Tonga

LiDAR, which is seeing increased use as an archaeological surveying technique, works by firing laser light at a geographical region from the air. Mounted on the underside of an aircraft, LiDAR has the ability to measure distance according to how much, and how quickly, that beam of laser light bounces off the ground and returns; as a result, land formations that would otherwise be occluded by thick vegetation are revealed.

They hope to encourage farmers to grow commercial crops and stimulate a feed milling industry to produce quality locally-grown animal feed.

Minister for Agriculture, Food Forests and Fisheries, Semisi Fakahau and the Livestock Division from the Ministry received TOP$37,000 from the New Zealand High Commission Fund to run the first trials.

The funds were presented by High Commissioner Sarah Walsh recently.

Kaniva News reports the road had been closed and a diversion was in place at By-Pass Rd.

According to local reports alcohol was believed to be a factor in the crash.

The road has since reopened, it said.

The fatal crash came after a suspected drunk driver from Vaini lost his life in a fatal car accident on Saturday 10 near Malapo.

Police said a 24-year-old was driving when his 1500 kg pick up van veered off the road and hit a Pulukamu tree.

RNZ reports Lord Vaea's comments follow last week's dismissal of Fe'ao Vakata as Internal Affairs Minister after he reportedly threw a wine glass at a senior civil servant.

Lord Vaea has been warning of a vote of no-confidence for over a month but has been stymied by the adjournment of parliament until the 3rd of October.

Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva said he had the support of his cabinet and the people of Tonga, and could withstand such a motion.

But Lord Vaea said the handling of Mr Vakata's incident had not been a good look for the government.

Kaniva News reports a statement from Tongan Police described the case as “serious breach of the Tonga Police Code of
Conduct”.

“An investigation is underway into the incident surrounding the Officer’s alleged breach of conduct, which involves a complaint from an 18 year old school girl.

“This is a serious allegation and bad conduct will not be accepted,” says Commissioner of Police Stephen Caldwell.

He is suspended without pay until further notice.

Fapiola ‘Epenisa of Ha’akame was First Runner Up and 2nd runner up was Sofia Lauaki of Ha’akame.

Radio Tonga reports the awardees were announced during the SPBD’s 6th Award at Queen Salote College hall this week.

The programme is to empower unemployed women in their business initiatives through micro-finance programmes which enable women to make small loans for business initiatives.

Once the business is set up women will then repay their loan, while ensuring that they gain profit to sustain the business.

This week Fe'ao Vakata was sacked after a complaint was laid against him for throwing a wine glass at a senior civil servant.

The Prime Minister said Mr Vakata lost control of his temper and his behaviour was unacceptable.

Lord Vaea says there seems to be a double standard at play.

  They include researchers and farmers from Solomon Islands, the Cook Islands, Fiji and Tonga.

The conference will hold consultations on how to develop breadfruit farming around the region.

Sinai Tuitahi is the CEO of the Growers Federation of Tonga and said it is a great opportunity for farmers to share their knowledge and practices.

 Mr Pohiva requested that the King revoke Fe'ao Vakata's cabinet appointment because of unacceptable conduct.

The Prime Minister said he had to discipline Mr Vakata after a complaint was laid against him for throwing a wine glass at a senior civil servant.

Mr Pohiva said the former minister will have no role to play in government and is now simply a representative of his Niuas constituency.

RNZ reports Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva's office says Mr Vakata was asked to resign by noon on Monday but after they received no response a submission was placed with the King to revoke his cabinet appointment.

On Wednesday the King accepted the submission thus terminating Mr Vakata's ministerial roles.

On the same day Mr Vakata said he resigned.

Mr Pohiva said he wishes the former minister the very best with his future endeavours and said he will appoint a new minister when he returns from a trip to New York in a week.