Results for Tonga

The critical components required to restore Fire Services at Lupepau'u Airport in Vava'u are expected to arrive in Tonga tonight, Tonga Airports Ltd. (TAL) stated today, 16 July. International flights from Nadi to Vava'u have been downgraded over the last two weeks, and TAL said they were working to reinstate Category 4 airport rescue fire operations there.

Around 50 smallholder farmers gained new skills in organic agriculture and agroecology, under training sessions run by the Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network (POLFN) project.

Tonga is still in progress with preparations for the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders meeting to be held on 26 - 30 August, in Nuku'alofa.

Last Tuesday 9 July, Tonga's communications Regulator, MEIDECC, notified Starlink, the global satellite internet network, to cut off all services to its roaming subscribers across Tonga's land and seas. The government will not allow the use of Starlink in the current ongoing communications crisis in Tonga, because they have not given Starlink's fixed broadband services a license to operate here. The regulator is not allowing the roaming services either, after the nation's domestic fiber optic cable failed on 29 June. “With understanding of the inconvenience, at the same time the law cannot be put aside just because you have slow internet,” the Prime Minister told Starlink users yesterday, many of whom had raised safety concerns.

Siosina Vakasiuola (30) was found guilty on two charges of obtaining money by false pretences, when she received $47,000 from two customers, who signed contracts with her for the importation of vehicles, which never materialized. “Miss Vakasiuola was not a convincing witness and I conclude that she has lied to the Court," stated the judge.

Five contestants are vying for the Miss Galaxy Tonga 2024-25 title and crown in Nuku'alofa this week. Last night 10 July, saw three judging events, at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall. This year, the colourful annual event, organized by the Tonga Leiti’s Association (TLA), is celebrating its 31st anniversary.

Yesterday, Starlink notified its roaming customers located in Tonga that Starlink has been directed by the Tonga government to disable their internet services to users in the country.  The 10 July notification shocked internet users especially those who have turned to Starlink's high-speed roaming service as a life-saver, after the domestic submarine cable failed for the third time a fortnight ago, following an earthquake. Concerned users raised a petition yesterday: “To Allow Access to Starlink Internet Services in Tonga” which is directed to the regulators and members of Cabinet.

The ‘Ikale Tahi, captained by Ben Tameifuna, is set to clash with Italy at Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku'alofa this Friday 12 July 2024, with kick-off set for 3:30pm Tonga time. Tonga Rugby Union and the ‘Ikale Tahi management released their Team List this afternoon, 10 July.

A Hauloto couple were arrested in a Tonga Police drug raid on Wednesday, 3 July, at Hauloto, Tongatapu. The suspects, a 31 year old male and his 28 year old female partner, have been charged with possession of illicit drugs and drug utensils.