Mini Games in Vanuatu on track

China has assured Vanuatu that it will host the Pacific Mini Games in time next year.

RNZ reports the assurance was given by China's ambassador to Vanuatu, Liu Quan, when he met the prime minister Charlot Salwai, the minister of sports Jack Norris and senior government officials at the construction site.

Mr Salwai's delegation heard from the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) construction company that work will be completed in October next year.

Currently, the CCECC employs 30 ni-Vanuatu but the number is expected to reach 80.

Mr Salwai thanked the government and the people of China for their contribution to the development of Vanuatu.

China is currently building roads on the islands of Tanna and Malekula and the main wharf of the northern town, Luganville.

In Port Vila, China is currently building the new office of the prime minister and Malapoa College.

Mini Games head says Vanuatu committed to successful event

The head of the 2017 Pacific Mini Games said the Vanuatu government is 100 percent behind them 15 months out from competition.

Multiple changes in government had caused issues in the past before Prime Minister Charlot Salwai publicly confirmed their commitment to hosting at the Pacific Games Council's General Assembly in May.

Mini Games CEO Clint Flood said the government has had challenges in recent years with Cyclone Pam so committing to the event was a big decision.

"Making an investment that they need to do in the Games is a big decision and I think that was something that they deliberated hard over," Mr Flood said.

"I'm very confident now. We've got a new minister in charge of sport, they have appointed a full time person to help with the finance.

"I have every belief that government is 100 percent behind us and want this successful Games but the legacy that will lead afterwards, I think they clearly understand that and they know how this will help move them ahead in a whole bunch of different fronts," he said.

The CEO said progress was picking up with a new marketing campaign about to begin and staff expected to rise from four to 20 over the coming weeks.

 

China's ambassador to Vanuatu Liu Quan with Vanuatu PM Charlot Salwai at Pacific Mini Games construction site Photo: RNZI Hilaire Bule