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[New post] Vanuatu kava export shipment returned from NZ due to contamination with impurities

WordPress.com dailyvanuatu posted: " Happy new year to all our readers and welcome to 2017! Vanuatu's regional leadership of kava production and export has been dealt a blow with news this week of a shipment of adulterated kava being returned from New Zealand. Vanuatu's primacy in the" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu kava export shipment returned from NZ due to contamination with impurities by dailyvanuatu Happy new year to all our readers and welcome to 2017! Vanuatu's regional leadership of kava production and export has been dealt a blow with news this week of a shipment of adulterated kava being returned from New Zealand. Vanuatu's primacy in the industry began with the recognition of Vanuatu as the original site of domestication of kava, the large number of noble kava varieties established here, and 2002's Kava Act designed to protect consumers from poor quality kava. In 2016 Vanuatu was given responsibility for the FAO's Codex Alimentarius research into the crop. Vanuatu's main export competitor, Fiji, only established similar kava consumer protection legislation last year, and has many fewer noble varieties. Over 600kg of dried, ground kava in a container exported by JPO Kava Export was returned from New Zealand as adulterated, reports Daily Post. Director of Vanuatu Biosecurity Dept Timothy Tumukon says the shipment looked to be mixed with 'makas'—bark and root residue added to increase the Read more of this post dailyvanuatu | January 1, 2017 at 9:32 am | Tags: agriculture, exports, health, kava, land, politics, Radio Australia, trade, Vanuatu | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1uZ Comment    See all comments 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/2iQMgFs Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] Govt appoints new DGs; scale of VNPF’s non-performing investments substantial

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "Six acting Directors-General have been appointed by Government. They are Sam Namuri (Public Works), Benjamin Shing (Agriculture), Michael Mangawai (Lands), Pakoa Siri (Justice), Jesse Dick (Education) and George Borugu (Trade and Tourism). They have all b" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Govt appoints new DGs; scale of VNPF’s non-performing investments substantial by bobmakin Six acting Directors-General have been appointed by Government. They are Sam Namuri (Public Works), Benjamin Shing (Agriculture), Michael Mangawai (Lands), Pakoa Siri (Justice), Jesse Dick (Education) and George Borugu (Trade and Tourism). They have all been advised of what is expected of them as Directors General and have been notified of the consequences of misconduct. A performance review will take place in 12 months. There are specific terms of reference for two DGs relating to Cyclone Pam recovery for Trade and Tourism, and the backlog in processing customary land ownership and leases for Lands. (Daily Post) The total of non-performing investments considered by the Vanuatu National Provident Fund Commission of Inquiry is colossal. There were VNPF loans for both properties and equities including Read more of this post bobmakin | December 29, 2016 at 2:28 pm | Tags: agriculture, politics, Radio Australia, Vanuatu, VNPF | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1uL Comment    See all comments 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/2ijfXCu Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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Google Alert - Melanesia

Melanesia Weekly update ⋅ December 28, 2016 NEWS Melanesian Spearhead Group considers West Papuan Membership EMTV Online The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) is considering a full membership application by the United Liberation Movement for West Papua. Indonesia ... Flag as irrelevant MSG discussions highlight Indonesia schism Radio New Zealand Differences in approach between Indonesian and West Papuan representatives reached a head at Melanesian Spearhead Group meetings in ... Flag as irrelevant 'Everything can be burnt' - West Papua in the Jokowi era Radio New Zealand The face of West Papuan society is changing but RNZ International found that the core ideology of these Melanesian people is not easily destroyed. Flag as irrelevant Meet the priest who serves the most rural parts of Papua New Guinea The Catholic Register KUNDIAWA, Papua New Guinea – In the deep Melanesian jungles, a native Papua New Guinea Catholic priest walks miles through the deep thick ... 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

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Priority support for Jetpack Personal, our 2016 annual report, and a Photon case study

Jetpack.com Personal Plans Now Include Priority Support The new Jetpack Personal plan, introduced last month, bundles the two core services most site owners have told us they consider essential: automated backups and spam protection. We know that quick and reliable support can be just as important, however, so we've added it in. This simply means we’ll get to your request faster when something goes wrong with your site. If you're an existing customer, you will receive this added benefit automatically. Read the full announcement A Year in Review: The Automattic and Jetpack Annual Report As 2016 comes to a close and we look forward to 2017, we took some time to look back on the past twelve months across our company – Automattic – and all our products: WordPress.com, Jetpack, WooCommerce, and WordPress.com VIP. Scroll through our beautifully designed 2016 Annual Report and explore some cool stats about our services – like how many sites use our products, how many brute force attacks we've blocked, how many "Michaels" work at Automattic, and many more. See what we've done Case Study: Photon for Business In 2012, Jesse Friedman wasn't part of the Jetpack team yet – but as the director of web development for an agency in Rhode Island, he was already a happy Jetpack user. Here’s how he describes his experience using Photon (our free CDN) for the first time: Speed, security, and uptime were very important to our clients. At the time, their websites were powered by a third-party closed source CMS that had been experiencing a lot of downtime and abysmal load speeds. The new sites were to be hosted on a managed WordPress hosting solution, and initial tests showed a significant improvement in speed. I was considering a CDN, but I wasn’t sure whether the server and management costs would be worth it. Jetpack came with Photon, a free image CDN. But would it be enough? Read the full story Thanks for using Jetpack Jeremy — Happiness Engineer Automattic Inc.60 29th Street #343 San Francisco, CA Unsubscribe

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[New post] Merry Christmas and happy holidays from the Vanuatu Daily Digest!

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: " Merry Christmas and season's greetings to all of our valued readers! Vanuatu Daily Digest will take a few days break and will resume after Family Day. Thank you for visiting us in 2016, we hope to see you next year. Meanwhile, in today's news… The " Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Merry Christmas and happy holidays from the Vanuatu Daily Digest! by bobmakin Merry Christmas and season's greetings to all of our valued readers! Vanuatu Daily Digest will take a few days break and will resume after Family Day. Thank you for visiting us in 2016, we hope to see you next year. Meanwhile, in today's news… The revelations from the Commission of Inquiry into the Vanuatu National Provident Fund (VNPF) continue. Daily Post reveals today that a Fijian national was recruited to become VNPF General Manager early last year, without a valid work permit. This created rifts between VNPF staff. He had previously worked for Westpac Bank in Vanuatu and discussions concerning his subsequent employment were pushed by certain VNPF Board members before the post was actually advertised. The COI investigations have now drawn to a close after 26 interviews, and the Commission's final report is soon to be released to government. Two MPs of the Graon mo Jastis Party (GJP) were sacked from the party this week. They are Read more of this post bobmakin | December 24, 2016 at 9:05 pm | Tags: police, politics, roads, Vanuatu, VNPF | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1uG Comment    See all comments 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/2hlZCgO Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] VNPF oversight of Wilco and Bouffa investments highly irregular, inquiry hears

