets, VBTC reported. The Trade Fair has learned Maskelynes coconut oil and soap made from it have been helpful to children there in avoiding skin diseases. Daily Post yesterday observed that the Government still recognises Remy Kunuan as the head of the Vanuatu Fishermen's Association, despite news given by Post the day before. Daily Post today begins with the launch of the Vanuatu Infrastructure Strategic Investment Plan. This includes the urban development in the two big towns and the East Coast road on Malekula. Vanuatu Times' present issue tells readers of the early death of the founder of the Vanuatu Green Confederation Party, Gilles Daniel, at the age of only 46. bobmakin | August 29, 2015 at 1:13 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-DC Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1N1G7mF Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 28 August 2015

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "Some of the things you missed whilst the Digest was away ... The Port Vila By-election will be held on October 15 at the usual 12 polling stations. This is the election to find a successor to the late Edward Nipake Natapei, MP. The Chairman of the Elect" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 28 August 2015 by bobmakin Some of the things you missed whilst the Digest was away ... The Port Vila By-election will be held on October 15 at the usual 12 polling stations. This is the election to find a successor to the late Edward Nipake Natapei, MP. The Chairman of the Electoral Commission, John Taleo, has participated in a meeting in the Dominican Republic to discuss the integrity of elections in various countries, including Pacific Island States. And Transparency Vanuatu's (TIV's) member Evelyne Toa has attended a UN Convention Against Corruption meeting in Tonga as President of the media association, MAV. Radio Vanuatu News yesterday reported the decisions of Justice Sey in the Bribery Case. A fuller report is given in today's Daily Post. The Supreme Court trial will proceed from 2 September. The Digest gave a summary of yesterday's hearing yesterday. Wednesday Daily Post reported the Fishermen's Association electing a new president to replace Remy Kunuan. The new head of their organisation is James Terry, and he is assisted by Maurice Kelly. The former president was accused of lack of cooperation with the members. The design of the billion vatu Malapoa College renewal project was completed a week ago after discussions in China between a Vanuatu ministerial delegation and the China Northeast Architectural Institute Co Ltd. The project embraces 24 classrooms and eight science laboratories. (Daily Post) Daily Post on Tuesday also had the Prime Minister on his visit to India encouraging Indian businessmen to invest in Vanuatu. Interest by potential Indian investors was subsequently expressed in the fields of tourism, hospitality, agriculture, education and health. The United Nations Development Programme is presently providing materials for 6 community centres in the Shepherds, Post reports. The work will be undertaken by local builders with support from PWD, says Post. All media have drawn attention to the Vanuatu National Trade Fair taking place at the Seafront. As well as locally produced goods, local performers will demonstrate their talents. The Agriculture Minister, Christopher Emilee, has promised a science laboratory building at the Vanuatu Agricultural College at Chapuis, Santo. The Training Centre's building will be transformed for the purpose, Daily Post reports today. ============== The reason for the short absence of the Digest was an allegation from the Prime Minister's Office that I had incorrectly reported. I have since apologized to Prime Minister Kilman as follows: Dear Hon. Prime Minister, I wish to sincerely apologise for failure to check the alleged facts to which the media statement issuing from your PRO yesterday clearly refers. My apology would simply add that the Vanuatu Daily News Digest is just a free of charge, online summary of the issues being reported in electronic, print and social media for the benefit of ni-Vanuatu overseas - students and RSE workers, along with former residents. And I always quote my sources so that readers of my newsblog can check for themselves if any item might matter particularly to them. I do not have the resources to be checking all news items, but long experience in and of Vanuatu journalism has generally reliably informed me when doubtful matters arise. I sincerely apologise in seeming to be showing a particular political standpoint. However it cannot be denied that in most countries the Fourth Estate tends to prefer reporting what the Opposition has to say on the performance of any Government, more than what the Government is actually doing, which is generally just getting on with the business of running the country. I did not myself seek to demean you in the granting of the citizenship: I was simply reporting what the Opposition said. And as regards the alleged COM discussion of deportation of a judge, I knew, as did most of the population, that you were not here at the time. You were in India. Hon. Prime Minister, herewith you have my apology, sincerely given, Bob Makin bobmakin | August 28, 2015 at 11:09 am | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-DB Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1i5HTpO Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Bribery Case

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "The Vanuatu Daily News Digest has not been offered during the last few days. It is back. The Bribery Case this morning ... Justice Mary Sey remained as firm this morning as previously highlighted in the media. "Nobody is above the law," Justice" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Bribery Case by bobmakin The Vanuatu Daily News Digest has not been offered during the last few days. It is back. The Bribery Case this morning ... Justice Mary Sey remained as firm this morning as previously highlighted in the media. "Nobody is above the law," Justice Sey rightly observed in respect of one leader's particular requests through his counsel. Justice Sey saw sufficient relevance of Sections 21 (acceptance of loans) and 23 (bribery) to trigger prosecution under the Leadership Code Act. She observed that punishment might involve a fine not exceeding five million vatu or imprisonment for a period not exceeding ten years. The judge also saw it as entirely appropriate for the Public Prosecutor handling the Preliminary Inquiry, John William Timakata, to handle the prosecution of the persons accused depite the defence attempting to have the recently appointed new Public Prosecutor process the case. The case proceeds in the Supreme Court on 2 September for pleas to be heard. The same bail conditions apply to the 16 MPs and Thomas Bayer. bobmakin | August 27, 2015 at 3:17 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-DA Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1PV5BQX Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

