Results for Pacific Islands

Tongatapu's Royal Agriculture, Fisheries, Tourism and Trade Show enjoyed sunshine, on Saturday June 10, after a few days of rain had muddied the Manamo’ui Showgrounds. King Tupou VI presented the awards for the best in each category.

Soil samples taken after the Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha'apai volcanic eruption and tsunamis showed that seawater had directly impacted soil salinity and crop growth in the Kanokupolu area on western Tongatapu and by September 2022 the salt had moved down to the subsoil. Local soil scientist, Dr. Halavatau told researchers that the impact on the soil remained a concern due to the salt changing its structural stability.

Digital literacy and skills development is important for all Tongans, Hon Dr. Viliami Uasike Latu told a Digital Ministerial Conference in Seoul, South Korea.on 31 May.

A team of surgeons from Interplast Australia and New Zealand is currently performing general plastic and reconstructive surgical services at Vaiola Hospital. The team has returned after three years of border closures.

Princess Mele Siu‘ilikutapu, a cousin of King Tupou VI, has passed away at the age of 75 years. Born in 1948, the Princess was the second of ten grandchildren of the late Queen Salote Tupou III.

The French Ambassador to the Kingdom of Tonga, HE Mr. François-Xavier Leger, paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister, Hon. Hu'akavameiliku today 26 May 2023.

Drums were beating at the Liku'alofa Resort-Tofoa yesterday, 24 May, and kava flowed in a welcome for the first yacht rally to visit Tonga since the borders opened post-covid.

More effective, consistent government investments in the health, education, and wellbeing of Pacific people will ultimately deliver sustained economic and social benefits to the region, a new World Bank report into public spending in the Pacific has found. “If the report’s suggested reforms are implemented, Pacific countries could deliver government revenues and budget savings equivalent to between three and 43 percent of GDP. These resources could represent a unique chance for increasing education, healthcare, and other necessary public investments across the region – which would mean more opportunities and better outcomes for Pacific people,” said Stephen Ndegwa, World Bank Country Director for Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands.

The Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and The Queen Consort will be an historic event not only for the United Kingdom but also for the fourteen Realms, the UK Overseas Territories including our fellow Polynesian entity Pitcairn, and also for Commonwealth member-countries such as the Kingdom of Tonga. On 4 May, Her Royal Highness Princess Salote Mafile‘o Pilolevu Tuita and Lord Tuita graced a Coronation Party hosted by the British High Commission in Nuku‘alofa, together with two hundred guests, to mark the upcoming event. - BHC.