Results for Tonga

The University of the South Pacific (USP) Convention, which legally embeds the university in member countries, was signed by eight country governments including Tonga at the USP’s 84th council meeting in Majuro, Republic of Marshall Islands on 25 May.

Two men have been arrested and charged with possession of an illicit drug, after packets of dry cannabis leaves were seized during a police search at Vaini on Saturday morning, May 27.

The main problem with Tonga's parliament today is that 17 People’s Representatives can’t work together, making it very difficult for parliament and government to function properly, says Dr Sitiveni Halapua, who played a pivotal role in Tonga’s democratisation reforms. "What is happening now, we inherited the problems of progress, but we do not have progress.” Interview by Pesi Fonua.

The first combined training for Tonga's army, prisons and fire services recruits was completed today with a prize giving ceremony at Taliai Military Camp in Fua'amotu, where Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala reviewed the parade and presented awards. Photos by Linny Folau and Caroline Manu Moli

A 27-year-old police officer has been arrested and charged with the armed robbery of a shop at Ma’ufanga on Saturday, May 20.

Paletili Afu (33) who pleaded guilty to various counts including reckless driving causing the death of a one-year-old baby boy during a collision on the road in 2016, received a two and a half-years suspended sentence, at the Supreme Court on 18 May. The judge noted with concern that it is not uncommon for passengers to be thrown from cars or trucks, during collisions of unworthy vehicles on Tonga's roads.

Tonga's important star-shaped Sia Complex at Popua, the area of Tonga's creation myth, is being destroyed by an ad hoc development, driven by the same government that pledged to protect the heritage site close to Nuku'alofa on Tongatapu.

Oscar Taione (31) a fireman recruit died on Friday morning, May 19 after collapsing during a training run at Pelehake. A post mortem is expected to be held sometime this week to determine the cause of death.

Tonga's Queen Nanasipau'u will travel to Hawaii in early August with a group of Kanokupolu dancers who have been invited to perform at the Asia Pacific Dance Festival in Honolulu.