Results for Pacific Islands

The communities of Kanokupolu and Ha'atafu in Hihifo, Tongatapu, welcomed the United Nations Secretary General Mr. António Guterres ahead of his departure from Tonga today. He visited two of the areas that were most affected by the events of the Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha'apai volcanic eruption and tsunami in there.

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres today, joined youth members from around the Pacific in a collaborative call for immediate climate actions and demanded equality from the world's biggest emitters of CO2. Over a hundred youth members joined this Inter-generational dialogue with the UN Secretary General, in a talanoa style, seated on mats on the floor of Tonga's Legislative Assembly Chamber, in Nuku’alofa, on 26 August.

United Nations Secretary General António Guterres arrived at Fua'amotu International Airport in Tonga at 7:30pm yesterday 24 August 2024, to attend the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting. The Secretary General arrived on a special Royal New Zealand Air Force flight from Auckland, with leaders and delegates from several Pacific countries.

Youth leaders from various NGOs, government, health, media, private sector, and communities engaged in Anti-Corruption training from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Tonga this week, ahead of a very important youth dialogue with the United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, scheduled for Monday, 26 August, at Tonga's Parliament.

The newly constructed Tonga High School Indoor Stadium, as the main venue for the 53rd Pacific Island Forum Leader’s meeting next week, was opened yesterday, 22 August, in Nuku’alofa, with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by HRH Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala.

On a first visit to Tonga and the Pacific, US Peace Corps Director Carol Spahn from Washington DC, was welcomed by the Peace Corps Tonga staff with a traditional Kava ceremony on Tuesday, at the Peace Corps Office in Nuku'alofa. During her visit this week, Director Spahn will administer the oath of services to 19 new Peace Corps volunteers on Friday.

Raids by Tonga Police Drugs Squad over the past week have resulted in the arrest of 17 people on Tongatapu, allegedly involved with importation, intended sale, and distribution of methamphetamine. In several raids on August 9, 13-14, and 17, police seized a total of 6.1 kg kilograms of methamphetamine allegedly imported into Tonga from the United States. A customs officer, a prison officer, a prisoner, two Comanchero gang members and a local businessman, are among the suspects charged, Police reported today.

Twenty-seven vehicles, including 25 police trucks and two minivans, were handed over by HE Mr Brek Batley to the Prime Minister and Minister for Police, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku today, 16 August, at the Tonga Police College grounds in Nuku'alofa.

Tonga is experiencing unusually cool night time air temperatures that are forecast to continue throughout the week. Tonga Met reported that Hango 'Eua on the morning of Tuesday, 13 August, recorded the coolest temperature in 2024 of 11.3 celcius.