The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) is sending a high-level delegation to New Caledonia to assess the ongoing political crisis before the Forum Leaders Meeting in Tonga next month. Forum Chair and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown confirmed this during an interview in Tokyo after the PALM10 meeting. Brown stated that the New Caledonian government requested the delegation, and it will require France’s support. The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) has strongly objected to France’s handling of the situation in Kanaky New Caledonia, and the PIF shares these concerns. Brown highlighted the boycotted third referendum by the Kanak population due to…
Author: Newsdesk
This week, people of the island of ‘O’ua marked a milestone with the successful installation of its solar PV mini-grid to provide residents with 24-hour electricity making it the second island in Tonga to run 100% renewable energy all day, everyday. This achievement follows the completion of solar panel installations, inverters, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) by Infratec NZ, led by Tim Ellis. The JH Electrical Contractor, under Madrid Helu, has been laying underground cables to each household. The commissioning engineers are expected on-site next week for final testing. Polonga Taualupe, the Town Officer, expressed gratitude for the support…
History was made at the Teufaiva Sport Stadium on Friday as Spain secured their first-ever win against Tonga with a 29-20 victory. The Los Leones took an early lead with flyhalf Gonzalo Vinuesa converting a well-placed kick. Despite a promising start, Tonga’s ‘Ikale Tahi struggled to capitalise on their opportunities. Vinuesa extended Spain’s lead with a penalty before Tonga responded with a try from hooker Sosefo Sakalia. James Faiva’s conversion attempt was unsuccessful. Spain regained control, and after a quick five-metre lineout, scrumhalf Estanislao Bay scored a try, with Vinuesa adding the extras. A further penalty before halftime gave Spain…
Pacific island leaders and Japan concluded the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) with a renewed commitment to advancing cooperation on six critical areas. The newly announced Joint Action Plan outlines a strategic framework for collaborative efforts aligned with the 2050 Strategy. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown told the Pacific leaders that the six regional priority areas of the action plan is a unified approach to oceans, climate change, peace and security, people-centered development, and political leadership. Under Political Leadership and Regionalism, the plan involves active participation in regional meetings, support for the…
The United States has opened an embassy in Vanuatu this week, intensifying its diplomatic efforts in the Asia-Pacific region amid competition with China. “The opening of the embassy builds upon our efforts to provide more diplomatic presence throughout the region and to engage further with our Pacific neighbors,” the U.S. Department of State said in a statement for the launch. This move follows the establishment of U.S. embassies in the Solomon Islands and Tonga, with plans for a future mission in Kiribati pending parliamentary approval. Washington’s increased presence aims to counter China’s influence, highlighted by Chinese security forces’ involvement in…
A catastrophic global network outage has plunged millions into chaos, affecting countries including the United States, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. Television channels, airports, and banks have been knocked offline, with Windows computers suddenly shutting down. Downdetector reported surges in issues with Microsoft applications, banking sites, and airline apps. As of 8.30pm local time tonight, there has been no indication of the global network blackout affecting Tonga as yet. Troy Hunt, a cybersecurity researcher, tweeted, “Something super weird happening right now,” as users worldwide faced the “blue screen of death” on their Windows PCs. Cybersecurity experts have linked the outage…
Waste Authority Limited has announced today in a public statement that it can now segregate and process green waste at the Tapuhia landfill. Green waste, which includes organic materials like grass clippings, leaves, and kitchen scraps, is known for generating methane gas, a potential hazard for landfill fires. “By segregating and processing green waste, we are not only reducing the risk of landfill fires but also providing valuable resources for our community,” WAL said. “This initiative aims to improve waste management practices and support sustainable gardening solutions.” Starting now, the public can bring their green waste to Tapuhia landfill. It…
India has announced plans to develop community infrastructure projects in the Marshall Islands. The initiative includes constructing a community sports centre, an airport terminal, and two community centres. An MoU was signed on Monday as part of India’s annual grant-in-aid. At the signing ceremony, India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, stated, “These projects will provide better infrastructure for the people of the Marshall Islands. India recognises the priorities and needs of the Pacific island nations.” India is also addressing healthcare needs in the Marshall Islands by providing desalination and dialysis units. Dr. Jaishankar highlighted areas of cooperation, including healthcare,…
Spain faces Tonga at 3.30pm local time tomorrow at Teufaiva Stadium. Fans can expect an exciting match between the closely ranked teams, Tonga at 16th and Spain at 19th in the World Rugby standings. Led by captain Mario Pichardie, the Spanish squad, known as Los Leones, is confident following a strong performance against Samoa. Despite losing 34-30, Spain matched Samoa physically and showcased impressive form. “Tonga don’t have the same qualities as Samoa. I fancy an upset win for the Spanish,” said a rugby analyst. Tonga, on the other hand, have had a challenging run, losing four of their last…
The Tonga Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (TASANOC) has announced Tonga’s athletes for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The team of four, three being their first Olympic games, will be competing in athletics, boxing, and swimming. “We are thrilled to announce that these athletes have secured universality spots for the Olympic Games, providing them the opportunity to compete on the world’s biggest stage,” TASANOC said. The debutants include Maleselo Fukofuka (100m Sprint), Fe’ofa’aki ‘Epenisa (Women’s Boxing 60kg), Alan Uhi (Men’s 100m Backstroke), and second-time Olympian Noelani Day (Women’s 50m Freestyle). Team Tonga will be led by Chef de…