Pacific island nations have raised concerns about a potential disinformation campaign orchestrated by certain countries regarding their proposal to introduce a carbon levy. As the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) approaches its deadline to finalize a strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships, Marshall Islands Special Envoy at the UN’s global shipping regulatory arm, Albon Ishoda, and Vanuatu’s Climate Change Minister, Ralph Regenvanu, who are leading the Pacific in the negotiations, spoke out against the disinformation on Tuesday. In a press conference held in London, Regenvanu explained that they have had to clarify misinformation surrounding the levy as the climate…
Author: Newsdesk
In the wake of the pandemic, scientists are urging regulatory agencies to address safety concerns related to the swift approval of COVID-19 vaccines and to accurately classify messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines as gene therapy products (GTPs). Failure to do so may allow pharmaceutical companies to bypass necessary regulatory standards. A recent paper published in Nature on June 22 argues that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines should be categorized as gene therapy products due to their mode and action. However, U.S. and European regulatory agencies have not classified these vaccines as such, resulting in their regulation as vaccines for infectious diseases rather than…
US Peace Corps volunteers are returning to Tonga as part of the services that was promised with the establishment of the new US Embassy in Nuku’alofa. A group of 9 volunteers have arrived in Nuku’alofa last week, and they will be working mostly in education. Even though the Peace Corps volunteers started work in Tonga in the 1960s, the volunteers were evacuated and no new ones sent in the last 3 years because of Covid and other natural disasters that incurred travel restrictions. Last year the United States announced they will open two new embassies in the Pacific – in…
Its one of the pressing issues that concern Pacific Island nations, that Japan proposes to discharge a million tonnes of nuclear wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean in the next four decades. Opposition and concerns have been expressed by island leaders and represented by the Pacific Island Forum in discussions with Japanese leaders. Back in December 2020, Forum Members “urged Japan to take all steps necessary to address any potential harm to the Pacific” Acting Forum Secretary General, Dr. Filimoni Manoni, recalled and emphasised then the assurance by Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida that “Japan will…
In celebration of World Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), in collaboration with the Tonga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), successfully launched a two-day Incubator orientation and kick-off workshop that is part of the Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network (PGEN), a three-year regional program implemented in six Pacific Island countries. The Incubator workshop was facilitated by Country Facilitator Mr. Siosifa Pomana and Ms. Malini Teulilo from TCCI, and commenced with welcome remarks from GGGI, QFFD, and TCCI. “We are delighted to launch the two-day Incubator orientation and kick-off workshops in Tonga, in partnership…
Even before Japan announced its decision in April 2021, Pacific states, meeting for the first time in December 2020 as States Parties to the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty (Treaty of Rarotonga), “recalled concerns about the environmental impact of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Reactor accident in 2011 and urged Japan to take all steps necessary to address any potential harm to the Pacific”. They “called on States to take all appropriate measures within their territory, jurisdiction or control to prevent significant transboundary harm to the territory of another state, as required under international law”. These important statements stem from key international…
The Government of Tonga is making strides towards reducing its reliance on imported fossil fuels and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions through the development of a more sustainable transportation system. In a collaborative effort, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) of the United States Department of Energy and the Tonga Department of Energy – Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC) recently conducted a three-day stakeholder meeting to discuss and support the advancement of electric mobility in Tonga. Tonga heavily depends on imported petroleum-based fuels for its current energy needs, including transportation. However, these imports…
Tonga is making significant progress in its pursuit of energy independence and sustainability. Tonga has long relied on imported fossil fuels to meet its energy needs, leaving it vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. Recognizing the need for energy diversification and a reduced dependence on imported fuels, the government has set ambitious targets to generate 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020 and 70% by 2030. To achieve these goals, there government is increasingly turning to energy storage as a pivotal component of its evolving energy landscape. Energy storage plays a crucial role in integrating renewable energy…
In a special Cabinet briefing held to commemorate World Oceans Day, Tonga’s Prime Minister, Hu’akavameiliku, emphasized the significance of understanding the interconnectivity between land and ocean resources. The Prime Minister highlighted that Tonga is comprised of 99.9% ocean and just 0.1% land, underscoring the critical need to recognize the vital role the ocean plays in supporting the security and livelihoods of the people. During the briefing, Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku advocated for a paradigm shift towards ecosystem-based policies and planning to achieve sustainable development. The event, which took place at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre, aimed to update the Prime Minister and…
In a heartfelt account, American Idol winner Iam Tongi opened up about the profound impact of personal experiences on his musical career. Born and raised in Hawaii, Iam reminisced about his late father, a resilient and dedicated Tongan who worked tirelessly to provide for his family. Struck by adversity, his father faced two strokes and a heart attack within a short span of time, followed by a decline in kidney function, ultimately leading to his untimely passing. The loss of his father proved to be a turning point for Iam, as he found solace and purpose in music. Initially facing…