Seventh Annual Vanuatu Made Week Wraps Up in Port Vila
PORT VILA, Vanuatu – The Seventh Vanuatu Made Week concluded today after four days (23-26 September) of showcasing the very best of Vanuatu’s locally made products, crafts, and services. Bringing together micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), producers, and stakeholders from all six provinces, the event has become a flagship platform for promoting the creativity, innovation, and resilience of Vanuatu’s people. The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus or PACER Plus is a Gold Sponsor of the event. This year the event featured a trade fair, the Vanuatu Made Toktok B2B Forum, a garments and textiles fashion show, All-Vanuatu-Made products cooking demonstrations by the Vanuatu Chef Association, and an awards night. Together, these activities provided an important space for producers to connect directly with domestic consumers and international buyers. Mr. Noel Kalo, Director of the Department of Industry, says that the event is about creating sustainable livelihoods. “Vanuatu Made Week is not just an exhibition, it’s an economic driver. By supporting this event, PACER Plus is helping our MSMEs tap into new markets, strengthen business networks, and reinforce the Vanuatu Made brand at home and abroad. It’s about creating sustainable livelihoods while proudly promoting what is authentically ours.” Mr. Noel Kalo, Director of the Department of Industry For many vendors, the opportunity to showcase their products to a larger audience was invaluable. Ms. Esmie Jimmy, owner of Green Forest Oils, a natural oil producer from Nguna Island, said: “This week I sold what I would normally sell in a month. But more importantly, I’ve connected with new buyers as well.” The PACER Plus Vanuatu National Coordinator, Mr. Michael Ligo, noted that supporting events like Vanuatu Made Week directly aligns with PACER Plus’s mission to strengthen trade and economic opportunities in Vanuatu. By helping local producers gain visibility, build networks, and access information, PACER Plus contributes to sustainable private sector growth while encouraging value addition export readiness. Ms. Esmie Jimmy (left), owner of Green Forest Oils, a natural oil producer from Nguna Island at the event. “Supporting Vanuatu Made Week matters because it’s not only about showcasing products, but it’s also about building confidence, creating opportunities, and ensuring that Vanuatu-made goods find their rightful place in both regional and global markets,” said Mr. Ligo. -ENDS- More articles like this one
The Woman Behind Vanuatu’s First Certified Kava Export
PORT VILA, Vanuatu – In the highlands of Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu’s largest island, where kava farming has long been a man’s world, Sergine Tahun is rewriting the rules. The determined entrepreneur behind Tahun Kava Exports Limited has not only carved out a space for herself in a competitive industry but has also become the first woman-owned kava exporter in Santo to achieve the internationally recognised HACCP certification – a milestone that promises to open doors to global markets. For Sergine, the journey began with a simple frustration. “I used to source kava directly from farmers to resell locally, but I found myself constantly waiting for customers to pay,” she recalls. “I knew there had to be a better way.” That realisation led her to explore exporting – a path that required navigating complex regulations, building relationships with overseas buyers, and elevating her business to meet international standards. From Local Trade to Global Ambitions Determined to succeed, Sergine sought guidance from biosecurity officials to understand export requirements – everything from proper cleaning techniques to packaging standards. She also connected with families in New Caledonia who run nakamals (traditional kava bars), planting the seeds for future trade. “I wanted them to know my kava was different – premium quality, handled with care,” she says. Tahun Kava Exports Limited owner, Ms. Sergine Tahun (left), receives her HACCP Certificate from VCCI SANMA Provincial Officer, Ms. Candyce Simeon. But breaking into the industry wasn’t easy. “When I started, the market was tough. There was lots of competitors, few opportunities,” she admits. Yet, through persistence, Sergine refined her products, expanded her network, and gradually built trust with farmers in remote areas, where weather and logistics often disrupted supply chains. Her secret weapon? A dedicated farm manager, Govany Maleb, who bridges the gap between her and the predominantly male farming community. “He reassures them that even though a woman owns the business, I know what I’m doing,” Sergine laughs. Maleb doesn’t just collect kava – he supports farmers with nursery management and equipment, fostering loyalty in an industry where relationships are everything. The Balancing Act Running a business in a male-dominated field while raising a family hasn’t been simple. “As a wife and mother, there are days when it feels overwhelming,” Sergine confesses. Yet, her resolve never wavers. “I want to prove