A week after Vanuatu cyclone, some homeless still await help

(GNN) - Nearly 400 people left homeless by a cyclone that battered the tiny Pacific nation of Vanuatu said on Friday they are not getting enough emergency aid a week on from the monster storm.

The group were among more than 800 people who took shelter from Cyclone Pam in Freswota School, in the capital Port Vila. But 393 people found their homes totally destroyed and are now living in the school's classrooms.

"After the cyclone, about a week now, we haven't received any urgent relief from the government or any NGOs or any other departments," said Charlie Nirua, who lost his family home in the storm.

"They only give us biscuits and water and all this, just a small quantity of food for people to survive with."

Aid agencies say the relief effort is gearing up and they've started moving food, water, shelter and medicines to the worst affected areas, but there has been little evidence of that in the capital, according to Nirua.

"Nothing at all. We saw planes coming, landing but we haven't heard anything about releasing all the food and all the supplies for the people," he said. "We're still waiting for the government to respond for that."

The school is run by husband and wife team Regina and Manses Kalo, who say it was a nominated evacuation center and that Save the Children were first on the scene after the cyclone churned across the island.

"People came in on the evening of the cyclone with their own food, water and whatever they need for the night of the cyclone," Regina said.

"But then Saturday morning the Save the Children fund started to come in supplying food, water, even clothes for little ones and mothers, and they provide other things like dishes and pots for people to use."

The government of Vanuatu is co-ordinating relief efforts, attempting to get immediate aid to more than 60 inhabited remote islands along the 1,300 km (800 mile) long archipelago east of Australia.

Aid workers say they are now trying to get emergency aid to isolated islands where airstrips, ports and communications have been extensively damaged.

France, Australia and New Zealand are sending ships and helicopters to help in the relief effort.

(Reuters)(Editing by Alex Richardson)

Related articles

• Health concerns for cyclone-hit Vanuatu (dailymail.co.uk)
• VIDEO: Australia and NZ fly aid to Vanuatu (bbc.co.uk)
• A week after Vanuatu cyclone, some homeless still await help (channelnewsasia.com)

ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 - Live Match

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Xero Raises $111M And Hires New U.S. Lead For Its Cloud-Based Accounting Business

(GNN) - New Zealand-founded accounting software firm Xero has raised a $110.8 million round of capital to grow its business in the North American market.

NZ Stock Exchange-listed Xero — which provides online accounting software for small/medium businesses and accountants — said that the new funds come from Accel Partners and Matrix Capital Management, its largest institutional investor. Accel is providing the lion’s share of capital in the deal — $100 million at a $15.052 per share value — which is expected to close by the middle of March 2015.

The money will be put to work growing the company’s business in the U.S. and, on that note, Xero is also bolstering its U.S. and global team with a new hire. Russell Fujioka, formerly of Dell and a current partner at Bessemer Venture Partners, has taken on the role of U.S. President, based out of Xero’s San Francisco office. In addition, former Salesforce CFO Graham Smith has joined the Xero board as a non-executive director.

Xero beefed up its U.S. team in February 2014 when it hired a U.S. CEO, new board director, and an additional U.S.-based director to its team. Its inaugural U.S. CEO, Peter Karpas, has since moved on to pastures new, and it looks like Fujioka has taken on his responsibilities (and more) with this new role.

There’s plenty of competition in the accounting software space in the U.S., and Xero must do battle with NASDAQ-listed Intuit, arguably the biggest player in the space, and smaller rivals like Freshbooks.

Accel partner Andrew Braccia believes that Xero — which claims to have more than 400,000 small businesses on its books — has what it takes to compete though:

Accel always looks for enduring technologies with global reach and we see the need and opportunity for millions of small businesses to grow on Xero’s platform. We’ve worked with several other leading companies in the region to broaden their global reach and we hope this experience will be valuable as Xero’s strong leadership team looks to expand in the United States.

