West Papuan leaders meet in Vanuatu
09 April 2008 - Source: Matangi Tonga

The most important summit of West Papuan leaders in their 45-year struggle for independence is underway in Vanuatu.

A solemn prayer and stirring rendition of their national anthem kickstarted the gathering in a house behind the little South Seas church. Inside, West Papuan delegates from around the world are attempting what has so far eluded them in a long struggle - a unified leadership.

Factionalism between political groups and within the military wing of the OPM (Organisasi Papua Merdeka or Free Papua Movement) has helped prevent regional support and internal cohesion over the years. Yet the differences have been more to do with Melanesian "Big Man" politics - read personal jealousies - than any conflicting ideology.�

All agree on the need for independence and continue�to reject Indonesia's autonomy promises.

West Papua's tribal diversity, relative poverty and wild geographic terrain has led to a number of political and military figures claiming leadership of the resistance in the past and operating fairly autonomously. The last figure with�widespread support was Chief Theys Eluay, president of Papuan Presidium Council, who was assassinated by Kompassus soldiers.

Since then a leadership vacuum of sorts has seen some tension between the now-silent Presidium Council and OPM guerillas operating in the bush. Part of the Vanuatu conference seems to be an attempt to bridge the divide and bring all groups back under the OPM banner. It is being seen as the most significant meeting of West Papuans since the OPM was formed in 1964.

"This is a historic meeting and the end of an eight-year consultation processm, which began in Jayapura in 2000," says Andy Ayamiseba, a West Papuan leader whose behind-the-scenes diplomacy has kept Vanuatu one of the few countries to provide consistent diplomatic support for the West Papuans.

"We are creating the 'pyramid structure' with one leader who can be recognised by our people and the international community."

One leader tipped as the possible head of the whole movement is Richard Yoweni, an OPM commander from the Manokowari region who, at 66 years old, is the longest serving OPM commander, having joined the guerrilla struggle in 1966 when he had returned to Jayapura following several years training in Jakarta to be a mechanic.�

Although the Vanuatu government has publicly distanced itself from the summit - at one stage it said the summit was not to take place for security reasons - its President Kalkot Mataskelekele re-affirmed the all-party support West Papua enjoys in the nation when he declared at the recent resumption of Parliament: "the struggle for freedom of the West Papuan people is always in the hearts of the people of Vanuatu."

Vanuatu continues to be a lifeline for the West Papuans, despite pressure from Jakarta and Canberra. It is indicative of Vanuatu's robust and independent foreign policy, born of its own struggle for independence from Britain and France, which it achieved in 1980.�

Vanuatu was the only Pacific nation to join the Non-Aligned Movement during the Cold War. It has long championed indigenous struggles in the region from East Timor to Tahiti and New Caledonia.

Given the West Papuan struggle has entered its fifth decade, after 100,000 dead (according to Church and NGOs) it is not surprising that a new generation of educated leaders and student groups is providing new momentum, taking the struggle out of the jungle and into the cities and international community.

Among them is Paula Makabory, a human rights activist with ELSHAM who has settled in Australia following regular threats by the Indonesian authorities. She is in Vanuatu to facilitate the summit with various leaders.

"The key to this summit is unity so all Papuans can come together under one roof, one umbrella and achieve our goals. Our people at home don't care who is the leader, they just want us to unite and be more effective," she says.

"The reality is that the Indonesian system is killing us. It's hard to be a Melanesian in Indonesia. They are creating horizontal conflicts and creating conflict within our political elite."�

Makabory has the same quiet intensity and eloquence that her mentor John Rumbiak, former head of ELSHAM, demonstrated before he suffered a stroke some years ago due to his tireless campaigning and stress of constant Indonesian intimidation.

"The West Papuan struggle is not for us to get rich, but only to have the most basic and fundamental human rights that every people deserve and that is enshrined in the UN's universal declaration of human rights. We have always felt like orphans in our own land."

"We must be allowed to have a proper referendum so we can decide our own destiny," argues Makabory.

