This week’s buzz: Port Vila Day

L: New Port Vila Council Flag. Photo: Kizzy Kalsakau. R: A warden hoisting the old Municipal Flag for the last time

Port Vila Council hoists new flag

By Glenda Willie

Port Vila Day commemoration this year has marked another milestone in the 43 years of the Port Vila Council – the raising of the new Port Vila Council Flag.

The old flag was also flown one last time before it was taken down and the new flag hoisted.

Celebrating this year’s event with the theme, “Building a United Diverse and Resilient City”, the commemoration was also unique as the council welcomed the Paramount Chief of Ifira, Mantoi Paunimanu Kalsakau III, prior to the commencement of the speeches.

Port Vila Mayor, Eric Puyo Festa acknowledged all the 16 former Lord Mayors of Port Vila. A one-minute silence was also observed in remembrance of those that passed on.

While celebrating Port Vila Day, Mayor Festa noted the challenges that the council is encountering.

Stray dogs roaming around the streets and barking from night until dawn, on-going noise after 9pm and heavy duty vehicles are still on the main roads during the peak hours. Those are some of the challenges that were highlighted by the mayor.

Other challenges mentioned by Festa included kava bars operating without permits, youths walking around with music boxes. He also stated that a lot of property owners fail to pay their property taxes.

“We will reinforce the current by-laws, and or develop new by-laws to address these issues,” the mayor affirmed.

Mr. Festa has assured the residents of Port Vila that the council, in collaboration with the government has already secured a plot of land to be used as the cemetery. Dispensaries within the different wards will also be reopened.

The celebration commenced with a colourful parade that was led by the members of the Vanuatu Mobile Force. The event was witnessed by important people including Prime Minister, Bob Loughman, Deputy Prime Minister, Ishmael Kalsakau, Leader of Opposition, Ralph Regenvanu, Speaker of Parliament, Gracia Shedrack, Members of Parliament, Former Mayors, Mayor for Luganville and mayor for Lenakel, Diplomatic corps representatives and Chairman of the Vanuatu Christian Council, Pastor Alan Nafuki and Bishop Bosco Barames.

Source: dailypost.vu

Interview with the Port Vila Lord Mayor, Erick Puyo Festa