YTS News

07/03/2025

China has warned the US it is prepared to fight "any type" of war in retaliation against Donald Trump's escalating trade war.

The trade dispute between the world's two biggest economies has escalated after the US President doubled tariffs on all Chinese imports.

READ MORE: nine.social/UWc

07/03/2025

ALFRED WHO?

As Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches Australia's Gold Coast, authorities are urging residents and visitors to stay away from beaches due to dangerous conditions. Despite official warnings, some individuals have engaged in risky behaviors, such as surfing massive swells and venturing too close to the shoreline. A viral TikTok video shows a surfer riding waves at Burleigh Hill, accompanied by the caption "Alfred who?"

In response, acting Gold Coast Mayor Donna Gates has warned that such reckless actions could result in fines of up to $16,100.

ABC.NET.AU
Authorities emphasize the importance of adhering to safety measures to prevent accidents as Cyclone Alfred brings severe weather conditions to the region.

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSMXHt8PJ/

249.4K likes, 1453 comments. “Burleigh Hill providing the goods 🌪️🌪️”

07/03/2025

VMF TRAINED ON FAMAS RIFLES

Two instructors from Forces Armées en Nouvelle-Calédonie conducted a two-week training program for around 15 Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF) personnel, focusing on the maintenance and care of French FAMAS rifles. This initiative aimed to enhance the VMF’s ability to properly service and sustain the weapons, ensuring their reliability for future operations.

To mark the successful completion of the training, General Latil personally awarded diplomas to the participants, recognizing their dedication and newly acquired skills. Additionally, a French aircraft delivered a supply of ammunition, further strengthening the partnership between the French forces and VMF.

07/03/2025

FRENCH SERVICEMEN HONORED WITH VANUATU COLORS

Two French servicemen who spent two weeks with the Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF) have built strong friendships. As a gesture of appreciation, they received shirts in Vanuatu’s colors.

07/03/2025

KNB SCHOLARSHIP NOW OPEN FOR VANUATU CITIZENS – ZOOM BRIEFING ON MARCH 12, 2025

The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Canberra (KBRI Canberra) has announced that the Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship is now open for registration for Vanuatu citizens.

To provide more details about this scholarship opportunity, KBRI Canberra is inviting interested individuals to join an online briefing session via Zoom on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 10:00 AM (AEST).

Meeting Details:
Topic: KNB Scholarship Socialization
Date & Time: March 12, 2025, 10:00 AM (Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney time)
Meeting Link: Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 891 330 5359
Passcode: 852654

For more information, visit https://knb.kemdiktisaintek.go.id or contact KBRI Canberra at [email protected].

This scholarship provides an excellent opportunity for Vanuatu citizens to pursue higher education in Indonesia. Those interested are encouraged to attend the Zoom briefing to learn more about the application process and benefits.

07/03/2025

LALIT MODI OBTAINS VANUATU CITIZENSHIP, MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OF INDIA CONFIRMS

Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, held a briefing in which he stated:

"It has come to our attention that Lalit Modi has applied to surrender his passport at the High Commission of India in London. The request will be reviewed according to the existing rules and procedures. We also understand that he has obtained citizenship in Vanuatu. We will continue to pursue the case against him in accordance with the law."

Video: MEA Spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal

07/03/2025

07/03/2025

VANUATU YOUTH LEADER BACKS INDIGENOUS-ONLY ELECTION REFORM

National Youth Council president Morry Ruben has backed the Vanuatu government's plan to restrict election candidacy to indigenous Ni-Vanuatu citizens. Ruben believes the policy will safeguard future opportunities for indigenous youth in politics, ensuring they have space to become Members of Parliament.

The reform, part of the government's 100-day plan, has sparked controversy, with opposition leader Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau calling it an attempt to "legitimise racism." However, supporters argue it will strengthen national identity and governance.

The government has yet to formally comment, while the Electoral Commission has been tasked with implementing the priority.

07/03/2025

VANUATU BENEFITS FROM PACIFIC CLIMATE ADVOCACY AT IPCC MEETING

7 March 2025

Vanuatu, alongside other Pacific nations, played an important role in amplifying the region’s voice at the 62nd Plenary Session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in Hangzhou, China. The session, held from February 24-28, 2025, focused on shaping the Seventh Assessment Report and Carbon Dioxide Removal Technologies.

