Results for Tonga

A proposed Government Bill to amend Clause 89 of the Tongan Constitution, with an additional Clause 89A introducing "traditional culture", sparked off some vociferous exchanges in the Tongan Parliament yesterday, 21 September, but wording of the proposed amendment has not been released. Clause 89 gives judges the power to direct the form of indictments to control the procedure of the lower courts, and to make rules of procedure. However, the proposed change was not read out in the House and the Bill was not made available to the media. 
From the House by Pesi Fonua.

The annual Tax Week, September 21-27, was launched by Prime Minister Hon Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa, under a theme of resilience. It aims to inform and raise awareness on the Ministry's services.

'Iasinito Mataele Toke (38) who pleaded guilty to serious fraudulent conversion of $39,596 pa'anga from his employer Pacific Energy Ltd. was sentenced to two-years three-months imprisonment.

Four men have been arrested with methamphetamine and cannabis at three different locations in Tongatapu in an ongoing operation by Tonga Police.

The Court of Appeal second session, which will hear Lord Tu’ivakano's appeal against his conviction is deferred to start on October 19 in Nuku'alofa.

A Tongan fruit-picker was fined $650 after punching a backpacker from Vanuatu in a consensual fight in Australia.

The price of petrol has increased, while kerosene, diesel and LPG prices have decreased effective today, 16 September.

Talikivaha Palei Posoni was acquitted of possessing cocaine at Te'ekiu, after a Supreme Court judge found that the evidence was insufficient to prove beyond reasonable doubt the offence. There were discrepancies in the evidence because the analyst's report about the substance she received did not match the substance found by police at the accused's house.

Students at GPS Nuku’alofa, GPS Hoi, and GPS Talafo’ou, are now enjoying their new classrooms that were opened recently. The classrooms were repaired and reconstructed after they were damaged by Tropical Cyclone Gita in 2018.