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: " The trust that the Vanuatu public have in the Vanuatu National Providential Fund, the news today shows, has been frequently abused in a series of large investments by the fund. In the case of the purchase of the Wilco properties, there was a conflict " Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest VNPF oversight of Wilco and Bouffa investments highly irregular, inquiry hears by bobmakin The trust that the Vanuatu public have in the Vanuatu National Providential Fund, the news today shows, has been frequently abused in a series of large investments by the fund. In the case of the purchase of the Wilco properties, there was a conflict of interest for the CEO of Wilco, Tukana Bovoro, to also be on the Board of the VNPF while the board was negotiating to buy Wilco Hardware Holdings Limited. Bovoro declared his conflict of interest, yet the VNPF management at the time did not see fit to step in, despite the VNPF Act requiring those with conflicts of interest to absent themselves from deliberations over matters relating to their interests, and the investment was given the go-ahead. The issue was hotly debated in the media at the time, but incredibly, the VNPF Board accepted the vendor's own valuation, VNPF Board Member Ephraim Kalsakau said. He went on: the Board did not require an independent valuer to value the two properties and "did not request the audited financial investments Read more of this post bobmakin | December 23, 2016 at 4:06 pm | Tags: politics, Vanuatu, VNPF | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1uA Comment    See all comments 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/2hYKV07 Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] “Vanuatu is not free until all of Melanesia is free”—Vanuatu Govt reiterates its support for Papuan independence to MSG leaders

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: " "Free West Papua" graffiti on cement walls around town sums up Vanuatu's Christmas wish for its Melanesian brothers and sisters meeting now in Port Vila. Welcoming independence leaders from the Indonesian ruled territory, Prime Minister Charlot Salwai" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest “Vanuatu is not free until all of Melanesia is free”—Vanuatu Govt reiterates its support for Papuan independence to MSG leaders by bobmakin Members of Vanuatu's Government including Prime Minister Charlot Salwai (centre, in bird of paradise headdress) with leaders of the Papuan independence movement yesterday in Port Vila. Photo: Jen Robinson "Free West Papua" graffiti on cement walls around town sums up Vanuatu's Christmas wish for its Melanesian brothers and sisters meeting now in Port Vila. Welcoming independence leaders from the Indonesian ruled territory, Prime Minister Charlot Salwai reiterated Vanuatu's strong stand in favour of independence for West Papua—and for French Polynesia and New Caledonia. Vanuatu's stance on decolonization remains as strong as it was during our own independence 36 years ago. West Papua campaigner, Benny Wenda, told Daily Post of the Melanesian spirit which binds the people of Melanesia in their attempt to be granted full membership of the Melanesian Spearhead Group. Demonstrations to this effect have been taking place in West Papua and it is reported that one demonstrator was killed and 528 arrested, recently, including six children of less than ten years of age. It is good news to have Read more of this post bobmakin | December 22, 2016 at 4:55 pm | Tags: education, Indonesia, Melanesian Spearhead Group, MSG, Papua Province, politics, public service, Vanuatu, West Papua | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1uu Comment    See all comments 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/2htNuGL Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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Google Alert - Melanesia

Melanesia Weekly update ⋅ December 21, 2016 NEWS Preparations for Melanesian festival Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation This is according to the Minister for Culture and Tourism, Member of Parliament for Ngella Constituency Bartholomew Parapolo. Minister Parapolo ... Flag as irrelevant More Than 500 Arrested in West Papuan Independence Protests teleSUR English Thousands marched across the region to support West Papuan freedom and to condemn decades of brutal treatment of Indigenous Melanesians by ... 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

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[New post] VNPF inquiry learns of zero return from Vt300M investment in Club Vanuatu

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: " The official inquiry into the Vanuatu National Provident Fund has learned that the VNPF's failed investment in the now defunct Club Vanuatu cost the Fund over Vt 300 million and earned zero returns for members. There would appear to be a wide level of" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest VNPF inquiry learns of zero return from Vt300M investment in Club Vanuatu by bobmakin The official inquiry into the Vanuatu National Provident Fund has learned that the VNPF's failed investment in the now defunct Club Vanuatu cost the Fund over Vt 300 million and earned zero returns for members. There would appear to be a wide level of incompetence at work within the VNPF. (Daily Post) The Vanuatu and Australian governments have signed a gender protection and recovery agreement which has been coordinated under the Department of Women's Affairs to ensure the less abled members of our communities, especially women and children, are targeted. Outgoing Australian High Commissioner Jeremy Bruer spoke of the desirability of the Vt 158 million expenditure on Radio Vanuatu News today, and the special impact which could be achieved by the project. He stressed the need for recovery after the events like Cyclone Pam. The Vanuatu Government through parliamentary secretary Johnny Koanapo paid a tribute to Australia's generosity. A high-risk detainee has this week escaped from the detention centre, allegedly with the assistance of a hacksaw. Twenty-nine years of age, Jack Nalau is serving 35 years of imprisonment for crimes including intentional homicide, unlawful entry and premeditated homicide. bobmakin | December 21, 2016 at 4:03 pm | Tags: Australia, children, disaster recovery, Vanuatu, VNPF, women | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1uo Comment    See all comments 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/2haLNSi Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] Airport upgrade bids announced next month; Claims Airports Vanuatu Ltd used as a political slush fund

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: " Bidding in the Bauerfield runway upgrade project also sees four companies vying for consideration for the Whitegrass Tanna and Santo Pekoa airport improvements. Four companies chose only to bid for the Bauerfield project. Long-term and newly arrived c" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Airport upgrade bids announced next month; Claims Airports Vanuatu Ltd used as a political slush fund by bobmakin Luganville's Pekoa International Airport: companies also bidding to upgrade the country's northern international airport. Bidding in the Bauerfield runway upgrade project also sees four companies vying for consideration for the Whitegrass Tanna and Santo Pekoa airport improvements. Four companies chose only to bid for the Bauerfield project. Long-term and newly arrived companies are bidding. Winning bids will be jointly approved by Government and the World Bank. Successful bids are likely to be known within a month. Severe criticism surrounds Airports Vanuatu Limited (AVL)'s management practices, with politicians accusing previous regimes of malpractice and of misusing AVL funds on motions of no confidence. Public Utilities Minister Napat was answering questions from Ambae MP Mata in Parliament. The Minister said AVL "is quite messy. It is dirtier than dirt. And it is very Read more of this post bobmakin | December 20, 2016 at 7:32 pm | Tags: area councils, aviation, AVL, education, infrastructure, politics, shipping, Vanuatu | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1uj Comment    See all comments 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/2hlF1oW Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] Massive tourism developments proposed for Port Vila – but are adequate urban planning processes in place to protect our city from rapacious development?

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: " "An ambitious new plan to improve Vanuatu's aviation and tourism sectors" is relegated to second place on the Radio Vanuatu News today. But Daily Post links works for the new Bauerfield terminal and a massive hotel project at Melcoffe on page one. Cer" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Massive tourism developments proposed for Port Vila – but are adequate urban planning processes in place to protect our city from rapacious development? by bobmakin An architectural rendering of the proposed resort at Melcoffe. Port Vila's urban planning processes are practically non-existent – so why is Govt pushing for a development of this scale at this location? "An ambitious new plan to improve Vanuatu's aviation and tourism sectors" is relegated to second place on the Radio Vanuatu News today. But Daily Post links works for the new Bauerfield terminal and a massive hotel project at Melcoffe on page one. Certainly the projects are huge and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation is a large company and is considered to have served Vanuatu well so far, the new jobs signed for yesterday having the additional security of a "bankable feasibility study" by March next year for independent consideration and protection of Government finances. This is a matter which will invite serious criticism and the Vanuatu Daily Digest has strong views on Read more of this post bobmakin | December 17, 2016 at 3:07 pm | Tags: aviation, China, politics, tourism, urban development, urban planning, Vanuatu | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1uc Comment    See all comments 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/2gV1ADf Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] Parliament closes with goodwill messages as ten bills are withdrawn from debate

