Oceania > Vanuatu

Vanuatu

Capital: Port-Vila; GDP growth (annual %) 2016: 4.0%;

Vanuatu’s latest hospital theatre opens in north Pentecost

Vanuatu’s new hospital, the Mauna operating theatre in Abwatuntora on Pentecost was opened yesterday and has by presently seen its initial patient, a patient who had reportedly travelled several times before to Vila without being treated successfully. The man has presently been operated in the new theatre on is home island and is pleased with the result. Mauna is the dream of North Pentecost chiefs and people and was initial discussed in 2014. The initial clinically qualified surgeon (as well the initial in the country), Dr Richard Leona, was at that conference and shared the dream of the Raga people.
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Virgin coconut oil production gets a boost on Ambrym

With Australian Government assistance through TVET and the local virgin coconut oil production company, Bella Trading Vanuatu on Ambrym island is improving both quality and quantity of virgin coconut oil production. The Department of Industry has been training in the use of cold press machines given to communities through Australia’s Direct Assistance Programme.

Upskilling is going ahead apace. TVET has been particularly supportive of Ambrym women trying hard to improve their management skills.
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Vanuatu Revenue Review report cites Vt 5 billion Govt revenue shortfall

The official handover of the Vanuatu Revenue Review final statement looking into reform and modernisation, yesterday, has resulted in excellent coverage in last weekend’s media. Those most closely involved are pleased with the work undertaken.

From the Statement will be drawn conclusions concerning gain tax, and the statement makes it abundantly clear, as does the Statement, that Government Revenue does not meet the billions required of it. Minister Pikioune sees a revenue shortfall instantly of Vt 5 billion. Other Government sources put the figure closer to Vt 2 billion. But a shortfall means something surely has to be done.
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Key Facts: Full name: Republic of Vanuatu
Population: 245,800 (UN, 2010)
Area: 12,190 sq km (4,707 sq miles)
Major languages: Bislama, French, English
Major religion: Christianity
Life expectancy: 70 years (men), 74 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: 1 vatu = 100 centimes
Main exports: Copra, timber, beef, cocoa
GNI per capita: US $2,760 (World Bank, 2010)
Internet domain: .vu
International dialling code: +678

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Climate change laws around the world
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There has been a 20-fold increase in the number of global climate change laws since 1997, according to the most comprehensive database of relevant policy and legislation.

The database, produced by the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment and the Sabin Center on Climate Change Law, includes more than 1,200 relevant policies across 164 countries, which account for 95% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

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