Google Alert - Melanesia

Melanesia Weekly update ⋅ August 26, 2015 NEWS Radio Australia Pig farming i helpim ol Melanesian pipal Radio Australia Pik olsem yumi save em i bikpela samting tumas long laip blong yumi ol pipol long Melanesia. Image: Close up of pigs on a pig farm in Colombia in ... Flag as irrelevant See more results | Edit this alert You have received this email because you have subscribed to Google Alerts. Unsubscribe | View all your alerts Receive this alert as RSS feed Send Feedback

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 24 August 2015

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "It has been a weekend without any big news as such, but now we have Yumi Toktok Stret telling us ... ... Last week Gov't Cabinet (COM) discussed options to deport the judge in the Bribery Case, Justice Sey. "Cabinet was divided over the issue. The a" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 24 August 2015 by bobmakin It has been a weekend without any big news as such, but now we have Yumi Toktok Stret telling us ... ... Last week Gov't Cabinet (COM) discussed options to deport the judge in the Bribery Case, Justice Sey. "Cabinet was divided over the issue. The action was itself contempt of court. If it had been the case, YTS says, 18 MPs would have been arrested then. Now 3 MPs will be witness, many more attempting to switch sides. Looks like the end of the day one or two persons my end up in Jail or be deported." (YTS) Thursday sees finalisation of most submissions. The YTS information sounds realistic and suggests more MPs and possibly ministers will turn to supporting evidence already to hand in the Preliminary Inquiry. Up to now we have had the names of Hosea Nevu and Kalvau Moli. Vila Times today now adds in the name of one more of Cabinet rank, First Deputy Speaker Samson Samsen. Vila Times says that when Nagriamel MP John Lum was given a ministerial post, he, Samsen, defected from the then Carcasses-led Opposition side of the House to the then Natuman-led Government side. All three MPs have signed the witness documentation which will assist their indemnity from prosecution. (Vila Times) Vila Times also confirms the burning down of a restaurant at Lakatoro owned by Prime Minister Kilman's wife as likely arson, a story covered by Daily Post at the weekend. Otherwise, print and electronic media have given over a fair mount of space to the PM being in India along with all the Pacific Island leaders for the second summit of the Indian and island Pacific prime ministers. India is opening up visas for cooperation on climate changes issues, renewable energy, education and sustainable development. And another matter which has had a good many column inches and hours of radio and TV time recently is the Godzilla El Nino we are to expect. The drier than usual time is bound to continue, and worse than usual: present observations confirm this. NUP's Edwin Aprimen was elected Luganville Mayor last week. Several women councillors boycotted the elections because they knew the electoral issue was decided by men already and without the women participating. Daily Post has the women saying the gender equality preached by male politicians in Vanuatu is "lip-service." bobmakin | August 24, 2015 at 3:36 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Dz Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1Pu6WNR Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 2nd Forum for India – Pacific Islands Cooperation

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "Prime Minister Kilman is attending the Second Forum for India - Pacific Islands Cooperation This post appears on the Strategist today. It can be republished provided a link to the original is included (http://ift.tt/1NIPeW8" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 2nd Forum for India – Pacific Islands Cooperation by bobmakin Prime Minister Kilman is attending the Second Forum for India - Pacific Islands Cooperation This post appears on the Strategist today. It can be republished provided a link to the original is included (http://ift.tt/1WIfYfq) Leaders and officials of 14 Pacific Island countries will convene in Jaipur today for the 2nd Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation. The first was held last year in Fiji, in conjunction with the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the G20 summit in Brisbane. Modi’s government sees increased engagement with the island countries of the Pacific as part of a wider agenda designed to enhance India’s global profile. It’s too simplistic to depict this as simply an attempt to counter the influence of China in the region, although that’s almost certainly part of the reasoning behind it. In addition, it’s part of India’s ‘Look East’ policy and an aspect of India seeking to establish its global presence. India has increased its presence in the region in recent times, and forums such as these indicate that we can expect that to continue. Unsurprisingly, India’s strongest bilateral relationship within the region is with Fiji but it’s reasonable to expect that this will provide a platform for increased engagement with other Pacific Island countries as well as regional organisations. The agenda for the Jaipur summit indicates that this engagement will be based around trade, development partnerships, people to people links and mutual support for issues of global diplomacy. In 2012, trade between India and the Pacific islands region amounted to US$228 million and the Indian government is looking for further growth. It’s somewhat surprising that the Indian financial sector isn’t more active in Papua New Guinea, given the growing demand for credit there. Whilst in India, Pacific leaders will visit one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations, the Taj Mahal, and we would expect that increasing the number of Indian tourists visiting the Pacific Islands region will also be an issue for discussion. India currently provides US$200,000 of development assistance to the each of the countries participating in the summit and is keen to promote the south–south nature of this engagement. New Delhi has experience of addressing key development challenges that affect the countries of the Pacific Island region that she can share, including combating gender-based violence, improving service delivery to rural and remote areas and disaster preparedness and recovery. There are a number of significant diplomatic issues that will inform both formal and informal interactions at this summit. India is seeking a seat on the UN Security Council and appears to have secured 11 votes from among the Pacific Island countries. And the Indian government will no doubt be using this meeting to lobby for further support in this endeavour. We can also expect the leaders of the Pacific Island region to use this opportunity to seek Indian support for their position in relation to climate change action ahead of the Paris talks later this year. Not only does India have a powerful voice in its own right, but the leaders of the Pacific should be exhorting it to exercise influence within the BRICS grouping. Related to this, but possibly more problematic from a diplomatic standpoint is the extent to which Kiribati President Anote Tong’s call for a moratorium on new coal mines can be meaningfully discussed with the Indian leadership, including their minister for coal. Of no little significance is the influence that India, as the world’s largest democracy, can bring to bear in the realm of supporting Pacific Island countries in maintaining their commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law. There are numerous instances of governments in the region adopting positions and policies that have autocratic tendencies and there are particular concerns around the state of democracy and the rule of law in Nauru. Indian politics since 1947 have proved complex, messy and, in some instances, dangerous but overall a commitment to democratic governance has prevailed and this is an opportunity for the Delhi leadership to reinforce the importance of democracy for our region. The Jaipur summit also provides Pacific leaders with an opportunity to discuss a number of issues among themselves, with a view to what they want to see as a result of next month’s Forum leaders’ meeting in Port Moresby. Fiji’s prime minister may try to enlist support from other leaders for his suggestion that the membership of the Pacific Islands Forum be changed to exclude Australia and New Zealand, although this has failed to get much traction thus far. Similarly, leaders may use this opportunity to seek to persuade PM Bainimarama to cement his country’s post-election rehabilitation by joining them in PNG in September. They could also discuss the initiatives that they can expect to have put to them following the process envisaged by the Framework for Pacific Regionalism. Of these, the one that is most politically and diplomatically sensitive is the issue of West Papua. The United Liberation Movement for West Papua has already commenced lobbying for leaders to instigate a fact-finding mission to the Papuan provinces. Meetings such as these provide important opportunities for Pacific leaders to further national and regional diplomatic initiatives and they need to be utilised strategically and effectively. ends bobmakin | August 21, 2015 at 1:45 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Dy Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1E8O7iH Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 21 August 2015

