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

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "A technical report on VBTC has shown many areas in which it is improving. Radio Vanuatu points this out in its news today. The feeling may well be shared by many in the listenership even though it might also well take a long time to win back the national " Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 8 May 2015 by bobmakin A technical report on VBTC has shown many areas in which it is improving. Radio Vanuatu points this out in its news today. The feeling may well be shared by many in the listenership even though it might also well take a long time to win back the national listenership previously enjoyed from which the commercial music oriented stations have gained considerably. The Head of PACMAS, the regional media support organisation funded by Australian Aid, Francis Herman, says the technical report pays particular tribute to the efforts of technical personnel from New Zealand and the BBC, London, who have assisted in restoring their services as well as those of VBTC, Radio Vanuatu. As noted by many listeners and viewers, Radio Vanuatu and TBV were failing technically in both radio and television because of insufficient engineering experience and non-operating transmitters. Both Medium Wave and Short Wave services had begun failing before cyclone Pam - at a time when they were both of critical national importance for warnings. Today's Digest is brief for various reasons but before closing this writer would remind Radio Vanuatu presenters that, hurricane or none, listeners have a traditional right to expect the day's Meteo report after the 6 am news without having to endure endless, unknown and pathetic love songs. The weather is as much news as the bulletin. bobmakin | May 8, 2015 at 12:46 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-BQ 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/1JuOX70 Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "Daily media have dealt with the Deputy Prime Minister and Trade Minister Ham Lini pointing out to the delegates to the PACER-Plus inter-sessional meeting here the importance of trade in Vanuatu's present tough times following cyclone Pam. He underscored r" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 7 May 2015 by bobmakin Daily media have dealt with the Deputy Prime Minister and Trade Minister Ham Lini pointing out to the delegates to the PACER-Plus inter-sessional meeting here the importance of trade in Vanuatu's present tough times following cyclone Pam. He underscored regional solidarity as being necessary for trade and investment to increase. Daily Post reports the Chief Trade Advisor, Dr Edwini Kessie, suggesting Vanuatu learn from his country to open up to trade and investment without being afraid of the country's smallness or fear of being swallowed up by larger countries. The National Tourism Development Office - NTDO - and representatives of the tourism industry have presented recommendations to government as to how the industry should be restored after cyclone Pam. The Director of the NTDO, George Borugu, emphasized the need for a programme and a committee to oversee what it achieves. He also mentioned the industry requesting government to give assistance to the tourism sector where insurance has not been obtained. Daily Post leads with longline fishery licence fees increasing. This is because our main tuna resource is albacore, or to a lesser extent yellow fin tuna William Naviti, Fisheries Acting Director, explains. There are different rates for vessels depending on size. and the fees for 2015 are presently being netted. The Auditor General's comments on the need for proper funding of his office are being heeded by the Natuman Government. The Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation - VBTC - is reported on by Auditor General Path in today's Daily Post. This shows VBTC as having mis-spent huge sums in a 34-page report on the State Owned Enterprise (SOE). The Prime Minister's Task Force charged with improving the future performance and direction of Radio Vanuatu is closely studying the Auditor General's report to establish what action needs to be taken to rectify the situation. Daily Post also reports the VT 10 million Abwatuntora hospital on Pentecost should open in August this year. The hospital will be complete with an operating theatre. bobmakin | May 7, 2015 at 11:25 am | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-BP 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/1bza7p4 Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 6 May 2015

