While the gap in gender inequality in Tonga is still wide, in 2020 more women are navigating their way into traditionally male-dominated roles. For International Women's Day this year, Matangi Tonga talked to two young women Sara Sakopo and 'Emeline Siale, both 21, who found the courage to overcome their fears and become qualified to work in the energy and trade sectors alongside men. By Eleanor Gee.
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Results for Tonga
Monday 9 March 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A jury of seven has found former Prime Minister Lord Tu‘ivakano guilty on three charges that include making a false statement for the purpose of obtaining a passport and perjury, at the end of a 21-days trial at the Supreme Court. The accused will be sentenced next month.
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Sunday 8 March 2020
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tonga's national treasure the Fanga’uta Lagoon Catchment, home to 64 per cent of the population of Tongatapu, is seriously polluted and remains unhealthy because of long-term mismanagement, neglect and blatant disregard of laws that were designed to protect it. Although a healthy lagoon is able to clean itself, Fanga‘uta Lagoon is receiving levels of pollutants that far exceed what it can assimilate.
Sunday 8 March 2020
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
On International Women’s Day, the South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) Microfinance Network honours its female clients and female staff for their hard work, drive, and determination. “Our members want to improve their lives and their families’ lives. They want healthier housing, better nutrition, and better education for their children...and they have to rely on their own resourcefulness,” says SPBD General Manager Fine Tu’ipulotu, who is proud to help them succeed.
Friday 6 March 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Seven men and a woman were arrested on charges of illicit drugs possession at different locations in Tongtapu on March 4.
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Friday 6 March 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The Crown has dropped six charges of bribery and money laundering against Lord Tu'ivakano, in relation to the issuance of Tongan passports to Chinese nationals. The jury trial proceeds next week on three remaining charges against the former Prime Minister.
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Friday 6 March 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tonga's Health officials are urging sick people, including Tongans, who are planning to visit Tonga, to stay away while they are ill. The plea comes after a 21-year-old Tongan woman travelled while sick with the flu from Sydney to Tonga on Monday, 2 March, and is now suspected of having COVID-19.
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Thursday 5 March 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
More than 10 suspected COVID-19 cases across the Pacific who have had samples tested have come back negative confirmed Dr Yutaro Setoya from the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Tonga. This does not include Tonga's suspected COVID-19 case sample, which is still being tested.
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Wednesday 4 March 2020
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A 21-year-old Tongan woman who returned from Sydney on Monday, March 2 is Tonga’s first suspected case of coronavirus (COVID-19). Samples are being sent to New Zealand for confirmation, and that may take three days.
Wednesday 4 March 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Lord Tu’ivakano has pleaded guilty this morning, March 4 to possession of an arm without a license. He will be sentenced on a later date.
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Wednesday 4 March 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Lord Tu’ivakano has denied offences made against him relating to the issuance of Tongan passports to Chinese nationals, when he gave evidence as the first witness for defense, on March 3.
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Wednesday 4 March 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tonga’s ambitious goal to achieve 50% renewable energy this year has been moved to 2021, confirmed Tonga Power Ltd (TPL) at a stakeholder seminar on 28 February. However, TPL is also exploring a more aggressive plan to try and achieve the target by the end of this year.
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Wednesday 4 March 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Independent think tank, the Royal Oceania Institute (ROI), announced 10 new board members on 3 March.
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Wednesday 4 March 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Mr Semisi Panuve has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer for Tonga Cable Limited (TCL) effective from 2 March.
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Wednesday 4 March 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
When Dr Duke Mataka became Tonga’s Ophthalmologist in 2018, he filled a post that had been vacant for a decade following the departure of Dr Afu Taumoepeau. Last year alone they carried out 500 operations, mainly cataract treatments.
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Tuesday 3 March 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Four accused have been charged after 21.53 grams of methamphetamine was seized at three different locations in Tongatapu, over the past week.
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Tuesday 3 March 2020
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
While no cases of coronavirus have been identified in Tonga, the country has raised its alert level from high to very high, in a fourth travel advisory issued today, aimed at preventing the virus from entering the country.
Tuesday 3 March 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Four cruise ships have been told to stay away from Tonga this month under a diversion order issued today by the Ministry of Health.
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Tuesday 3 March 2020
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Dr Opeti Pulotu from Vava'u was appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer for the Tonga National Qualifications and Accreditation Board (TNQAB) effective from 21 February 2020.
Monday 2 March 2020
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The jury trial against Lord Tu'ivakano on offences relating to the issuance of Tongan passports continues in its fourth week, with the defence opening its case today, submitting insufficient evidence against the accused.
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