Results for People

On New Year's Eve in a land where time begins, Tongans are welcoming in 2010 quietly. As midnight approaches there's a brass band playing a hymn somewhere nearby in the capital, with a sombre tone that sounds more like a funeral dirge. But as the New Year rolls in, church bells start ringing, the crackers make a lively statement for a few minutes and the band picks up the beat - a little. - By Mary Lyn Fonua

Loloahi Tapui of Leimatu'a, Vavau, the former housekeeper for British Attorney General Baroness Scotland, appeared in court in London and pleaded not guilty to fraud and possessing a fake passport on December 7.

Women and children escaping violence now have a new place to consider. Based in Fanga 'o Pilolevu, the Women and Children Crisis Centre officially opened their doors on Dec 3, 2009.

The Big Mama Yacht Club at the Pangaimotu Island Resort celebrated its 7th birthday on October 30 with a gathering of 44 ocean-going yachts.

Mele 'Amanaki (43) the President of the Tonga Women's Congress, who has been on a hunger protest during the past seven days, has started to drink water today, October 20.

Dr Tu'uhevaha Kaitu'u-Lino (28), a young scientist at the Melbourne's Monash Institute of Medical Research (MIMR) was named as an inspirational role model and woman of the year, receiving the two awards from Australia's Cosmopolitan magazine recently.

Tonga's Police Band has cancelled a trip to the Gauteng International Military Tattoo Festival in Johannesburg, South Africa this month following the South African Defence Force strike two weeks ago.

Queen Salote College's annual bazaar held on Saturday September 5, attracted a crowd of shoppers eager to buy the quality handicrafts made by students.

Paea Williams (25) the newly-crowned Miss Heilala 2009-10 will represent Tonga at the Miss South Pacific Pageant in Fiji in November, and the talented entertainer, aims no less than to bring back the crown.