that women can thrive in this space – and that collaboration, not competition, is the way forward.” Kava farmers in Espiritu Santo. Running a business in a man-dominated industry comes with it’s challenges, says Sergine. “Even though a woman owns the business, I like to reassure the farmers that I know what I’m doing,” she laughs. Her perseverance paid off when PACER Plus, through the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), supported her in securing Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification – a game-changer for her business.. “This certification means everything,” Sergine says. “Before, buyers didn’t know us. Now, the enquiries are pouring in.” Since November 2024, she’s sent samples to international buyers, with eight shipments already dispatched between December 2024 and February 2025. Mr. Alipate Tavo, Trade Adviser with the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU), emphasises the significance of Tahun Kava’s achievement. “Sergine’s success isn’t just about one business – it’s a testament to what Pacific women can accomplish with the right support. Her certification lifts the entire sector, showing that Vanuatu’s kava can compete globally.” A Message to Pacific Women: “Dream Boldly” Sergine’s advice to other women is simple but powerful: “Don’t let social or cultural limits stop you. If you want something, go for it. Yes, it’s hard, but if I can do it, so can you.” With her eyes set on expanding into new markets and diversifying her product range, Tahun Kava Exports is proof that tradition and innovation can blend as smoothly as the drink she sells. And for the farmers of Espiritu Santo, that’s something worth raising a shell to. -ENDS- More articles like this one
Vanuatu’s Cacao Revolution
What started as a passion project to highlight Vanuatu’s rich cacao heritage has transformed into a thriving business for Gaston Chocolat exporting award-winning chocolate to Australia and New Zealand. But behind the success of Gaston Chocolat is a story of hard work, dedication, and the support provided by PACER Plus. Founded by Olivier Gaston, Gaston Chocolat was born from a simple idea: to produce world-class chocolate locally in Vanuatu while showcasing the country as a premium origin for fine cacao. But turning that vision into reality came with its challenges, especially when it came to meeting international food safety standards—a necessary step to export to larger markets. That’s where PACER Plus stepped in. In 2023, Gaston Chocolat exported 17 tonnes of dried cacao. This year, they’re on track to export 60 tonnes—almost a fourfold increase. In collaboration with the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Australia Vanuatu Governance for Growth program, PACER Plus engaged local consulting firm Quality Solutions to help Gaston Chocolat develop food safety systems. The goal was to achieve Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification—a globally recognised standard that would open the doors to international trade. For Olivier Gaston and his team, the certification was a game-changer. “The HACCP certification shows that our operation is up to international standards,” says Mr. Gaston. “This way, people can trust the product. Because our chocolate can now travel to Australia and New Zealand, we can sell the cacao on a much larger scale to chocolate makers.” And the results speak for themselves. In 2023, Gaston Chocolat exported 17 tonnes of dried cacao. This year, they’re on track to export 60 tonnes—almost a fourfold increase. “That’s almost fifteen percent of the national market, and we’re quite proud of that achievement,” Mr. Gaston adds. But Gaston Chocolat’s impact goes beyond just business success. The company has built a network of 367 Ni-Vanuatu farmers, training them over the last decade to grow and harvest high-quality cacao. In 2024 alone, the farmers have been harvesting for a total of 57 days. And the rewards have been significant. Gaston Chocolat has built a network of 367 Ni-Vanuatu farmers, training them over the last decade to grow and harvest high-quality cacao. “Our farmers now earn the equivalent of twice the minimum wage by working just one day a week,” says Mr. Gaston. “Because we create jobs in the islands that pay more than the jobs in Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila, we are fighting the urban drift. We’ve proven that rural jobs can pay better than city jobs.” Gaston is driven by more than just profits. “We are always conscious about looking after our staff well, respecting the culture, and considering our environmental impact,” he explains. “I want to run Gaston Chocolat sustainably, and I want everyone in the supply chain to benefit from the business and improve their standard of living.” More articles like this one
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
