Results for tag

A total of 75 candidates had registered for the General Election on November 18, when registration closed at 3:00pm yesterday, 28 September 2021. Meanwhile, over 64,000 voters have registered to elect their 17 representatives to the Tonga Legislative Assembly.

The Ambassador of the European Union for the Pacific, HE Sujiro Seam presented his letters of credence to His Majesty King Tupou VI in a virtual ceremony yesterday, 28 September 2021. He noted the EU's long-standing cooperation in the energy sector and common priorities on climate change, sustainable development and oceans.

Tonga's Prime Minister told the United Nations that Tonga aims to vaccinate up to 70% of its population by end of 2022. He also said that Tonga has been ranked by the World Risk Report 2017 “as the second most at-risk country in the world to natural disasters such as cyclones, flooding and sea level rise.” Tonga is supporting the goal of limiting global warming.

A drought alert was issued today, September 28, for Niuatoputapu by the Tonga Meteorological Services. Rainfall has been very low, recording only 1.0mm from the last week of August to September 5, which has impacted water supplies in most areas.

Tonga’s Health State of Emergency has been renewed for another month to prevent the spread of COVID-19, starting from 8:00pm today until 8:00pm October 25, the Prime Minister announced today.

The Chinese President Xi Jinping had a phone conversation with King Tupou VI of Tonga last week on 24 September. “Tonga will continue to firmly support China on issues concerning its core interests,” stated a report posted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China.

The call for Tongans to be sensible and to select parliamentary representatives who will use their money wisely, is a message that we have heard repeatedly since the first election under our new system of government that was introduced in 2010. Campaigning is underway for the upcoming General Election on November 18, 2021, which will be the fourth General Election under our so-called “More Democratic System of Government”. But most interestingly, after 11 years, we find ourselves still living in Disneyland, with politicians promoting many different interpretations of the system of government and encouraging everyone to go along for the ride. By Pesi Fonua

Rick Riechelmann (60) was sentenced to 21-months imprisonment for possession of cannabis seized at his home in Fangaloto. The sentence was fully suspended after the judge considered the health issues the defendant faced. The defendant admitted he was smoking cannabis for pain relief and taking it palliatively.

Five hundred water tanks from China’s Dongguan City were donated to Tonga at a ceremony at Queen Salote Hall, Nuku’alofa on 22 September. The water tanks will help vulnerable families adapt to climate change impacts.