Results for Pacific Islands

On 24 April 2025, the Trump administration issued Executive Order 14285 mandating federal agencies to expedite permits for seabed mining under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act of 1980. Trump wants to establish the United States as a global leader in seabed exploitation and loosen China’s grip on the critical minerals market. This helps explain why The Metals Company (TMC) recently announced plans to apply for seabed exploration and commercial recovery permits under this relatively old act. These developments could undermine international law, commitments to peaceful use of the Area Beyond National Jurisdiction and environmental protections. It could also sideline TMC’s Pacific partners. Nauru and Tonga are currently sponsoring TMC’s activities in the Area, but it’s not clear what it’s in it for them if TMC secures a permit for seabed mining under US law. By Nicholas Bainton and Philippa Louey

A set of new reading applications (apps) designed for children in both Tongan and English and developed locally, offer over 100 culturally-relevant books across various difficulty levels, topics, and genres. Titled “Tau Laukonga” the reading apps, were developed by United States Peace Corps volunteer, Andrew Pavey, in partnership with an American NGO “Friends of Tonga”, Tonga's Ministry of Education and Training’s Curriculum Development Unit, and the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga Education Department.

A 20-year-old male suspect, Kasi Tukuhaukava, from Fangaloto, is currently being sought by Tonga Police for failing to appear in court in relation to charges of housebreaking and theft. Tonga Police issued a photo of Tukuhaukava with a request for the public to report his whereabouts.

Tonga and Vanuatu tied (2-2) in their second game of the OFC U-16 qualifiers tournament at Teufaiva Stadium, Nuku'alofa, today, 6 May 2025.

A one-day salary deduction will be applied to Members of Parliament who did not notify the House of their absence during the roll call on Monday morning, 5 May, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, Lord Fakafanua, announced.

Twenty-two new dengue fever cases were reported with positive rapid tests today, bringing up the total cumulative of dengue fever cases to 647. Vava’u has 301 confirmed cases, Tongatapu 286 cases, ‘Eua 58 cases, and Ha'apai two cases.

A 74-year-old man was found dead at his residence in Masilamea Tongatapu last week, 1 May. Tonga Police said he had died from a medical event.

Papua New Guinea defeated Tonga (5-2), in their first game into the OFC U-16 tournament that kicked off at Teufaiva Stadium, in Nuku’alofa today.

“If you are literate in technology, especially digital technology, you are looking at a better future,” the Deputy PM Hon. Taniela Fusimalohi, said in opening the second Tonga National ICT Expo 2025 today, at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall in Nuku’alofa, hosted and funded by Tonga Women in ICT (TWICT) and the Australian Government.