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "Daily Post's lead story today has a government U-turn on the Bank of South Pacific's (BSP's) application to purchase and take over Westpac's operations in Vanuatu. This comes about despite the Reserve Bank rejection of the application until as recently as" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 21 August 2015 by bobmakin Daily Post's lead story today has a government U-turn on the Bank of South Pacific's (BSP's) application to purchase and take over Westpac's operations in Vanuatu. This comes about despite the Reserve Bank rejection of the application until as recently as last month. Is the government over-ruling the board of the regulating bank? It's to be hoped with the publication of the information concerning the U-turn some answers will be given by the Reserve Bank. Both Post and Radio Vanuatu News are reporting nine schools being transferred to the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu (PCV) and the announcement being made concurrent with the PCV General Assembly at Erakor. PCV is probably the oldest educator on a large scale in the country and is said to have petitioned the government in the matter, although the reasons are not abundantly clear. It is said the move will ensure the churches have a portion of the 2016 budget. Thirty students have won MP Ralph Regenvanu scholarships for semester 2 at USP this year. An award ceremony was held recently. Seven hundred are attending the PCV General Assembly at Erakor village. The Assembly has often sent strong messages to government. None have been publicised so far this time. Ecole Française won the school's debating competition sponsored by the Pacific Institute of Public Police. bobmakin | August 21, 2015 at 10:40 am | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Dx Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1UW5ur3 Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 20 August 2015

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "After 2 days of none from the Digest, "here is the news" ... Fulfilling the already established Right to Information (RTI) policy is today a commitment of government according to both Radio Vanuatu News and Daily Post. Legislation is to be pass" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 20 August 2015 by bobmakin After 2 days of none from the Digest, "here is the news" ... Fulfilling the already established Right to Information (RTI) policy is today a commitment of government according to both Radio Vanuatu News and Daily Post. Legislation is to be passed this year to ensure that the right to know, transparency and freedom of information precepts on which this policy is based are practised within the national context. A unit to ensure implementation is being set up by the Government Chief Information Officer, Fred Samuel. The legislation was promised by PM Kilman in a recent media briefing. The Mayor of Luganville will be elected tomorrow Daily Post tells us today, following the clarification of certain legal issues relating to the northern town's election. The new council has 13 members including 5 women. The Mayor of Port Vila, Ulrich Sumtoh, sees women as already helping to assist the capital's council financially through various initiatives women have put forward. Port Vila has faced a massive drop in revenues of certain kinds, Radio Vanuatu News tells us today, from 93 m vatu of some good many years ago, to just 6 m vatu presently. Parliament Speaker Pipite has a brand new official vehicle. He handed over the keys of the former car to Acting Opposition Leader Ham Lini this week. He indicated the older vehicle is still in perfect condition, Daily Post tells us today. He also says in Radio Vanuatu News that the Parliament building must very soon undergo repairs. He describes the building as dilapidated in today's Daily Post. Certain government departments are still working from the main building in town, even though it is condemned. Others, which used to be there, are working from Melitco House now. Yet apparently we still have money for new cars. The Vanuatu Project Management Unit says the ground-breaking ceremony for the 1.45 billion vatu project for the beautification of the seafront will take place on 28 August. It will proceed following recommendations of the Vanuatu Tourism Project. The New Zealand Government is helping massively along with the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) as part of the WTO Aid-For-Trade programme and the Vanuatu Government is also contributing. This includes the area from the Seafront to Fung Kuei and Fatumauru Bay to Chantilly's, Radio Vanuatu News says. The Shanghai Construction Group has begun work on the new main wharf for Luganville, Santo. Ships have arrived which will assist in the work and Daily Post reports the group anxious to complete the whole undertaking on time. Shanghai was the company responsible for USP construction work at Emalus, Port Vila. DPM Carcasses is wanting the VCMB to work closely with farmers to ensure farmers grow what is appropriate for all Vanuatu markets. He appointed a new VCMB board last week at Luganville. Incentives will be needed for copra re-planting, he also pointed out. (VBTC) DPM Carcasses has lifted his ban on foreign D2 licences for wholesale and retail shops. However, such licences will be required to "bring into Vanuatu an annual income of VT 30 million" a Daily Post story says. bobmakin | August 20, 2015 at 1:12 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Dw Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1hNos4X Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Management of the bribery trial