It was the UN's first ever decolonisation mission and has long been viewed a farce. The plebicite it supervised - known as the Act of Free Choice - remains controversial since it was not based on "one man one vote".

Instead, the process was turned into an exercise in Cold War pragmatism by allowing Indonesia to handpick 1025 delegates to vote on behalf of 800,000 people. UN troops were pulled out and the Indonesian military allowed to provide "security".

Given the level of bribery and coercion exercised by the military, not surprisingly almost all the delegates voted for integration "with the motherland" despite widespread protests.

Indonesia had begun its annexation of then Dutch New Guinea in 1962 when a young General Suharto launched "Operation Mandala" with paratroopers and naval forces to wipe out the Dutch-backed Papuan forces, the forerunners of the OPM.

It is worth noting that Canberra supported Dutch plans to give West Papua independence in 1970, as Australia was itself preparing PNG for independence. Successive Australian governments, mainly Liberal, supported independence for West Papua until the New York Agreement of 1962, when the US pressured Australia and Holland to let Indonesia absorb West Papua into Indonesia, afraid a protracted war between Holland and Indonesia over Dutch New Guinea would push Indonesia under Sukarno deeper into the communist fold.

With the exception of former President Gus Dur who had allowed the Papuans to have their own national summit in 2000 and has promised them a referendum in future if he is elected again, virtually every Indonesian leader continues to echo Sukarno's catchcry of "from Sabang to Merauke" as a nationalist article of faith.

While Canberra has faithfully recognised Indonesian sovereignty since 1969, looming developments in the region are likely to further complicate Australian relations with Indonesia and Melanesia.

April also sees the launch of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat in Port Vila, Vanuatu - built and backed by China. MSG countries (PNG, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Fiji) are expected to grant "observer status" to both West Papua and New Caledonia.

A common foreign policy platform is likely to be developed at the MSG HQ from now on and then presented to the Pacific Islands Forum. Port Vila is thus emerging as the political capital of Melanesia.

Although the MSG has been around for 20 years, it seems only now to developing its teeth. Given Vanuatu�s growing political status and historically independent foreign policy approach, there may be a few surprises in store for Canberra even if relations have improved since the Rudd government was elected.

As one West Papuan leader said on the sidelines of the Vanuatu summit: "It's to our advantage that countries like Indonesia and Australia underestimate us.

"They still think we are just rag-tag rebels and bushmen fighting with bows and arrows. Let them underestimate us and soon they will be shocked when they witness our next strategy."
 

Old boots give Vanuatu kids helping hand
05 April 2008 - Source: The Manly Daily

MANLY Warringah soccer stalwart Brian Dunphy is up to his old tricks again.

Each year Dunphy orchestrates a boot drive where he sends away a convoy of footwear for under-privileged kids in Vanuatu.

The association official kickstarted the project eight years ago without fanfare and has no intention of cutting short the pledges anytime soon.

"For me the positive feedback I receive is reward enough," he said.

"The majority of players registered with the MWFA buy new boots before the start of each season and the old ones either get thrown out or start to collect dust in the cupboard.

"Rather than that happening people should donate their boots to some very eager recipients."

Dunphy revealed how the concept originated via a mutual friend working abroad.

"A mate of mine Pat Burgess was with the United Nations over in East Timor and he saw the state of living the locals were experiencing every day," he said.

"He told me football was the national sport and that they desperately needed some new clothing and boots.

"Originally I was shipping over gear to East Timor and Vanuatu but now the focus will just be the latter."

Manly United FC head coach Phil Moss advocated the work of Dunphy, saying he was a credit to himself and the sport.

"Brian has been the driving force behind this project and should be congratulated for the way he has conducted himself," he said.

"He is providing a great service and I encourage all players to pass on gear if they have items lying around at home."

People can drop off their boots or football gear to Mike Pawleys in Dee Why Square, Rebel at Warringah Mall or in the canteen at their local football club before Saturday, April 12.
 

Vanuatu’s opposition leader calls for more prosecution of politicians abusing office
01 April 2008 - Source: Radio New Zealand International

Vanuatu’s opposition leader has called for more prosecution of politicians involved in the abuse of office.