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "The Public Relations Officer of the Vanuatu Government, Kiery Manassah, has been further explaining though Radio Vanuatu the need for the involvement of the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) in relief operations following complaints from individu" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 6 May 2015 by bobmakin The Public Relations Officer of the Vanuatu Government, Kiery Manassah, has been further explaining though Radio Vanuatu the need for the involvement of the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) in relief operations following complaints from individuals and groups declaring their interests have not been properly considered. Manassah pointed out some of the the top priority interests which always have to be considered first, whether or not NGOs have alternative priorities. These might include schools, clinics and roads, he said. Cyclone Pam, PM Natuman says "has taught us and our relief partners and NGOs various lessons. Amendments to the Natural Disaster Strategy Act will ensure better control in future and that donors will receive all appropriate reporting." The PM was particularly grateful for the cash relief provided by the Melanesian neighbours. And also the relief of partners and the NGOs. "Every assistance must have some control and be properly reported," the PRO said The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme SPREP has prepared a long-term environmental recovery strategy for Vanuatu to help re-build the country after Pam. A team was sent for a rapid assessment survey and the results have been presented. The key environmental aspects affected are reefs, mangroves and tropical forests, especially in Tafea and Shefa. However, water supplies and fishery breeding areas are also covered. Queensland University of Technology has raised an amazing VT 6 million towards cyclone Pam relief. A huge Thompson tent which can accommodate over a hundred people has been donated by the family which makes such tents. It has been set up on Mataso. The family was moved by the television film of devastation in the Shepherds which they had seen. Daily Post carries photos of the tent and its placement on Mataso. Constitutionally important issues will be decided in the coming days by the justices of the Appeal Court in Vanuatu. This follows the hearing last week in the appeal of the Speaker of Parliament against the judgement of Justice Oliver Saksak which was in favour of the sixteen Members of Parliament who had been suspended. That case was heard as Carcasses v Boedoro [2014] VUSC 155; Constitutional Case 10 of 2014. The questions concern the powers of Parliament itself, and not just the Speaker, Daily Post reports. The justices of the Appeal Court were concerned to establish whether the majority in Parliament could thus be given "absolute" powers. It was foreseen that such means might then always be used by the majority to force their will on the minority. The judges will be considering whether Opposition MPs would have been facing double jeopardy had the suspension been maintained. The Chairman of the Public Service Commission, Kanam Wilson, has questioned whether the Auditor General can investigate money used by Members of Parliament as their MP allocation can be audited. It is indeed public money, he stated and VBTC News reported. The Auditor General agreed, but reminded hearers of the budgetary limitations of his office in trying to fully comply with financial regulations. John Lum MP of Nagriamel has been appointed Minister for Youth Development and Sport by the PM. He replaces MP Don Ken whom the PM thanked for his support. The re-shuffle was suggested by National United Party President, and DPM, Ham Lini and the "G13 group" (???). MP Ken becomes Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Public Policy formerly held by Lum. bobmakin | May 6, 2015 at 4:36 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-BO 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/1F58FZj Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 6 May 2015

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "The Public Relations Officer of the Vanuatu Government, Kiery Manassah, has been further explaining though Radio Vanuatu the need for the involvement of the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) in relief operations following complaints from individu" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 6 May 2015 by bobmakin The Public Relations Officer of the Vanuatu Government, Kiery Manassah, has been further explaining though Radio Vanuatu the need for the involvement of the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) in relief operations following complaints from individuals and groups declaring their interests have not been properly considered. Manassah pointed out some of the the top priority interests which always have to be considered first, whether or not NGOs have alternative priorities. These might include schools, clinics and roads, he said. Cyclone Pam, PM Natuman says "has taught us and our relief partners and NGOs various lessons. Amendments to the Natural Disaster Strategy Act will ensure better control in future and that donors will receive all appropriate reporting." The PM was particularly grateful for the cash relief provided by the Melanesian neighbours. And also the relief of partners and the NGOs. "Every assistance must have some control and be properly reported," the PRO said The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme SPREP has prepared a long-term environmental recovery strategy for Vanuatu to help re-build the country after Pam. A team was sent for a rapid assessment survey and the results have been presented. The key environmental aspects affected are reefs, mangroves and tropical forests, especially in Tafea and Shefa. However, water supplies and fishery breeding areas are also covered. Queensland University of Technology has raised an amazing VT 6 million towards cyclone Pam relief. A huge Thompson tent which can accommodate over a hundred people has been donated by the family which makes such tents. It has been set up on Mataso. The family was moved by the television film of devastation in the Shepherds which they had seen. Daily Post carries photos of the tent and its placement on Mataso. Constitutionally important issues will be decided in the coming days by the justices of the Appeal Court in Vanuatu. This follows the hearing last week in the appeal of the Speaker of Parliament against the judgement of Justice Oliver Saksak which was in favour of the sixteen Members of Parliament who had been suspended. That case was heard as Carcasses v Boedoro [2014] VUSC 155; Constitutional Case 10 of 2014. The questions concern the powers of Parliament itself, and not just the Speaker, Daily Post reports. The justices of the Appeal Court were concerned to establish whether the majority in Parliament could thus be given "absolute" powers. It was foreseen that such means might then always be used by the majority to force their will on the minority. The judges will be considering whether Opposition MPs would have been facing double jeopardy had the suspension been maintained. The Chairman of the Public Service Commission, Kanam Wilson, has questioned whether the Auditor General can investigate money used by Members of Parliament as their MP allocation can be audited. It is indeed public money, he stated and VBTC News reported. The Auditor General agreed, but reminded hearers of the budgetary limitations of his office in trying to fully comply with financial regulations. John Lum MP of Nagriamel has been appointed Minister for Youth Development and Sport by the PM. He replaces MP Don Ken whom the PM thanked for his support. The re-shuffle was suggested by National United Party President, and DPM, Ham Lini and the "G13 group" (???). MP Ken becomes Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Public Policy formerly held by Lum. bobmakin | May 6, 2015 at 4:36 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-BN 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/1Ql5kqW Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 5 May 2015