Vanuatu’s Lapita Café’s Journey to HACCP Certification A widely respected community leader, Votausi Mackenzie-Reur wears many hats. One she dons proudly is that of founder of Lapita Café, an innovative and fast-growing food manufacturing and catering company in Port Vila, Vanuatu. Lapita Café is breaking barriers and reshaping the culinary landscape in Vanuatu. This International Women’s Day, Lapita Café stands as a testament of advancing women’s economic empowerment in the Pacific. Lapita Café, the pioneering gluten-free cassava flour producer in Vanuatu, has achieved a milestone by obtaining the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification. The journey, however, was no walk in the park. Battling the aftermath of cyclones that hampered construction and overcoming numerous challenges, Lapita Café emerged triumphant. https://youtu.be/Bo9IX3T72oU Watch Votausi Mackenzie-Reur’s interview as she talks about Lapita Cafe and why the HACCP certification was crucial for her business. Ms. Mackenzie-Reur’s commitment to excellence led Lapita Café to become the first gluten-free cassava flour producer in Vanuatu with HACCP certification, setting a high standard for others to follow. The certification ensures the highest food safety standards, making Lapita Café’s products not only delicious but also safe for consumers. “Lapita Cafe’s journey to be able to obtain its HACCP certification started in 2021, so it’s been a long time. But we were thankful to PACER Plus because they came in and were able to fund our HACCP certification towards the end of 2023. We’re immensely grateful to PACER Plus for supporting us in this,” said Ms. Mackenzie-Reur. The success story didn’t unfold in isolation. The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus, in collaboration with the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Australia Vanuatu Governance for Growth (GfG) program, played a pivotal role by engaging Vanuatu consulting firm Quality Solutions to develop food safety systems and coordinate a third-party audit in late 2023, a process that added an extra layer of credibility to Lapita Café’s operations. PACER Plus’s support, facilitated through VCCI and Quality Solutions, extends beyond Lapita Café. Four local manufacturers in Vanuatu are currently benefiting from ongoing initiatives to obtain similar international certifications, enhancing Vanuatu’s export advantage. PACER Plus recognises the important role women play in economic development and our capacity building programs to support women entrepreneurs like Ms. Votausi Mackenzie-Reur of Lapita Cafe in Vanuatu. The PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) recognises the important role women play in economic development and our capacity building programs. Supporting women entrepreneurs like Ms. Mackenzie-Reur is a testament to this. Gender is mainstreamed across PPIU’s operational and governance functions and across PPIU’s work programme. Lapita Café stands tall, not just as a business success but as a beacon of empowerment for women entrepreneurs. Ms. Mackenzie-Reur’s resilience and her company’s achievements underscore the importance of investing in women to accelerate progress and foster economic growth in the Pacific. -END- More articles like this one
PACER Plus Trade in Services and Investment Clinic Boosts Vanuatu’s Capacity for Economic Development
PORT VILA, Vanuatu – Services play a pivotal role in driving trade integration and fostering economic development in the Pacific, offering unique opportunities for growth. Recognising the potential, the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) conducted a Trade in Services and Investment Proposal Clinic in Port Vila, Vanuatu from 16-17 November 2023. The clinic aimed to address the identified capacity gap in Vanuatu, providing crucial support to understand their obligations and maximise the benefits of trade in services and investment. The PACER Plus Trade in Services and Investment Proposal Clinic aimed to address the identified capacity gap in Vanuatu, providing crucial support to understand their obligations and maximise the benefits of trade in services and investment. Preliminary assessments by the PPIU revealed the need for further capacity development to expedite the implementation of the PACER Plus Trade in Services and Investment Chapter. To bridge this gap, the Trade in Services and Investment Proposal Clinic built on the success of the previous clinic held in Apia, Samoa, in May. The Port Vila clinic had a broader focus, facilitating the development of bankable, high-quality, demand-driven project proposals on priority issues at national level. The clinic welcomed Vanuatu officials representing various relevant agencies responsible for trade in services policy, negotiation, and implementation of services commitments. The sessions focused on the critical need to strengthen Vanuatu’s capacity within the framework of PACER Plus. This involved developing strategic, practical, and attainable activity proposals that align with both national priorities and the obligations outlined in PACER Plus Services. Ms. Olivia Phongkham, PPIU Trade in Services and Investment Adviser, highlighted the significances of the initiative: “Services are key to unlocking the full potential of trade and economic development in the Pacific. The Trade in Services and Investment Proposal Clinic exemplifies our commitment to empowering Vanuatu and other PACER Plus parties with the knowledge and skills to enhance trade in services and investment for sustainable growth.” The PACER Plus Trade in Services and Investment Proposal Clinic in Port Vila marked a crucial step forward for Vanuatu in realising the full potential of the PACER Plus agreement. -END- More articles like this one