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: " The censure motion withdrawn yesterday, the leader of Government business today withdrew a further ten bills and the parliamentary sitting closed with messages of goodwill and cheer. The implications of the failure to debate the remaining bills will b" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Parliament closes with goodwill messages as ten bills are withdrawn from debate by bobmakin The censure motion withdrawn yesterday, the leader of Government business today withdrew a further ten bills and the parliamentary sitting closed with messages of goodwill and cheer. The implications of the failure to debate the remaining bills will become clear in due course. The big news of today is the Vt 2.5 billion (US$23 million) grant for Climate Information Services for Vanuatu provided by the UN's Green Climate Fund. It is one of Read more of this post bobmakin | December 16, 2016 at 7:20 pm | Tags: climate change, politics, Vanuatu, Weather | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1u0 Comment    See all comments 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/2hV5sSj Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] Its Pacific cyclone season – please sign this petition and help save lifesaving shortwave radio to our islands

WordPress.com dailyvanuatu posted: " As you read this, a cyclone is forming east of Vanuatu. As people in Vanuatu are well aware, up-to-date information is critical when preparing for a natural disaster. Unfortunately, in the middle of the Pacific cyclone season, Australia's national " Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Its Pacific cyclone season – please sign this petition and help save lifesaving shortwave radio to our islands by dailyvanuatu The ABC's shortwave radio broadcasts helped many during Cyclone Pam in 2015. As you read this, a cyclone is forming east of Vanuatu. As people in Vanuatu are well aware, up-to-date information is critical when preparing for a natural disaster. Unfortunately, in the middle of the Pacific cyclone season, Australia's national broadcaster, the ABC, says it will end shortwave radio broadcasts to the Pacific Islands by 31st January. This decision puts lives at risk in Vanuatu and the rest of the Pacific. The ABC's shortwave service provide lifesaving information during cyclones and other disasters as well as playing an important role in ensuring media freedom. Here in Vanuatu, during Cyclone Pam in 2015, ABC shortwave broadcasts helped people outside of the range of FM radio and cellular phone towers keep up to date with cyclone warnings. The service undoubtedly helped ni-Vanuatu people prepare and may have even saved lives. The Pacific Freedom Forum has organised a petition to let decision-makers in Australia know how vital the ABC's shortwave radio services are for us in the Pacific. Will you please help? Please click this link to sign the petition. Thank you. dailyvanuatu | December 16, 2016 at 3:23 pm | Tags: Australia, broadcasting, cyclone, shortwave radio, Vanuatu | Categories: Community Service Announcement | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1u3 Comment    See all comments 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/2hAjKv4 Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] Breaking news: Motion of no confidence withdrawn due to lack of numbers

WordPress.com dailyvanuatu posted: "The motion of no confidence against the Government of PM Charlot Salwai has been withdrawn by Deputy Opposition Leader Sato Kilman, who conceded that the Opposition didn't have the numbers to proceed. Today's attempt at a motion of no confidence is the se" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Breaking news: Motion of no confidence withdrawn due to lack of numbers by dailyvanuatu The motion of no confidence against the Government of PM Charlot Salwai has been withdrawn by Deputy Opposition Leader Sato Kilman, who conceded that the Opposition didn't have the numbers to proceed. Today's attempt at a motion of no confidence is the second this month to have failed. The Government's position was never in doubt as they maintained a majority of 31 MPs. The repeated failure of the Opposition's censure motions will now give ammunition to Government's legislative attempts to stabilise Vanuatu's political life by restricting the number and timing of parliamentary censure motions. dailyvanuatu | December 15, 2016 at 7:27 pm | Tags: parliament, politics, Vanuatu | Categories: Breaking News | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1tX Comment    See all comments 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/2hz74BS Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] 33 MPs confirm support for Salwai Government ahead of motion of no confidence

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: " The leaders of the different political parties supporting the government of Prime Minister Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas have reiterated their support for him in the light of the motion of no confidence to be debated at 4pm this afternoon, VST. They came " Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest 33 MPs confirm support for Salwai Government ahead of motion of no confidence by bobmakin The leaders of the different political parties supporting the government of Prime Minister Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas have reiterated their support for him in the light of the motion of no confidence to be debated at 4pm this afternoon, VST. They came together yesterday afternoon at the PM's Office. Thirty-three MPs (of the 52 total) attended the gathering and confirmed they were ready to defeat the Opposition's motion. Nine MPs of the Opposition signed the motion – and one can only ask why? The Opposition says it is because of income tax—yet this is an idea that has never gone further than the discussion stage. Read more of this post bobmakin | December 15, 2016 at 3:50 pm | Tags: fisheries, land, parliament, politics, Vanuatu, violence | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1tT Comment    See all comments 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/2gNogFc Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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Google Alert - Melanesia

Melanesia Weekly update ⋅ December 14, 2016 NEWS Islands are vulnerable Fiji Times "The advent of technology and globalization has brought upon us the people of Melanesia new problems associated with social media, cybercrime ... Flag as irrelevant Melanesian Mission closed for strengthening and revitalisation Voxy One of Auckland's iconic historic buildings is about to undergo the makeover of its long, illustrious life. The Melanesian Mission building - a Category 1 ... Flag as irrelevant WEB Melanesia - Furniture Teaser on Vimeo Vimeo Showcasing the house staging work of Living Edge. 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

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[New post] Vt 20 billion budget for 2017 approved unanimously by Parliament

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: " Parliament passed the Government Estimates yesterday – unanimously. The 2017 budget is more than Vt 20 billion, a Vt 5 billion increase on 2016. The second ordinary sitting of Parliament resumes this evening at 6 o'clock, for today, and continues at t" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vt 20 billion budget for 2017 approved unanimously by Parliament by bobmakin Parliament passed the Government Estimates yesterday – unanimously. The 2017 budget is more than Vt 20 billion, a Vt 5 billion increase on 2016. The second ordinary sitting of Parliament resumes this evening at 6 o'clock, for today, and continues Read more of this post bobmakin | December 14, 2016 at 5:52 pm | Tags: area councils, Australia, budget, civil service, Dengue, education, health, land, statistics, Vanuatu, Weather | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1tM Comment    See all comments 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/2hDsFfB Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] President Lonsdale calls for more responsibility, less selfishness from political leaders

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: " The Head of State made Vanuatu's security the cornerstone of his address in opening the second ordinary sitting of Parliament yesterday. "Leaders must understand that they must take action to avoid violence and corruption proliferating and become awar" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest President Lonsdale calls for more responsibility, less selfishness from political leaders by bobmakin "The security, rights and needs of people must predominate in leaders' thinking", says President Baldwin Lonsdale. The Head of State made Vanuatu's security the cornerstone of his address in opening the second ordinary sitting of Parliament yesterday. "Leaders must understand that they must take action to avoid violence and corruption proliferating and become aware that people are fearing for their lives", said President Lonsdale. "The security, rights and needs of people must predominate in leaders' thinking, and people want to express themselves on these issues, and be heard." President Baldwin Lonsdale inspected a guard of honour before officially opening the second ordinary sitting. (Radio Vanuatu) The Speaker of Parliament Esmon Saimon withdrew two Private Members' Bills from the agenda of the current Parliament sitting yesterday. He stated that they had not Read more of this post bobmakin | December 13, 2016 at 10:07 am | Tags: disaster management, disaster preparedness, education, parliament, politics, shipping, Sport, Vanuatu | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1tH Comment    See all comments 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/2gA5CSH Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] Prime Minister slams Financial Intelligence Unit for freezing 2017 Pacific Games bank account, confirms Govt support for VAN2017