Moana Carcasses says that while much-needed rural development in Vanuatu remains neglected, too many politicians continue to serve their own interests first, going unpunished for indulging in corrupt practices.

His comments follow recent divisions within the coalition government over allegations of bribery against the Lands Minister in a court case.

Some MPs are unhappy that the Minister remains in his role when other government members have recently been removed from the coalition for involvement in fraud.

Mr Carcasses says that in most cases, leaders are not being held accountable for breaking the law.

“We should also give more power to the prosecution - any politicians misuse anything, they should be judged and punished. At the moment no one is punished. That’s our problem. So we should put in place a system (so) that people know when you take office, if you do good things, no problem, but if you do bad things, you’re going to be judged and go to jail for.”
 

Vanuatu seeks membership
28 March 2008 - Source: Fiji Times

DISCUSSIONS are underway for Cricket Fiji to host its Ni Vanuatu counterparts in a three match series in Suva next month.

Cricket Fiji operations manager and tournament director Seci Sekinini said Vanuatu had invited Fiji to tour, but lack of funding meant it was not possible.

"Vanuatu needs to play three more games to become an associate member and that's why they wanted us to go over,"Sekinini said.

"We cannot due to the lack of funds and Vanuatu asked if we could accommodate them of they came over."

Apart from the proposed matches against Vanuatu, Fiji is gearing up for the 2011 World Cup qualifiers which will be held in Tanzania on October 4-11. There will be five teams taking part which includes Fiji, Hong Kong, Tanzania, Italy and the winner from division five.

Meanwhile, Suva ended the cricket season with a colorful win over Moce in the Dwarka Prasad Cup final on Monday.

The tournament which was held on the Easter weekend was played under the International One Day competition under the Cricket Fiji program and saw lots of teams including the two Suva teams struggle under the conditions.

"Luckily the two finalists are the only districts in the country to have a domestic competition and saw them come through over Tubou, Ono-I-Lau, Natokalau and Lautoka in the round robin competition," Sekinini said.

"This has been a reminder that next year the entry to the competition will be strict with pre-requisite placed on districts when they want to participate.

"Suva showed through their national reps who have been exposed overseas how to play the one day game and that is how they pulled through".

Digicel wins GSM licence in Vanuatu
24 March 2008 - Source: fijilive

Digicel Pacific has strengthened its footprint in the region with the announcement that it has been awarded a licence to operate a GSM network in Vanuatu.

Digicel Pacific will now offer a seamless pan-pacific GSM network across five markets including Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Fiji and Vanuatu, online news website Telegeograhy Comms says.

With mobile penetration in Vanuatu at just 16 per cent, Digicel says it is planning an investment of USD35 million, to build 'an extensive state-of-the-art GSM network that will provide unbeatable network coverage and a range of innovative services.'

Digicel will be competing with existing telecom operator Telecom Vanuatu.

Vanuatu implements integrated framework on trade
20 March 2008 - Source: The Solomon Times

In an effort to strengthen trade policies, the Government of Vanuatu and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Fiji on behalf of the six multi-lateral agencies for the Integrated Framework (IF) for Trade have signed a US$1 million programme for 2008-2012.

In addition to UNDP, which plays the facilitating role, other IF partners include the International Monetary Fund (IMF), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, The World Bank Group, International Trade Centre and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The aim of the IF which forms part of the recently signed UNDP Country Programme Action Plan in Vanuatu for 2008-2012, is to assist the country in enhancing its trade capacity and policy framework to ensure the long-term sustainability of Vanuatu’s trade policies.

It also helps in anchoring the process of trade reforms in society, enables the development of alliances amongst a wide range of actors and fosters an environment for continuous capacity building. The IF strives to use trade as a catalyst for growth more effectively.

The programme’s activities in Vanuatu will include setting up of the Trade Development Unit (TDU) facilitating a coherent Trade Act and the review of the Import Duties Act.

The TDU will work closely with the various partners such as the Department of Trade, Customs and Revenue Department and the Cooperatives Department to implement various activities prioritised.

The IF is a country driven process leading to the integration of trade policy into the overall national development strategies.

