Results for Pacific Islands

Four elected members of parliament were absent from the opening session of the new 2022-25 parliament yesterday, including the Speaker of the House Lord Fakafanua. No explanation was offered to the public for the absence of the Speaker and three others, at the swearing-in of newly elected members. From the House by Pesi Fonua

A national tsunami marine warning issued at 11:12am today, Fri. January 14, warns Tongans to stay away from coastal areas, after swirling abnormal tides drew crowds to the Nuku'alofa waterfront in the last hour. Tonga Geological Services stated that a volcanic eruption is forecasted to be imminent with significant emission of ash into the atmosphere likely, following new activity observed at the Hunga volcano 65km off Nuku'alofa this morning. Tonga Police are currently patrolling the seafront Vuna Road in the capital and using loud speakers to ask people to move away to higher ground.

On the spot fines for failure to abide by COVID-19 protocols will be issued in Fiji to individuals and businesses, starting today, January 10. Fines include $250 for not wearing a face mask in required settings, Fiji’s Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport said.

Three months after a Tongan fisheries observer, Arnold Latu (37), was found dead on the fishing vessel Hsinlong I, in Tongan waters, on 27 September 2021, his mother today finally received the autopsy report that may help to bring some closure to the family who were puzzled by his death.

Around 83% of eligible population in Tonga have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 up to January 6, the Ministry of Health confirmed today. (This represents about 60% of the total population.)

Changes to requirements for incoming passengers to Tonga will be considered on Friday, ahead of the next repatriation flights to Tonga that were scheduled for January 18 and 20. MEIDECC CEO Paula Ma’u told Matangi Tonga today that recommendations are being prepared for the new Cabinet, including changes to the protocols for repatriations.

Seawater around the active Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha'apai volcano is contaminated with toxic volcanic discharge and local fishermen should assume that fish in these waters are poisonous, or poisonous if consumed, Tongan authorities warned today.

New York Times reporting: Goro, is the largest nickel mine on a tiny French territory suspended between Australia and Fiji that may hold up to one-quarter of the world’s nickel reserves. It also poses a critical test for Tesla, the world’s largest electric vehicle maker, which wants to take control of its supply chain and ensure that the minerals used for its car batteries are mined in an environmentally and socially responsible fashion. Because of its nickel industry, New Caledonia is one of the world’s largest carbon emitters per capita. And mining, which began soon after New Caledonia was colonized in 1853, is intimately linked to the exploitation of its Indigenous Kanak people. The legacy of more than a century of stolen land and crushed traditions has left Goro’s nickel output at the mercy of frequent labour strikes and political protests.

Tonga’s national population has dropped by 442 people since 2016, a preliminary count of Tonga's National Population Census for 2021 shows. The Government Statistician Viliami Fifita said today the census accounted for 100,209 people in Tonga. The population loss was due to seasonal workers programs, migration, and people stuck overseas due to COVID-19 border restrictions. By Eleanor Gee.