Tonga

RNZ reports the president of the Vava'u Tourism Association, Calvin Schumaker, said there have been supply issues for two weeks now and there is currently no petrol available for purchase.

Mr Schumaker said yachts are not able to stop in Vava'u and some resorts which rely on diesel generators may be forced to temporarily close if no petrol arrives soon.

He said the fuel suppliers had not prepared well for the tourism high season.

Wrapping up the official Royal Visit, HM met with Dr. Amy Khor, Singapore’s Minister of Health (see Analysis 1, on health); Dr. Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of Education, and Social and Family Development (see Analysis 2, on education).

On the economic front, HM “received briefings on Singapore’s experience in heritage preservation, tourism development, and port management,” says a news release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This exposure to Singapore’s phenomenal successes in economics is vital statistics for a Tongan economic transformation.

The government is also yet to receive monetary assistance from both China and Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Currently, the Government is occupied with designing the map and plans for the stadium but China has confirmed that all the construction funded by its Government will be completed in 2018.

Deputy Director of Sports Division under the Ministry of Internal Affairs – Mr. ‘Onetoto ‘Ānisi told Radio Tonga News they’re yet to receive the monetary pledge from China and PNG but the assistance will pour in soon as agreed.

The announcement comes amid Tongan media reports that Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva effectively dismissed Mr Vakata over an incident involving one of his female directors.

Local radio initially reported the order but no official confirmation has been issued.

Kaniva Pacific reports a complaint was lodged with the Prime Minister's Office after Mr Vakata allegedly threw a wine glass at a senior civil servant.

It also claimed the minister was drunk.

The Prime Minister's Office says it will make a statement shortly.

The programme, delivered over five years, is aimed at encouraging increased sports participation and improving health outcomes in young people throughout the region, specifically Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands.

NNZ CEO Jennie Wyllie says they are committed to supporting Netball in Oceania and this programme will enable NNZ to provide long-term and consistent support.

“For a number of years NNZ has been committed to supporting and providing development to Netball in Oceania,” Wyllie said.

Speaking to Radio Tonga News – Chief Superintendent Tevita Fifita says, they arrested a 49-year-old woman from Nukunuku alleged for possession of 18 grams of cannabis last week.

A 29-year-old man from Fangaloto was also arrested after found with 6 grams of cannabis from his house.

In Nuku’alofa, a 50-year-old man from Nukunuku was arrested after he was found with 40 grams of marijuana in his vehicle.

Chief Superintendent Fifita adds Police continued to search his property and found other two men with cannabis.

Radiance of the Seas, nicknamed the ‘culinary ship’ for its onboard dining options, will call at Vavau’u on 12 December and Nuku’alofa on 13 December for the ­first time.

The two destinations will be part of a 13-night South Pacifi­c, Fiji and Tonga journey.

Fares start from $1819 per person for an Oceanview Stateroom on the exotic cruise, which begins in Sydney on 3 December and
also calls at the Isle of Pines in New Caledonia, Lifou in the Loyalty Islands, Suva and Lautoka in Fiji before arriving in Auckland.

Radio Tonga reports the visit was seek help on training opportunities for the Kingdom’s health services.

According to a press statement from the Singaporean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, King Tupou VI has also held dialogue with senior Ministers from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, the Ministry of Health – Dr. Amy Khor, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Social and Family Development – Dr. Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, and the Parliamentary Secretary.

Radio Tonga reports the launch was also attended by her H.R.H. Crown Princess Sinaitakala.

This year’s exhibition is portraying Japan’s coastline and its people.

Speaking at the welcoming speech, Japan’s Ambassador to Tonga – H.E Yukio Numata says, the exhibition shows our cultures and traditions that makes our countries unique and are defined by both our passions, fortunes and even our misfortunes related to the sea.

RNZ reports she told women's affairs ministers gathered at a Commonwealth summit in Samoa that anti-violence campaigns, the focus on neutral ideas like gender equality and technical solutions have had little impact.

Ms Guttenbeil-Likiliki said the focus should be on changing mindsets and behaviour and there needs to be reform in the classroom so children are taught they're equal.