Tonga

At a meeting with Her Royal Highness, Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tukuάh, who is also Tonga’s High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, O’Neill also raised the prospect of increased labor mobility between the two countries, and increasing investment opportunities.

“Papua New Guinea is committed to help Tonga with infrastructure and knowledge support for their hosting of the 2019 Pacific Games,” the Prime Minister said.

Pediatric Specialist of Vaiola Hospital – Dr. Siaosi ‘Aho says these are children under 15 years of age and majority are boys.

Sadly about 70% of the victims did not make it, though the Ministry had done its best to save their lives.

Victims are diagnosed with various types of cancers mainly leukemia.

Dr Aho told Radio Tonga that there are also cases of brain tumors and bone cancer among children.

Governor General Bob Dadae assured Tonga’s new High Commissioner to PNG, Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku’aho of the historical and diplomatic ties maintained between the two countries and of the deepening relations forged at all levels and at the people-to-people level.

Dadae made the comments as he received Princess Tuku’aho at Government House Tuesday where she presented her credentials to the Governor General.

Princess Tuku’aho paid tribute to the work of Tongan missionaries who were early Tongan diplomats to PNG.

A member of Tonga’s Council in NZ – Melino Maka spoke to Radio Tonga from Auckland and said the Government needs to act on these issues.

He says there are opportunities for farmers in Tonga to grow their plantations and not only export them to Tongans in NZ, but also to larger markets that can help them earn a lot of revenue.

Maka says many of the agricultural produce needed by foreigners in NZ are imported from Asian Countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines, but why not Tonga.

The aim of the workshop is to finalise the Food Bill 2017 and Food Regulations 2017.

Deputy Director and Head of the Food Division, Metuisela Falesiva, in his welcoming remarks stressed that this consultation is about dealing with the public in bringing their viewpoints on the Food Act that was passed in 2014.

The viewpoints and feedback will help finalize an outcome for the Food Bill and Food Regulations 2017.

The schools were GPS Holonga, GPS Mu’a, GPS Lapaha, GPS Hoi, GPS Talafo’ou and GPS Kolonga.

That brings to 18 the number of schools that have received plant seedlings this year.

Other schools that have received plant seedlings include Tupou College in Toloa (last year), Tonga High School, Queen Salote College, GPS Navutoka, GPS Malapo, GPS Vaini, GPS Veitongo, GPS ‘Atele, GPS Pea, GPS Ma’ufanga, GPS Havelu, GPS Ngeleia, GPS Fanga, GPS Fasi, GPS Fanga and GPS Popua.

Radio Tonga reports a sugar shortage on Tongatapu and Vava'u.

A spokesperson for the Consumer Affairs division of the Ministry of Labour and Trade said the public can file complaints if they find shops selling sugar at inflated rates.

There are reports some places are placing a 20 percent premium on the set price.

The shortage had put down to uncertainty over shipping schedules.

A similar shortfall occurred last year.

There's hope a shipment of sugar will arrive next month.

Tourism is Tonga’s largest single source of foreign earning, “about five times as that of Agriculture and Fisheries combined.”

Tonga’s Tourism Industry also provides 25% employment opportunities.

The World Bank Pacific Possible study focused on 11 Pacific Island Countries; Papau New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Kiribati, Palau, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia and Tuvalu.

According to the Pacific Possible Paper on Tourism, the industry could bring in an additional US$1.7 billion to the 11 Pacific Island Countries by 2040.

The purpose of YEC is to develop into a national advocacy and technical council under the national private sector/employers’ organisation, that builds the evidence base to creatively engage with policy makers, via the national platform, to effect positive change aimed at incentivising and prompting business and employment aspirations of current and future young entrepreneurs.

Police Acting Superintendent Tevita Vailea says officers tried to stop an unlicenced vehicle in Mailetaha yesterday.

Mr Vailea told Radio Tonga that about 10 passengers were in the vehicle, and they started attacking the officers with sharp objects including machetes.

The officers then fled the scene for their safety.

Mr Vailea says the assailants are known to the police, and they are being hunted.