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "This news blog has failed to appear for a day or two owing to editor/operator connectivity problems. It's back. Daily Post headlines today with the PACER-Plus inter-sessional meeting opening today in Port Vila despite regional civil society bodies being " Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 5 May 2015 by bobmakin This news blog has failed to appear for a day or two owing to editor/operator connectivity problems. It's back. Daily Post headlines today with the PACER-Plus inter-sessional meeting opening today in Port Vila despite regional civil society bodies being opposed. They want fuller participation in the processes involved in the trade negotiations by civil society throughout the region. Yesterday's Post highlighted the shortcomings of the Auditor General's Department as the outspoken Auditor General himself described to the press last week. These are due to funding inadequacy and mean that, for example, State Owned Enterprises do not get audited. Radio Vanuatu reported yesterday Auditor General Path also speaking of a need for MP allocation auditing. Post yesterday had the 2017 CHOGM meeting "still on" in Port Vila in 2017. EU Ambassador Roy Mickey Joy told Post he had informed the Prime Minister of this. There is an earlier meeting of CHOGM in November in Malta. bobmakin | May 5, 2015 at 4:16 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-BM 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/1btVRhm Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 2 May 2015

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "With tomorrow being World Press Freedom Day, the Government blames the Vanuatu Independent for being far too free with what that paper is saying as regards cyclone Pam issues, actually distorting the truth. Indeed China is blamed for delivering relief whi" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 2 May 2015 by bobmakin With tomorrow being World Press Freedom Day, the Government blames the Vanuatu Independent for being far too free with what that paper is saying as regards cyclone Pam issues, actually distorting the truth. Indeed China is blamed for delivering relief which was nothing to do with that country. The full government comment is carried in the Daily Post, but only a 5-line apology in the Independent. That paper does, however carry a worthwhile piece on accurate reporting. Yesterday's Post carried the story of the destruction of the Nagol tower at Lonoror airport one complicated step further. Custom ownership of the Nagol is the basis for the dispute rather than anything boundary related. There is allegedly documentary evidence relating to ownership going back to chiefly council meetings of 2006. The dispute is, in the opinion of your blog editor, likely to curtail significantly Pentecost land diving for some time to come. This will certainly be good for the un-prolific life-saving vines used by the divers to arrest their drop at the last possible moment. Increasing practice of the customary spectacular has recently been suggested as likely with the possible arrival of big cruise liners in the nearest harbour. Daily Post yesterday reported that the next inter-sessional meeting of the PACER-Plus trade negotiators from the 14 countries of the region starts Tuesday at the Warwick Le Lagon centre. Regional labour mobility, development and economic co-operation, trade in goods, trade in services, and investment are all on the agenda. The PACER-Plus meeting comes in for significant criticism from civil society organisations in today's Post. In a half-page letter to the Editor they recommend suspension of the negotiations until there has been informed and comprehensive dialogue with civil society to establish if there is a popular mandate for the negotiations. The Independent and Radio Vanuatu today both add more information concerning the Auditor General's plea for his office to be more independent of government. The European Union would require more legislation to ensure an appropriate separation of powers in this regard. They would then fund alterations to the law it is suggested. Auditor General John Path spoke to the press in the matter. Yesterday, the Labour Day holiday, Daily Post reported 97 employees laid off in manufacturing positions and 70 in tourism following cyclone Pam.The Department of Labour announced it is organising a National Dialogue on Socially Responsible Restructuring during Crisis, with employer and employee representatives, starting Thursday. These deliberations will be assisted by the ILO. Changes to the laws concerning kava will protect people from two-day kava, VBTC reports today. Both overseas and local markets will be assisted. Abel Tabisue, private secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, explained changes intended to be voted in the parliamentary meeting later this month. bobmakin | May 2, 2015 at 1:16 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-BL 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/1ONvnJU Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

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