Latest news from Vava‘u from Dianne Schultz

New ferry for inter-island transportation

When Sailing Safaris launched its new landing craft, Marnis on Saturday June 17, it was a dream come true for the owners, Linda, Owen Manktelow, and Ongo Kaihea, and also for the people in the outer islands of Vava'u.

Ongo said that the 14.95 m Marnis, called after a daughter of the governor of Vava'u, will make travelling easier between the islands of Vava'u and also between the outer islands and the main town, Neiafu.

The Sailing Safaris run whale watching in Vava'u, five years ago realised the need for a better ferry service between the outer islands of the group.

The Princess Regent, Princess Pilolelvu Tuita used the Marnis during her recent visit to the outer islands of Vava...’u.

A two day Defensive driving course was conducted by the Vava'u Chief of Police, Pesalili Kailahi, in Neiafu on June 15-16.

Pesalili said that he was teaching road-use theory, and hoped it would change the people...’s attitudes and "make them stay alert at all times because that will lead to less accidents". Participants were volunteers from throughout Vava'u.

Health Managers learn to improve care for patients

A four-day workshop on patient care, was held the Prince Wellington Ngu Hospital from June 12-16.

The coordinator of the workshop, Jo Anne Braithhwaite, said that taking better care of patients at Ngu Hospital could be as simple as just improving the food menu or just making sure that patients are well looked after.

Jo, a Management Development Consultant of the Tongan Health Management Project of AusAid, said that participants formed three working committees, and one group had the challenge of improving the menus offered to patients with their very limited budget. A second group looked at how physicians would always be available when needed, and came up with a new roster schedule that was acceptable to both patients and physicians. The third group dealt with ways of making the waiting room more comfortable for those seeking medical attention.

Follow-up meetings will be held later to see if these improvements are sustainable.

Breakthrough Church comes to Vava...’u

The Breakthrough Church now has a branch in Neiafu, an extension of the church in Nuku...’alofa, introduced by Ministers Kelepi and Lucy Misa who held the first service at their Home in Neiafu on June 18.

This apostolic reformation church uses music, drama, hip hop, KRUMP (Kingdom, Radical, Uplift, Mighty, Praise) and sports to conduct its services.