Author: Newsdesk

The name of the group is the Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) holding their first workshop in the Kingdom of Tonga last week 11-13 of September. The YPL program is the United States’ signature program to strengthen leadership development and networks of support in the Pacific. True to their name, the participants were young adults, from the Pacific; they were emerging leaders in their occupations. More specifically, the regional workshop was on Media Literacy and Journalism, with six experts from the United States as instructors, and twenty seven participants from eleven Pacific nations. The participants included working journalists, communication officers from…

H.E. Mr. Liu Weimin, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to Tonga, met with Hon. Lord Fohe, Tonga’s Minister for Agriculture, Food, and Forests (MAFF), alongside experts from the China-aid Agro-Tech Cooperation Project Phase VII to discuss the upcoming phase of the project with the aim to continue advancing agricultural development in Tonga. Dr. Viliami Toalei Manu, CEO for MAFF, and Mrs. Wu Yirong, First Secretary of the Chinese Embassy to Tonga, were also present during the meeting. Ambassador Liu highlighted China’s commitment to Tonga’s national health and food security, noting that six previous Agro-Tech Cooperation projects, dating…

Tonga powered past Canada with a commanding 30-17 victory on Saturday in Tokyo, securing a 5th-place finish in the Pacific Nations Cup. The Maple Leafs struggled to penetrate the Ikale Tahi’s strong defense and were outmuscled in collisions throughout the match. Canada opened the scoring with a penalty kick from Peter Nelson after an early turnover by Tonga, but the Ikale Tahi responded swiftly. A quick lineout drive saw Siosiua Moala touch down the first try, followed by a conversion from Patrick Pellegrini. Soon after, John Tapueluelu powered through Canada’s defense, extending Tonga’s lead to 14-3. Canada responded with a…

The Minister of Finance, Hon. Tiofilusi Tiueti, and Chief Executive Officer, Kilisitina Tuaimeiapi, congratulated Dr. Lia Latu Maka on her appointment to the Advisory Council of the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI). Dr. Maka will serve a two-year term from September 2024 to 2026, marking the first time a Pacific Islander has held such a position, according to a statement from the Ministry of Finance. The ADBI Advisory Council, consisting of senior staff from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and distinguished scholars and practitioners from member countries, identifies effective development strategies and enhances capacity-building efforts across the Asia-Pacific region. The…

In its ongoing effort to combat transnational organized crime, Tonga Police have made further arrests of individuals affiliated with the Comanchero Outlaw Motor Cycle Gang (OMCG). The most recent arrests involve two men, aged 35 and 44, believed to be senior members of the gang. The arrests, made during a targeted operation, resulted in the seizure of cash, as well as Comanchero-branded t-shirts, hoodies, and vests. Both suspects have been charged under the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Organized Crime Act for ‘Participation in an Organized Criminal Group.’ According to police, the men held key positions within the gang, serving as…

A new collaboration between Oceania region’s national Olympic body and Queensland universities has been launched to elevate Pacific Island athletes high performance, with an eye on Brisbane 2032. The Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) announced the formal collaboration called the ‘Queensland Cohort of a new University Alliance’, which includes Olympic and Paralympic sports across the region. According to a ONOC, the initiative is part of the ONOC’s “Home Games Advantage” Programme and an agreement has been signed with the universities. It is expected to strengthen high performance and sustainable development through sport as direct interventions and legacies of the Brisbane…

Tonga Police arrested Hon. Johnny Taione, the Tongatapu People’s Representative No. 8 in the Legislative Assembly, on Tuesday, 20 August 2024. The arrest followed allegations of forgery and fraud, leading to formal charges being laid against the sitting representative. The case saw its first court proceedings on Monday, 2 September 2024, when Hon. Taione appeared in the Magistrate’s Court. After hearing the charges, the court granted him conditional bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, 11 November 2024, where the matter will be further examined. Tonga Police have not released further details due to ongoing investigations.

More of the plans have been revealed for King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Samoa trip next month. The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa is the first the King will attend as Head of the Commonwealth. Samoa’s Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa, in a public address last week, said all 56 member countries have indicated their attendance. The royal office said as well as attending CHOGM, the King’s programme in Samoa will be supportive of one of the meeting’s key themes – “a resilient environment” – and the meeting’s focus on oceans. The King and Queen will be…

The Ministry of Fisheries received three new patrol boats funded by the World Bank under the Tongafish Pathway to Sustainable Fisheries Project. The handover ceremony took place last Friday at the Ministry’s headquarters in Sopu. Representing the World Bank, CEO of the Ministry of Finance, Ms. Kilisitina Tuaimei’api, handed over the patrol boats to Lord Fohe, the Acting Minister for Fisheries. “These vessels will significantly bolster our efforts to ensure compliance with maritime laws and protect our marine environment,” said Lord Fohe during his keynote address. The patrol boats are equipped with advanced technology to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated…

Ecotourism is rapidly becoming a mainstream travel option, with 80% of global travelers seeking eco-friendly experiences that benefit local communities. More than half of these travelers desire accommodations combining comfort with sustainability. TradeWinds’ Mandala Resort, located on the private island of Fetoko in Tonga’s Vava’u island group, is meeting this demand with its off-the-grid, eco-conscious retreat in the South Pacific. “Mandala is a sanctuary, a place where the complexities of life give way to serenity,” said Ricardo Flores, VP of Sustainability and Stakeholder Relations. “It invites us to relax, sustain ourselves, and commune with nature.” While relaxation is key, Mandala…