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "The Digest has not appeared for two days owing to internet problems. The system is now working properly again. News items mot covered will appear later. Here we cover only the bribery trial dealt with in full in Daily Post yesterday ... Management of the" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Management of the bribery trial by bobmakin The Digest has not appeared for two days owing to internet problems. The system is now working properly again. News items mot covered will appear later. Here we cover only the bribery trial dealt with in full in Daily Post yesterday ... Management of the criminal case concerning bribery of - and by - Members of Parliament was agreed Tuesday morning in the Supreme Court before Justice Mary Sey. The trial will take place for two weeks from 2 September. The number of defendants is reduced to 16. Under the Act relative to the Public Prosecutor, the Public Prosecutor has power to grant immunity from prosecution according to criteria which are outlined. Two Santo MPs, Kalfau Moli and Hosea Nevu, have sought such immunity. Their indemnity can be lost if they fail to fulfill or comply with the terms of their indemnification. In the two weeks some 48 witnesses are to be heard. bobmakin | August 20, 2015 at 8:52 am | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Dv Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1WFz1qJ Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

Richelvis Santos added you on Google+

Follow and share with Richelvis by adding him to a circle. Don't know this person? You don't have to add them back (they'll only see what's shared with them). Learn more. Add to circles People you might know in Richelvis Santos's circles. View all » yumi fukuda Add to circles Yumi Shoji Saitama Add to circles Yumi Oishi Google Switzerland GmbH Add to circles Unsubscribe from these emails.View Richelvis's profile or block Richelvis completely.Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA 94043 USA

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 17 August 2015

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "The national radio, VBTC, has finally covered the call of the Opposition for Government MPs to resign while the charges of bribery are being heard. 16 MPs are being called upon to resign immediately, Radio Vanuatu News said, while the Supreme Court deals " Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 17 August 2015 by bobmakin The national radio, VBTC, has finally covered the call of the Opposition for Government MPs to resign while the charges of bribery are being heard. 16 MPs are being called upon to resign immediately, Radio Vanuatu News said, while the Supreme Court deals with the charges brought by the Public Prosecutor - the resignations being "the most honourable thing." The first court sitting does indeed take place tomorrow, at 9 am at the Dumbea courthouse. It is not a hearing "in chambers" as your editor suggested on Saturday. The Speaker of Parliament for the last two months, Marcellino Pipite, led the lunchtime VBTC news with information that the Standing Orders of Parliament are being reviewed because of the frequent changes of government which we all now call Instability. In October there will be a study concerning the Standing Orders. Vanuatu Women's Centre last week received VT 165.000 from a Tasmanian women's organisation - fundraising intended to assist women following the disastrous cyclone Pam. Their fundraising efforts were handed over by Australian High Commissioner Jeremy Bruer to Merelyn Tahi of the Vanuatu Women's Centre. A break-in at the National Bank's Lakatoro branch, yielding no cash to the perpetrators, Vanuatu's new coin issue, and the Kiwanis Races occupy much of Daily Post today. bobmakin | August 17, 2015 at 4:02 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Du Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1fjJaYo Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 15 August 2015

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "The big item today is not easily found. It's on page 8 of Daily Post. As would happen elsewhere in a country using the Westminster System, the Opposition calls on all 17 Government MPs to resign immediately while the Supreme Court deals with the allegatio" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 15 August 2015 by bobmakin The big item today is not easily found. It's on page 8 of Daily Post. As would happen elsewhere in a country using the Westminster System, the Opposition calls on all 17 Government MPs to resign immediately while the Supreme Court deals with the allegations of bribery brought by the Public Prosecutor. Half the ministers in the Council of Ministers are facing such allegations. The resignations should take place as the most honourable thing for MPs implicated, their release says. It would also allow for "the due process of the courts to proceed un-interrupted," but also "to allow for a smooth transition of power while the case proceeds into trial. Leaving this decision to the last moment is not only irresponsible of the government, but could be potentially embarrassing, especially for Deputy Prime Minister Carcasses and his 16 colleague MPs." The Opposition offers no further details because of the pending nature of the case, but points out that some of the MPs implicated were part of the last government [indeed, voted for it when the Carcasses Government was put aside last year]. [The Natuman Government won power with a huge majority. Ed.] And concerning the Bribery Case, Justice Mary Sey holds the first conference in chambers on Tuesday. Whilst there was the rumour that the trial date had been moved forward, this is not strictly true. Justice Sey meets with the legal counsels for the 19 defendants and with the Public Prosecutor John William Timakata on Tuesday. This news is on page 2 of Post today. Page 1 has Minister Telukluk and MP Prasad complaining that the Yao in the business of the cigarette scam is not their Yao with whom they are commercially associated. Rather, it is the father of that Yao. And, of course, they say, as minister and MP, they have nothing to do with the ordering for their store. Of course not. They also say, as we've been told by others less implicated this week, the media should properly check their facts first of all. Of course. Gud wiken. bobmakin | August 15, 2015 at 2:44 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Dt Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1DUoUIl Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Forum Secretariat prioritizes West Papua

