Tonga

Originally Papua New Guinea was awarded the hosting rights but the Pageant’s Board at its annual meeting in Nadi, Fiji Tuesday agreed for Tonga to host next year’s event as PNG had other commitments.

As a result, Papua New Guinea will host the pageant in 2019, says Executive Secretary of the Pacific Island Pageant Secretariat and Samoa Tourism Authority’s Chief Executive Papalii Sonya Hunter.

Another resolution approved by the Pageant’s Board is for the incoming Pageant winner to be crowned by her predecessor and not by VIP or distinguish guests.

In the first half Vanuatu scored 2 goals by Jacky Ruben and Azariah Soromon,

The two teams got back into the field in the second half, where Vanuatu scored another 2 goals by Azariah Soromon and Tony Kaltack.

In the last three minutes of the game, Vanuatu scored the fifth goal.

Vanuatu went on to beat Tonga 5-0.

Photo source Van2017

Chief Executive Officer of Tonga’s Fisheries Department Dr Tu’ikolongahau Halafihi told Pacific journalists in Manila that is their target.

“We can see that things are increasing but there is still a lot more work to be done.

“There are incentives that we have put in place to help our people who are interested to get into the industry.

“At the same time we also have incentives to help foreign vessels who operate under our Tongan flags.”

Dr Tupou-Roosen is currently the FFA’s legal adviser.

She has been nominated to the top post by the Kingdom.

The Chief Executive Officer of Tonga’s Fisheries Department Dr Tu’ikolongahau Halafihi confirmed this at a media briefing with Pacific journalists at the Philippines International Convention Centre, Tuesday.

“Government had supported her nomination last year and they had given us their letter stating that which we submitted with our nomination.

The celebration programme falls within the marking of the 16 Days of Activism, a worldwide campaign to oppose violence against Women and Children in the society commencing from the 25th November to 10th December every year.

Speaking to more than 50 participants and guests, the Deputy High Commissioner for Australia, Rhona Mcphee said the theme for this year is calling for a very united front in ensuring that there are opportunities for advancement in all sphere of life with Persons with Disabilities.

Vakaolafehi Pōle’o, who was also known as Vaka Pōle’o, died Saturday.

The family have yet to officially reveal the cause of his death.

His works of computer and print designs as well as music were popular with Tongan community and businesses.

Vaka was one of the few Tongans who had graduated with a BA qualification in visual designs and art from Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand.

His nephew Li’ekina He Vahafolau Fīnau died three days earlier.

The helpline trial, which is funded by UN Women, will be launched on the 5th of December and will run until February.

Crisis centre director Ofa Guttenbeil-Likiliki said if successful funding is available to support the service for three years from March 2018.

She said the initiative is in line with the theme of the 16 Day campaign this year which is "leave no one behind."

The Solomon Islands team was too strong for Tonga.

The first goal came from Jerry Tonga.

Tonga’s Team Manager, Fetuu Vea says they will try their best in the next game against New Caledonia.

Vea said football is still a new discipline in Polynesian countries and that explains why there was a big score line against them today.

Head Coach for Solomon Islands, Filipe Vera Arango said he is happy with the performance of the players and their next match will be very difficult because they will play against Fiji.

The fire at ‘Eua High School broke out in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Kaniva News reports a close family member of the deceased alleged the victim is thought to have been trapped in his house before he could be able to escape the fire.

He was rushed to hospital where he died, she said.

It is understood the victim went by the name of Kalisolaite ‘Eti on Facebook.

Viliami Tu’ihalamaka from Tonga Fire and Emergency Service in Tongatapu said he had received report from ‘Eua a man was injured in a house fire at the school and was taken to hospital.

Last week the 50 foot trimaran was commissioned by King Tupou VI.

Sitiveni Halapua, who led the project, said the 'Utuma'atu was about two weeks away from its maiden voyage.

He said the boat would take about 48 hours to sail the 600 kilometres to the Niuas in the northern part of Tonga, and would be able to carry 12 people and two tonnes of cargo.

Dr Halapua said people in the Niuas would now have greater and cheaper access to goods and supplies.