Tonga

UK-based David Halaifonua, Sione Kalamafoni, Samisoni Fisilau, Aleki Lutui, Paula Ngauomo and Will Helu have been included in the 'Ikale Tahi's 30-man squad, along with Siale Piutau, who plies his trade in Japan.

All seven players have yet to feature for Tonga in 2015, having missed the Pacific Nations Cup.

Melbourne Rebels winger Telusa Veainu, centre Viliami Tahitu'a and locally-based halfback Sosefo Ma'ake have also been included, having made their international debut in the PNC.

One more player is still to be added to the final squad.

The training provided insights into the Convention and the work of the UN Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) project. In doing so, the training aimed to build the capacity of selected journalists to prevent, detect and investigate cases of corruption through greater awareness of UNCAC and the media’s role as a non-state actor.

In his welcoming address, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, Lord Tu'ivakano, noted the essential role media have to play in combatting corruption and helping reduce its adverse impacts on a country’s development.

Radio Tonga reports a letter calling for the Minister to be impeached was read in Parliament today.

Mr Lavulavu has dismissed claims that he has not been following the policies and regulations of parliament, mismanaging government's properties and actions that could affect Tonga's international relations.

The Speaker, Lord Tu'ikvakano, directed the MPs behind the impeachment call to refer it to the relevant parliamentary committee for consideration.

The non government organisation, Le Va, has signed an agreement with Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku'aho of Tonga, to cooperate on suicide prevention measures in both countries.

The chief executive of Le Va, Monique Faleafa, says Tonga and other Pacific nations are part of a World Health Organisation program and have more accurate data on suicide compared to New Zealand.

But she says the funding to analyse that data is inconsistent and Le Va can help interpret it to produce suicide prevention strategies that work in both New Zealand and Tonga.

The 35 observers were divided into two groups with one group doing sea time at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and the other group undertaking the Pacific Islands Regional Fisheries Observer Syllabus Programme.

A statement from government said each group did five weeks of intensive training before going for the second part which will take another five weeks.

Deputy Director Offshore, Edward Honiwala who officially opened the second part of the programme said the observers will spend another five weeks before completing the programme.

The people in the outer islands showed they are recovering from the devastation left by Tropical Cyclone Ian in January last year through their food crops, fish, seafood and handicrafts on show. Last year they were not able to take part.

King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u opened the Ha’apai Show at the Lea’aetohi grounds in Pangai where colourful traditional dance performances were held.

The Royal Tour of the national shows will conclude in Tongatapu this week on August 21-22.

Le Va signed the agreement with Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku'aho, to cooperate on suicide prevention measures in both countries and to share experiences.

The chief executive of Le Va, Dr Monique Faleafa, says little is known about suicide in Pacific communities and the Princess' involvement will really help confront a taboo subject.

She says the first goal is to analyse data on suicide in Tonga to create a prevention programme that will work for Tonga.

Tonga’s Meteorological Services said the El Nino this year continues to strengthen with the forecasted rainfall for the next six months for drier than normal conditions.

In the last two months from May to July, rainfall was below normal throughout Tonga. This three month outlook is typical of El Nino years. The islands with rainfall deficiencies are likely to intensify for the rest of the dry season from May to October where below normal rainfall are favoured and into the wet season, November to April.

Cool temperature

The group includes Tongan business people, academics and “concerned citizens”, said Shane Egan, from Kanokupolu, who is calling for interested people to help form an executive committee. He said a formalised society would be able to respond to some immediate concerns for the future of some heritage sites.

“We were inspired by the archaeological work done in Tonga by Dr David V. Burley from Simon Fraser University, Canada and recognised the void for such an organisation and the urgent need for consolidation,” he said.

This was organised along with the Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva and the Prime Minister’s Office, it was claimed yesterday by Tonga’s Finance Minister.

‘Aisake Eke in a statement, also denied allegations that he had prior knowledge that the interview was contracted to be paid for.

‘Aisake stated that he found out that the government would have to pay up, when he was himself contacted for an interview by the two people who had already interviewed the Prime Minister in Tonga.