Results for Government

The Government Auditor-General's report on the alleged misuse of funds by the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Fineasi Funaki, is expected to be completed before the end of February.

The Minister of Information, Hon Afu'alo Matoto, dismissed a report in one of the local papers today that the Minister of Finance, Hon. Siosiua 'Utoikamanu had resigned.

The Tonga Cabinet today passed new regulations for the new Income Tax Act, as well as introducing new Customs duty rates and regulations, and Excise duty rates and regulations. They are all gazetted today, the Prime Minister Dr Feleti Sevele said this afternoon.

The Tonga Cabinet Relief Committee this morning distributed packages of foodstuff valued at about $150 pa‘anga each to 168 workers and individuals whose livelihoods were affected by the riots of 16 November 2006.

Thank you Mr Harder for sharing your Christmas Message Peace Plan with us. I hope that you have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year as well. Just one thing though, if you ever tire of practising Law, try your luck at writing for Theatre Companies here in the UK. Your peace plan dream for Tonga would make a wonderful Christmas pantomime. We could slot it in between Cinderella and Snow White - I am certain that Peace in Paradise will be the flavour of this Christmas Season. - Senolita Swan

Tonga's Revenue Commission is flexing its muscles in the collection of overdue taxes, and recently three businesses have been forced to close their doors because of the non-payment of Consumption Tax.

The Chinese Ambassador to Tonga, his excellency Mr Hu Yeshun handed over 20 new motorbikes and 20 new cars to Deputy Prime Minister, Hon Dr Viliami Tangi this afternoon.

Mele 'Amanaki, the Secretary General, of Tonga's Public Service Association, has been dismissed from her government post in a disciplinary action over her engagement in political activities.

Australia will contribute an additional AUD$5 million to the Business Recovery Fund in order to speed-up recovery for Nuku'alofa businesses that were affected by the riots of November 16, 2006, the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Alexander Downer told a Press Conference in Nuku'alofa this morning.