Vanuatu Prepares to Host Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting
PORT VILA, Vanuatu – The Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting (PLMAM) will be held in Port Vila, Vanuatu for the very first time on 20-24 November 2023. The annual meeting, which is provided under the PACER Plus Arrangement on Labour Mobility, is touted as the pre-eminent regional forum for labour mobility in the Pacific. It brings together all key stakeholders from across the region including government officials, workers, employers, private sector, union representatives, civil society, academics and regional organisations. PLMAM 2023 is expected to attract over 300 participants to discuss topics related to the theme of “harnessing the development benefits of labour mobility” in the Pacific. For many Pacific Island Countries, sustainable development is constrained by their smallness, remoteness from key markets, and vulnerability to natural disasters and climate change. These are often coupled by the challenges of rapid population growth local formal economies being unable to absorb the high number of school leavers each year. Labour mobility exists as a critical employment creation strategy for many of our Pacific countries. Vanuatu is the top labour sending country for both the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) and New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) schemes and has over 10,000 PALM workers in Australia and over 6,000 in New Zealand. The Vanuatu Commissioner for Labour, Ms. Murielle Meltenoven stated that Vanuatu’s participation in labour mobility schemes have generated significant economic benefits for Vanuatu particularly through the remittances and skills acquired by workers. “We see benefits in skills development especially around employability skills. We’ve received a lot of positive feedback for received from businesses around the conduct of workers including in communication, specifically customer service around servicing, and their ability to speak English. When you travel around the six provinces (in Vanuatu), you see the real positive impact within the very remote and rural communities around the new buildings, new businesses, so many banana boats which improve transportation helping many people residing in little islands to access crucial services,” Commissioner Meltenoven elaborated. But with these economic benefits, also comes negative development impacts particularly with the loss of skilled labour and increasing social problems such as broken homes and domestic violence. “The private sector is suffering because they’re losing their skilled workers, of which they have invested so much money, so much time to train up. For example, in the tourism and hospitality industry, I can see that the current services have dropped a lot, the quality is no longer there.” Vanuatu, which has been hit by three major tropical cyclones since the beginning of 2023 is also facing the impacts of the loss of able-bodied men in communities on community resilience to natural disasters. While the money from labour mobility have helped to build more cyclone-resistant housing, villages have less able-bodied men for post-cyclone recovery and rebuild. “Now you only see old people, women and kids, who are the most vulnerable during a period of natural disaster and in the recovery stage. They (villages) don’t have strong people to help for the recovery and to rebuild the community and the homes so for them the recovery will be very slow,” Commissioner Meltenoven explained. Commissioner Meltenoven believes that these negative impacts emphasise the importance of establishing conducive policies and support programmes in both labour sending and labour receiving countries. The Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting provides a critical platform for Pacific countries to not only discuss issues but to determine policy solutions to address these issues. For more details on PLMAM 2023, please click here. -END- More articles like this one
Enhancing the Positives and Mitigating the Negatives of Labour Mobility for Vanuatu