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: " A new statutory body has been created to enable VAN2017 to resume its management of the 2017 Vanuatu Pacific Games, due to take place this time next year. VAN2017 was set up as a charitable organisation, but the Ministry of Finance and Economic Manage" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Prime Minister slams Financial Intelligence Unit for freezing 2017 Pacific Games bank account, confirms Govt support for VAN2017 by bobmakin A new statutory body has been created to enable VAN2017 to resume its management of the 2017 Vanuatu Pacific Games, due to take place this time next year. VAN2017 was set up as a charitable organisation, but the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) froze their bank account, seemingly arbitrarily, following a series of Council of Ministers decisions which appear to aimed at wresting control away from the organising committee and back to the Government. Daily Post reports today that Prime Minister Charlot Salwai has strongly criticised the FIU's actions, writing in a letter to the FIU Manager that “there is no clear evidence that VAN2017 has been engaged in any fraudulent actions or that state funds have been misused in any way… I am deeply concerned that Read more of this post bobmakin | December 10, 2016 at 3:30 pm | Tags: 2017 Vanuatu Pacific Games, aviation, disability, housing, parliament, Sport, taxation, Vanuatu | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1tA Comment    See all comments 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/2heYJpG Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] Second no-confidence motion lodged against Government of PM Salwai

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: " The Speaker of Parliament has received a motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Charlot Salwai, the second in two weeks. Nine MPs of the Opposition bloc lodged the motion yesterday. The Opposition was absent from Parliament yesterday morning, " Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Second no-confidence motion lodged against Government of PM Salwai by bobmakin PM Charlot Salwai. Photo: Graham Crumb/imagicity.com The Speaker of Parliament has received a motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Charlot Salwai, the second in two weeks. Nine MPs of the Opposition bloc lodged the motion yesterday. The Opposition was absent from Parliament yesterday morning, prompting a delay to next Monday of the second ordinary sitting. The Prime Minister, however, has asked for Read more of this post bobmakin | December 9, 2016 at 1:16 pm | Tags: Australia, earthquake, parliament, politics, social media, tsunami, Vanuatu | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1tx Comment    See all comments 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/2hlGCOY Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] Australian ministerial delegation visits Vanuatu — as end of Australian shortwave broadcasts to Pacific is announced

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: " Australia's Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop, and the Minister for International Development and the Pacific Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells are visiting Vanuatu today and have been discussing the Australia's development aid program with Vanuatu offi" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Australian ministerial delegation visits Vanuatu — as end of Australian shortwave broadcasts to Pacific is announced by bobmakin Australia’s Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop, arrived today in Port Vila, leading a bipartisan delegation including International Development and Pacific Minister, Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, and their Opposition counterparts, Senator Penny Wong and Senator Claire Moore. Photo: DFAT Australia's Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop, and the Minister for International Development and the Pacific Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells are visiting Vanuatu today and have been discussing the Australia's development aid program with Vanuatu officials. An investment package of A$1.5 million (Vt 120.3 million) is also on the agenda and a new aid partnership agreement is to be signed. Management of health supplies and medicines is an important element in this regard. (Radio Vanuatu) The visit of the Australian Government ministers responsible for the Australia's relationship with the Pacific coincides with the announcement by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that their Pacific islands shortwave broadcasting services is to cease. Radio Australia which has served the region well over many decades. These broadcasts will terminate in Read more of this post bobmakin | December 8, 2016 at 4:24 pm | Tags: agriculture, Australia, health, kava, parliament, Radio Australia, shortwave radio, Vanuatu | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1ts Comment    See all comments 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/2gdhGEB Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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Google Alert - Melanesia

Melanesia Weekly update ⋅ December 7, 2016 NEWS Fish stocks under threat Fiji Times A recent report released by WWF, titled Reviving Melanesia's Ocean Economy, projects that Melanesian nations will need 60 per cent more fish 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

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[New post] Public servants awarded for exceptional on-the-job performance

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: " Six public servants have won recognition for special efforts in "striving for excellence in the Public Service." The winners are: Janelle Johnson (Finance), Levu Antfalo Boaz (Meteorology), Camillia Garae (Geology), Solip Nato (PWD), Julie Rereman (La" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Public servants awarded for exceptional on-the-job performance by bobmakin Six public servants have won recognition for special efforts in "striving for excellence in the Public Service." The winners are: Janelle Johnson (Finance), Levu Antfalo Boaz (Meteorology), Camillia Garae (Geology), Solip Nato (PWD), Julie Rereman (Labour) and Lionel Kaluat (also Labour). Prime Minister Salwai congratulated the winners at a ceremony yesterday to mark the achievement along with Public Service Commission Chairman Martin Mahe. He encouraged all public servants to strive for excellence. Each winner received Vt Read more of this post bobmakin | December 7, 2016 at 2:25 pm | Tags: Australia, IMO, parliament, public service, Vanuatu, VIPA | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1to Comment    See all comments 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/2gQH7zv Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] Kalsakau brothers resign from Constitutional Review Committee

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "Dummy spit? Yesterday, Opposition Leader Ishmael Kalsakau was reliably reported by national radio as saying that the Government is seeking to avoid the the full advisory consultation the people deserve on the constitutional changes which the bipartisan Co" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Kalsakau brothers resign from Constitutional Review Committee by bobmakin Dummy spit? Yesterday, Opposition Leader Ishmael Kalsakau was reliably reported by national radio as saying that the Government is seeking to avoid the the full advisory consultation the people deserve on the constitutional changes which the bipartisan Constitutional Review Committee is working on. He also complained that the Government is forcing income tax on people (which is not really true, since all that has happened so far is that it has started a discussion on the topic.) And PACER Plus got a swipe when we have been debating it for over a decade, along with every other Pacific island country. Today we learn that Read more of this post bobmakin | December 2, 2016 at 4:27 pm | Tags: Constitution, parliament, politics, Vanuatu | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1ta Comment    See all comments 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/2gOGNPG Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] Youth act against domestic violence with powerful street performance

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KImkK0wTW6Y Arise and Make a Difference Youths – a new acting group bursting on to the street scene in Port Vila – is about to provide a new street hit with their live performances in such as the marketplace or main stre" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Youth act against domestic violence with powerful street performance by bobmakin Arise and Make a Difference Youths – a new acting group bursting on to the street scene in Port Vila – is about to provide a new street hit with their live performances in such as the marketplace or main street. Pedestrians may find themselves near a couple of aunties buying kumala as the boyfriend of one sneaks up and begins an attack. The other woman calls the police. The aim of the group is to stop broken homes and violence against women. Their message is one of peace. (Daily Post) That motion... Opposition Leader Kalsakau, whose motion to have PM Charlot Salwai toppled from the Government went nowhere yesterday, was clearly peeved that issues of substance were being ignored. Not taking Constitutional changes to the people Read more of this post bobmakin | December 1, 2016 at 3:57 pm | Tags: domestic violence, infrastructure, parliament, politics, roads, street theatre, Vanuatu, Weather | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1t7 Comment    See all comments 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/2fTwvPq Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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Google Alert - Melanesia

