Results for Tonga

Two policemen charged with manslaughter in relation to the death of ‘Inoke Pepa (20) in 2012 will appear on April 1, at the Nuku‘alofa Supreme Court.

“Hardship” is the new word describing poverty in the Pacific Islands, where “the label of poverty is considered culturally inappropriate,” according to a report released by the World Bank this week, that highlights the increasing concerns over the vulnerability of many people living in its 11 member countries.

Tonga’s Legislative Assembly 2013 session will resume on March 24 to discuss outstanding bills before it closes to re-open on June 5.

A Mu’a Community Police Station constructed at a cost of $976,353 pa'anga was opened by Prince Tungi on March 10 at Tatakamotonga.

A 44-year-old man has been arrested and charged with the rape of a 17-year-old girl at Hofoa on February 8. The accused was remanded in custody as a police investigation continues.

Tonga remains at high risk for dengue fever after two cases were reported in Tongatapu last month, said the Director of Health. He advised the public to become more vigilant in prevention efforts, while the weather is warm. Tonga's near neighbour, Fiji, is currently facing its worst outbreak of dengue in 16-years with eight reported to have died there since February 28.

In spite of the rain that was driving away their customers, the women vendors at Nuku‘alofa’s central Talamahu Market looked cheerful on International Women’s Day, Saturday March 8, 2014. But here in the heart of the capital, only a stone’s throw away from the new cruise ship berth at Vuna Wharf, the Talamahu Market is a place where women’s real status in Tonga is on display for all to see. By Mary Lyn Fonua.

The MS Pacific Princess cruise ship made an emergency stop in Nuku‘alofa yesterday afternoon March 6 because two people needed urgent medical attention. A male crew-member is recovering at Vaiola Hospital after surgery, while an elderly woman passenger was airlifted to Australia.

The Tongan Government will host the Sixth Meeting of the Pacific Island Countries (PIC) Network of Ozone Officers, and a Joint Meeting of National Ozone and Training of Custom Officers, next week 10-14 March, 2014.