Results for Tonga

Paul Karalus the former Minister of Transport who resigned on July 11, six days after the sinking of the MV Princess Ashika on August 5 will give evidence on December 14 at the Royal Commission of Inquiry, Nuku'alofa.

The first public hearing of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the MV Princess Ashika on the night of August 5, got into a vibrant start this afternoon, when Mosese Fakatou, a former Marine Engineer with the Ministry of Ports and Authority showed slide photos of holes and heavy corroded sides and floor of the ferry.

Tonga's parliament discovered an elusive unity of purpose last month, when after months of frustrating debate over the direction of reform the House led by the Prime Minister, decided almost to a man, that some set beliefs and traditions should be upheld and the Constitution should not be changed to allow Tongan women equality under the law. From the House, by Pesi Fonua. FROM OUR ARCHIVES, 20 October 2009

In a record year for regulatory reform worldwide, most economies in East Asia and the Pacific strengthened business regulations, making them more efficient to help increase opportunities for local firms. Tonga, in particular, recorded an impressive ranking of 52 out of 183 countries, making it the leading performer in doing business in the Pacific region.

The first public hearing of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the MV Ashika ferry was held on October 1 at the Fa'onelua Convention Centre.

A well-known Tongan patriarch Joe (Siosaia) Tu'ilatai Mataele (84), died on Thursday, August 20 at Vaiola Hospital and was laid to rest on Saturday, August 29 at the seafront Mala'e'aloa Cemetery, Kolomotu'a, Nuku'alofa.

There were 128 persons on board the Princess Ashika when it left Nuku'alofa on its August 5 voyage, Operation Ashika confirmed on August 19. These have been established as: 54 rescued, 2 bodies recovered, 72 missing persons (68 passengers and 4 crew).

Last week's Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders' summit, held in the northern Australian city of Cairns, saw the Labor government of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd move to extend its control over the regional body. Despite earlier statements from a number of Pacific governments expressing disquiet over Canberra's stance on issues including Fiji, climate change, and regional trade, every PIF member state toed the line and signed the final summit communiqué drafted by the Australian government. -By Frank Gaglioti

The foundation pouring for the new Taumoepeau Building in central Nuku'alofa has led the way in a new method of construction for Tonga.