Tonga

‘Early detection saves lives’, Pinktober launched in Tonga

The launch was graced by the patron of Tonga Breast Cancer Society, Her Royal Highness Princess Pilolevu.

Guests also heard from Monica Tu’ipulotu about her experiences as a survivor of breast cancer.   

In support of Pinktober, Digicel launched on 1 October, its nation-wide special offer of Huawei Y3 phone for $149 pa’anga with free sim and 1GB data valid for five days.

$1 from every handset sold will be donated to Tonga Breast Cancer Society. 

 

Photo courtesy of Maroon Photography

     

Senior Tonga Police officer commends officers for overall reduction in crime

According to statistics released by police, there was a 10% reduction in total offences under the Criminal Offences Act for the period July 2017 to June 2018 compared to the same period in the previous year.

“I would like to personally thank and commend the efforts of our Police staff who continue to show courage and dedication in keeping our communities safe, said Vaisuai.

According to Officer Vaisuai this year was a very busy year for the Ministry of Police, as there were major drugs busts, the general election and celebrations for the Rugby League World Cup.

Students’ talents shine at Tongan music competition and festival

Students sang and performed items for an appreciative audience.

Team Mele’ana Puloka took the first prize in the singing competition

A total of six teams from Queen Salote College performed in the singing competition.

The teams were named after former principals including Ma’ata Havea, Janet Maddox, Dilys Rowlands, Mele’ana Puloka, Sela Na’a Latu and Barbara Pott.

Tupou College held a music festival as part of the day’s activities.

 

Photo supplied      

Tonga warns of dire security threats from climate change on island atoll countries

“In contributing towards the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its landmark Goals (SDGs), including the internationally agreed blueprint for the sustainable development of small island developing States (SIDS), the SAMOA Pathway, Tonga has made both accords an integral part of its national planning processes,” he said on Wednesday.

He emphasised the importance of the UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development, which he pointed out will review the SAMOA Pathway in 2019.

Tonga exploring cheaper and sustainable electricity through biogas generation

This was the conclusion of a 4 day visit jointly organised by the Pacific Community’s Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (PCREEE) and the Institute for Applied Material Flow Management (IfaS) of the Trier University of Applied Sciences, Germany earlier in September. 

NZ taxpayers funding repairs to 300 storm-damaged homes in Tonga

It was described as the worst storm to hit Tonga in about six decades. 

Melino Maka, a leader of Auckland's Tongan community, says he's struggled to access information about aspects of the work being done to repair damaged homes in Tonga. 

Maka says he's been contacted by about 20 people in Tonga who have questions about the efforts and he's tried unsuccessfully through various channels to get them answers, he says. 

“When people don't get information they start to speculate. 

6 men charged following marijuana drug bust in Tonga

The raid was conducted after police were tipped off about the cultivation of marijuana plants in the area.

“We would like to acknowledge the assistance of members of the public which led to the drug seizures yesterday. It only takes one call to disrupt the supply of drugs in your community and we encourage anyone who can provide information of drug dealing to contact Police,” said Acting Superintendent Taulango Tapueluelu.

Police also seized a .22 rifle and 26 live ammunition.

Tongan PM calls for jailing of parliament

The company, which manages Tonga's orbital space, is at the centre of a legal case brought by Mr Pohiva over nearly $US50 million it received from China.

Last month, Tonga's Supreme Court ruled the payments were not approved by the government.

According to Matangi Tonga Mr Pohiva told parliament last week that a 2012 Auditor General's report reached the same conclusion but nothing was done.

He suggested the members take turns in twos to do prison time at the weekends and in the mornings so as not to disrupt parliament.

Tonga off-duty police officer arrested

In a statement, police say the 35-year-old was arrested on Monday at a house in Pelehake, after police received a complaint from the owner that a person had entered without permission.

The police officer was suspended by the commissioner on Thursday.

He was remanded in custody for appearance at the Magistrate Court Friday.

Police said they were still investigating but further charges are expected.

 

     

Tonga Supreme Court finds mum, stepdad guilty of sexual abuse of daughters

The stepfather was found guilty of one count of rape, six counts of serious indecent assault, two charges of indecent exposure and five charges of domestic violence.

The teenagers’ mother was found guilty of one charge of aiding rape, four counts of aiding serious indecent assault, one count of domestic violence and one of common assault.

The couple appeared before Judge Justice Cato.

“Cases involving sexual offending on young people are taken very seriously by the Courts and are of the utmost importance,” Justice Cato said.