Vanuatu, like many other Pacific Island Countries, are confronted with the inherent development challenges of their smallness, remoteness from key markets, and vulnerability to natural disasters and climate change. These development constraints are coupled by a rapidly growing population the the local formal economy cannot absorb. A high number of school leavers are consequently left unemployed each year resulting in added social and economic pressures on the local economy and society. Labour mobility has provided a critical employment creation strategy to generate growth dividends for Vanuatu. These positive development impacts are the key drivers for Vanuatu’s participation in labour mobility and has propagated its status as the top labour sending country for both the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) and New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) schemes. According to the Vanuatu Commissioner for Labour, Ms. Murielle Meltenoven, Vanuatu now has over 10,000 PALM workers in Australia and over 6,000 in New Zealand. The economic benefits of labour mobility for Vanuatu are largely transferred through the remittances and skills acquired by workers. “We see benefits in skills development especially around employability skills. We’ve received a lot of positive feedback from businesses around the conduct of workers including in communication, specifically customer service around servicing, and their ability to speak English,” Commissioner Meltenoven elaborated. She also highlighted the positive impacts on community development particularly in the rural areas including in upholding peace and order as unemployment is reduced. “When you travel around the six provinces (in Vanuatu), you see the real positive impact within the remote and rural communities around the new buildings, new businesses, so many banana boats which improve transportation helping many people residing in little islands to access crucial services,” Meltenoven stated. However, when it comes to building resilience against natural disasters, labour mobility has delivered mixed effects. In one hand, families and communities have more cyclone-resistant housing, but on the other, villages have less able-bodied men for post-cyclone recovery and rebuild. “Now you only see old people and kids, who are the most vulnerable during a period of natural disaster and in the recovery stage. They (villages) don’t have strong people to help for the recovery and to rebuild the community and the homes so for them the recovery will be very slow,” Commissioner Meltenoven explained. The loss of skilled employable people is also impacting local private sector development. “The private sector is suffering because they’re losing their skilled workers, of which they have invested so much money, so much time to train up. For example, in the tourism and hospitality industry, I can see that the current services has dropped a lot, the quality is no longer there,” Meltenoven stated. At the home front, she highlighted that social problems such as broken homes and domestic violence are rampant. Commissioner Meltenoven believes that these negative impacts emphasise the importance of conducive policies and support programmes in both labour sending and labour receiving countries. She highlighted that the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) has funded a review of their labour mobility policy which will govern their labour mobility programmes in Vanuatu. The World Bank is also conducting a study to assess the impacts on private sector and the ILO is assisting with regulatory reforms to address issues. Vanuatu is also engaged in discussions with Australia and New Zealand to reconsider visa conditions and the length of work contracts in an effort to address social issues at home. Vanuatu, as host country of the 2023 Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting (PLMAM) is also looking to optimise the opportunity to dialogue with key stakeholders on issues and to determine practical solutions. The PLMAM provides an opportunity for labour receiving and labour sending countries as well as other relevant organisations to come together to determine collective solutions that can maximise the positive impacts of labour mobility in the region whilst mitigating the negatives. More articles like this one
Empowering Families, Transforming Lives
The Famili i Redi Journey of Cleef Aru In the heart of Port Vila, Vanuatu, Cleef Aru, a 44-year-old father of two embarked on a transformative journey that reshaped not just his life but his entire family’s future. Like many Ni-Vanuatu, Cleef ventured abroad as a seasonal worker, seeking opportunities to provide for his young family. Like many young fathers, Cleef was confronted by the pressures to provide for his young family amidst rising cost of living at home yet restrained by the limited employment opportunities available to him. Labour mobility provided a rare opportunity for Cleef to overcome these constraints and to create a better future for his family. Prior to working overseas, Cleef earned an average of USD$162 fortnightly as a mechanic. On his farm job in Australia on his first trip overseas, working both as a mechanic, driver and grapefruit picker, Cleef earned USD$1,248 per fortnight, almost seven times more than his income at home. The monetary opportunities enticed Cleef to also encourage his wife Seri Kalotiti to join him in Australia, with the hope that together they can double their earnings to meet social obligations at home and create a better life for their young family. Cleef Aru and his wife, Seri Kalotiti, ventured abroad as seasonal workers, seeking opportunities to provide for their young family. But like all good things, there is also a downside to Cleef’s labour mobility story. Before his wife joined him in Australia, Cleef