Comments

Nicely written. A few facts that do need clarifying. Tourism has never been 40% of GDP. Tourism earnings divided by GDP is about 40% but that is meaningless nonsense as GDP is calculated based on value adding . Using just the math and not random numerators and denominators - tourism contributes at best about 10% of Vanuatu's GDP. Tourism is also not the major source of Vanuatu's forex nor is it a major source of revenue for the budget. If one includes Air Vanuatu it is however one of the most heavily subsidised industries in the country. This is not intended to denigrate the industry but to provide some perspective. Tourism like most industries in Vanuatu is small and fragile and the few success stories are in the niche products like Havannah, Eratap and small bungalows. This is possibly the only way to also grow the industry in the future. But that is a discussion that cannot be had in country as long as the narrative continues to be based on the misconception of the importance of local casino / hotels and a hugely inflated misconception of the contribution of the industry to the country as a whole.

Please let this be for those beautiful people of Vanuatu. Being an Australian resident and visitor to their home it only has to be the best for their recovery. Hoping all goes well with these solutions.

Thanks madam 😁😁😁😁😁👏👏👏

Very well written Liz.. excellent. I have passed on to my key supporters here in the US..though it might be a while before we are able to visit, you have my support and wishing to best for you, Greg and the family.

Thank you Paul for this obituary. I wasn't aware that Simon had sadly passed away. I loved working with Simon during my National Planning days (2010-2012) and he will be sorely missed. My thoughts and condolences to his family.

My take-aways are "new global ecology" and "international (development) cooperation" that explains what has been called as New Normal. Nice!

Let’s hope for the best outcome and have your resort as beautiful as ever

Very good and informative article, which provides a quick overview of the topic of Feminist Foreign Policy (FFP). We are currently conducting an online campaign on this subject, feel free to contribute your ideas: https://www.policykitchen.com/group/29/about

Very well written explaining in clear and simple language the long term problems that Vanuatu will face and potential ways to make the future bright again.

Thank you for this article Sadhana. It raises a number of issues many of which were also captured in the research released earlier in the year by Peacifica & the Whitlam Institute. This draws on the contributions of 150 Pacific islanders from Fiji, Solomon Islands & Vanuatu. The report is vailable here: https://www.whitlam.org/publications/2020/2/13/pacific-perspectives-on-the-world

The only feasible direction to take . . . well worth pooling available resources to make this a reality !!!

Thanks so much Paul for this obituary. I had not heard that Simon had died. Very sad news. I was able to work with Simon in the period 2000 to 2003. Spending time with Simon was always a pleasure and rewarding. He had such a positive outlook, in such difficult circumstances. Combined with his hard work ethic, he was a very effective Treasury Secretary and dedicated civil servant. I do recall how earnestly he took on challenges, looking for the best outcome for PNG. He will be missed.