Denise Hall: Vanuatu rebuilding life after cyclone

Q&A: Alice Clements

“Live, Laugh, Love. Vanuatu — the happiest place on earth” the advert promised. Achingly beautiful photos of pristine coral sand beaches, beautiful lagoons, lush green bush and fertile little food gardens bursting with fruit and vegetables accompanied it. Plump, happy children romped about, carefree in the warm climate.

But that was last year. Now much of this green and pleasant collection of islands — 81 or 82 in all, depending on the prevailing tide, so residents say — has been reduced to grey, decaying foliage after cyclone Pam tore through the archipelago in March.