faced the harsh realities of his new life in a foreign environment, away from his family and his familiar way of living. Distance strained their family bonds, and the challenges of settling into a new environment took a toll on his well-being. Cleef began to turn to alcohol and drugs. “This affected my relationship with my wife and children,” he confessed, reflecting on the difficulties he encountered. After consecutive trips overseas and returning to Vanuatu with no progress on plans, Cleef realised that change was imperative. It was then that he and his wife had the chance to attend a Famili i Redi workshop, a pioneering program crafted by the World Vision Vanuatu, International Organisation for Migration, the Vanuatu Department of Labour and with seasonal workers and their families. This initiative aims to provide holistic tools, skills and strategies for labour migrants and their intimate partners, including modules on what to expect from overseas work, healthy relationships, nutrition, gender-based violence prevention and family financial management, which encompasses budgeting, saving, reducing the cost of remittance transfers and entrepreneurship upon reintegration in Vanuatu. Utilising what they had learnt from the Famili i Redi workshop, Cleef and Seri embarked on a transformative journey. They participated in training sessions that not only empowered them with valuable life skills but also helped them envision a brighter future. Together, they set ambitious long-term goals which included constructing a family home, starting a bakery business, investing in a fishing boat, and acquiring a truck. Driven by determination and newfound knowledge, Cleef made significant lifestyle changes. He relinquished alcohol and cigarettes, focusing on his family’s well-being and the pursuit of their goals. Both Seri and Cleef agreed that she will continue her work in Australia while Cleef managed their projects and cared for their children back home. Cleef Aru proudly smiles as he stands in front of his house which is currently under construction. Today, they stand proudly halfway through building their dream home – a testament to their unwavering dedication. The family’s bakery business has flourished, with Cleef’s freshly baked bread becoming a local favourite in Port Vila and beyond. The couple even acquired a van, enabling them to transport their baked goods to communities at each end of Efate Island. “Beyond accomplishing our family’s long-term goals, the Famili i Redi program helped my wife and I communicate better. In doing so, this has helped our relationship, especially with my wife working abroad,” shared Cleef, highlighting the impact Famili i Redi had on their communication and connection. As Jimmy Kawiel, Deputy Portfolio Manager, Climate and Resilience Livelihoods Portfolio expressed, “Cleef’s journey exemplifies the potential for positive change when families are equipped with the right tools and support. We are committed to empowering more families like Cleef’s, ensuring their dreams become reality.” Cleef Aru’s story is true for many labour mobility workers. Many started off with bright dreams and high hopes but only to be toppled by the harsh realities of life in a new environment, away from family and the familiarities of home. Initiatives such as Famili i Redi are critical in providing the necessary lifeline for workers and their families. The family’s bakery business has flourished, with Cleef’s freshly baked bread becoming a local favourite in Port Vila and beyond. Cleef’s labour mobility journey highlights the significance of the employment opportunities offered by labour mobility schemes but that the benefits of these opportunities can be overshadowed by the challenges of life away from home. These challenges do not discount or devalue the potential benefits of labour mobility, they only accentuate the need for lifelines to support workers and their families overcome these trials. Famili i Redi is a true example of the benefits of these lifelines to enable workers and their families to reap the full benefits of labour mobility. Thanks to the vision and dedication of initiatives like Famili i Redi, lives are transformed, families are strengthened, and communities thrive, one empowered family at a time. As the slogan for the training says: it’s not an individual journey but a family journey. More articles like this one
PACER Plus Fumigation Training to Enhance Biosecurity Measures in Vanuatu
