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I am the Chief Scientist onboard the Research Vessel (R/V) Kilo Moana. I am writing to correct a misrepresentation in your piece "First phase of Tonga mineral exploration begins" which appeared in the 26 March 2008 issue of Matangi Tonga. - Fernando Martinez

Army Lieutenant Colonel Siamelie Latu, Tonga Defence Services, from Tatakamotonga, Tonga, graduated March 26 from the Asia-Pacific Center for Studies Comprehensive Security Responses to Terrorism (CSRT) Course in Honolulu. Latu received his diploma from retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ed Smith, director of the Center.

Now that the PM has decided to retain the Minister of Tourism in Cabinet, the government's spin doctors have their work cut out for them when international good governance watchdogs issue their reports on Tonga towards the end of this year and early next year. I imagine Tonga will continue to retain its ranking, or worse, on Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index - in 2007 it ranked 175 out of 180 countries. It will reflect how the government is viewed from outside - in this case, very corrupt. If the government insists that this is unfounded, let it be more transparent in its decisions and see if the TICPI will improve. I can also imagine the the US State Department's Tonga 2008 Human Rights Report saying . . . "public officials were usually corrupt and get away with it" and this would be an accurate statement, as we have witnessed in this case of the Prime Minister exonerating the Minister of Tourism from any wrongdoing. - Tupou Finau

The importation of aircrafts and aircraft parts to Tonga will be exempted from excise tariff, Tonga's government Information Unit announced this afternoon.

A strike at one of French Polynesia's two public television stations is being pursued over the showing of a seven-minute pornographic film.

Nautilus Minerals Inc. started the first stage of its mineral exploration for high-grade minerals in Tongan waters today.

Nuku‘alofa experienced dark overcast skies this morning as thunderstorms dumped above average rainfall, flooding roads and homes in low-lying areas in just 24 hours.

A combined Pacific Youth Camp attracted 600 participants to Nuku'alofa during the Easter weekend.

Highlights from Tonga's newspapers, March 17-20, 2008. An English translation summary by Tevita Fonua.