It also looks at coordinating delivery of Trade-Related Technical Assistance (TRTA) by all development partners including the donor community in response to the needs identified by the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The European Union (EU) is the donor facilitator for the IF in Vanuatu.

UNDP and its partners are also undertaking similar initiatives this year in the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Kiribati.

Digicel awarded GSM mobile license in Vanuatu
16 March 2008 - Source: The Earth Times

Digicel Pacific Ltd., the fastest-growing mobile operator in the Pacific, has strengthened its footprint in the region with the announcement today that it has been awarded a license to operate a GSM network in Vanuatu after being awarded a mobile license in Fiji two weeks ago. Digicel Pacific will now offer a seamless pan pacific GSM network across five markets, including Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Fiji and Vanuatu.

Vanuatu is a perfect example of a country where the commitment of the Government has resulted in a speedy end to the monopolization of the telecoms sector by a company owned by the State and private interests such as Telecom Vanuatu Limited (TVL). The entire liberalization process was completed in less than five months and can be used as a perfect template for other countries looking to benefit from the enormous benefits of competition to their country.

With mobile penetration in Vanuatu at just 16 percent, Digicel is planning an investment of US$35 million (Vuv3.325 Billion) in building an extensive state-of-the-art GSM network that will enhance mobile communications and spur competition in Vanuatu offering innovative and accessible mobile services that offer real value to customers. Digicel is committed to providing unbeatable network coverage. Digicel Vanuatu plans to expand its existing operation in Vanuatu to more than 70 employees to support the company in its aim to become the people's mobile operator of choice.

"Digicel is delighted to be in Vanuatu. Digicel has operated in the region since 2006 and brings to Vanuatu an impressive track record in both Samoa and Papua New Guinea. Vanuatu is a very important market for us. Our goal is to become the number one operator in this market," said Vanessa Slowey, Digicel Pacific CEO.

According to Slowey, "Digicel is committed to providing the people of Vanuatu competitive mobile solutions that offer the best value for money through its state-of-the-art network, superior customer care and innovative products and services. We are building on our experience gained in Papua New Guinea and Samoa to bring a world class organization and customer service to Vanuatu."

Digicel Vanuatu also announces the acquisition of the previously owned Pacific Data Solutions (PDS) switch building and associated assets in Port Vila, Vanuatu. The building is a prime property in Vanuatu and will be used to house the Digicel Vanuatu office and telecommunications operations. This purchase did not include any of PDS' ongoing businesses, including its online gambling business.

Digicel Pacific Ltd. is a sister company to Digicel Group, the largest mobile operator in the Caribbean and new entrant to the Central American mobile market. In 2007, Digicel Group Ltd. recorded more than six million customers and a total investment exceeding US$1.9 billion after just seven years of operation.

Hat-trick from Tau secures win against Vanuatu
12 March 2008 - Source: The National

Striker Winnie Tau yesterday scored a hat-trick to help PNG beat Vanuatu 7-2 in their final match of the Oceania Olympic qualifier in Lautoka, Fiji.

The win was major boost as it pushed PNG into top four of the six-team qualifying tournament.
The win over Vanuatu is also the second recorded on the tournament following their first 6-1 win over the Cook Islands on Friday. PNG lost their three opening matches to the Solomon Islands (6-0), Fiji (7-1) and New Zealand (5-2).

The Vanuatu and PNG matched kicked off in fine conditions at Churchhill Park to decide the minor placings. PNG wasted not time as striker Raymond Gunemba fired a shot at Vanuatu goal but was saved by goalkeeper Kalnasei.

About 10 minutes later, nippy midfielder Samuel Kini scored the first goal for the afternoon, and three minutes later, co-striker Tau Winnie scored the first of his hat-trick and his fourth goal of the championships.

Soon after Winnie was brought down and David Muta scored with ease to put PNG in a better position three goals up against Vanuatu. PNG were now in full control with three goal advantage. And the PNG boys defended well to maintain a 3-0 score at half time.