PORT VILA, Vanuatu – Pacific countries are facing multiple capacity constraints in the crucial areas of biosecurity requirements, treatments, and general Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures. Recognising the significance of addressing these challenges, the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) has organised a comprehensive training program on fumigation treatment and accreditation scheme, aimed at strengthening the skills and knowledge of biosecurity and quarantine personnel in Vanuatu. Armstrong Sam, Director of Biosecurity Vanuatu, (fourth from left) flanked by representatives of Nordiko Quarantine Systems and biosecurity officials from Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. The four-day training which commences today will focus on providing participants with a better understanding of the application and handling of methyl bromide, a widely used fumigant known as ‘toxic gas’. By equipping the participants with the necessary expertise, this initiative aims to enhance compliance with Australian import requirements and improve overall biosecurity measures. The PPIU has collaborated closely with the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF) to ensure the alignment of training activities for the Australian component of this program. In this regard, Australian company Nordiko Quarantine Systems has been chosen as the key training provider due to their expertise and reputation as the main supplier of fumigation equipment to the Pacific. Mr. Armstrong Sam, Director of Biosecurity Vanuatu, expressed his support for this training program, stating, “There are multiple capacity constraints in the areas of biosecurity requirements, treatments, and general SPS Measures in Vanuatu. This activity will provide training to biosecurity and quarantine personnel, providing a better understanding for the application and safe handling of methyl bromide.” This training program represents a significant step forward in strengthening biosecurity measures and enhancing the capacity of Pacific National Plant Protection Organisations and stakeholders along the plant export pathway. By equipping biosecurity personnel with the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools, the program aims to bolster compliance with international standards, thereby safeguarding the agricultural industries and environments of Pacific countries. -END- More articles like this one
Economic and social impact of labour mobility in Vanuatu
Converting the negatives to positives: Vanuatu Strengthening Seasonal Workers Family Programme (SSFWP) One of the downsides to labour mobility is the negative social impacts on families of workers left behind in their home countries. As Pacific labour mobility programmes are largely dominated by men, the wives are often required to manage the households and take on the roles of both mother and father while their husbands are abroad. Peter Bumseng was one of the first 45 Vanuatu workers to participate in the New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme. He has participated in the program every year since, and in 2011 he and his wife Regina, established the Strengthening Seasonal Worker Family Program in Vanuatu. In an interview with the Australian National University Development Policy Centre, Mr. Bumseng stated: “It started with my wife who took the families once a month, just on social occasions, like taking a picnic. I found this was helpful in New Zealand, as when the men know their families are happy and being looked after, they perform to the best of their ability in a good working environment. This is how we started and came up with some ideas and programs to look after the families. We know we can only move ahead if the process is right, if the families and communities are right.” The SSFWP is essentially a localised support group for the spouses of the workers. It started with five women engaging in monthly meetings at Peter and Regina’s home, with Regina regularly checking on workers’ spouses to ensure they had support. Peter and Regina would monitor the wellbeing of the workers and their spouses, and when issues arose, they would each provide targeted support to the workers and families involved including through house visits. Since 2011, the SSWPF has significantly grown in membership. Monthly activities continue to bring together families to support each other and share their experiences. The program now also provides new programmes focusing on social, educational, and spiritual support which are fundamental to helping workers and their families cope with the separation and the potential problems associated. The SSWFP also provides counselling programmes for workers and their spouses and have internally developed solutions to address social problems amongst the members. The activities of the SSWFP are self-funded through fundraising activities by the workers and their spouses in Vanuatu. The workers in New Zealand set up a Christian reggae band to raise funds through concerts. The spouses also work together to raise funds through selling food, producing local arts and crafts, and sewing items for tourist and local markets. The proceeds have helped the set-up of a rotation of money scheme where each household is given VT15,000 (AUD189) in their fortnightly meetings. They have also initiated a loan scheme for workers and their families who have set up new businesses. The SSFWP highlights the importance of localised support groups to addressing the negative social impacts of labour mobility. Peter believes that the programme can be replicated in other countries as the challenges are similar. It only takes the commitment of champions such as Peter and his wife to convert the negatives to positive outcomes for the workers and their families. More articles like this one