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "From the United Liberation Movement for West Papua yesterday ... ULMWP welcomes recommendation to make West Papua top regional Forum leaders agenda The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) has today welcomed the recommendation set by the Pa" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Forum Secretariat prioritizes West Papua by bobmakin From the United Liberation Movement for West Papua yesterday ... ULMWP welcomes recommendation to make West Papua top regional Forum leaders agenda The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) has today welcomed the recommendation set by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat’s Special Sub-Committee on Regionalism (SSCR) and the Forum Officials Committee for West Papua to be one of the top priority issues of the regional agenda. ULMWP Secretary General, Octovianus Mote, attributed the increasing awareness on the state of West Papua to growing ground swell of people solidarity movements in the Pacific, reflected by the media coverage of the issue, and the three submissions from various solidarity groups around the region advocating the peaceful resolution of the struggles of the people of West Papua. “The Forum Officials Committee which considered the issue of West Papua yesterday we understand has taken a decision to endorse West Papua as one of the five top regional issues that will be considered by forum leaders next month in PNG during the leaders’ summit,” said Mote. “In the words of the current Secretary General, Dame Meg Taylor, the forum has a history and regional role in assisting territories achieve self-determination, and we are certain our leaders will act on our plea to address the growing human rights abuse in West Papua by establishing a fact finding mission, and supporting the call by Vanuatu for the UN to appoint a special envoy to West Papua,” added Mote. Mr Mote also welcomed the decision by the Solomon Islands Government to appoint a Special Envoy on West Papua and seek West Papua’s admission to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. “On behalf of the ULMWP, I extend our deepest gratitude to the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Manasseh Sogavare, and the solidarity movement in the Solomon Islands…I would also like to thank other solidarity movement partners in the Pacific for their continued support for standing up for the people of West Papua.” He said he is confident in Prime Minister Sogavare as the current chairman of the Melanesian Spearhead Group, and that under his leadership, he will steer a peaceful path for West Papua. ULMWP respectfully urges Pacific Island leaders to join with PM Sogavare to steer a peaceful path for West Papua. bobmakin | August 15, 2015 at 1:41 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Ds Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1DUhXap Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 14 August 2015

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "Leading Radio Vanuatu news early morning, the Government must financially assist the Vanuatu Christian Council churches says PM Kilman to have their assistance in development. This will be reflected in the 2016 budget, he promised. No detailed provisions " Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 14 August 2015 by bobmakin Leading Radio Vanuatu news early morning, the Government must financially assist the Vanuatu Christian Council churches says PM Kilman to have their assistance in development. This will be reflected in the 2016 budget, he promised. No detailed provisions were given. Daily Post and Radio Vanuatu also have this country winning a United Nations ICT award because of Vanuatu's use of ICTs in the warnings phase of cyclone Pam. The PM said ICTs were also highly important in the rebuilding stage. We are praised by the UN for our use of ICTs in trying to attain sustainable development, says the PM. Sgt George Kalran of the VMF passing away yesterday was news taken up by both Radio Vanuatu and Daily Post. Kalran is especially remembered for his musical talent, having often led the VMF Band, notably recently for the 35th anniversary celebrations, and for his stint with overseas peace-keeping in East Timor. Daily Post has a judgement in a civil case in favour of Robert Bohn MP under which he will receive VT 14.5 million for salvage of the vessels Lih Peng and Laudorek. Only half of that sum was ever paid over by the Vanuatu Maritime Authority. A suspect has been arrested following the second arson attack at Tanna Lodge, on the southern island, Daily Post advises. Some 8 schools have gone back to PCV administration, joining others still managed by the Presbyterian Church, says Radio Vanuatu lunchtime news. In Radio Vanuatu mid-day news, Minister Telukluk is claiming there are no charges to answer regarding unpaid duties at his store at Santo jointly owned with Messrs Yao and Prasad. He claims a Customs officer associated with the Opposition brought the matter to the public's attention, but the Yao concerned is not the Yao of their company. bobmakin | August 14, 2015 at 1:31 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Dr Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1Eqevz6 Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 13 August 2015

