Thursday 15 November saw the launching of the Vanuatu National Oral Health Survey and Vanuatu National Oral Health Policy. The official reports can be downloaded here: NOHS 2017 Report Final Summary NOHS 2017 Report Final National Oral Health Survey 2017 – Workbook Final Congratulations to all involved in this massive undertaking.
Anchored back in the volcano
Friday 22 September 2017 Dives Bay, Ureparapara It was a case of “Up at 5:00am, away by 6:00am” … with our destination being the amazing island of Ureparapara, about 25 miles north of Sola where we’d spent a slightly less rolly night on account of re-anchoring closer to shore After picking the five Ni-Van […]
A busy day ashore
Sola, Vanua Lava Thursday 21 September 2017 [more new photos in 2017 Mission 4 Gallery] I do sometimes go ashore. But generally my focus is on the ship and the overall planning of the mission and so I’m mostly dropping others ashore to do their good work Today was different. With two crew members feeling […]
Chief Graham … what are the chances
Sola, Vanua Lava Wednesday 20 September 2017 [50 new photos added to Mission 4 Photo Gallery] Having re-anchored earlier in the day, it was a blissfully still night with all 15 aboard ready for an early getaway – for the next island north, Vanualava. Finding a non-rolly part of the anchorage meant getting in close […]
Back amongst friends
Lakona Bay, Gaua Island Tuesday 19 September 2017 It was a rather rolly night at anchor, which was strange given the calmness and shelter of the anchorage. But sometimes it just happens. A lazy swell around a headland, a tidal flow going the wrong way and an offshore wind that holds the boat beam-on. They […]
Sunday – morning of rest at least
Losolava, Gaua Island Sunday 17 September 2017 For some people in the village of Losolava Sunday is their day of rest, for others it’s Saturday; it all depends on your denomination. There’s a rumour that some fall into the “two denomination” category in order to get both days off, but maybe that’s being a bit […]
The Ups and Downs of Merelava
Friday 15 September 2017 Tasmat Village Anchorage, Merelava Island Introduction by Rob Latimer There’s something very special about Merelava. This is our fourth visit in eight years. Each time similar but each time very different. First there’s the scale and remoteness of the place. Ninety nautical miles NE of the regional centre of Luganville, out […]
Just when you thought
Sunday 10 September 2017 Lovely Lolawai The ten “sleepers” onboard slowly emerged in their own time between 6:00 and 7:00am to a glorious morning; still seas, a gentle breeze and sun in the sky. Breakfast was a case of grazing to suit. Richard, Bob, Jay, Wellan and Parkon stayed onshore and we’d be catching up […]
Is there a dentist in the house
Wednesday 6 September 2017 Beachfront Resort Anchorage, Luganville The day started sad with the 7:00am departure of Skipper Jon and crewman Mark. They had served their Tours of Duty with distinction, for Mark two tours in fact, so there were mixed emotions as they took the dinghy to the beach for the very last […]
Ship’s dentist Barry does extraction for
A Dutch couple, 7 years sailing the world, diverted from their Fiji to PNG voyage to find a dentist. Dropping anchor next to us they noticed the word “Medical” on the side of our boat and after a few phone calls, Barry Stewart was more than happy to drop in after this day doing the […]