Tonga

The couple in their mid-20s were arrested and had been charged with possession of illicit drugs, with additional charges against the husband on possession of firearm and ammunition without a license, Police said.

Two Police Officers got suspicious when a car with a taxi registration plate and tinted windows was speeding on Hihifo Road in Kolovai last Thursday (February 9).

Kaniva News reports the officers chased and managed to stop the car at Foʻui.

Dr Manu made the comment after the Nobles Representative number 2 of Vava’u to Parliament, Lord Tu’ilakepa told parliament this week that the price of Tongan kava should be controlled by the competent authority, because the price of kava increases but the amount inside the packets are under weight.

Radio Tonga reports he says, nowadays, the price of 1kg of Kava has increased but the kava in the pack is not even 1kg.

A constituency report from Ha'apai stated cartons of chicken were selling for as much as 27 US dollars.

Radio Tonga reports Tongatapu MP Mateni Tapueluelu questioned who should take the blame for the prices.

The Minister of Revenue Tevita Lavemaau says the price of chicken is controlled by the government's Competent Authority.

Mr Lavemaau says the only tax imposed on chicken is 40 seniti or 18 US cents per kilo so such goods should not be expensive.

Alo-Bridget Namoa and her husband Sameh Bayda appeared in Sydney’s central Local Court last week.

Kaniva News reports they had been in custody over terrorism related charges, but these were upgraded.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that court documents showed they were allegedly planning to carry out a knife attack.

The charge is based on allegations levelled at them when they were arrested early last year.

RNZ reports a notice of the motion was distributed by Speaker Lord Tu'ivakano in Parliament just before the house closed yesterday.

The Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva was not in Parliament, but Lord Tu'ivakano said he may respond to the vote of no confidence between now and next Monday when the vote will be dealt with.

Earlier Mr Pohiva said he had the numbers to defeat the vote.

Lord Tu'ivakano said the actual vote of no confidence will have to take place by the end of Monday February 27.

The Tongan government insists it can still get Teufaiva Stadium ready on time, and have the pitch in playing condition.

The General Secretary of the TRU, Filokalafi Akau'ola said he is not optimistic about Wales signing off on the game when they make their final inspection in just a few weeks’ time.

Kaniva News reports pictures have been shared on Facebook by users who claim the photos were taken while the man was attacked.

The 24-year-old man from Kolomotuʻa was taken to hospital for minor injuries before he was arrested and taken to Police custody, local media reported

It was alleged the man was beaten after he was captured at the Mormon Church complex in Lakepa with properties belonging to the church.

The attack on the suspect was made while the locals were waiting to Police, the reports said.

The kits are valued at NZ$178,000.

There are now two containers in place under the management of National Emergency Management Office for distribution in emergencies.

An initial container was used in Ha'apai after Cyclone Ian.

These are to support families through the first days after a disaster.

With a kit and a little ingenuity, a family is able to construct basic shelter, keep themselves protected from the elements and utilise the immediate survival items that are included.

This was during the discussion of the annual report of the Ministry of Police 2013 – 2014 in Parliament.

Lord Tu’ilakepa says he has received information from a reliable source relating to many confiscated goods under Police custody that have been lost and their whereabouts remain unknown.

Under the Tonga Police Act 2010, the Ministry cannot be audited, except if the law is amended or change the legislation.

Tonga’s Police Minister Pōhiva Tuʻiʻonetoa told Parliament Monday the tribunal was expected to be held next Wednesday, February 15.

He said police wanted to know why the murder suspect had escaped.

Fletcher, 54, fled from Vava’u police in September while he awaiting a murder trial. He was accused of killing his wife, Patricia Linne Kearney.

Kaniva News reports Kearney was found beaten to death while the couple’s yacht, the Sea Oak, was anchored in the northern islands of Vava’u late in July.