Tonga

The 27 year old man, who police have not named, allegedly carried out the robbery last Saturday evening at Ma'ufanga.

He was allegedly brandishing a knife when he confronted a shopkeeper, getting away with $US302 dollars.

The police commissioner, Stephen Caldwell, said the allegations were extremely concerning but the arrest showed no one is above the law.

RNZI reports a second man has also been arrested in relation to the incident and is facing the same charge.

They will both appear in the Magistrate's Court on Friday.

RNZI reports Prime Minister Akilisi Pohiva's government is now drafting amendments that would allow it to control the appointments for roles such as the Police Commissioner and the Attorney General, which is currently handled by the Privy Council with the King.

There has been opposition to the government's push from widely differing sectors and the director of Massey University's Pacific Research Centre, Malakai Koloamatangi, agrees, saying it would be about the balance of power, accountability and transparency.

However, while the kingdom is expecting strong winds Tongatapu locals are celebrating the arrival of plentiful winter rain.

Kaniva News reports farmers and growers took to social media to welcome the weather saying it was a blessing.

Some land areas in Tongatapu began to experience significant dryness because there had been no rain for some time.

A gale warning remains in force for Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ʻEua land areas, Tonga Met Services said today.

A strong wind warning remains in force for Niua and Vavaʻu land areas.

The hospital's medical superintendent, Lisiate 'Ulufonua, said mumps are contagious and typically contracted through saliva and close personal contact.

The initial symptoms include fever, muscle pain and headache and complications could include brain infections and deafness.

Radio Tonga reported Dr. 'Ulufonua urging the public to practise good hygiene.

Last Wednesday, police executed a search warrant at a home in Kolomotu’a and arrested a 45 year old man from Nukunuku.

The suspect allegedly had one pack (0.40grams) of the illicit drug methamphetamine or ICE.

He has been charged with possession of illicit drugs.

Another 35 year old man from Kolomotu’a was also arrested with 6 packs (3.46grams) of methamphetamine (ICE).

He has also been charged with possession of illicit drugs.

Both accused will appear at the Magistrate Court this week.

Police have arrested and charged a 36 year old suspect of Kolovai.

Kaniva News reports the suspect has been charged with grievous bodily harm and further charges were likely to follow.

The incident happened yesterday (Sunday) at 5.20am in a tax allotment.

The victim sustained wounds from shots alleggedly fired from a .22 rifle.

Police confirmed the suspect will appear at the Nukunuku Magistrate Court Thursday, 25 May 2017.

Lord Vaea was instrumental in bringing the Games to Tonga when he was the Minister of Internal Affairs and Sports.

He was part of the bid team led by Prince Ata to Wallis and Futuna in 2012.

“The cabinet does not have power to stop it,” Lord Vaea told Kaniva News today.

“I believe it is important for Tonga to still host the Games.

“The various reasons given for the withdrawal were very unusual.

“Why did they stop it and at the same time still build the stadium?”

The Council was formally advised of the government's decision to pull out on Wednesday, because of financial concerns, five days after the move was approved by cabinet.

The Pacific Games Council said it was not consulted in the decision and no attempt was made to seek their assistance to address the Government's financial concerns over staging the Games.

"We have a contract that we signed in 2012, when our General Assembly awarded Tonga the Games and there are termination and suspension clauses in the contract," said Council CEO Andrew Minogue.

In a statement the government said over the last two years, its efforts to mobilise financial resources to fund the Games had been an enormous challenge.

It said it was concerned that the economy could be jeopardised and the stability and ability to deliver its national priorities could be derailed.

However it said it would still dedicate its efforts to strengthening facilities and cultivating sports in the hope that it could host the Games in the future.

His comment follow Monday’s announcement that Tonga will not host 2019 Pacific Games.

Pohiva said he decided to pull out of hosting the Games after he saw a World Bank report last week

The report said many countries, including in the Pacific, were left with under-utilised sporting facilities after hosting sporting events which rapidly deteriorated with under-use and lack of funding for maintenance.