Prior to today, Xero had raised over $240 million from investors, according to Crunchbase. Its most recent round was $150 million in October 2013, led by Peter Thiel-backed Valar Ventures and Matrix Partners.

Japan says Pacific trade talks agree broadly on labor, health issues

(GNN) - Pacific trade talks have reached broad agreement on labor issues and sanitary and phytosanitary standards but some difficult aspects remain to be tackled, Japan’s chief negotiator said on Saturday.

U.S. President Barack Obama said last month he aimed to have a free-trade draft he could take to meetings with other leaders in November.

Chief Japanese negotiator Koji Tsuruoka said the 12 member nations of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) made progress at talks in Ottawa but there was no discussion about the timing of the overall accord in the regional free trade agreement.

"We came to Ottawa so that we would clarify what issues are left (after TPP talks in Ottawa) and find out the direction. We achieved the desired goal," he told a news conference.

But gaps remain to be bridged and further talks are required on issues such as intellectual property, state-owned companies and the environment, he said.

The meeting in Ottawa would be key to advancing the trade pact talks to their final stage by the end of the year, he had said last week.

But Tsuruoka said the countries felt the situation was not yet ripe to set the timing for a ministerial meeting as talks among officials had not made sufficient progress by the end on Saturday of the talks in Ottawa, which ran about a week.

The TPP talks also include countries such as Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.

Canadian Trade Minister Ed Fast told reporters on Friday he would not put a timeline on when the TPP talks will conclude.

"We are bringing all of our efforts to bear to bring these negotiations forward in a timely manner," he said.

Asked to comment on New Zealand's suggestion that Japan should be eliminated from the TPP if it doesn't open its markets to more farm imports, he replied:

"I'm not going to comment on what other TPP partners say. All of them are valuable partners; they all bring value to the table."

(Reuters - AIP)(Reporting by David Ljunggren in Ottawa and Kaori Kaneko in Tokyo; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)

Australia, New Zealand push on with day-night Tests

SYDNEY: Cricket Australia said Monday it is pushing ahead with plans to stage an historic day-night Test match with New Zealand, possibly as early as the 2015-16 season.
CA chief executive James Sutherland and his New Zealand Cricket counterpart David White met in Melbourne last week during the International Cricket Council (ICC) annual conference to discuss the idea. They are devising plans to stage the match when New Zealand tour Australia in November 2015, with the venue to be determined, CA said.

The ICC gave its approval in 2012 for member countries to work together on staging Test cricket under lights. "We are serious about pushing ahead with the concept of day-night Test cricket," Sutherland said in a statement. "We feel it will only strengthen the position and possibilities for Test cricket in many parts of the world. There are many Test matches played during non-holiday periods when adults are at work and kids are at school and that´s not an ideal way to promote the highest form of the game."

Sutherland also said there was not a major team sport in the world that scheduled the majority of its premium content during the working week. "We´re not talking about playing the Boxing Day or New Year´s Test at night," Sutherland said. "The summer holiday period in Australia really lends itself to Test cricket, but at other times of the year it can be difficult for fans to attend or watch Test matches, be it here or in other parts of the world. That´s really at the heart of the issue. The challenge is to try to make Test cricket more accessible for fans."

White said his organisation was looking forward to contributing to the day-night Test concept, especially in terms of helping develop a new pink ball suitable for Test conditions.

"Australia continue to assess conditions to ensure they are appropriate to stage Test cricket at night, and we fully support that duty of care," White said in the CA statement.

Both governing bodies said they would continue to seek the opinion of players, spectators and broadcasters.

ICC chief executive David Richardson said he supported the idea. "I´m pleased that after the ICC board gave its thumbs-up during the 2012 annual conference and following extensive trials and debates, we are now at a stage when two of our members are contemplating playing the first-ever day-night Test".

New Zealand in driving seat as Williamsom shines

BRIDGETOWN: Kane Williamson´s highest Test score put New Zealand in control at 331 for seven in their second innings, a lead of 307 runs, on a rain-shortened fourth day of the third and final Test at Kensington Oval on Sunday.

