Results for Pacific Islands

Six Pacific region central banks are meeting in Nukuʻalofa, Tonga, this week, to explore how financial inclusion can strengthen economic resilience and social equity across the region. The high-level gathering from 3-6 June will focus on accelerating the Pacific’s financial inclusion agenda, with an emphasis on digital innovation, resilience, and access to financial services.

A 21-year-old male Tonga Police probationary constable was arrested on Saturday, 31 May for possession of illicit drugs. During the same drug operation in Nuku'alofa, two other men were also arrested for allegedly selling drugs.

Tonga is committed to the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme and to the wellbeing of its citizens working in Australia, HE Curtis Tu‘ihalangingie, the Acting Tonga High Commissioner, told a workshop and exhibition day held in Canberra recently. The event held at the Australian National University showcased the positive impacts of the PALM scheme from a Tongan perspective and addressed the challenges.

A new ‘Digital Public Infrastructure’ system was launched by the Tongan Government, yesterday, 29 May in Tongatapu. The new system will make public services easier and faster to access by Tongan citizens.

Twenty two new dengue fever cases reported with positive rapid test, has brought up the total cumulative cases to 815 since the outbreak began in February, the Ministry of Health reported today.

A solar-powered desalination system to provide water for agriculture was launched on Monday, 26 May, at the Nishi Trading Farm, Vaini, Tongatapu, during the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry. This new technology in Tonga aims to combat drought and seawater intrusion on agricultural land.

What a pleasure it was to be back in Tonga last week, meeting with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala and Prime Minister Eke and to see the strength, pride and talents of Tonga on full display. We know that none of our nations can achieve the future we want on our own. We are stronger together. That’s why we have worked closely with our regional counterparts to help the Pacific family stay united, and will continue to be your reliable partner, working in the Pacific way to support a peaceful, stable and prosperous region. Thank you to the people and Government of Tonga for your warm welcome. - Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

Nine Members of Parliament are drafting the Legislature's official response to the address by King Tupou VI on the opening of parliament’s 2025 session on Friday.

A 79-year-old Fijian woman died at a hotel in Nuku'alofa on 17 May. There are no suspicious circumstances.