Melanesia Weekly update ⋅ November 30, 2016 WEB SOLOMON ISLANDS, Melanesia Standing Mother with Child Figure... Barnebys.com Dates from the "steamer period," when trading vessels plied the waters of Melanesia, and carvings in traditional style were created for sale or trade. Flag as irrelevant VANUATU, (formerly New Hebrides), Melanesia Male Mask... Barnebys.com Fernwood, clay, resin, pigments, boar tusks, fiber A mask worn during rank-taking ceremonies in the men's society as an individual moves to a higher ... Flag as irrelevant The Sexual Life of Savages in North-Western Melanesia. An Ethnographic Account of Courtship ... ABAA The Sexual Life of Savages in North-Western Melanesia. An Ethnographic Account of Courtship, Marriage and Family Life Among the Natives of the ... 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

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[New post] Cuba’s late leader Fidel Castro remembered fondly in Vanuatu for his support at UN for independence for New Hebrides

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: " Cuba and Vanuatu have been engaged seriously in more ways than the training of ni-Vanuatu doctors to keep ni-Vanuatu healthy. The death of the Cuba's premier statesman, Fidel Castro, and his assistance during the independence struggles of Vanuatu have" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Cuba’s late leader Fidel Castro remembered fondly in Vanuatu for his support at UN for independence for New Hebrides by bobmakin Fidel Castro, President of Cuba addressing the General Assembly at UN Headquarters in New York in 1979. Photo: UN/Yutaka Nagata Cuba and Vanuatu have been engaged seriously in more ways than the training of ni-Vanuatu doctors to keep ni-Vanuatu healthy. The death of the Cuba's premier statesman, Fidel Castro, and his assistance during the independence struggles of Vanuatu have been acknowledged by Vanuatu's former PM Barak Sope as the news of the Cuban leader's passing is heard around the world. Sope and Castro were indeed friends back in the 1970s, and Cuba's support for Vanuatu at the UN Decolonisation Committee was greatly appreciated here. Anyone going to the Vila Central Hospital is these days still impressed at Read more of this post bobmakin | December 1, 2016 at 8:11 am | Tags: citizenship, crime, Cuba, History, independence, UN, United Nations, Vanuatu | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1sS Comment    See all comments 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/2fMAcDk Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] Breaking news: Motion of no confidence fails

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "The agenda item concerning the Motion of No Confidence in PM Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas did not even obtain a full hearing this afternoon in the Vanuatu Parliament. Everyone was there, a further 8 withdrew their signatures, but the Speaker ruled the matter" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Breaking news: Motion of no confidence fails by bobmakin The agenda item concerning the Motion of No Confidence in PM Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas did not even obtain a full hearing this afternoon in the Vanuatu Parliament. Everyone was there, a further 8 withdrew their signatures, but the Speaker ruled the matter could be taken no further when all there seemed to be was bickering from the supporters of the Motion. We the public were not given a single reason to reduce our confidence in the leader of the Government, nor was our trust in him diminished. But the Opposition wasted an hour of everyone's time trying to get a chance to bring him down. The motion ended up in the poubelle. The second extraordinary sitting was closed. bobmakin | November 30, 2016 at 3:27 pm | Tags: parliament, politics, Vanuatu | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1sX Comment    See all comments 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/2gTUDDq Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] Will Vanuatu have its House divided, only a day after Unity Day?

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: " The irony of Unity Day being celebrated just a day before Parliament votes on a motion to oust a PM who got elected with the votes of 45 MPs out of 52 just nine months ago is highlighted by Jane Joshua in this morning's Daily Post. Radios will be on a" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Will Vanuatu have its House divided, only a day after Unity Day? by bobmakin The irony of Unity Day being celebrated just a day before Parliament votes on a motion to oust a PM who got elected with the votes of 45 MPs out of 52 just nine months ago is highlighted by Jane Joshua in this morning's Daily Post. Radios will be on across the country at 2 this afternoon as Parliament sits. It is only a month since now ousted GJP MP William Tasso told Daily Post that all Government backbenchers will not vote for any Government Bill unless the Ministerial Budget Committee re-considers the rejection of Read more of this post bobmakin | November 30, 2016 at 3:09 pm | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1sR Comment    See all comments 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/2g4f64t Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] Vanuatu joins ranks of 105 other nations with Right to Information laws

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "The story of the week last week – most certainly for the press – was the passing of the "historic" Right to Information (RTI) Bill – very much "a step in the right direction". Government must tell us what it is doing. And by treating all information as op" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu joins ranks of 105 other nations with Right to Information laws by bobmakin The story of the week last week – most certainly for the press – was the passing of the "historic" Right to Information (RTI) Bill – very much "a step in the right direction". Government must tell us what it is doing. And by treating all information as open by default it underscores the government serving the people principle. There will be information officers in every ministry, department or agency who must supply the needs of the serious inquirer, even though the process will sometimes appear tedious. Many people have worked for a long time on the policy which went into the provision of the Act. The Media Association of Vanuatu was appreciative, even the Read more of this post bobmakin | November 29, 2016 at 3:48 pm | Tags: land, police, right to information, Vanuatu | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1sM Comment    See all comments 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/2gdnIbO Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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Week 3 GIFTTT Guide Roundup

Exciting new features this week including August Lock, Fitbit Flex 2, Eight Smart Mattress, WeMo Switch and Garageio. There's no shortage of amazing GIFTTTs that work with IFTTT! Here's what we highlighted last week, and remember: we're sharing new products every weekday until December 2nd.         To disable these emails, sign in to manage your settings or unsubscribe. IFTTT HQ · 9​2​3 Market S​tre​et · Sa​n Franc​isco, Calif​ornia · 941​03

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[New post] Non-compliant offshore financial centre puts other Vanuatu businesses at risk – but costs of compliance are high

WordPress.com dailyvanuatu posted: " Vanuatu, accused of inaction over money laundering, is facing international sanctions as its politicians debate whether to spend government funds to fix the country's financial services or to deal with disaster reconstruction. Vanuatu, home to 270,000 " Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Non-compliant offshore financial centre puts other Vanuatu businesses at risk – but costs of compliance are high by dailyvanuatu Between Vt1.8B—Vt4.5B in proceeds of foreign crimes are laundered through Vanuatu's offshore financial system every year, it is estimated. The non-implementation of checks against money laundering by Vanuatu's offshore financial centre may prevent other Vanuatu small businesses from accessing foreign currency transactions – but Vanuatu lacks the resources to put the checks in place. Vanuatu, accused of inaction over money laundering, is facing international sanctions as its politicians debate whether to spend government funds to fix the country's financial services or to deal with disaster reconstruction. Vanuatu, home to 270,000 people, has a 25-year-old offshore financial centre offering banking and company-creation services that provide well-paid employment in its capital, Port Vila. For the disaster-prone nation, the financial sector is a crucial part of its economy, contributing between two and three percentage points to gross domestic product. In September the Financial Action Task Force, an inter-governmental group that combats money laundering and terrorist financing, warned of "strategic deficiencies in Vanuatu's anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism system." The group called for an action plan including Read more of this post dailyvanuatu | November 28, 2016 at 2:24 pm | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1sB Comment    See all comments 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/2fUDmpq Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] Stunning short film inspired by Vanuatu melds poetry, cinema and message of kindness