Six minutes into second half, fourth official Andrew Moli of the Solomon Islands had to replace Rakesh Varman of Fiji because Varman withdrew due to injury. Vanuatu bounced back strongly in the second half and kept PNG defence busy with their striker Brian Melar pounding the PNG defence. They finally found the net through Michael Kaltak in the 52nd minute when sweeper Tarcissius Mandarip failed to clear the ball.

Unfortunately, Kaltak did not last the match as he was red-carded for foul on David Muta. Muta was replaced by Jason Wesley. PNGís Gunemba scored his second goal of the afternoon after a good set of play to put PNG in front 4-1.

And then Wesley made fine volleyed cross to find Winnie to put PNG in front 5-1. Winnie had an opportunity for the sixth goal but he missed the shot. Welgris Highlander Koriak Upaiga beat Kalnasei one-on-one and rifled home a sixth for Papua New Guinea before Vanuatu pulled one back through Fenedy Masauvakolo to trail 6-2.

Winnie never gave up and finished the tournament with his sixth goal to seal the game for PNG.
 

Warwick to Open Moorea Resort Early 2010
08 March 2008 - Source: Fiji Times

The Warwick International Hotels group, which is established in several Pacific island countries (including Fiji and Vanuatu), has just signed a deal with French Polynesia's authorities to take over the management of a resort on Moorea island (close to the main island of Tahiti), the company said in a statement.

Globally, the group is planning to build or takeover about ten new resorts "by the end of 2009", the group's hotel development head Jean-François Garnier told reporters at the week-end during a press conference held at the prestigious Warwick Champs-Elysées in Paris.

Warwick International Hotels to date operates some 40 resorts, 16 of which it owns and the rest on a management contract basis.

The Moorea resort deal, which has been signed with French company Gregori International, is expected to be open for business "early 2010".

The future "Warwick Moorea Golf & Spa Resorts" will feature some 15
4 rooms, in bungalows or building, including 24 luxury suites.

The investment volume is announced to reach some 80 million euros (121.6 US Dollars)
"We are confident this resort will quickly become the South Pacific's reference", Gregori International Chairman Jean-Louis Gregori assured.

Garnier also confirmed that as far as the global strategy of the group went, the Pacific region remains a key zone.

In the region, the group already operates and owns two establishments in Fiji and one in Vanuatu (Le Lagon Resort Vanuatu).

Last year, Le Lagon Resort Vanuatu completed a one-million US dollar upgrade, especially on its guest rooms, resort lobby, restaurants & bars, new cascading pools with swim up bars, entry archway and tropical landscaped gardens.

Mid-2006, in Fiji, the Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa, completed another major refurbishment and capacity extension exercise for an estimated cost of some 15 million US dollars.

The other group's resort in Fiji, the Naviti, also underwent similar extension upgrades.
Warwick International Hotels plans to open a new resort in Samoa (2009) and in Tonga (2010).

It is also currently considering the feasibility of possible new ventures in New Zealand, Australia, the Cook Islands or New Caledonia.
 

Kiwis find Vanuatu tough nut to crack
04 March 2008 - Source: Fiji Times

Favourites New Zealand maintained its unbeaten run in the Oceania Olympic playoff with a hard fought 2-0 won over a gritty Vanuatu side in Lautoka last night.

Kiwi coach Stu Jacobs made one change to the side which defeated Fiji 2-1 on Saturday bringing in Costa Barbarouses in place of Greg Draper.

Vanuatu started strongly with Jeffry Nimanian's attempt saved by New Zealand goalie Jacob Spoonley.

New Zealand scored its opening goal in the 15th minute.

Barbarouses lobbed the ball over Vanuatu goalkeeper Charley Kalanasei.

Joseph Namariau missed a sitter in the 31 minute after a break from Francois Sakama.

The Vanuatu striker beat defenders Steven Old and Michael Boxall then sent a timely cross in the box but Namariau failed to convert from close range.

Tahitian referee Norbert Hauatu red carded Spencer Noal of Vanuatu and Dan Keat of New Zealand reducing both teams to 10 players in the 37th minute.

