Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni is leading Tonga’s delegation to the Pacific Islands Forum leaders summit at the White House on September 25. President Joe Biden will host this second U.S.-Pacific Island Forum summit taking place on September 25-26, a meeting seen as a high-profile counter-move on China’s increasing presence in the region. The White House said in a Statement the Summit will reaffirm the United States commitment to shared regional priorities and cooperation on key issues such as climate change, economic growth, sustainable development, health and maritime security. “The meeting with the US President is an opportunity for us to…
Author: Siosifa Pomana
Tonga is bracing for record low temperatures as the Pacific Island shivers through one of its coldest winters ever. With a national record low of 8.7°C recorded in September 1994, the current cold snap is setting new levels amid Tonga’s changing climate patterns. The Tonga Meteorological Services (TMS) records show that since June the average daily temperature of 16°C reached its lowest this year at the end of July with 9.3°C recorded at the Lapaha village weather station. August temperatures are expected to stay within that range. TMS issued an El Niño Alert in July which told Tongans to prepare…
The Chinese naval hospital ship Peace Ark has been providing free medical treatment to people in Tonga for the past week, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. “I am grateful for the free treatment my children received on the Peace Ark,” said Mele Maka from Tatakamotonga Village. “I brought my 9 year-old son, Fine’eva, and 7 year-old daughter, Silia, to check their ears, eyes and teeth. I’m very pleased to be told that they’re both in good health.” Mele’s children are amongst many who are benefitting from the Peace Ark’s visit. The ship has a full complement of doctors,…