WordPress.com dailyvanuatu posted: "http://ift.tt/2fXrGFp 'My Son', a new short film inspired by and filmed in Vanuatu, is a moving note from a mother to her unborn child. It mixes poetry with amazing imagery shot (mostly) on location in Vanuatu – and carries with it a strong messa" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Stunning short film inspired by Vanuatu melds poetry, cinema and message of kindness by dailyvanuatu 'My Son', a new short film inspired by and filmed in Vanuatu, is a moving note from a mother to her unborn child. It mixes poetry with amazing imagery shot (mostly) on location in Vanuatu – and carries with it a strong message of tolerance, humanity and kindness. Directed and co-produced by Germain Lalot and written and co-produced by Claire Endress, with a voiceover in english and french captions. Enjoy it on Vimeo. dailyvanuatu | November 25, 2016 at 3:21 pm | Tags: art, film, Vanuatu, video | Categories: Video | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1st Comment    See all comments 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/2fKYS01 Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] Australia announces new High Commissioner to Vanuatu

WordPress.com dailyvanuatu posted: " Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has announced the appointment of Ms Jenny Da Rin as the new Australian High Commissioner to Vanuatu. As a former Assistant Director General of the Australia Government's now defunct international development" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Australia announces new High Commissioner to Vanuatu by dailyvanuatu Australia's newly-appointed High Commissioner to Vanuatu, Jenny Da Rin. Photo: GPE/Creative Commons Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has announced the appointment of Ms Jenny Da Rin as the new Australian High Commissioner to Vanuatu. As a former Assistant Director General of the Australia Government's now defunct international development agency, AusAID, the development challenges Vanuatu faces will be familiar territory for Ms Da Rin. AusAID was merged with Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in 2013. Ms. Da Rin will be responsible for managing Australia's bilateral relationship with Vanuatu, which is substantial. Australia provides more than 50% of tourists to Vanuatu most years, and in 2015, Australian businesses invested Vt8.9 billion in the country. Australia is also Vanuatu's largest bilateral donor, contributing Vt4.85 billion in development assistance during the last financial year. Australia also gave just under Vt4 billion in recovery assistance after Cyclone Pam devastated the country in 2015. Ms Da Rin replaces the outgoing High Commissioner Jeremy Bruer, and will be taking up her post as head of mission in Port Vila in January 2017. dailyvanuatu | November 24, 2016 at 4:11 pm | Tags: Australia, diplomacy, Vanuatu | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1sm Comment    See all comments 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/2f9zaG0 Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] Govt stares down no-confidence vote as six MPs withdraw their signatures from motion

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: " Parliament proceeded with business yesterday afternoon and this morning. A motion of no confidence in the government was before it, but 6 MPs who signed it have withdrawn their signatures. The government side yesterday had 31 MPs. The motion will be t" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Govt stares down no-confidence vote as six MPs withdraw their signatures from motion by bobmakin Parliament proceeded with business yesterday afternoon and this morning. A motion of no confidence in the government was before it, but 6 MPs who signed it have withdrawn their signatures. The government side yesterday had 31 MPs. The motion will be tabled next Wednesday. There were said to be 39 MPs yesterday supporting the Government plan to deal with the referendum relating to constitutional change. There was one Read more of this post bobmakin | November 24, 2016 at 2:43 pm | Tags: Constitution, parliament, politics, Vanuatu | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1sh Comment    See all comments 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/2gi6M0B Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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Google Alert - Melanesia

Melanesia Weekly update ⋅ November 23, 2016 NEWS PH contractors eye Pacific Melanesia Region The Filipino Times (press release) MANILA: Philippine contractors and construction companies are eyeing the Pacific Melanesia Region to tap the prospective infrastructure ... Flag as irrelevant Solomons signs MSG free trade agreement Radio New Zealand The prime minister of Solomon Islands has signed the Melanesian Free Trade Agreement making his country the first Melanesian Spearhead Group ... Flag as irrelevant WEB Rare Opportunity on Melanesia Trade Me Location: 3/34 Melanesia Road Kohimarama Auckland City Auckland. Rooms: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Property type: Townhouse. Price: To be sold ... 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

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Paspor Biasa atau Paspor Elektronik, Pilih yang Mana?

TANGERANG, KOMPAS.com - Adanya dua jenis paspor yang dikeluarkan Pemerintah Republik Indonesia membuat masyarakat kadang bertanya, paspor mana yang sebaiknya dipilih. 

Kedua jenis paspor itu terdiri atas paspor biasa dan paspor elektronik dengan chip yang memuat data digital pemilik paspor di dalamnya.

Kepala Kantor Kelas 1 Khusus Bandara Soekarno-Hatta, Alif Suaidi, menjelaskan, pertimbangan memilih jenis paspor tergantung pada kebutuhan masing-masing orang yang berbeda satu dengan yang lainnya.

"Kalau memang sering bepergian ke luar negeri, sebaiknya pakai paspor elektronik. Tapi, kalau tidak sering, bisa memilih yang lebih murah, dengan paspor biasa. Tapi pada prinsipnya, paspor biasa dan elektronik itu sama, hanya paspor elektronik lebih aman untuk data-datanya dan sulit untuk dipalsukan," kata Alif saat berbincang dengan Kompas.com di kantornya, Rabu (23/11/2016).

(Baca: Memahami Perbedaan Paspor Biasa dengan Paspor Elektronik)

Selisih harga antara paspor biasa dengan paspor elektronik yakni Rp 300.000. Harga untuk membuat paspor biasa sebesar Rp 355.000, sedangkan harga pembuatan paspor elektronik mencapai Rp 655.000.

Menurut Alif, masyarakat yang jarang bepergian ke luar negeri cenderung memilih paspor biasa karena harganya yang lebih murah.

Namun, bagi yang sering bepergian ke luar negeri, akan ada sejumlah manfaat atau kemudahan yang bisa didapat pemilik paspor elektronik.

"Biasanya yang pakai paspor elektronik itu, pemeriksaan di Imigrasi bisa berlangsung lebih cepat, karena petugas scanning chip di paspor itu untuk memastikan data pemilik. Di bandara yang ada fasilitas auto gate, paspor elektronik juga memudahkan, tinggal bawa paspornya, scan sidik jari, kalau oke, pintu akan terbuka. Jadi, tidak perlu cap lagi," tutur Alif.

Sampai saat ini, belum ada aturan yang mewajibkan seseorang harus memiliki paspor elektronik. Meski begitu, hampir di seluruh dunia kini telah berlaku paspor elektronik karena dianggap lebih aman dibanding paspor biasa.

Ketika ingin mengajukan visa ke negara tertentu, jenis paspor yang dimiliki juga bisa menjadi pertimbangan tersendiri dari pihak kedutaan besar negara terkait.

"Misalnya, kamu mau ngajuin visa ke Amerika, orang kedutaannya lihat kalau paspor kamu paspor elektronik, kamu bisa dilihat lebih bonafit. Ibaratnya sama kayak kalau pakai sepatu, orang akan lihat kamu pakai sepatu apa, yang biasa-biasa saja atau yang seperti apa," ujar Alif.