Barbarouses set up replacement Jeremy Brockie for the second goal three minutes later. Vanuatu tried hard to get back in the match in the second spell but could not get the ball past Spoonley.

Vanuatu: Charley Kalanasei, Bula Chillia, Rexley Tarivuti, Spencer Noal, Roger Joe, Fenedy Masavakaulo, Jeffry Nimanian, Francois Sakama, Joseph Namariau, Tchamaco Mahe, Geoffrey Lego Gete.

New Zealand: Jacob Spoonley, Aaron Scott, Michael Boxall, Steven Old, Cole Peverley, Craig Henderson, Dan Keat, Hone Fowler, Shaun Van Rooyen, Daniel Ellensohn, Costa Barbarouses.
 

China, Vanuatu to step up cooperation
29 February 2008 - Source: Xinhua

China and Vanuatu have promised to continue to promote bilateral relations and step up inter-parliamentary cooperation. China's top legislator Wu Bangguo met with Vanuatu parliament speaker Sam Dan Avock in Beijing.

Wu Bangguo said developing stronger ties will benefit both countries, and foster stability and prosperity in the region. Wu encouraged the two parliaments to intensify exchanges and cooperation.

Avock renewed his country's commitment to the one-China policy and its firm support for China's reunification. He said a prosperous and strong China will play a positive role in maintaining peace and stability.
 

Vanuatu sets April dates for MSG summit
25 February 2008 - Source: Radio New Zealand International

Vanuatu’s government has confirmed new dates for the Melanesian Spearhead Group leaders summit in Port Vila.

The summit, which will be the first key meeting at the newly opened MSG Secretariat in Vanuatu’s capital, is now scheduled for April 14th and 15th after being deferred from late February.

Meanwhile, the Vanuatu Prime Minister’s political advisor, George Bogiri, says Fiji’s interim Prime Minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, is also expected to attend the summit.

Mr Bogiri says the MSG will look to extract more commitment from Commodore Bainimarama on the election dates he promised at last October’s Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga.

“Somare, he did a lot to convince Bainimarama and then Bainimarama came out open in Tonga. And this time around all the MSG leaders will be in Vila and hopefully Bainimarama will come out with something positive, especially for the dates for the elections he promised in Tonga.”

George Bogiri
 

Vanuatu aims to revive mat making
21 February 2008 - Source: ABC Radio Australia

A women's organisation in Vanuatu is hoping to revive the traditional skills of mat making, saying its an important part of the Pacific nation's culture.

The Vanuatu Daily Post reports that organisers of a Women's Culture Program will be touring some of Vanuatu's islands to help revive traditional mat making skills, some of which are no longer in use.

The program organisers are also hoping to promote the use of mats in the islands.

The project to revive mat making is being sponsored by the the Australian aid agency AusAID, and the four-month educational tour will begin in March.
 

Event Polynesia to market and promote Toa Samoa RLWC campaign
17 February 2008 - Source: eventpolynesia.com

Samoa Rugby League has announced the appointment of Event Polynesia to market and promote Toa Samoa for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup, to be held in Australia starting in October. The arrangement includes marketing, promotion and fundraising, starting as soon as possible and includes all commercial arrangements from now up to and after the Rugby League World Cup. Details of the partnership are yet to be finalised, but the two parties are keen to work together for the betterment of Toa Samoa’s World Cup Campaign and commercial arrangements going forward.

“We are so delighted to be working with Event Polynesia for the World Cup and going forward" said SRL President Mr Peter Paul.

Toa Samoa RLWC Fundraising will kick-off in mid April with corporate fights pitching rugby league legends against those from other sports. It will also include fights between corporate professionals pitching CEO’s of the public and private sector against one another. This will be the first time for corporate Samoa to enjoy corporate fights, including wining and dining and cheering on a professional partner, while at the same time, contributing to and fundraising for Toa Samoa’s Rugby League World Cup campaign.

“It is such a relief for us to bring in a professional event company to take care of marketing and commercial matters whilst we concentrate on the administration side of things for the World Cup” said SRL Secretary General Fritz Tuiavii.

