Results for King George Tupou V

The eagerly awaited final report of Tonga's Constitutional and Electoral Commission released this week, contains some 80 recommendations on how to structure a new system of government for Tonga. While there are no surprises, the Commission does voice a concern over an apparent lack of understanding of its aims and the actual contents of its reports by some of the members of the House, who will be trusted with making the final decision on the new structure. By Pesi Fonua

Two nights of royal charity concerts in Nuku'alofa this week have raised $25,000 for the Tonga Red Cross and treated local people to classical music performances by visiting international performers from Italy, Austria, Sibera, Korea, and New Zealand.

I wish you all the best to your 61 birthday today (May 4), even if you celebrate it now at the coronation day. - Thomas Hollenbeck

Following the Coronation service at the Centenary Church of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga on Friday August 1, a Royal Luncheon was held in a marquee in the grounds of the Royal Palace. The luncheon was hosted by the Prime Minister Hon. Feleti Vaka'uta Sevele. Two traditional dances were performed by neices of the king to the compositions of the late Queen Salote Tupou III. Photos by Adrienne L. Kaeppler.

A spectacular half hour display of fireworks on the Nuku'alofa seafront attracted crowds of spectators on the evening of August 1, Tonga's Coronation day, for King George Tupou V. Photos by Pesi Fonua and Linny Folau.

A Tupakapakanava or traditional torch lighting ceremony was held along the Nuku'alofa foreshore yesterday evening, July 30, after sunset when students lit bark torches creating a line of fire around the coastline and rings of fire around the small islets visible from the capitalThe ceremony is a traditional honour accorded to the Royal Family and followed the installation of Tonga's King George Tupou V yesterday. Photos by Peter Poulsen.

Tonga's King George Tupou V appointed four new Privy Councillors last week.

Tonga's King George Tupou V will visit each of the outer islands of Vava'u, Ha'apai, 'Eua and the two Niuas following his coronation in August.

Developing renewable energy for Tonga is to be a focus under a new European Union-Tonga partnership programme, which may lead to a joint position for Tonga, the Pacific Islands Forum countries and the EU in future climate change negotiations.