The Tofa Ramsay Shipping announced the retirement and disposal of its iconic vessel, the MV Alaimoana, marking the end of an era for the interisland ferry route between Tongatapu and ‘Eua. The company shared the news on its social media, reflecting on the vessel’s long history and contributions to the community. The MV Alaimoana, which had been in operation since the 1990s, was towed into deep sea and disposed of by its successor, the MV Vaomapa, in a symbolic farewell yesterday evening. The ‘Alaimoana, purchased from New Zealand by the Tofā Ramsay family providing an important link between Nuku’alofa and…
Author: Newsdesk
Tonga Police, in collaboration with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) through the Tonga-Australia Policing Partnership (TAPP) and Cyber Safety Pasifika, has successfully concluded a 9-day training program focused on combating cyber abuse and reinforcing digital security across the Kingdom. The initiative is a commitment to enhancing online safety and protecting the Tongan community from cyber threats. The program, attended by 12 officers from Tonga Police, featured comprehensive training led by CSP Sergeant Nigel Wood and New Zealand Police member Enoka Feterika. The facilitators from Cyber Safety Pasifika guided the participants through 10 modules covering a wide range of topics, including…
Dr. Anthony Fauci revealed that he’s been infected with COVID for a third time despite having been “vaccinated and boosted six times.” Yes, really. The former chief medical advisor to the president, who became the face of the COVID vaccination drive from late 2020 onwards, reacted to catching COVID-19 yet again by thanking the vaccine. Dr. Fauci has COVID again for the third time and has been vaccinated and boosted six times pic.twitter.com/Gsdz9bDCbP— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) August 12, 2024 “I got infected about two weeks ago, it was my third infection, and I have been vaccinated and boosted a total…
Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is set to visit China from August 14 to 21, signaling a move towards deepening relations between the two countries. The visit highlights ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation between China and South Pacific island nations, with both sides seeking closer ties and new opportunities for collaboration. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the visit will include in-depth discussions on China-Fiji relations and issues of mutual interest. Over the 49 years since establishing diplomatic ties, China and Fiji have seen significant progress in various areas of cooperation, benefiting both nations. During Rabuka’s visit, China aims to…
The first-ever runway lights at Salote Pilolevu Airport were officially switched on during a commissioning ceremony yesterday attended by High Commissioner Brek Batley and Prime Minister Hon. Hu’akavameiliku. Following the commissioning, the first night-time flight departed Ha’apai at 8 pm last night with the High Commissioner on board. The TOP$1.8 million project, funded by the Australian Government, represents a huge step forward in the accessibility and development of the Ha’apai islands. Installed by Tonga Airport Ltd in collaboration with Australian airport lighting company Valupa Pty Ltd, the new lighting system will enable the airport to operate around the clock and…
Three new volunteers from Japan arrived in Tonga on August 8 to begin their assignments in education and physical activity programs in Tonga. The volunteers, Ms. Shiori Odate, Ms. Miho Ueno, and Ms. Ikuyo Takahashi, will be working in Tonga under Japan’s volunteer program (JOVC) for about two years as announced by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Tonga. Ms. Shiori Odate will be focusing on primary school education in the ‘Eua Primary Division, marking the first volunteer assignment to ‘Eua since 2020. Ms. Miho Ueno will be sharing her expertise in music at Tailulu College, while Ms. Ikuyo…
Malcolm Bishop KC, a distinguished barrister and founder member of 30 Park Place chambers in Wales, has been appointed as the new Lord Chief Justice and President of the Land Court of Tonga. His appointment, approved by His Majesty King Tupou VI in Privy Council, will take effect on September 1, 2024, according to a report by Legal News Wales. Malcolm Bishop’s career spans over half a century, beginning in 1972 when he co-founded 30 Park Place chambers, which has since grown to be the largest in Wales. Reflecting on his journey from the magistrates’ courts of South Wales to…
As preparations for the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting ramp up, training sessions are being held this week at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre for drivers and personnel responsible for transporting leaders and delegates during the Forum. The Transportation Operation will be activated next week as delegates start arriving. This training program aims to ensure smooth and efficient transportation operations during the event. Vatulele Tuputupu, Chairman of the Transport Sub-Committee, and Chief Inspector of Police Haisikulu Fakateli are leading the sessions. Drills are also carried out as part of the training around forum-priority roads in the Nuku’alofa area and on…
The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China was successfully held from July 15 to 18, 2024. The Session gave a deep analysis of the new circumstances and challenges facing Chinese modernization, formulated systematic plans for further deepening reform across the board, which is not only a practical continuation of further deepening reform, but also a new chapter in advancing Chinese modernization. It thus had a milestone significance and provided an important window for the world on China’s pursuit of high-quality development and high-standard opening up in the new era. Resolution of the…
For a glimpse of what’s going through the minds of Pacific leaders ahead of their annual get-together, Suva has been the place to be for the past two weeks. Ahead of the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, at the end of August, the headquarters in Fiji have been abuzz with preparatory meetings. Unrest in New Caledonia, membership applications by U.S territories, dwindling banking services and a homegrown climate finance fund, were among topics dominating meetings of ministers with senior policymakers from the region. Neither the Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meeting nor the Forum Economic Ministers’ Meeting get…