In all this chaos we need to stay focused on some of our assets as well as the challenges. On a positive note it is rewarding to see the recent video released on the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Facebook and web pages, that private sector feedback on the food situation is one of stability. They are confirming that ships are coming in with imported goods and farmers have plenty of fresh food stocks. With reduced tourists and therefore less demand, the countries production of vegetables, beef and so on are more than enough to feed our population across Vanuatu. The Food Security and Agriculture Cluster a government and private sector working group, have indicated the food situation is robust and there is no reason to be concerned with our nation’s food supply. While also outlining other measures taken to support the nation’s response to this situation the Chamber urges a co=ordinated and supportive approach.
“We need to work together, with the famous Melanesian care and kindness as well as straight shooting and level headed business acumen,” says Astrid Boulekone, GM of the Chamber of Commerce. “We encourage people to be kind and support each other. We are resilient and will get through this. We are a small country in a world experiencing a global event. Less negative social media and more positive attitudes. Tourism and a stronger economy will return over time and people will have jobs again. Take this time to work in your gardens and help in the community. The private sector will be supporting the efforts of the government whom are working very hard, to get things back to normal as soon as possible.”
The Chamber of Commerce recommends that all business owners, employees and interested parties join their Facebook page and website to stay informed and have access to reliable information and solutions as they become available.
