Results for Government

In a first global ranking on how effectively children can use the courts to defend their rights, Tonga was ranked 165 out 197 countries worldwide, a low standing attributed to not having a separate juvenile court or system for children and limited implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. In the report released on 15 February, war-torn countries like Syria, Serbia and Cameroon were ranked higher than Tonga.

Hon Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa is the Acting Minister of Tourism effective 1 February, after HM King Tupou VI approved the termination of ‘Etuate Lavulavu's appointment as Minister of Tourism.

Tonga’s Ministry of Public Enterprises has started to introduce more shared directors for public enterprises, with some directors holding positions on three boards, as part of a push to reform Public Enterprises that started in 2015 to be completed this year. The Ministry’s CEO Sione ‘Akau‘ola said the shared directors process for the Transport sector started last week.

In a marathon press conference lasting nearly four hours yesterday, Tonga’s Prime Minister Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva tried to defend his decision to retain a self-confessed corrupted Cabinet Minister, ‘Etuate Lavulavu, as his Minister of Tourism.

A petition to revoke the appointment of the Prime Minister, Hon. Samuela 'Akilisi Pohiva as the Minister of Education, and Hon. 'Etuate Lavulavu as the Acting Minister of Education is in limbo.

Tonga's Prime Minister Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva is not fit to travel this week to take part in three major events in Europe and Malta, including the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

Tonga's Official Public Holidays for next year 2016, were confirmed today by the Prime Minister's Office. Most of the holidays are observed on Mondays or Fridays, as shown (in Tongan and English):

Businesses in Tongatapu and Vava'u can now pay their PAYE tax and Consumption Tax online, thanks to a new revenue management system known as "RMS7", that was launched by the Australian Deputy High Commissioner, Ms Sophie Temby this morning, 30 October at Tonga's Ministry of Revenue and Customs office, Hala Lelue, Nuku’alofa.

Tonga’s Prime Minister, Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva Akilisi challenged world leaders to have moral commitment and moral courage to address climate change and global inequalities; and not be distracted by political priorities, when he made his first address to the United Nations General Assembly on 29 September. At the same time, he stated that his government was considering removing constraints to sustainable development “such as cultural perceptions and religious dogma.”