The Tonga Police have reached another milestone with the handover of the Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) course and the Intelligence Operation Model (IOM), as part of the ongoing Tonga New Zealand Police Program (TNZPP). The development activities were tailored in consultation with Tonga Police staff to strengthen the force’s operational capabilities. The New Zealand High Commissioner, HE Matthew Howell attended the handover ceremony, expressing his pleasure in witnessing the progress. The NCO course, developed by New Zealand Police (NZP) Senior Adviser Sergeant Brendan Robertson, focuses on critical areas such as leadership, professional standards, core policing skills, crime scene management, custody and…
Author: Newsdesk
Kapena, one of Hawaii’s most beloved and enduring bands, kicked off their 40th reunion tour last weekend at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Founded in 1984 by Kelly Boy De Lima and brothers Tivaini “Tiva” Tatofi and Teimoni “Timo” Tatofi, Kapena has become a legendary name in Hawaiian music, known for their unique blend of contemporary Hawaiian sounds with Polynesian, reggae, country, and pop influences. Reflecting on the band’s remarkable journey, Kelly Boy De Lima shared, “This is a celebration of 40 years. For 20 years, the original Kapena went hard, and then for these last 20 years when…
As the global community approaches COP29, scheduled to take place from Monday, 11 November to Friday, 22 November 2024, the fate of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) hangs in a precarious balance. These nations, which have long borne the brunt of the escalating impacts of climate change, now face an existential threat that demands immediate and decisive global action. The Baku Communiqué, signed in May 2024, underscores the critical necessity for COP29 to address the unique challenges confronting SIDS. Failure to act decisively at this juncture may result in irreversible consequences for these vulnerable states. Legacy of Deep Solidarity Azerbaijan…
The Government of Australia has donated 25 police vans and 2 mini buses to Tonga, valued at $3.6 million Tongan paanga, in a formal handover ceremony held today at the Tonga Police Headquarters in Longolongo. His Excellency Mr. Brek Batley, the Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, presented the vehicles to the Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku, who is also the Minister for Police, Fire, and Emergency Services. The donation will reinforce Tonga’s security infrastructure in preparation for the upcoming Pacific Leaders Meeting at the end of August. The double-cab vans will help with escorting Pacific leaders and ensuring smooth operations during the…
As the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting in Tonga approaches, there is increasing pressure on regional institutions like the PIF to deliver tangible results for the communities they represent, according to foreign policy expert Mihai Sora. Sora, who directs the Pacific program at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, highlighted the urgency for Forum leaders to address critical issues such as the escalating cost of living, healthcare concerns, and the climate crisis when they meet in Nuku’alofa from August 26-30. “There is pressure on regional institutions, not just the Pacific Islands Forum, to be seen delivering for the communities they…
Prime Minister Mark Brown of the Cook Islands is set to hand over the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders chairmanship to Tonga’s Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku during the upcoming PIF Leaders Meeting in Tonga from August 26-30, 2024. The transition will occur at the start of the meeting, which carries the theme “Transformative Resilient Pasifika: Build Better Now.” In an interview with Cook Islands News, PM Brown expressed relief at passing on the chairmanship, noting the dual responsibilities of his role over the past year. “It’ll be a bit of a relief … as chair to not only do your duties…
The Ministry of Fisheries staff went through a week long training on using e-technology to improve its data collection and management system for effective fisheries management, providing crucial information needed to assess stock statuses, evaluate ecosystem impacts, and develop sustainable management practices. The Tonga National Observer Program (TNOP) plays a key role in gathering data from offshore fisheries, contributing significantly to the sustainable management of Tonga’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the broader region. To strengthen this program, the Ministry of Fisheries is focusing on improving observer capabilities through the integration of new technologies. The Ministry is committed to leveraging…
Tonga is pushing its economic reform efforts under the Tonga-EU Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (IEPA) with the launch of the Project Fiche initiative last week. Project Fiche, which is supported by the European Union-funded SPIRIT Project, aims to boost the private sector’s export readiness and competitiveness in the EU market. Project Fiche focuses on several key areas for potential support, including agricultural production, export facilitation, and private sector capacity building. The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), through the SPIRIT project, provided technical assistance for the development of this initiative, following a request from the Government of Tonga. Mrs. Poinisetia Paongo,…
Tonga Police arrested an employee of the Ministry of Revenue and Customs last weekend on suspicion of handling illicit drugs. The arrest highlights ongoing concerns about drug-related activities within government departments. Acting Commissioner of Police, Tevita Vailea, confirmed the arrest but said that the individual’s name has not been released due to confidentiality, as the investigation is still ongoing. This arrest follows a troubling pattern, as several government employees have been implicated in drug-related activities earlier this year. The Ministry of Revenue and Customs, in particular, has seen staff members arrested in previous years for similar offenses. The case remains…
A recent study has revealed that a traditional Samoan medicinal plant, Psychotria insularum, known locally as ‘matalafi’, may be as effective as ibuprofen in treating inflammation. The research, led by indigenous Samoan scientist Dr. Seeseei Molimau-Samasoni from the Centre for Biodiscovery at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, combines traditional knowledge with modern scientific methods to explore the plant’s medicinal properties. Matalafi, a small tree with white flowers and glossy red berries, has been used in Samoan traditional medicine to treat various forms of inflammation, including fever, body aches, wounds, and respiratory infections. The study, published in the journal PNAS,…