See livestream here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZ8qORNorN4
See facebook video and photo updates here: https://www.facebook.com/MaewoWifi/
Please join us as we celebrate the launching of Telemedicine and high speed Internet on Maewo Island, Republic of Vanuatu.
The launching celebrates the improved access to healthcare services, connection to doctors and professional health care providers, accurate and timely information, access to learning opportunities and improvement in the livelihoods of our communities.
The high speed internet made possible by Kacific Broadband Satellite is the only connectivity the hosting village, Naviso, has with the outside world.
The guests of Honour include the arrival of the Honourable Prime Minister of Vanuatu Mr. Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas and the Honourable Minister of Health Mr. Daniel Toara via helicopter.
Also honourable guests in attendance having arrived the day before are Honourable MP Mr. Ian Wilson, DG of Health Mr. George Taleo, Telecommunications and Radiocommunications (TRR) Regulator Mrs. Dalsie Baniala, Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) Chief Information Officer Mr. Gerard Metsan, CEO and Board Director of Kacific Broadband Satellite Mr. Christian Patouraux, TRR Universal Access Policy Advisor Mr. Brad Partridge, Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) Secondary Education Coordinator Mrs. Sussie Homu, OGCIO Representative Mr. John Jack.
Members of the media are: VBTC Reporter, and Daily Post Reporter Mr. Jonas Cullwick
More information:
This initiative is the result of community partnership with governmental and non-governmental entities as part of the Vanuatu Inter-Island Telemedicine and Learning Network (VITAL) pilot project.
This effort has been made possible by the Vanuatu Government (OGCIO and Ministry of Health), Telecommunications and Radiocommunications Regulator (TRR), and Telsat Broadband and Kacific Broadband Satellite in concert with the Maewo Telecommunications Committee (Inc.) (MTC). MTC serves as the local counterpart to the project. The MTC was established to enable telecommunications access and to utilize it to promote health and education and to improve all areas of life for Maewo communities.
By virtually attending this event, we are able to proudly share with you this important occasion.
The communities of Maewo will showcase their culture and custom at this event with traditional custom dance and singing. Also, dramas will depict the struggles that the Maewo people face—especially East Maewo—due to the prior absence of telecommunications and no truck roads.
Please be advised, there will be a traditional pig killing in honour of the arrival of the Prime Minister.