His unbeaten 161 in over six hours at the crease was the highlight of a determined Black Caps effort that tilted the balance of an intriguing match.

When heavy rain swept across the ground in mid-afternoon, the tourists were poised to build on what was already a challenging target at 314 for six, ahead by 290. Only 20 more minutes of play was possible on the resumption, with one more wicket being lost for the addition of another 17 runs, before more rain rolled in.

That left New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum to contemplate his options for a declaration going into Monday´s final day, weather permitting.

A key factor in his consideration will be that the highest winning fourth innings total in a Test match at the venue is 311 by the Brian Lara-led West Indies against Australia in 1999.

Williamson´s innings was a masterful effort of concentration and shot-making. The elegant right-hander stroked 22 boundaries in a classy innings, putting the seal on an outstanding series for the 23-year-old that has brought him 413 runs so far.

McCullum contributed to his team´s improved second innings effort, scoring 25 in a 67-run fourth-wicket partnership with Williamson before he fell lbw to Kemar Roach in the fourth over of the day.

All-rounder Jimmy Neesham picked up from where his captain left off and was even more impressive, striking four sixes and three fours in an entertaining 51 out of a fifth-wicket stand of 91 before another powerful drive by the left-hander off debutant Jason Holder found Kraigg Brathwaite at short extra-cover.

Wicketkeeper-batsman B.J. Watling nudged and deflected his way to 29 while Williamson took centre stage in a sixth-wicket partnership of 79 as an increasingly frustrated Denesh Ramdin and his West Indies team seemed to run out of ideas.

Roach and the second new ball eventually brought the breakthrough after lunch, Watling cutting the fast bowler to Holder at backward point to become the Barbadian´s 100th Test wicket in his 26th Test, the 19th West Indian in the history of the game to reach that landmark. It was also his fourth wicket of the innings and eighth of the match, although his personal success was only a momentary distraction from the greater challenge facing the West Indies. (AFP)

Rubel claims hat-trick as Bangladesh crush New Zealand

DHAKA: Rubel Hossain claimed six wickets including a hat-trick as Bangladesh crushed New Zealand by 43 runs Tuesday in the first one-day international, leading 1-0 in the three-match series. Rubel finished with 6-26, helping the hosts to dismiss New Zealand for 162 runs after the visitors were set a revised target of 206 runs in 33 overs in the rain-hit match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.

New Zealand were 82-3 in 20 overs, replying to Bangladesh's 265 all out, when rain halted the game for nearly two hours.

Needing 124 off 78 balls on resumption, Corey Anderson hit some lusty blows before Rubel turned the table with his hat-trick.

Rubel bowled Anderson, who scored 46 off 31 balls including three fours and fours sixes, before taking the wicket of Brendan McCullum and James Neesham to complete the hat-trick in his third over.

New Zealand skipper McCullum was caught by substitute fielder Shamsur Rahman while Neesham flicked a catch to wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim on the leg side as Rubel became the third Bangladeshi to claim a hat-trick in a one-day international (ODI).

Rubel took the wicket of Ross Taylor before rain later added Nathan McCullum and Grant Elliot (71) to his tally, equalling the record of Mashrafe Mortaza for the best ever ODI bowling for Bangladesh.

Mashrafe, who claimed 6-26 against Kenya at Nairobi in 2006, took the catch of Elliot, the last man out for New Zealand.

The visitors conceded a defeat as Kane Williamson was unable to bat for a thumb injury.

Earlier, Mushfiqur and Naeem Islam hit half-centuries to set up Bangladesh's total after New Zealand captain McCullum won the toss and elected to field.

The pair added 154 for the fourth wicket to rescue the home side from a perilous 25-3.

Skipper Mushfiqur hit a solid 90 off 98 balls with eight fours and two sixes before he fell to Neesham.