The local Samoa Rugby League competition kicks-off in early April, with trials set for July and the World Cup squad to be finalised in August. With the high interest and participation of our premier Samoan professional rugby league stars from all over the world, Toa Samoa stands a very positive chance to make the Semi Finals of the World Cup.
 

Vanuatu PM to visit New Zealand next week
13 February 2008 - Source: Xinhua

Vanuatu Prime Minister Ham Lini will pay his first official visit to New Zealand from Feb. 17 to 20, Prime Minister Helen Clark announced on Monday.

In recent years, New Zealand and Vanuatu have enjoyed a regular program of high-level visits and exchanges. Both countries have been working together to develop a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening the relationship and supporting Vanuatu's development goals, Clark said.

The South Pacific nation of Vanuatu is New Zealand's third-largest bilateral aid partner. New Zealand currently provides 15 million NZ dollars (11.8 million U.S. dollars) to Vanuatu as part of its overseas development assistance program and this is set to increase in the future.

"A feature of Prime Minister Lini's visit will be a meeting with Ni-Vanuatu workers and their New Zealand employer at a site near Hastings," Clark said.

More than 300 Ni-Vanuatu workers are currently employed in New Zealand under the Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, mostly in Central Otago and Hawke's Bay. These numbers are expected to increase significantly as the New Zealand growing season continues.

The RSE scheme was introduced in May 2007 and it offers workers from Pacific Island countries the opportunity to undertake temporary employment in the horticulture and viticulture sectors in New Zealand.
 

Australian Olympian inspiring others to achieve
09 February 2008 - Source: Radio Australia

Australian sprinter Cathy Freeman hopes to inspire other indigenous athletes to achieve.

The first Aborigine track and field athlete to represent Australia at the Olympics, Freeman will visit Vanuatu next week.

The 400 metres gold medallist says she knows the struggles of growing up in a poor and remote community.

Freeman will launch the International Olympic Committee Pacific Island talent identification program, in Vanuatu's capital, Port Vila.

"I think it is an exceptional beginning to something that is beyond their wildest imagination," Freeman said.

"For the children and families and the wilder community I can relate to their perspective from an indigenous background, and a working class background.

"I am a good example of what you can do with little. Realising that there are opportunities that you can make the most of."

The Oceania Foundation Talent Identification project is funded through the IOC's solidarity movement.

Talent identification programs will be rolled out through Oceania's Olympic nations. Vanuatu is the first.

Athletes will be identified, exposed to elite training practices and equipment. The project's regional manager, Anne King said the best outcome would be to see a world champion from the Pacific.
 

Ten Samoan boxing pioneers receive honorary awards
05 February 2008 - Source: eventpolynesia.com

Ten recipients of the Samoa International Pro-Am Boxing Honorary Awards were presented their awards at the Pre-fight Cocktail on Friday 1st February 2008.

According to Mr. Puni, “It is fitting that the pioneers of Samoa boxing are honoured at the inaugural Samoa International Pro-Am Boxing event for their service in boxing. This weekend Samoa will not only host representatives from the four main world boxing bodies, but will make boxing history with local referee and judges officiating the WBO Oriental Cruiserweight title.”

“Contrary to what most think, it is very hard to raise funds in Samoa to promote boxing and especially to stage international fights here. This is the first and very likely to be the last time Event Polynesia Boxing will bring such an international boxing gathering here to Samoa.”

“Event Polynesia Boxing is committed to promoting Samoan boxers. However, the international title fights will have to be in Auckland where we stage our New Zealand fights because of the huge expenses that we incur to bring such events to Samoa.”

Mr. Puni and boxing officials made a courtesy call to personally thank the Prime Minister, Hon. Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi and to thank the Samoa Government for the financial assistance towards the amateur expenses of this event.

Mr. Reginald Leca, President of Oceania Boxing Association and representative for PABA and WBA at a media conference yesterday, compared Samoa to Cuba as a force in world boxing. But unlike Cuba, Samoa needs to move its amateur boxers to professional boxing earlier rather than very late as is the case with Maselino Masoe.