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "There's plenty of big news today... ... Yumi Tokok Stret was the first to bring out that the eighteen MPs and one businessman will be tried for bribery related charges under the penal code in the Supreme Court as reported here yesterday. The Digest picke" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 13 August 2015 by bobmakin There's plenty of big news today... ... Yumi Tokok Stret was the first to bring out that the eighteen MPs and one businessman will be tried for bribery related charges under the penal code in the Supreme Court as reported here yesterday. The Digest picked this up yesterday from YTS and Radio Vanuatu News had it in detail early this morning. TBV, however, did not have it last evening. Daily Post gives an ample coverage. Six of those being tried for bribery are cabinet ministers and two others hold cabinet rank - the Speaker and Parliamentary Secretary. The businessman is Thomas Bayer. All except Bayer also face charges under the Leadership Code. Chief Magistrate Felix Stevens advised the defendants yesterday that their case will be heard in the Supreme Court on 1 September. Going back a bit, Daily Post had news on Tuesday of a likely re-launch of the Vanuatu Cooperative Federation. It was such a successful business venture in the then New Hebrides going into Independence and it ought to be possible to re-create it, and Acting Director of Cooperatives Ridley Joseph announced this intention last Friday at the VMF Cooke Barracks. Key personnel in the re-invention of the Federation are Sela Molisa, Kalpakor Kalsakau, Barak Sope, Kalkot Mataskelekele and Iolu Abbil. Daily Post has also had coverage of the Tanna Lodge facing further arson to its bungalows and 21 Australian tourists there having to leave after another incident at 1 o'clock Tuesday morning. Hugh Lowe, the resort owner, was also evacuated. The further incident follows the arrest of a young man for the intentional homicide of another. Post gave that news yesterday along with other horrific news that ten Telecommunications and Radio Communications Regulatory staff have resigned. Allegations have been levelled against Regulator Ronald Box. The departing staff are proposing legal proceedings against the Regulator. Radio Vanuatu News this morning had coverage of the young ni-Vanuatu who has just been presented with a medal by the Queen for his work for youth under a Commonwealth-wide service programme. He is Willie Nisak of Tanna who firstly worked under a Bahai programme, and then as a volunteer with Live and Learn as regards water conservation and also under their Pacific Resilient Risk Programme. His efforts have had results on Santo and in Shefa and Tanna. Vanuatu students at Laucala Bay Campus of USP in Fiji sponsored by the Vanuatu Government are still awaiting their allowances to complete semester one whilst the academic year is a month into semester 2. Education DG Jesse Dick said "they should have their money by the end of this week," when contacted by Daily Post. Radio Vanuatu News at mid-day confirmed that students would have their allowances "by tomorrow,"but an Education official urged their being more careful with their budgeting. bobmakin | August 13, 2015 at 1:11 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Dq Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1hz16Qn Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 12 August 2015

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "Yumi Toktok Stret tells us that the 18 MPs facing bribery charges are to appear in the Supreme Court on 1 September at 2 pm. Together with the 18 MPs there will be businessman Tom Bayer facing charges of complicity. The Supreme Court will deal with the cr" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 12 August 2015 by bobmakin Yumi Toktok Stret tells us that the 18 MPs facing bribery charges are to appear in the Supreme Court on 1 September at 2 pm. Together with the 18 MPs there will be businessman Tom Bayer facing charges of complicity. The Supreme Court will deal with the criminal charges. The Ombudsman has prepared a report on breaches of the Leadership Code. bobmakin | August 12, 2015 at 5:03 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Dp Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1NpuKBv Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 10 August 2015

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "Saturday's Digest bulletin promised you main stories not covered from last week. There weren't many of huge importance apart from the bribery cases, dealt with Saturday in Post and this Digest. The main one was probably the government's presenting its Nat" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 10 August 2015 by bobmakin Saturday's Digest bulletin promised you main stories not covered from last week. There weren't many of huge importance apart from the bribery cases, dealt with Saturday in Post and this Digest. The main one was probably the government's presenting its National Recovery Plan to development partners enabling a great photo opportunity for Government, Opposition and every Development Partner, and there seemed to be a lot of them present. Recovery will proceed with "realistic projects and implementation arrangements, including the appropriate engagement of partners," said PM Kilman as reported in Post Thursday. He wants no mis-match between what the government sees as needs and what donors want to give. There is still much gratitude for what has already been given. China will be giving a million vatu towards the Malvatumauri nakamal reconstruction, Post reported Friday. The Government's Half-Year Economic and Fiscal Update was included in many pages of both Daily Post and The Independent over the weekend. This has encouraged an analysis by Dan McGarry of Daily Post on the front page today. He sees it as a mix of good news and bad. The downside is explained by cyclone Pam. The move forward McGarry sees as the financial rescue plan being negotiated with the World Bank. However, half grant and half loan, the new debt then begins to cost the country more than was planned for borrowing servicing in 2015. McGarry sums up "it seems we have a little more muddling through to do before we see the back of cyclone Pam." Stake-holders in the Mele to Devil's Point developments have agreed on a public road management plan according to Daily Post today. Cyclones and sand stealers have all played havoc with proper road connections to the area. Stake-holders include Shefa council, PWD, the Area Secretary for Mele village and representatives of the community. There was no mention of high cement fence builders, but maybe they're outside the limits. bobmakin | August 10, 2015 at 10:08 am | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Do Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1gqOMkc Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 8 August 2015