(Baca: Ada "Chip" di Paspor Elektronik, Ini Cara Merawatnya agar Tetap Awet)

Penulis : Andri Donnal Putera
Editor : Indra Akuntono

[New post] Constitutions vital to health of Melanesian democracies, conference learns

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: " Nine countries were represented at the Pacific Constitutions Research Network which began a searching conference in Port Via this morning. It is the inaugural conference and workshop, bringing legal minds together. Vanuatu has had a great many changes" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Constitutions vital to health of Melanesian democracies, conference learns by bobmakin Scan of the original Preamble to the Vanuatu Constitution Nine countries were represented at the Pacific Constitutions Research Network which began a searching conference in Port Via this morning. It is the inaugural conference and workshop, bringing legal minds together. Vanuatu has had a great many changes to its Constitution, as we know. But PNG has had even more: many more, as Dr Eric Kwa of the PNG Law Reform Commission told constitutional legislators this morning after the conference was opened by our Ombudsman and former Head of State, Kalkot Mataskelekele. However, Dr Kwa was pleased to point out that the PNG Constitution had held that country together despite the many languages and cultures, political persuasions and various corrupt practices. PNG has had so much need of protection of its core values and the Constitution has provided this. Constitutions are extremely important in Melanesian countries, as we are for ever seeing in Read more of this post bobmakin | November 23, 2016 at 2:08 pm | Tags: Constitution, Melanesia, parliament, politics, Vanuatu | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1sc Comment    See all comments 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/2fpsqCF Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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Brand new Jetpack features, a much cheaper backup solution, and .blog availability!

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[New post] Extraordinary session of Parliament adjourns to give MPs sufficient time to study bills for debate

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: " Parliament was adjourned 24 hours yesterday to give enough time to all MPs to study the Bills for debate as it was argued there had been insufficient time for this. It seems the extra time was insufficient for Opposition MPs – none turned up for the s" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Extraordinary session of Parliament adjourns to give MPs sufficient time to study bills for debate by bobmakin Parliament was adjourned 24 hours yesterday to give enough time to all MPs to study the Bills for debate as it was argued there had been insufficient time for this. It seems the extra time was insufficient for Opposition MPs – none turned up for the sitting this morning. No other explanation reached the House as 24 Government MPs waited for the 2nd extraordinary sitting to begin. Nor was any further explanation given in VBTC lunchtime news. Without a quorum, Parliament was obliged to further postpone the sitting, until 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon. (Radio Vanuatu) The new MP for Malo/Aore, Uri Warawara of the Graon mo Jastis Party, was sworn in yesterday. Government believes the  Read more of this post bobmakin | November 22, 2016 at 2:51 pm | Tags: aviation, China, climate change, infrastructure, parliament, politics, Sport, Vanuatu | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1s6 Comment    See all comments 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/2gg5kwM Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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Week 2 GIFTTT Guide Roundup

Week 2 GIFTTT Guide roundup: including Automatic Pro, LIFX, Withings, Skybell, and Qblinks. Take a look at some of the featured GIFTTTs that work with IFTTT! We're sharing new products every weekday until De​cem​ber 2​nd — here's what we showcased in week 2.         To disable these emails, sign in to manage your settings or unsubscribe. IFTTT HQ · 9​2​3 Market S​tre​et · Sa​n Franc​isco, Calif​ornia · 941​03

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[New post] Vaturisu Council of Chiefs seeks resolution of informal settlements issue in Efate

WordPress.com dailyvanuatu posted: " Efate's Vaturisu Council of Chiefs is united on squatter issues. At a general meeting late last week of the peak body of Efate kastom chiefs, the Vaturisu, members were concerned with the way in which the Police and VMF have had to be involved with squa" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vaturisu Council of Chiefs seeks resolution of informal settlements issue in Efate by dailyvanuatu The Vaturisu Council of Chiefs is concerned about the use of police to evict squatters – an evicted man points out homes demolished by police during a forced resettlement near Tanoliu, north Efate last September. Photo: Jean-Luc Thuha/Facebook Efate's Vaturisu Council of Chiefs is united on squatter issues. At a general meeting late last week of the peak body of Efate kastom chiefs, the Vaturisu, members were concerned with the way in which the Police and VMF have had to be involved with squatters within the last month, sometimes just dumping them elsewhere. Removal of people in this matter is something which the Vaturisu will be taking up with Government. Expanding the town limits, providing more land for squatter settlements or sending squatters back to their home islands are all issues which need to be addressed. But the chiefs are concerned that living conditions must be improved as squatter settlements are seeing greatly increasing populations. A series of resolutions emerged from the meeting which will assist in resolving the squatter questions. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has been under discussion at the 15th Session of the Assembly of State Parties to the Agreement, which is designed to protect member countries from the worst effects of international criminal activity. Vanuatu joined in 2012. Vanuatu's Minister of Justice Ronald Warsal, the only Pacific minister to attend the meeting, was powerful in his demand the International Criminal Court extend its outreach to the Pacific States. Climate Change was his topic and the Read more of this post dailyvanuatu | November 21, 2016 at 8:15 pm | Tags: informal settlers, International Criminal Court, land, Music, politics, urbanisation, Vanuatu | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1s1 Comment    See all comments 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/2fwEGPn Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] Opposition Leader as AG agreed to Act strengthening protection of customary land – but now wants to remove those protections

WordPress.com dailyvanuatu posted: " One of the Bills to be brought before Parliament next Monday is a Bill to repeal the Customary Land Management Act of 2013. It is described as a Private Member's Bill. It was, however, lodged by the Leader of the Opposition, Ishmael Kalsakau, who was " Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Opposition Leader as AG agreed to Act strengthening protection of customary land – but now wants to remove those protections by dailyvanuatu One of the Bills to be brought before Parliament next Monday is a Bill to repeal the Customary Land Management Act of 2013. It is described as a Private Member's Bill. It was, however, lodged by the Leader of the Opposition, Ishmael Kalsakau, who was Attorney-General at the time the Bill was first enacted. The explanatory note regarding the Bill to Repeal, which has not been readily obtainable, claims that the Customary Land Management Act of 2013 fails to enhance the application of the constitutional rule by enabling customary institutions to deal with disputes over land owned in accordance with the customary law of each particular place. The Leader of the Opposition has opposition backbencher support for his present campaign against the three-year old legislation. A great deal of consultation took place to ensure that every means would be found to enable the Custom Land Management Act to ensure all proper customary rules were complied with, as the Honourable MP would be aware; after all, he was the AG originally enabled this legislation – and now wants repealed. The Customary Land Management Act was enacted to provide greater protection to customary lands against improper land dealings, by ensuring that all dealings affecting customary land involved community consultation at the nakamal level. Kalsakau has not been available for comment (he is overseas), but a spokesman said Read more of this post dailyvanuatu | November 20, 2016 at 2:54 pm | Tags: drought, infrastructure, land, politics, public service, Vanuatu, water | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1rO Comment    See all comments 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/2eSGfuy Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] Govt says contracts of five Director-Generals won’t be renewed in public service shake up

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: " "No More DGs?" Daily Post asks, upon learning that the Council of Ministers had decided not to renew the contracts of some five DGs. Lands Minister Regenvanu admitted at the summit of Leaders for the National Sustainable Development Plan that a Counci" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Govt says contracts of five Director-Generals won’t be renewed in public service shake up by bobmakin "No More DGs?" Daily Post asks, upon learning that the Council of Ministers had decided not to renew the contracts of some five DGs. Lands Minister Regenvanu admitted at the summit of Leaders for the National Sustainable Development Plan that a Council of Ministers' decision had been taken as regards the five, whose contracts expire next week. They will not have their contracts Read more of this post bobmakin | November 18, 2016 at 10:18 am | Tags: agriculture, health, politics, public service, Vanuatu | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1rD Comment    See all comments 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/2fm1sJy Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] Sorry Port Vila Municipal Council, but town planning is not possible without a town planner

