Results for Tonga

Tonga is looking to the COVAX Facility to obtain a safe COVID-19 vaccine for Tonga in 2021, the CEO for Ministry of Health, Dr Siale ‘Akau‘ola said today at a press briefing at Vaiola Hospital. Tonga needs to wait for a vaccine that can be stored in the hospital freezers.

A US$30 million Development Policy Operation to support Tonga’s recovery from the impacts of COVID-19 and Cyclone Harold, was approved by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors on 15 December.

Petroleum and LP gas prices have increased starting today, 16 December, as approved by the Tonga Competent Authority.

Kuliti Tongamoa, aka “Creed”, who supplied cocaine to a former international rugby player 'Epeli Taione (41) at 'Umusi in January, was found guilty on two counts of supplying illicit drugs; while Taione was found guilty of possession of illicit drugs, in a verdict delivered in the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court on December 11. They will be sentenced on 19 February, 2021.

Four new community projects will be funded under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) after grant contracts were signed today. They include a new classroom for Kolomotu’a Government Primary School, a water supply system for Vaini, a vehicle for the OTA Center, and waste collection vehicles for Ha'apai.

We are all dealing with the impacts of emissions and climate change—in Australia, in Tonga and everywhere else in the world. To support others around the world, at the PIF High-Level Roundtable in December, Prime Minister Morrison announced Australia’s new global climate finance pledge of at least $1.5 billion over the period 2020 to 2025. This includes a $500 million investment in the Pacific to support renewable energy deployment and climate and disaster resilience. This is a 50 per cent increase on Australia’s previous pledge. By H.E. Adrian Morrison, the Australian High Commissioner to Tonga

The environmental roots of the COVID-19 pandemic need to be addressed to further protect people's health and the planet, the sixth session of the Committee on Environment and Development (UN-ESCAP) decided, because the destruction of the living world undermines our only support system and makes pandemics more likely.

Tonga’s Minister of Justice and Deputy PM, Hon. Vuna Fa’otusia, resigned from Cabinet on Friday, 11 December, according to a reliable government source. The resignation comes during a political leadership upheaval, with a letter to parliament last week for a Vote of No Confidence against the Prime Minister.

A Tropical Cyclone warning is in force for Tonga today as Tropical Depression 03F moves towards Vava'u, Tonga Met. advised this morning. The system is bringing unsettled weather to most of Tonga. The storm coincides with the highest tides of the month.