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "Three big issues in this weekend's reading ... The Commission of Inquiry into the tragedy of the LC-MGY has been "leaked" to both weekend papers for today's weekend reading and will prove riveting study for everyone, from the ship's registratio" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 8 August 2015 by bobmakin Three big issues in this weekend's reading ... The Commission of Inquiry into the tragedy of the LC-MGY has been "leaked" to both weekend papers for today's weekend reading and will prove riveting study for everyone, from the ship's registration particulars, as supplied, to the comments of the Vanuatu International Registry's Robert Bohn, MP for Epi, "who has considerable expertise in marine affairs"(Independent). Buy both papers to assess the huge degree of negligence involved that resulted in the loss of 4 lives off Lelepa last November and how that negligence occurred. The bribery case will next be in the Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, Daily Post alone reports. This case involves more than half those of Cabinet rank in the present Council of Ministers and a total of 18 Members of Parliament. Because the court room is small and many dozens of people were present yesterday, the court was cleared of all but the defendants and their legal representation, with even the press required to leave. Never-the-less, Thompson Marango of Post, listening outside the courtroom, has a comprehensive report on the defendants' complaint that there is insufficient evidence to qualify for a Supreme Court hearing and that their case should be subject first to the Ombudsman's procedures. Arguments were put forward to suggest the MPs do not qualify as "public figures." Acting Public Prosecutor Timakata was insistent the matters should go to the Supreme Court. Daily Post also has Lands Minister Telukluk denying responsibility for the importation of cigarettes to the Tapusia store owned by himself and others - MP Prasad and Asian former Vanuatu diplomat Ruihua Yao. In Daily Post today the Opposition responds to Speaker Pipite's demand for an apology from the former Speaker, stating that Pipite's early closing of Parliament has caused the Parliament "unnecessary time delays and extra costs in paying allowances for MPs and legal fees." There are a number of other news items of interest to all which will be covered early next week along with matters missed in the last 2 days. Gud wiken. bobmakin | August 8, 2015 at 10:51 am | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Dn Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1gQR7Gb Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 7 August 2015

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "Opposition calls on Customs and Police to investigate alleged ministerial fraud attempt The Office of the Opposition calls upon the Director of the Department of Customs and the Commissioner of Police to properly investigate the attempt by MP Telukluk," Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 7 August 2015 by bobmakin Opposition calls on Customs and Police to investigate alleged ministerial fraud attempt The Office of the Opposition calls upon the Director of the Department of Customs and the Commissioner of Police to properly investigate the attempt by MP Telukluk, MP Prasad and Mr Yao to defraud the Government and people of Vanuatu by not declaring their company's import of a large quantity of cigarettes. The Office of the Opposition also calls upon the Government and in particular the Deputy Prime Minister to refrain and cease from attempting to interfere with the lawful operation of the Department of Customs in dealing with this attempted criminal act. These three individuals must be treated just like anyone else who breaks the law - there must be a full investigation and then prosecution and there must be no political interference in the relevant authorities' exercise of their lawful duties. The Office of the Opposition also calls upon the Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority (VIPA) to withdraw Mr Yao's investor status. Mr Yao has friends in high places within the current Government - the last time Sato Kilman held the post of Prime Minister he appointed Mr Yao to a diplomatic position and bestowed citizenship upon him. It was subsequently discovered that Mr Yao did not lawfully qualify for citizenship - it was given in breach of the law as a political favour - and his citizenship was stripped off him by the Citizenship Office. Mr Yao has also attempted to defraud the Government and people of Vanuatu before - he was convicted of an offence under the VAT Act and had to pay a fine. Now, once again, Mr Yao is found knowingly and deliberately breaching the laws of this country through this latest incident. The Office of the Opposition sees no reason for this undesirable person - who uses his political connections in the current Government for personal gain and for the enrichment of his MP friends by defrauding the people of Vanuatu - to continue to maintain his status as an investor. If VIPA is really serious about fulfilling its legal mandate to regulate investment and ensure Vanuatu attracts the "right kind" of investor, there is no conceivable reason why they should not now kick Mr Yao out. In mature democracies, Mr Telukluk would have resigned by now for being a partner in a company which has been caught committing such a serious offence - an offence which is punishable upon conviction by a fine of up to 5,000,000 vatu and/or imprisonment for up to 10 years. In mature democracies, even if Mr Telukluk had not resigned, he would have been sacked as a Minister by now by the Prime Minister. In his recent Independence Address to the nation, the Prime Minister placed much emphasis on stability and the need to change the Constitution to allow a government to serve its full term. Surely, a critical requirement for a stable government is good governance and adherence to the rule of law. It would strengthen the Prime Minister's case for legislating for stable government if he demonstrated leadership now and took action, at least, against Minister Telukluk. To follow past practice and do nothing would be a clear demonstration of the risk Vanuatu runs if it legislates for a stable government that then allows ministers and members of parliament to breach Vanuatu laws at will. The Office of the Opposition will also be making an official complaint to the Office of the Ombudsman against Messrs Telukluk and Prasad for breaches of the Leadership Code. 18 MPs charged with bribery - seven with Cabinet status - PI in court today Acting Public Prosecutor John William Timakata is bringing charges under the Penal Code Act against seven ministers in the government brought in to power on 11 June. At that time the Council of Ministers (COM) comprised 13 members, so just over half the members of the Kilman first COM are being charged with a criminal offence which can mean ten years imprisonment. They start with the Deputy Prime Minister Moana Carcasses Kalosil who is alleged to have bribed or loaned the vast majority of the VT 1 million payments made to individual Members of Parliament, starting in early October last year and continuing well into November, with one offence allegedly taking place in December. Other ministers facing offering or acceptance of bribery charges are: Paul Telukluk, Tony Nari, Serge Vohor, Hosea Nevu, Thomas Laken, and Willie Jimmy, together with Steven Kalsakau who was listed as Parliamentary Secretary in the 11 June Cabinet line-up. Deputy PM Carcasses faces the majority of the charges which generally see him offering and making payments of VT 1 million (in a couple of cases with an extra VT 4 million to follow) to seventeen Members of Parliament. Apart from those names mentioned as members of the Cabinet there are: Silas Yatan, Kalfau Moli, John Amos, Arnold Prasad, Tony Wright, Sebastien Harry, Marcellino Pipite, Jonas James, Jean Yves Chabot and Robert Bohn. Most of the MPs are being tried under both the Penal Code Act and the Leadership Code Act. Businessman Thomas Bayer is charged with complicity in bribery and corruption. Bayer, the Director/Chairman of Pacific International Trust Company (PITCO) is charged under the Penal Code Act. This afternoon sees the Preliminary Inquiry in this matter being put to Senior Magistrate Stephen Felix with lawyers for defendants present. It will then be decided what court procedures must then follow. A Daily Post report covers most of the above this morning. bobmakin | August 7, 2015 at 9:20 am | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Dm Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1KU9RkF Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Correction