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: " The so-called Planning and Zoning Unit of the Port Vila Municipal Councihas said there must be planning and control in all areas of Port Vila town. There was a meeting earlier this week, which heard the Senior Planning Officer, Jerry Samson, saying th" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Sorry Port Vila Municipal Council, but town planning is not possible without a town planner by bobmakin One of Port Vila's informal settlements – one of the symptoms of the lack of urban planning in Vanuatu. Photo: IOM The so-called Planning and Zoning Unit of the Port Vila Municipal Councihas said there must be planning and control in all areas of Port Vila town. There was a meeting earlier this week, which heard the Senior Planning Officer, Jerry Samson, saying that in the last 40 years, building construction in the township has simply followed the wishes of the site owner. Samson now has a zoning proposal which the Port Vila Municipal Council is trying to introduce. Radio Vanuatu reported Samson speaking at the meeting about his proposal. Vanuatu Daily Digest maintains that there will never be an effective town plan until the Municipality of Port Vila employs a professional town planner. Members of the Vaturisu Council of Chiefs of Efate are meeting today and tomorrow at the Mele village faréa. The executive of the Vaturisu wants the committee to hear the update report of the Custom Governance Programme launched in July in the Port Vila area. The Chairman of the Vaturisu, Chief Henry Manlaewia, says Read more of this post bobmakin | November 17, 2016 at 2:19 pm | Tags: politics, Port Vila Municipal Council, right to information, urban planning, urbanisation, Vanuatu, Vaturisu | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1ru Comment    See all comments 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/2fyFoOH Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] MSG members to meet on 20th December to discuss West Papua’s membership

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: " December 20 is now proposed as the date for the MSG Leaders Summit to discuss membership, especially West Papua's. The meeting was postponed from the first week of October in Port Vila. The new DG Amena Yauvoli told Kizzy Kalsakau of Buzz FM Nightly New" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest MSG members to meet on 20th December to discuss West Papua’s membership by bobmakin Vanuatu supporters of West Papua full membership of MSG marching in Port Vila last April. Photo: AWPA December 20 is now proposed as the date for the MSG Leaders Summit to discuss membership, especially West Papua's. The meeting was postponed from the first week of October in Port Vila. The new DG Amena Yauvoli told Kizzy Kalsakau of Buzz FM Nightly News that the date awaits confirmation from MSG Leaders. The MSG Secretariat is simply awaiting a consensus on the date. (Daily Post) The People's Plan as outlined yesterday on this website has been under discussion today in the National Convention Centre. This National Development Plan is to cover the period from Read more of this post bobmakin | November 16, 2016 at 2:58 pm | Tags: agriculture, Melanesian Spearhead Group, MSG, National Sustainable Development Plan, New Zealand, politics, seasonal workers, transport, Vanuatu | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1rn Comment    See all comments 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/2fTf1kL Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] ‘The People’s Plan’: Govt reveals national development strategy for next 15 years

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: " A Plan for Vanuatu until 2030 and another for Port Vila for the next 20 years are of particular interest in Daily Post today. The national sustainable development plan, was developed through a national consultative process and is being promoted as " Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest ‘The People’s Plan’: Govt reveals national development strategy for next 15 years by bobmakin A Plan for Vanuatu until 2030 and another for Port Vila for the next 20 years are of particular interest in Daily Post today. The national sustainable development plan, was developed through a national consultative process and is being promoted as the People's Plan for the country. It takes as its model a development plan based on considerations of profit, people and the planet and is not just another Priorities and Action Agenda like the last one, which expired last year. Approximately 1,500 people were Read more of this post bobmakin | November 15, 2016 at 3:41 pm | Tags: development, politics, sustainable development, urban planning, Vanuatu | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1ri Comment    See all comments 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/2fPu4vE Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] Vt20B Govt budget for 2017; details released on legislation to be tabled in upcoming Parliamentary session

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: " The 2017 annual budget for Government amounts to Vt 20,242,223,265. Undoubtedly this is bigger than ever before, but happily income tax is not yet required of us. The parliamentary program for the coming weeks starts next Monday with the Extra-Ordinar" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vt20B Govt budget for 2017; details released on legislation to be tabled in upcoming Parliamentary session by bobmakin The 2017 annual budget for Government amounts to Vt 20,242,223,265. Undoubtedly this is bigger than ever before, but happily income tax is not yet required of us. The parliamentary program for the coming weeks starts next Monday with the Extra-Ordinary sitting. Then there is the Ordinary Sitting beginning on 8 December, and the Special Sitting to amend the Constitution starts on 12 December. As we promised on the weekend, here is some additional information on each of the pieces of legislation Government will be tabling at the upcoming Parliamentary sessions: Bill for the Right to Information Act The Bill provides for the guarantee of the right to information of all persons and to establish practical mechanisms supportive of that right and for related matters. Bill for the Referendum (Amendment) Act For the purposes of political stability, the Vanuatu Government has launched a political and electoral reform process and, in that context, Parliament is to review a number of proposed constitutional amendments. Under Article 86 of the Constitution, such amendments to the Constitution will not Read more of this post bobmakin | November 14, 2016 at 4:31 pm | Tags: agriculture, education, legislation, parliament, politics, Vanuatu | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1r4 Comment    See all comments 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/2eW9o6q Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] Case dismissed – bribery ex-MPs attempt to get out of prison fails

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: " The big news today is that the former MPs, ministers and PM jailed for bribery must remain imprisoned. Their offence was a criminal one. Justice James Geoghegan reminded the court that the Article 27 (2) of the Vanuatu Constitution does not provide MP" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Case dismissed – bribery ex-MPs attempt to get out of prison fails by bobmakin The catalyst for political change: the 14 MPs are taken to prison following their convictions in October 2015. Photo: TIV The big news today is that the former MPs, ministers and PM jailed for bribery must remain imprisoned. Their offence was a criminal one. Justice James Geoghegan reminded the court that the Article 27 (2) of the Vanuatu Constitution does not provide MPs with immunity from prosecution. He was also certain that the constitutional provision of 27 (2) was not relevant to the requirement the MPs attend the Magistrates' Court on what is considered by the MPs legal advisors as the key date in the matter, June 12, 2015. Justice Geoghegan said the primary purpose of 27 (2) is to enable Parliament to attend to its business and MPs to attend sittings. (Daily Post) The other big news this week was the release of some information concerning the Parliamentary sittings, immediately after we complained that MPs were expected to arrive in the capital without the necessary documentation. We believe MPs must be able to discuss proposed legislation with constituents before parliamentary sittings in order to take their views to the House. This failure on the part of Parliament is compounded when Government is seeking in one of the sittings to introduce a Right to Information Act—which Vanuatu Daily Digest fully supports. The full details concerning the parliamentary agenda have not been publicised, regrettably, but in brief this is what we are to expect: Read more of this post bobmakin | November 12, 2016 at 7:47 pm | Tags: Constitution, judiciary, justice, politics, Vanuatu | Categories: The Daily Digest | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-1qZ Comment    See all comments 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/2eMVi4d Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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