Results for Pacific Islands

Food security and agriculture is a constant concern for the people of Tonga because the country is currently ranked second in the world’s most at risk countries to natural hazards, the Prime Minister, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku, told an international regional conference last week, in an online address.

King Tupou VI has consented to relocate people from his estates who were affected by the volcanic eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai and tsunamis. Among the worst hit areas in the catastrophe on Jan. 15, were the royal estates of Kanokupolu (Tongatapu) and Mango Island, (Ha’apai).

Tonga's Prime Minister, Hon. Hu'akavameiliku, has gone into home isolation after he tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday, with the Prime Minister's Office stating that, “his symptoms are mild”.

Two fire trucks and firefighting equipment were presented to the Tonga Fire and Emergency Services donated by the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Services. The Prime Minister thanked the Australian fire departments, who had provided most of the equipment for Tonga over the last 15 years.

There will be no more national examinations for Form 5 students in Tonga starting from this year, confirmed Prime Minister Hon H’uakavameiliku (Siaosi Sovaleni) at a press conference yesterday, 9 March.

A donation of FJD$38,000 from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and Pacific Island countries towards Tonga’s recovery efforts from the volcanic eruption and tsunamis, was received on March 8.

It was with profound sadness, that we learned of the death in Washington D.C. of the eminent scholar and great friend of Tonga, Adrienne L. Kaeppler (86), this weekend. Vava'u Press Ltd, publishers of Matangi Tonga Online, were privileged to have worked with Adrienne over the last 35 years. An American research anthropologist and writer, known for her books devoted to the culture of Tonga and Hawaii, Adrienne brought to the English-speaking world important insights into Polynesian cultures, especially Tonga, Hawaii and Rapa Nui, and also Asian dance, in a body of scientific work written over five decades. Her insights were also greatly appreciated by the people and cultures she worked with. - MLF.

Tonga now has 342 active COVID-19 cases, the Minister for Health, Hon Dr Saia Piukala confirmed today, March 3. There were 290 new cases reported between Feb. 25 and Mar. 3.

Bank of South Pacific Tonga Limited today announced a Net Profit After Tax of T$11.85 million for the financial year ending 31 December 2021. The result was driven by the release of Covid-19 provisions, good foreign exchange revenue, and strong transaction volumes. BSP Tonga Country Head, Mrs Marcellina Wolfgramm-Haapai said this result was 20% above the 2020 financial result.