Issue 3/07, for the July to September 2007 quarter.
Also available as images identical to the printed version (issue 3_07 update.pdf) (386kb total), or in Microsoft Publisher format (07updatejul.) (2.0 Mb).

 Supreme Court Arson Fire

In the early morning hours of June 7, 2007, the historic Port Vila Supreme Court building burned to the ground. As of this writing two suspects surrendered to police but the investigation continues into this tragedy. While the suspects admitted drinking some kava and taking marijuana with friends, and then lighting the fire on the top floor of the court house, police investigators say it is too early to rely upon this information. Australian Federal Police assisting in the investigation found footprints on stairs in a corridor leading to toilets and other rooms in the building. The AFP collected the tiles where the foot prints were found and took them to Australia for analysis. The wooden Supreme Court building was about 100 years old and dates back to the early days of the French-English condominium of the New Hebrides. See the before and after photos at the left.

QUALSHIP 21

We are disappointed to have to report that after 4 years on the US Coast Guard’s QUALSHIP 21 list, Vanuatu lost its spot due to the single 2006 detention in the US for the non self-propelled barge Canyon Horizon. This coupled with a single detention in 2005 was enough to raise Vanuatu’s 2004-2006 detention ratio just 0.31 percentage points above the 1% QUALSHIP 21 detention ratio criteria. Vanuatu’s global detention rates remain much better than the global averages.
 

The Last of Katrina / Rita?

The photo to the left shows the deconstruction and removal of legs from a jackup rig damaged during Katrina / Rita. How much more work has to be done in the US Gulf?

New SAR For The Atlantic and Indian Oceans

SAFETY OF LIFE AT SEA Convention Amendments Enter Into Force

A number of amendments to SOLAS entered into force on 1 January 2007:

• Regulation II-1/3-7: ship construction drawings to be onboard & ashore
• Regulation II-1/3-8: towing and mooring equipment must be of sufficient safe working load to enable the safe conduct of all towing and mooring operations
• Regulation II-1/23-3: water level detectors to be in the cargo hold on new single hold cargo ships
• Regulation II-1/31: machinery controls to restrict the application of propulsion control automation systems in new ships.

New Aircraft for Vanuatu

China has signed a soft loan agreement with the Vanuatu Government to finance the purchase of two Chinese Y-12 aircraft (see photo). These aircraft are similar to Twin Otters. The financing will allow for the modernization of the inter-island fleet.

Telecommunication Policy

The Vanuatu Government released its long term telecommunication policy soliciting public comment. The policy calls for more competition. Two restricted licences have been issued. These may conflict with the existing monopoly held by Telecom Vanuatu, a joint venture between Cable & Wireless of the UK, Cable France, and the Vanuatu Government.

Financial Centre Association elects New Officers

The Vanuatu Financial Centre Association has elected a new Executive for the coming financial year. Included in the 5 person Executive are Angelika Becker, a Director of European Bank & European Trust Company, as well as Tom Bayer, Executive Chairman of PITCO. The Association’s main activity is working on new legislation with the government and representing the financial industry in matters affecting the country.

Inflation in Vanuatu Remains Low

The National Statistics Office released the latest inflation figures, which show that the Consumer Price Index has increased by 3.3% over the previous year. Drinks and tobacco rose the most (+7.6%) with housing & utilities up 4.6%. The rate of inflation is starting to increase as most of the pick up has occurred in the most recent quarter.

More Aid for Vanuatu

Sebel Vanuatu Opens

The new 7 story Sebel Vanuatu Hotel on the waterfront in Port Vila has opened. It is the Mirvac group of Australia’s first international hotel and they intend to promote it extensively. All rooms have sweeping views of the harbor which is directly in front of the hotel.

New Zealand Provides Opportunity for Vanuatu Seasonal Workers

New Zealand has successfully started its seasonal workers scheme to bring ni-Vanuatu to New Zealand to assist with harvesting agriculture produce. This initiative will provide employment for hundreds of workers who don’t have employment locally. Earnings brought home will assist the country’s balance of payments.

Italy Commits to US$10 Million

Pacific Island nations had signed a US$10 Million MOU with Italy to fund mainly environmental projects over the next 3 years. A regional meeting has been held in Vanuatu to draw up a list of preferential projects.

French Assistance

France is to provide budgetary funding to Vanuatu of 40 Million Vatu to cater for better access to education, the development of more French language projects, good governance and employment.

Chantilly’s Hotel to Change Hands

Port Vila’s premier boutique hotel on the harbor, within easy walking distance of the CBD, has new owners. They are the same New Zealand group which recently bought and extended Sunset Bungalows, located on the second lagoon. Renovations have commenced on the rooms, while the restaurant continues to maintain its excellent reputation.