Tonga

Kaniva News reports about dozen men carried the coffin on their shoulders into a building at the Fu’amotu International Airport where hundreds of mourners were waiting.

The daughter, visibly heartbroken, walked in silence in front of his father’s coffin while holding the photo.

The body of the 40-year-old was welcomed into a poignant and emotional ceremony attended by relatives and government officials at the airport.

It was later taken to his family home in Fanga.

Viliami and his University of Utah football “Utes” have played four perfect games in a row, with no losses (4-0).

However, he’s beginning to feel the weight of his classroom workload competing with his regimented football routines.

Viliami calls his mother almost every night.

She reminds him of his school work, class attendance, and extra curricula readings.

These are loaded on top of his rigorous football training in the early morning, and all afternoon.

The Reserve Bank issued a statement saying it has not received any report of a 1 Pa’anga counterfeit coin.

Local media report a shopkeeper discovered a defaced seniti – one cent coin - in her shop.

Members of the public and the business community have been reminded to carefully check all currency coins and banknotes which come into their possession.

There is a pamphlet outlining security features to assist members of the public in identifying genuine coins and banknotes.

RNZ reports earlier this month Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva reportedly rejected the Privy Council's candidate for the position despite the law dictating that the royal body make the appointment.

Tonga's Anti-Corruption Commission was formed in 2008 after appropriate legislation was passed in September 2007, but there have been ongoing procedural matters delaying the implementation of the office.

The government has made a submission to parliament that the House take on the appointment process.

Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva told parliament on Tuesday that he has doubts that Tonga will be ready in time to host the event.

He said the government had still not found land to build an 18-hole golf course for the Games and the scheduled upgrade of the Teufaiva Stadium was also in doubt.

But the President of the Pacific Games Council, Vidhya Lakhan, said they remain supportive of Tonga as host nation.

"As far as the Pacific Games Council is concerned, the 2019 Pacific Games will continue to be hosted by Tonga," he said.

US citizen Dean Jay Fletcher, 54, was being imprisoned in Pago Pago for illegally entering and leaving the country without permits.

He escaped a prison cell in Tonga while facing a murder charge in connection to the death of his Canadian wife Patricia Linne Kearney on July 6 in Neiafu, Vava’u.

The body of the 56-year-old was found dead in the yacht she and Fletcher owned before she was buried at ‘Ahomatafolau Cemetery in Neiafu on July 29.

It has been alleged Fletcher regularly called someone in Tonga from Samoa using a guard’s cell phone.

A statement said the workshop will help participants develop their knowledge on the agreement to enhance cooperation between the Pacific Island countries in addressing illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities.

Training facilitator Mr. Allan Rahari of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency’s (FFA) said developing procedures would help Tonga manage the agreement which would benefit the country at a national and regional level.

'Akilisi Pohiva has told parliament he has doubts that the country will be ready in time to host the Games.

He said the government had still not found land to build an 18-hole golf course for the Games and the scheduled upgrade of the Teufaiva Stadium was also in doubt.

But the CEO of the Games Organising Committee, Lord Sevele, said a new golf course is not necessary.

RNZ reports 'Akilisi Pohiva has told parliament he has doubts that the country will be ready in time to host the Games.

He said the government had still not found land to build an 18-hole golf course for the Games and the scheduled upgrade of the Teufaiva Stadium was also in doubt.

But the CEO of the Games Organising Committee, Lord Sevele, said a new golf course is not necessary.

"Now, we do not need an 18 hole course. A nine hole course is sufficient for the purposes of holding the golf tournament during the Games," he said.

Radio Tonga reports the ministry conducted a trial voyage of the ship yesterday to test its sea worthiness capabilities and safety.

A Friendly Islands Shipping Agency (FISA) spokesman said the M.V. ‘Otuanga’ofa returned to Nuku’alofa after docking for maintenance in Suva for mechanical problems which suspended the ferry’s services for about 4 months.

This is good news for the residents of the outer-islands as many people were not satisfied with the inability of the temporary vessel M.V. Maggie Cat to carry cargo.