“This requires amateur boxing to work together with professional boxing in Samoa in association with promoters such as Event Polynesia Boxing, who are helping Samoan professional boxers to get ranking for title fights.”

The 10 recipients of the Samoa International Pro-Am Boxing Honorary Awards are:
Hon Peter Paul – Promoter, Hon Sala Ulugia Suivai – Promoter / Coach,
Savaiinaea Malo Slade – Boxer / Trainer / Coach,
Oscar Meredith – Trainer / Coach,
Hon Fa’asootauloa Sam Saili – Promoter,
Galumalemana Afeleti Betham – Trainer / Coach / Promoter,
Hon Polataivao Fosi Schmidt – Boxer / Promoter / Coach,
Lesa Eric Fatupaito – Trainer / Coach,
Maposua Rudolf Keil – Promoter, and
Ulugia Elijah Stanley – Promoter.
 

Cyclone Gene closes in on Vanuatu
01 February 2008 - Source: ABC News
 
Tropical Cyclone Gene is heading towards southern Vanuatu after battering the main islands of Fiji.

The storm killed six people as it lashed Fiji and dozens of homes flattened.

Power was cut to half the island and many tourists were stranded.

Cyclone forecaster Ali Pate from Fiji's weather bureau says Gene is expected to hit Vanuatu later today, carrying winds of up to 85 kilometres an hour.

"If it continues on its current track, it will take it to the southern parts of Vanuatu and maintains its current intensity, then Vanuatu should be expecting at least a gale force storm," he said.
 

Special accommodation and rental car deals announced for boxing fans
28 January 2008 - Source: eventpolynesia.com
 
Overseas interest in the upcoming Samoa International Pro-Am Boxing event in Apia on Saturday 2nd February 2008 will see up to 200 boxing fans and supporters arriving in Samoa next week.

Many more are expected to book a ticket to Samoa with the announcement over the week end of special accommodation and rental car deals for boxing fans and supporters.

Hotel Kitano Samoa is offering an accommodation special $200 SAT per room per day for up to three people with ELAVA at Vaitele is offering $120 SAT per room per day up to two people with continental breakfast included.

Apia Rental is offering a 15% discount to all their vehicles with DAT Car Rentals is offering a special $165 per day for their Hyundai Tucson fleet.

This was confirmed by Mr. Teleiai Su’atapulolo’o Edwin Puni, Managing Director of Event Polynesia, “For the next two weeks, Hotel Kitano Samoa and ELAVA Resort will be the home of international boxing with Apia Rental and DAT Car Rentals as the preferred rental car service.”

The inaugural Samoa International Pro-Am Boxing is an initiative of Event Polynesia Boxing in association with SPBI and SABA to provide our Samoan boxers both amateur and professional a pathway to boxing world titles by setting up the needed top international competitions right here in Samoa.

Mr. Puni credits the support from media partners Samoa Observer, Le Samoa Post, SBC, TV3, Vaiala Beach TV and Radio Polynesia in promoting the upcoming fight.

Mr. Puni goes on to say, “Staging international title fights in Samoa is very good for tourism and local businesses and also allows for our people to see the action LIVE and up close.”

WBO Oriental Cruiserweight title contender and current IBF Australasian Cruiserweight champion Mr. Lawrence Tauasa arrived in Samoa on Sunday with his manager Mr. Lincoln Hudson to prepare for the upcoming fight.

For more information contact Mr. Tuilagi Maiava Saipele Esera on (+685) 751-9458 or email: saipele@eventpolynesia.com.
 

New Air Vanuatu airliner on nationwide tour
24 January 2008 - Source: Radio New Zealand International

Air Vanuatu’s new Boeing 737-800 plane has landed in Port Vila and Luganville in Santo and flown all over the country on a maiden flight for the people to see their new plane which will replace the current 737-300 on February 1st.

The airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Terry Kerr, has told invited guests that the plane is unique in the region as it is the only fitted with some of the up to date technological equipment.

Mr Kerr has praised the engineers of the airline for keeping the current Boeing 737-300 plane as good as new for ten years.

He says it will be transferred to an airline company in the Midlands in England.