The Civil Society Forum of Tonga (CSFT) is raising concerns about Tonga’s involvement with Tonga Offshore Mining Limited (TOML), a subsidiary of the Metals Company, which seeks to engage in deep sea mining in Tongan waters. The CSFT issued a White Paper titled ‘Critical Questions and Challenges of Deep-Sea Mining from the Kingdom of Tonga’. The document highlights the potential long-term environmental degradation versus short-term financial gain from deep sea mining. Sesimani Lokotui, CSFT’s interim executive director, urged the government to reconsider its involvement with TOML. “We need a thorough and transparent evaluation of all potential consequences—environmental, financial, social, and…
Author: Newsdesk
PM Sovaleni told the media in a press conference yesterday that his government has instructed the Low Earth Satellite broadband provider, Starlink, to cease operations due to the absence of an operating license. And Starlink did so causing public dissatisfaction. The Prime Minister acknowledged the inconvenience but emphasised the importance of sticking to the rules. “We understand the public’s frustration, but we cannot disregard the law,” he said. In response to a question from the media about granting Starlink a provisional license, the Prime Minister stressed the need for compliance with legal requirements. “We have laws to follow, and it’s…
Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, Brek Batley, joined the Prime Minister, cabinet ministers, and ADB representatives to celebrate the commissioning of Phase 1 of the Queen Salote International Wharf (QSIW) Upgrade Project in Nuku’alofa today. The QSIW is crucial for Tonga’s economy, disaster resilience, and long-term development, handling 98% of the nation’s imports and generating local employment. The AUD 138.3 million project, which includes an AUD 31.25 million grant from the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific, aims to strengthen Tonga’s primary transport gateway with climate-resilient infrastructure. With a workforce comprising over 80% local workers and a focus on…
The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) is nearing a decision to upgrade Guam and American Samoa’s membership status, marking a significant shift for the US territories. Forum officials recently visited both territories as part of their assessment for membership bids, scheduled to be discussed at the upcoming 53rd Forum Leaders Meeting in Tonga. Guam’s acting governor, Lt Joshua Tenorio, emphasised the importance of their inclusion, stating, “The Pacific Islands Forum needs to be complete.” PIF deputy secretary general Esala Nayasi confirmed the applications and highlighted their significance in regional politics. “The Forum’s mission to address Pacific issues would benefit from their…
The Vatican excommunicated Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò earlier this month for refusing to recognise Pope Francis’ authority and the Church’s reforms since the Second Vatican Council. This rare move in the Vatican’s view is that Viganò, a former U.S. ambassador, has severely overstepped. Viganò has been openly criticising Pope Francis, even calling him “a servant of Satan” and even recently retweeted a post from US Republican politician Marjorie Taylor Greene, claiming that “the covid vaccines are killing people.” The Vatican’s disciplinary body found Viganò guilty of schism, citing his rejection of the Pope and the Church’s authority. Excommunication means Viganò…
The Tonga Police Cybercrime Unit uncovered a fraudulent advertisement on Facebook from the page “Serve-01.” which falsely claims that Tonga’s Ministry of Education and Training is offering up to 2,000 free online courses. The Ministry of Education and Training, via its E-Government channel, has confirmed the advertisement is a scam involving a malicious link. The Police advises the public not to engage with the advertisement as it is false nor to open the link attached to the ad as it is likely malicious and can result in the loss of sensitive information and potential victimisation in a scam.
The Queensland Reds women’s and men’s teams will travel to Tonga on July 26 for historic international matches against Tonga’s Ikale Tahi sides at the Teufaiva Sports Stadium. Supported by the Australian Government, Rugby Australia, and Queensland Reds through the Australia-Pacific Rugby Union Partnership (APRUP), this tour will be a boost to the rugby bond between Australia and Tonga. The men’s match follows the Reds’ game against Wales on July 19. This will be the Reds women’s first overseas match in their 28-year history. Minister Pat Conroy MP said, “Australia and Tonga share a long sporting history, and this tour…
Papua New Guinea’s Communication Minister Timothy Masiu has expressed openness to criticism regarding the government’s proposed new media policy. The policy, now in its fifth draft, aims to promote freedom of expression and support media development through training and capacity building. Speaking at last week’s Pacific International Media Conference in Fiji, Masiu acknowledged the criticism from organisations like Transparency International PNG and the Media Council of PNG. “It’s good to get critiques. That’s what makes us strong and want to move forward,” he told RNZ Pacific. “We want the policy to be widely accepted by our people.” Masiu emphasised the…
The Minister for Internal Affairs, Lord Vaea, presented $505,000 to ‘Aisea ‘Aholelei, the newly appointed CEO of the Tonga Rugby Union. This significant funding from Government aims to support the development of various national rugby programs, including the ‘Ikale Tahi, ‘Lofa’ women’s rugby team, and the Tonga 7s team. The funds will be allocated to improve facilities, provide better training equipment, and support the teams’ participation in international competitions. This initiative aims to strengthen the overall rugby infrastructure in Tonga and promote the sport among youth and women.
This month, the Kingdom of Tonga and Australia’s National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO) started a 12-month Strategic Transport Infrastructure Advisory Project. This project, the first in a planned 10-year program, aims to improve Tonga’s transport systems. NTRO Executive Director Jason Sprott signed the agreement with Tonga’s Ministry of Infrastructure CEO, Lopeti Heimuli, in Melbourne. “Our team is motivated to help Tonga achieve higher standards in infrastructure,” Sprott said. Key equipment, including an Infrastructure Assessment vehicle and a work vehicle for Program leader, Sosefo Vakata, arrived in Tonga this week. “It’s exciting to work with NTRO and use their world-class transport…