Ni-Vanuatu Seasonal employer needs workers

A total of 71 Ni-Vanuatu workers will be recruited to begin work as fruit and vegetable pickers on five different farms at the Maroochy SunShine, Pacific Crop Harvesting PTY LTD in Australia by Tuesday next week. Vanuatu’s Department of Labour, through its Recognized Seasonal Employment (RSE) Scheme has encountered another milestone that it believes should…

Data and statistics vital for tourism industry

It’s important to measure the value of tourism and see how much it contributes to the different sectors within the country. That’s the word from South Pacific Tourism Organisation’s CEO Ilisoni Vuidreketi at the South Pacific Tourism Organisation Meeting underway in Nadi.   Vuidreketi says, tourism has become a vital contributor to the sustainable growth…

Australian franchises keen to operate in PNG

Several franchises in Australia have indicated interest in partnering with National Development Bank (NDB) to bring in businesses to support locals in setting up businesses, bank managing director Moses Liu said.   He said negotiations were on-going.   NDB Investment Ltd (NDBIL), a subsidiary of NDB, was seeking reputable international franchises to support its Stret…

SPC and partners collaborate to develop integrated crop management strategies for sustainable food production

SPC: A regional research initiative is looking at innovative approaches to induce activators in plants to enhance their defences to fight off pests and diseases. The research is focusing on a mechanism by which an activator trips the plants’ own defensive shield. The research work being implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC)…

Installation of palm oil milling machine

The construction of a permanent complex to place a new portable milling machine for the Vangunu palm oil is nearing completion.The complex is being constructed by local firm, Pijin Holding company which is also responsible of ordering the portable machine from overseas. The machine will be based at Merusu. Pijin Holding workers have been hired…

Teak farmers benefit from sales

About 45 outgrowers in Kolombangara, Western province have benefited from their teak plantation after being sold overseas. Community Relations Manager Mayson Nesa who has master minded the selling of teak thinning on behalf of communities on Kolombangara Island was so proud in giving out cheques to about 45 farmers. This is third time round for…

PM invites Kiwis to explore opportunities

Acknowledging the interest shown by New Zealand businesses in what Solomon Islands has to over the past few years, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo invited Kiwis to forge partnerships with Solomon Islanders through investment, commerce and enterprise. Mr Lilo was speaking to members of the New Zealand Business Council in Auckland last week,…

West to debate 2014 budget

The Western provincial finance minister will this morning table the 2014 Western provincial estimated development budget. Reports from Gizo yesterday said Lester Huckle Saomasi will table the budget to be debated on the floor by members of the provincial government. Yesterday the Western provincial government opened its full assembly meeting yesterday. At the official opening…

West convene full assembly meeting

The Western provincial government yesterday opens its 2014 full executive assembly meeting in Gizo, Western province. The full assembly which is being held at Chacha conference room is expected to run throughout the week. Reports said some prominent leaders from the Gizo business houses and non-government organisations have been invited to be part of the…

Govt’s support for elderly, disable

PACIFIC governments have an important role to play in complementing traditional systems with social protection schemes such as the old age pensions and disability payments, says a report launched by the World Bank in Suva last week. The regional report, titled “Hardship and Vulnerability in the Pacific Island Countries”, was launched at USP and supported…