Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku and his government may be facing a Vote of No Confidence (VONC) in Parliament soon, several members of Parliament confirmed. The law requires that a VONC can be filed after a new government has been in power for 18 months. That time was up in June for the current government. There have been a number of issues that have brought the Prime Minister and his government into serious questioning, including lack of transparency with the budget, and allegations of mismanagement of the domestic airlines and public enterprises like Tonga Power Limited. As the opposition MPs are putting…
Author: Newsdesk
On a whirlwind visit last week that included Tonga, New Zealand, and Australia, the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, dedicated the new US Embassy in Tonga, met with the leaders of Tonga, as well as joined Tonga’s Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku in answering questions from the Press. Tonga’s Prime Minister referred to the enduring links Tonga and the United States shared; and emphasised that we “must work together to pursue our shared values for freedom and democracy.” It is the 50th anniversary of US – Tonga diplomatic relations, yet the Prime Minister said US engagement with Tonga went all the…
The Honourable Hu’akavameiliku met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino today at the St George Government Building in Nuku’alofa. The meeting was held to discuss the development of football (soccer) in Tonga and the strong commitment by FIFA to support the sport in the country. The Prime Minister welcomed President Infantino to Tonga, which is hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time ever. He also acknowledged the Ministry of Education and Training’s support in facilitating requests from the Tonga Football Association (TFA) for school involvement in football. President Infantino expressed his appreciation for the strong commitment of the…
His Majesty King Tupou VI is pleased with the advice of the Privy Council, to Command, in accordance with Clause 39 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Tonga that Mr Curtis Tuihalangingie of Kolomotu’a, be appointed as Acting High Commissioner of Tonga to Australia based in Canberra and to all accredited capitals. Furthermore, Mr Tasimani Telefoni has been promoted to the Position of Second Secretary of the Tonga High Commission Canberra. Congratulations and best wishes for continued success in furthering Her Royal Highness The Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tuku’aho’s work. Source: Tonga Mission Canberra
A complete rainbow! Photo taken at 30,000 feet altitude by pilot Lloyd J Ferraro. A full rainbow is actually a complete circle, but from the ground we see only part of it. From an airplane, and in the right conditions we can see this incredible display.
A Chinese Naval Medical Ship named “Peace Ark” arrived in Nuku’alofa on Friday barely 48 hours after US Secretary of State’s 8-hour visit to Tonga. The Prime Minister Hon. Hu’akavameiliku, the Ambassador for the People’s Republic of China to Tonga, H.E. Cao Xiaolin, government officials and locals gathered at the Vuna Wharf to meet the ship on its third goodwill visit. The Ark Peace first visited Tonga in 2014, and then again in 2018. The Chinese humanitarian medical mission from 28 July to 4 August 2023, will provide week-long free medical treatment for people in Tonga. Hon. Hu’akavameiliku urged the Tongan public to use…
Feleti Ulakai, who challenged the election of People’s Representative Piveni Piukala last year, has lost an appeal against the dismissal of his petition by the Supreme Court of Tonga. A Court of Appeal judgment released on 26 July, dismissed his appeal with costs. The appellant must pay the appeal court costs of the respondent Paula Piveni Piukala. The 18-pages judgment said there was insufficient evidence and key witnesses were not called. Unverified social media posts were unacceptable. The appeal related to the 13 February dismissal by Justice Cooper of a petition brought by Feleti Ulakai, which had unsuccessfully claimed that the…
His Majesty, King Tupou VI commissioned the Niuatoputapu Solar Hybrid System & Mini Grid on July 26, 2023. The project is part of the Outer Islands Renewable Energy Project (OIREP), which is a $28 million initiative to promote renewable energy transition and reach 100% electricity accessibility in the outer islands of Tonga. The Niuatoputapu project phase is an estimated $6 million. It will provide 100% electricity accessibility to over 280 households on the island. The system is a hybrid of solar and thermal power, which will ensure a reliable and efficient supply of electricity, even during inclement weather. The OIREP…
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy Hospital Ship “Ark Peace” will visit Tonga from Friday, July 28 to Friday, August 4, 2023. The ship is on a mission to provide free medical services to the people of Tonga and to enhance military exchanges with His Majesty’s Armed Forces. The Ark Peace is a large hospital ship that is capable of providing a wide range of medical services, including surgery, radiology, and laboratory testing. The ship’s medical team is made up of over 100 doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. During its visit to Tonga, the Ark Peace will be providing…