Naeem struggled initially, taking 17 balls to get off the mark, but soon grew in confidence to hit a career-best 84 off 113 balls.

Naeem, who was picked in the starting line-up after Bangladesh were forced to leave out ailing all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, smashed 12 fours in his fourth one-day half-century.

Tim Southee ended Naeem's innings when he forced an edge to the wicket-keeper.

Neesham and Southee were the pick of New Zealand bowlers, sharing seven wickets between them as Bangladesh lost their last five wickets for 33 runs.

Neesham claimed a career-best 4-42, while Southee returned with 3-34. (GNN) (AFP) (Yoogle)

Cleanest Places on Earth

An old adage says that Cleanliness is next to Godliness. Indeed it is true that whenever you are in a clean and tidy place, you feel an inner peace and serenity. It could be our home and other specific locations where we feel we are safe where it could be our refuge from the cares and worries of the world. Hence, this is also a sign of development and higher state of human civilization that signifies growth and real stability. On this list, you could find the most sought paradise because of the highest maintenance of cleanliness and felicity, Below are the Cleanest Places on Earth.

1. Oslo, Norway

Oslo is considered to be the largest city found in Norway that also serves as the capital city of the country. It is the central place for shipping, banking, trade, and other industries. It has the most extensive transport system in Norway. It has good air quality, specifically when summer season comes in. It is known for its massive waterfalls, mountains, and its reputation of being one of the safest places in the world.

2. Adelaide, Australia

It is one of the key cities and most populous place in Australia. Nevertheless, some of the comments and feedback that most of the travelers give has something to do with its cleanliness and uncluttered environment. Also, it is the most affordable city where an individual can settle into, based on transportation and accommodations drafted in the whole country of Australia.

3. Honolulu, Hawaii

It has the cleanest air in America based on the air report conducted and released. It got an A mark for its Ozone or smog rating, along with the particle pollution or soot. This is in support and implementation of the Clean Air Act that people observe there.

4. Kobe, Japan

When it comes to cosmopolitan lifestyle, Kobe is the best city that you can find in Japan. This is the reason why it continuously attracts visitors from other nations and even within the locality. Some of the things that made it become comparatively distinct are with cleanliness through separate roadway drainage that avoids the release of untreated sewage into rivers and other waterways, which is one of the common issues in some countries and the picturesque seas and mountains. It is the 6th largest city in Japan.

5. Minneapolis, United States

This is not just part of the cleanest places in the world but it is cited as the second cleanest and smartest city in America. The criteria for achieving this recognition are because of the major improvements done in the district, as this is the only city that accepts electronic waste for free. According to the Travel & Leisure, it is a well-kept and a smart looking city.

6. Copenhagen, Denmark

It is the cleanest city in Europe, which is actually the result of the surveys conducted proactively among the travelers and visitors in various European countries. Hence, it is also the greenest place in the world. It is a bike and walk-friendly city found in Denmark. In fact, they embrace clean incinerators wherein they convert trash into energy.

7. Wellington, New Zealand

It is recognized as the greenest and cleanest city in New Zealand. Some of the things that made this place part of this list are considerably based on the quality of life that people maintain, open space, recycling processes that they are doing, which makes this place free from pollution.

8. Calgary, Canada

It is consistently ranked and included on the yearly top 10 list of the cleanest places on earth. This has been boosted because of the implementation and development of sanitation systems, two to three years ago with their Too Good to Waste Program. Moreover, they are consistent with their efforts in reducing demolition and construction waste, through trainings and financial incentive programs.

9. Ottawa, Canada

When it comes to ambiance, Ottawa is one of the comfortable and coolest places in the world as to its natural purity aside from humid continental climate that the place has. It is also the capital city of Canada. It is surrounded by forests, parklands, and wetlands.

10. Honolulu, Hawaii

It has the cleanest air in America based on the air report conducted and released. It got an A mark for its Ozone or smog rating, along with the particle pollution or soot. This is in support and implementation of the Clean Air Act that people observe there.

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