Tonga

Next tier of Pacific rugby nations Oceania Cup

Cook Islands won the biennial event two years ago but will not defend their title, choosing to focus their limited resources on November's Olympic Sevens Qualifier.

Newcomers American Samoa open proceedings against Solomon Islands at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, followed by hosts Papua New Guinea against Tahiti, in the first round of matches.

The General Manager of Rugby PNG, Frank Genia, says pride and silverware aren't the only things on up for grabs.

Pacific journalists complete corruption workshop

The training provided insights into the Convention and the work of the UN Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) project. In doing so, the training aimed to build the capacity of selected journalists to prevent, detect and investigate cases of corruption through greater awareness of UNCAC and the media’s role as a non-state actor.

In his welcoming address, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, Lord Tu'ivakano, noted the essential role media have to play in combatting corruption and helping reduce its adverse impacts on a country’s development.

Fisheries Observers in six weeks training

The 35 observers were divided into two groups with one group doing sea time at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and the other group undertaking the Pacific Islands Regional Fisheries Observer Syllabus Programme.

A statement from government said each group did five weeks of intensive training before going for the second part which will take another five weeks.

Deputy Director Offshore, Edward Honiwala who officially opened the second part of the programme said the observers will spend another five weeks before completing the programme.

Polynesian aspirants build for Qualifiers

Fiji will firstly host Tonga on 19 August at Govind Park in Ba, before playing American Samoa at Prince Charles Park in Nadi on 27 August.

The two visitors will compete when Oceania FIFA World Cup qualifying commences on 31 August in Tonga. One spot will be up for grabs in Stage 2 over the course of the five-day tournament, which also features Cook Islands and Samoa.

Fiji coach Carlos Buzzetti has named a strong 23-man squad for the matches including Wellington Phoenix striker Roy Krishna, powerful attacker Osea Vakatalesau and U-20 captain Jale Dreloa.

Tonga Govt says committed to running Games

In a statement he says there has been confusion and doubt as to whether Tonga would go ahead with the event.

But the prime minister says while it is the utmost challenge for the government it will do its best to seek financial assistance from its donor and development partners.

Mr Pohiva says the government is convinced of the benefits of hosting the games, not only in upgrading venues but the benefits to the economy.

Doubts over Tonga hosting the Pacific Games in 2019

This was raised at a meeting in the village of Houma attended by Tongatapu Constituency 6 People’s Representative and Minister of Public Enterprise, Poasi Tei.

At the meeting, Viliami Halatoa of Houma said Tonga was not ready to host the 2019 Pacific Games.

In response, the Minister said Government supports the hosting of the Games and has set aside TOP$1 million to the Ministry of Sports to establish a sports academy in preparation for the Games in four years’ time.

Nauru supports Nuku’alofa Declaration on Sustainable Weather and Climate

Minister Aaron Cook attended the first Ministerial meeting of Meteorology Ministers from the Pacific region in Nuku’alofa, hosted by the Government of Tonga last week.

“It is an honour for me to be speaking on the role of national meteorological and hydrological services and their contribution to our sustainable development.

“We do not have an established Meteorology Service in Nauru but it is a priority of our Government. Early this year, our Government approved the establishment of the Meteorology Service, said Minister Cook.

Deaths at sea spur action in Pacific

The council met in Tonga and it was the first time that ministers of Meteorological Services from around the Pacific met in conjunction.

The head of the Samoa Meteorology Division, Mulipola Ausetalia Titimaea, says delegates are concerned about the number of weather-related tragedies at sea.

He says countries rallied their support behind an initiative to set up a working group on marine and oceans services.

No Sunday games at 2019 Pacific Games in Tonga

The Chief Executive Officer for the 2019 Tonga Pacific Games Organising Committee  and for Prime Minister Lord Savele said it was one of the questions asked since games are being played at the XV Pacific Games in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

“One of the issues asked of us the other day was what our response would be about sports on Sunday, we have decided we’d go back to the traditional way we’ve been running the Pacific Games and for Sunday we’ll allow everybody to rest or go to the beach but there will be no sport played on Sundays when you’re in Tonga,” said Lord Savele.

Tonga PM says CEDAW issue will be put to public vote

Cabinet announced earlier this year it's intention to join the Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

Multiple petitions and marches followed the announcement including a parliamentary resolution asking the government not to ratify CEDAW.

Opponents have expressed concern that it will allow same sex marriage and abortion.