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "Ruihua Yao mentioned in this morning's Digest is believed to be Korean, not Chinese." Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Correction by bobmakin Ruihua Yao mentioned in this morning's Digest is believed to be Korean, not Chinese. bobmakin | August 6, 2015 at 11:03 am | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Dl Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1M5ZcC1 Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 5 + 6 August 2015

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "The yesterday and today wrap-up has to lead with the Lapetasi Wharf project ground-breaking, accompanied by a huge Tanna Toka. It's been on the cards for a long time, but present leaders (some facing bribery charges which are nothing to do with the new wh" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 5 + 6 August 2015 by bobmakin The yesterday and today wrap-up has to lead with the Lapetasi Wharf project ground-breaking, accompanied by a huge Tanna Toka. It's been on the cards for a long time, but present leaders (some facing bribery charges which are nothing to do with the new wharf) joined more senior personalities in the ceremony. The VT 10 billion JICA project is intended to rationalise the use of Port Vila Harbour. It is welcomed by inter-island and cruise shipping industries and the IPDS group of Ifira companies which are part of the public/private partnership responsible. All daily media have covered the story well. Daily Post today has an extremely interesting front page headline indicating that MP Prasad and Minister Telukluk along with Chinese businessman (and former Vanuatu diplomat) Ruihua Yao have been engaged in a business which illegally imports cigarettes from China to Tapussia Store at Luganville. Prosecutions is mow involved. Prosecutions has a busy time with the new Public Prosecutor still only likely to settle into office on 16 August now. Tristan Garae has been appointed Public Prosecutor to hold the fort whilst John William Timakata presses the cases against 17 Members of Parliament implicated in the huge bribery scandal in which the Deputy Prime Minister seems to face the majority of the charges arising from payments made to MPs during October and November last year. (Daily Post yesterday) Other important news will be forwarded regular subscribers to the Digest soonest. bobmakin | August 6, 2015 at 10:19 am | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Dk Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1hk7k6B Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

Google Alert - Melanesia

Melanesia Weekly update ⋅ August 5, 2015 NEWS The Sun Daily Papua New Guinea offers market expansion The Sun Daily ... a full-fledged member of Asean, is offering a platform for Asean countries to expand their market reach into Melanesia and the South Pacific islands. Flag as irrelevant WEB International IDEA facilitates first workshop on democracy assessments in Melanesia and signs ... International IDEA International IDEA is hosting its first workshop in Melanesia this week on democracy assessments, measurements and data validation. The workshop ... Flag as irrelevant See more results | Edit this alert You have received this email because you have subscribed to Google Alerts. Unsubscribe | View all your alerts Receive this alert as RSS feed Send Feedback

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 4 August 2015

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "News of two days rolled into one again ... Most importantly yesterday was ... the burial of the highly respected Leader of the Opposition Edward Natapei, on his home island Futuna. It was covered with reverence and respect by all the daily news media. " Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 4 August 2015 by bobmakin News of two days rolled into one again ... Most importantly yesterday was ... the burial of the highly respected Leader of the Opposition Edward Natapei, on his home island Futuna. It was covered with reverence and respect by all the daily news media. Daily Post led with news that the ministerial decision of earlier Lands Minister Steven Kalsakau to offer a Tassiriki waterfront lease in public parklands at only 1.4% of its value was invalid and the lease was quashed. The lease had been issued for part of the green space where the rowing club could participate in their water sports. The "SPK" family Kalo, also implicated in land sales of much government land around the Joint Court area, had been the beneficiary of Minister Kalsakau's decision. The government has assisted local communities with some 32m vatu worth of agricultural tools according to Radio Vanuatu News yesterday lunchtime. Many thousands or hundreds of bush knives, axes, crowbars and spades are said to have been handed over in the Department of Agriculture for distribution to farmers to assist in garden restoration after cyclone Pam. The current Vanuatu Times has the Bank South Pacific still keen to take over Westpac operations here and in the Solomons, but Reserve Bank (RBV) Governor Athy still advising the time is not yet right. Vanuatu Times also has the 2012 alleged mutiny by police file closed. The Public Prosecutor has entered a nolle prosequi case in the matter. Your editor contributed to Daily Post today with his information that, unlike he had been suggesting Saturday, the bribery case involving government ministers and MPs, might not be heard under the penal code. This was corrected. Bribery and corruption charges have been listed by the Acting public Prosecutor according to both the Leadership Code and Penal Code. Details of the charges will be reported within the next 24 hours. The Motalava bamboo band has continued to thrill Port Vila audiences since Independence Day with their performance at the President's Reception at State House. Latterly they have been giving concerts at the seafront stage. bobmakin | August 4, 2015 at 4:01 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Dj Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1E5FsI9 Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT