Families from ‘Atata Island displaced two years ago from the Hunga Tonga – Hunga Ha’apai eruption and subsequent tsunami, are still displaced and living in tents. The heavy rain over the past few days affecting Tongatapu region has worsened the misery of these displaced families. Tonga Meteorological Service has been issuing warnings for heavy rain and flash flooding for Tonga over the past week. Those living in tents needed to be evacuated. Semi-permanent dwellings to house these displaced families have not been completed even though it’s been two years since the tsunami. ‘Atatā Island was partially submerged by the tsunami…
Author: TOT Staff
Lulutai Airlines has issued an announcement that the new de Havilland Twin Otter airplane recently bought by the company is now repaired and ready for flight services this week. Lulutai Airlines’ newest Twin Otter aircraft has been grounded due to safety concerns from passengers, leading to frustration and a lack of reliable air transport options in Tonga. The grounding of the Twin Otter comes after a previous incident involving the airline’s Saab 340, which experienced a nose gear collapse at Fuaʻamotu International Airport. Lulutai Airlines has struggled to meet the high demand and expand capacity during the busy Christmas season.…
A press release issued by the Chief Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Dr. Sione Vikilani on Tuesday 11 January, stated the Supreme Court of Tonga has issued a ruling that the court has no jurisdiction to hear the judicial review application made by 7 members of Parliament, as Plaintiffs, challenging the Lord Speaker and Legislative’s Assembly’s decision in September 2023 concerning the motion for a vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister, Hon. Hu’aavameiliku. The Plaintiffs’ claim the Lord Speaker and Legislative Assembly breached it’s own rules by allowing the no confidence vote to take place without sufficient debate…
Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku survived a vote of no confidence when Parliament voted by a majority of 14 – 11, against a motion to oust the Prime Minister. This took place on Wednesday 6 September after a day and a half of the charges and response being read out in Parliament. Forty six charges were filed against the Prime Minister and his government including accusations of mismanagement, decision making with conflict of interest, lack of transparency in financial matters, and allegations of breaching the law. The Prime Minister’s responses to the charges were also read out. But in the end when…
Princess Mele Siulikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili, Tonga’s beloved princess was finally laid to rest at the Royal Tombs, Mala’ekula, on Saturday 3 June 2023. Her body was flown from Auckland, New Zealand to Nuku’alofa on Friday afternoon, where King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u were at the airport to receive Her Royal Highness, and accompanied her body in the long procession from Fua’amotu to Nuku’alofa. A ‘takipo’ – royal night vigil was held at the Royal Palace with prayer services from 6pm to midnight. At about 8.30am the body of the princess was escorted in the traditional Tongan way, a slow…
The Honourable Prime Minister, Hu’akavameiliku attended a dinner meeting with leading Korean companies at Aston House, Walkerhill Hotel, on Sunday May 28, 2023 hosted by the Chairman of Korea Chamber of Commerce.
U16 Rugby League Secondary school tour team. Thank you to all the officials and coaches for your support and time training these kids for future opportunities. Source: NRL in Tonga
HMAF 72nd Basic Recruit Intake Graduation at Taliai Camp During the 72nd Basic Recruit Intake Passing Out Parade held on May 26th at Taliai Camp in Fua’amotu, Recruit Lopeti Nisa received prestigious honors. He was recognized as the recipient of two distinguished awards, namely the Best Overall Recruit and the Best in Physical Training, by the HMAF (His Majesty’s Armed Forces). PM says progress on Sendai Framework for disaster risk reduction is worrisome Last week, Tonga’s Prime Minister, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku, participated in a High-Level Meeting on the Mid-Term Review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 (HLM) held…
Neighbours tried in vain to put out a horrific house fire where a grandmother and her granddaughter died in Tofoa overnight. The bodies of the victims were found inside the remains of the house after the blaze tore through the property early this morning. Seluvaia Taukolo and her granddaughter Victoria Grace had been identified as the victims. Former MP for the town Sangster Saulala said firefighters attended the scene but to no avail. Seluvaia’s daughter Vika Taukolo has been devastated by the fatality. “Tragedy struck today and the feeling is not only overwhelming but there’s a sense of loss that…
New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister, Honourable Carmel Sepuloni and her delegation arrived at Fua’amotu International Airport yesterday afternoon on the start of a three-day visit. Her first to Tonga, Hon Sepuloni was greeted by the Government of Tonga’s delegation, led by the Hon Fekitamoeloa Utoikamanu Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Hon Saia Piukala, the Minister for Health and Hon Dr Viliami Uasike Latu, Minister for Trade and Economic Development. The Hon Deputy Prime Minister will meet the Hon Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku and government Ministers over the next two days. Hon Sepuloni, who is part-Tongan, was seen dressed in Tongan…