Ms. Shindra Sharma, Vanuatu’s delegate to the IPCC, highlighted the importance of IPCC science in shaping the country’s climate policies and strategies. "The IPCC’s science guides our climate responses, providing critical evidence to plan and respond to impacts," she said.

Through Vanuatu’s active participation, the Pacific’s call to keep the global temperature rise to 1.5°C alive gained further visibility. This involvement, backed by the Pacific Climate Change Centre (PCCC), enhances Vanuatu's capacity to advocate for climate resilience and access to climate-related scientific data, essential for tackling the nation’s own challenges posed by climate change.

The Pacific region’s engagement in IPCC processes, supported by seed funding from Australia, ensures that countries like Vanuatu can better influence global climate policies that directly affect them, driving forward regional efforts to combat climate change.

Source: https://www.sprep.org/news/pacific-amplifies-voice-at-sixty-second-plenary-session-of-ipcc-in-china

07/03/2025

JOINT UN STATEMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2025: ADVANCING GENDER EQUALITY AND EMPOWERMENT

The United Nations marks International Women’s Day 2025 with two significant milestones: the 50th anniversary of the UN’s commemoration of the event and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, a key document for advancing gender equality. This year’s theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” highlights the rights and empowerment of women and girls in all their diversity.

Despite progress since 1995, gender inequality persists globally, with millions of women facing poverty, discrimination, limited job opportunities, and gender-based violence. In the Pacific, challenges such as high levels of violence, low political representation, and disparities in employment and education continue to affect women and girls. Vulnerable groups, including indigenous women, those with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals, face unique obstacles.

The UN urges governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to take actionable steps to promote gender equality, empower women, and strengthen partnerships for a safer, more prosperous future for all women and girls.

Read more: https://pacific.un.org/en/290399-joint-un-statement-international-women%E2%80%99s-day-2025

07/03/2025

IMMIGRATION OFFICER ORDERED TO ENTER DEFENCE IN MM2H DOCUMENT FALSIFICATION CASE INVOLVING VANUATU NATIONAL

The High Court in Kuala Lumpur has ordered immigration officer Shamsudin Ishak to enter his defence on charges of falsifying a Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) travel document for a Vanuatu man in 2022. Judge Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case. Shamsudin, 51, is accused of aiding migrant smuggling at the Putrajaya MM2H office. He faces up to 15 years in prison and a fine under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007. The trial will take place on May 8 and 9, with Shamsudin testifying in his defence. He is currently suspended from work.

Source: https://bit.ly/3FjJQ1G

06/03/2025

Following the Vanuatu Government's decision to end direct deductions at the Ministry of Finance, the VTU is now coordinating member contributions. Members are kindly requested to proceed to the designated meeting points to make their contributions to the VTU.

06/03/2025

The Lycée LAB zebra crossing requires drivers to stop and proceed with caution when students are present. 🚸🚦🛞

05/03/2025

FORMER DIRECTOR OF CULTURAL CENTRE, WISHES EVERYONE A HAPPY CHIEFS DAY AS PORT VILA MARKS THE OPENING OF THE CHIEFS NAKAMAL

Today, March 5, 2025, marks the celebration of Chiefs Day, a national holiday that honors the traditional leadership systems across Vanuatu. Minister Ralph, former Director of the Cultural Centre of Vanuatu, extended his heartfelt wishes to everyone, celebrating the cultural significance of this important day.

Chiefs Day is a time for Vanuatu’s citizens to reflect on the vital role that chiefs and customary leaders play in preserving the nation’s rich cultural heritage. It also marks the official opening of the newly established Chiefs House, or Nakamal, in Port Vila. This nakamal will serve as a central hub for the governance and customs of Vanuatu.

According to the Customary Land Management Act 2013, a nakamal is more than just a physical building; it is a symbolic seat of governance for a specific community. It is where the leadership of local custom owner groups, extended families, and villages come together to make decisions, solve disputes, and maintain the traditions that have sustained Vanuatu for generations.

Ralph explained that the nakamal is a gathering place for men, women, and children who fall under the jurisdiction of the community’s leadership. He also highlighted the different vernacular terms for a nakamal in Vanuatu, such as Farea in parts of Efate, Gamal in Malekula, Naumel in Motalava, and Jaranmoli in parts of Santo. These diverse terms reflect the varied customs and traditions of the nation’s different regions.

