Vanuatu

The 34th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, was told that Indonesia has not curtailed or halted various widespread violations.

Vanuatu's Justice Minister Ronald Warsal was speaking on behalf of his country and six other Pacific nations: Tonga, Nauru, Palau, Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands, and Solomon Islands

Fiji has now confirmed 143 cases, Nauru has confirmed more than 50, and 13 have been confirmed in American Samoa.

That follows outbreaks in Solomon Islands which has had more than 10,000 dengue cases in the last seven months, and in Vanuatu which has had more than 1700 cases since November.

RNZ reports in New Caledonia three people have died and a health emergency has been declared as more than 1-thousand cases have been recorded since September.

Jelany Chilia was the pick of the bowlers, with 3 for 10, as Vanuatu dismissed Indonesia for 82 before the opening pair of Josh Rasu and Jonathon Dunn chased down their victory target in just 9.1 overs.

Samoa captain Ben Mailata starred with bat and ball in a seven wicket win over Japan.

The 32 year old claimed 5 for 27 as Japan were dismissed for 144 and then led the way with the bat, top-scoring with 58 not out from 52 balls, including five sixes, as the Polynesian side overhauled their target inside 26 overs.

The orientation sessions at APTC campuses in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu on January 16 and 17, provided valuable information to new students on APTC facilities, student support services, regulations, and their responsibilities.

APTC is an innovative development program funded by the Australian Government, delivering internationally-recognised Australian skills and qualifications for a wide range of vocational careers for skilled workers across the Pacific.

Last last week, for the first time, frozen albacore tuna was off-loaded at Port Vila's main wharf before being transported to the Chinese-funded fish packing plant at Black Sands.

The Daily Post reports that with the assistance of United States surveillance vessels, the Vanuatu government is committed to having all Vanuatu-flagged fishing vessels unload their catches from the country's Exclusive Economic Zone in Port Vila.

The paper says Bumblebee is in discussion about building a plant in Vanuatu.

RNZ reports Van2017 officials met with the representatives from the Pacific Games Council and the 13 national sporting federations taking part in the Mini Games in Port Vila last week to hear more about plans for the sports programme at the Games next December.

CEO Clint Flood said they needed to make sure that on the day, the teams from all the countries would be able to compete and do their best.

"It's the most important job we have," said Flood.

A tour of the Korman Stadium site, under construction with the support of the Chinese Government, was also conducted. 

Last week’s meetings follow on from President Lakhan’s last visit to Port Vila in May where the PGC General Assembly was conducted.  At that time, the Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Charlot Salwai, publicly at the General Assembly and privately to President Lakhan, reaffirmed the Vanuatu Government’s commitment to hosting the 2017 Pacific Mini Games.

BIMA, a world-leading mobile micro-insurance provider, and the Pacific Financial Inclusion Programme (PFIP) have launched their second major joint initiative that will provide microinsurance products to underserved communities across five Pacific Island Countries.

PFIP has provided a grant to BIMA to bring simple, affordable microinsurance products to low-income, rural and underserved communities in Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa and Nauru.

New Caledonia topped the pool by defeating Papua New Guinea 4-1, while Vanuatu edged defending champions Fiji 1-0 in the other match on Saturday and should they both win again against Fiji and Papua New Guinea respectively they would wrap up the top two places with a game to spare.

Confirming a place in the final four of the eight nation is a step closer to qualifying for next year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup, which for the first time welcomes two teams from the OFC qualifying tournament, specifically the winners of each semi-final.

RNZ reports the assurance was given by China's ambassador to Vanuatu, Liu Quan, when he met the prime minister Charlot Salwai, the minister of sports Jack Norris and senior government officials at the construction site.

Mr Salwai's delegation heard from the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) construction company that work will be completed in October next year.

Currently, the CCECC employs 30 ni-Vanuatu but the number is expected to reach 80.