Tonga

The contract of the CCEO role is for four-years, effective on 15 March.

In a Press Release, PSC stated that Kioa had been their Acting CEO since October 2022, and took over the top job from Lia Maka, who retired late last year.

“In April 2019, she joined PSC as Deputy Secretary, and looked after the Oversight Division, Workforce Development Division and Corporate Service Division.” 

“Prior to that, she worked in various managerial roles for over 15-years in the private local sector and in the United States.”

The agreement was signed by Tonga’s Minister of Finance Tiofilusi Tiueti and ADB’s Pacific Subregional Office Regional Director Aaron Batten yesterday.

The grant was approved by ADB on 7 March. 

“When disaster strikes, quick disbursing finance is needed to help Tonga rapidly respond to a disaster,” Tiueti said.

“This programme delivers help to Tongan people at a time when they need it most.”

Uluilakeba had spent almost 12-years in exile in Tonga. After fleeing Fiji and controversially "rescued at sea" by the Royal Tongan Navy in 2011.

He was one of the senior officers who supported and executed the 2006 coup led by Voreqe Bainimarama.

However, Lieutenant Colonel Ratu Tevita Mara was charged with mutiny and accused of attempting to overthrow the Bainimarama-led government. Mara then fled Fiji in May 2011, and was declared a fugitive by the Fijian government under the Extradition Act.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the governments of Tonga and Australia today commissioned the Vava’u hybrid mini-grid as part of the cofinanced Tonga Renewable Energy Project. The new grid, which is cofinanced by the Green Climate Fund, will provide clean, reliable, and efficient electricity supply to the people and businesses of Vava’u.

Tonga Deputy Prime Minister Samiu Kiuta Vaipulu led the event together with Australian High Commissioner for Tonga Rachael Moore. The ceremony involved a plaque unveiling and site inspections.

A press release stated that “Commonwealth Day 2023 marks the tenth anniversary of the Commonwealth Charter, which was signed by Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 11 March 2013 and outlines the values and aspirations which unite the Commonwealth. It expresses the commitment of member states to the development of free and democratic societies, and the promotion of peace and prosperity to improve the lives of all the people of the Commonwealth.”

PasifikaTV is excited to be broadcasting the series to the Pacific in what is sure to be another delicious celebration of vibrant food from across the region that highlights the passion and skill of the people making it.

Teams of two will be representing the Kingdom of Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, and Papua New Guinea.

Season 3 will take place over six episodes, displaying the skills of contestants while also educating viewers on how food can be used to address issues the Pacific is facing including obesity, stunting, diabetes and climate change.

The former government introduced the ban under the Customs and Excise Management Act Order 2021.

Kaniva News reports it said: “Lists of Prohibited Imports”

“Vehicles principally designed for transport of persons, under tariff heading 8703 with model year equal to or more than 15 years from the date of import.”

The ban was imposed with a forfeiture and penalties enforcement which took effect on May 3 that year.

The repeal was announced by the Ministry of Revenue and Customs yesterday.

The suspect, a 31-year-old male from Ha'asini, attempted to flee but was arrested after a brief pursuit.

RNZ Pacific reports a search at his residence at Ha'asini revealed a quantity of cannabis, a drug utensil containing methamphetamine, guns and test tubes.

Two other males were arrested and charged in connection with the same offences.

Photo file RNZ Pacific 

He was charged for attempting to overthrow ousted Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama’s government in 2010.

Fiji media reported yesterday “Former army officer, Ratu Tevita Mara, arrived in Fiji today – 12 years after seeking political asylum in Tonga”.

“It’s understood he will attend the installation of Ratu Epenisa Cakobau as Vunivalu tomorrow (today Friday)”.

Kaniva News reports following Mara’s appearance in a Fijian court in 2011 for his charge and while released on bail his family contacted the Tongan royal family and asked to help rescued Mara.

Hu'akavameiliku said both Fiji and Samoa have a lot of workers who are making their living in the country and neighbouring nations.

The Prime Minister is in Doha attending the Fifth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5),  

Photo PM Press