“We honor the chiefs and the institution of the nakamal today,” Ralph said. “This is a day to celebrate our heritage, our leadership, and the role these institutions play in keeping our communities strong and united.”

As the Chiefs House is officially opened today, the event marks not only a step forward in the preservation of Vanuatu’s traditions but also serves as a reminder of the continued importance of customary leadership in the modern age.

Happy Chiefs Day 2025!

Photo by RR

05/03/2025

EFATE MP FELIX COMMITS TO MELE’S CALL FOR BETTER ROADS AND WATER SUPPLY

A month after the January 16 snap election, Mele Village, the largest village in Vanuatu, held a thank-you event where Steven Felix Ma’au Malfes expressed his gratitude to the people of Mele for their support in electing him as the Member of Parliament for Efate and Offshore Islands. The event also marked the honor of having the Speaker of Parliament visit Mele, highlighting the close ties Felix shares with the community.

Felix Ma’au Malfes assured the people that he would take their voice to Parliament, stressing that political campaigns are over and it is now time to work together.

As MP for Efate Rural, Felix plans to prioritize infrastructure, water supply, and support for entrepreneurship. The people of Mele submitted a petition highlighting urgent needs, including road and drainage repairs, restoration of the water supply damaged by the December 17 earthquake, and measures to prevent river erosion.

Ma’au Malfes assured the community that he would do his utmost to address Mele’s needs, along with those of other areas across Efate, from south to north and east to west. He reaffirmed the Leaders Party’s commitment to development and encouraged all to reach out to him or his team whenever needed.

He was accompanied by Port Vila MP Jackson Lessa and his first PA, Benson Kanas. Lessa also addressed the people, urging them to use politics as a tool for unity rather than division.

The celebration concluded with entertainment from the Sarapokasi Stringband, who traveled all the way from Takara on North Efate to perform for the people of Mele.

03/03/2025

JOHN A. KONRAD URGES U.S. TO PRIORITIZE PACIFIC ALLIES AND REFOCUS STRATEGY

John A. Konrad has called for a major shift in U.S. foreign policy, urging the nation to focus more on its key allies in the Pacific rather than continuing to be distracted by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Konrad believes the U.S. should reassess its global priorities, emphasizing stronger ties with Pacific nations that are aligned with American interests and security.

In his proposed six-point executive order, Konrad suggests several actions to reinforce U.S. presence and influence in the Pacific. These include strengthening the U.S.-Australia "special relationship," redirecting NATO spending to enhance defense cooperation with the Philippines, Japan, South Korea, and Australia, and securing mineral deals with the Philippines and other resource-rich Pacific Islands.

Konrad also advocates for the closure of U.S. military bases in Europe, such as Ramstein and NSA Naples, with plans to relocate all assets to Clark Air Force Base and Subic Bay in the Philippines, which are seen as more strategically important for U.S. interests in the Pacific. Additionally, he proposes closing the Canadian border until an agreement is made on missile defense and naval patrols along Canada’s Pacific and Arctic coasts, as well as redeploying all European Patriot missile batteries to U.S. bases and territories in the Pacific.

Konrad’s statement underscores his belief that the U.S. needs to realign its foreign policy with the Pacific, a region that has become increasingly vital to global security and economic interests, while reducing its involvement in European conflicts.

03/03/2025

JOSHUA RASU ATTENDS LEADERS IN SPORT SUMMIT TO GAIN GLOBAL INSIGHTS

Vanuatu Men’s Cricket Team captain Joshua Rasu recently attended the Leaders in Sport Sport Performance Summit in Melbourne, Australia. The summit, held at Collingwood FC, brought together over 200 high-performance leaders from 25 clubs and 15 sports, with 65% of attendees being senior leaders.

Rasu participated in panels, case studies, and networking sessions, gaining valuable insights into athlete development, team culture, and the future of sports performance. This opportunity, supported by the International Cricket Council and Leaders in Sport, is expected to help Rasu elevate cricket in Vanuatu both on and off the field.

03/03/2025

The OFC Professional League kicks off next year and 24 teams have expressed their interest in making history!

New Zealand x6 🇳🇿
Australia x4 🇦🇺
Fiji x 4 🇫🇯
Papua New Guinea x 4 🇵🇬
New Caledonia x2 🇫🇷🇳🇨
Samoa x1 🇼🇸
Solomon Islands x1 🇸🇧
Tahiti x 1 🇵🇫
Vanuatu x1 🇻🇺

via OFC