05th September, 2017 More than 20 journalists from around the Pacific participated in a workshop in Apia to prepare for the 48th Pacific Islands Forum.

The two-day workshop (September 2^nd -3^rd) aimed to enhance participants’ knowledge on regional issues and what will be discussed by Pacific leaders during the forum.

Samoa’s Prime Minister Hon Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi opened the workshop and spoke on the theme of the forum and related meetings, “The Blue Pacific: Our Sea of Islands Provide For Our Secure Future through Sustainable Development, Management and Conservation”.

“The Blue Pacific will strengthen the existing policy frameworks that harness the ocean as a driver of a transformative socio-cultural, political and economic development of the Pacific. This approach also gives renewed impetus to deepening Pacific regionalism.”

According to him, The Blue Pacific provides a new narrative for regionalism in the Pacific and how the forum engages with the global community.

“This new narrative calls for inspired leadership by the forum and a long-term commitment to the benefits of acting together as one Blue Continent. Blue Pacific economy, ensures a sustainable, secure, resilient and peaceful Blue Pacific as well as strengthens Blue Pacific Diplomacy to protect the value of our ocean and people.”

“Above all else, it will require a different way of working together and prioritize. The Blue Pacific as the core driver of forum policy making and collective actions. The forum political dialogue needs to be informed by The Blue Pacific which in turn supports forum actions in a manner that empowers the region.”

Secretary General of the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat Dame Meg Taylor said, “The Framework for Pacific Regionalism has provided the platform for a reinvigorated regionalism over the last two and a half years. A regionalism that is increasingly inclusive, innovative, adaptive and producing results. We now have a regional policy agenda that it is both focused and political.”

The two-day event were hosted by the Pacific Island News Association (PINA) and the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and featured speakers from fields such as fisheries, sports as well as other sectors.

ENDS

Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communications.

05^th September 2017 The Staff of MEIDECC Office in Vava’u, hosted a number of events to mark the Environment Week last week under the theme ‘’Keep Vava’u Clean for a healthy life, sustainable environment and happy people.”

The three days events ran from Tuesday August, 29^th until Thursday August 31^st.

Environment Officer from MEIDECC Office Ms. Mele Finau said, an awareness workshop was conducted on the first day, where women’s group, District and Town Officers, Teachers, Representatives from Line Ministries and NGOs attended to gather information and work in groups to share ideas about waste.

“On the second day we went around 26 Schools and planted sandalwood plants, this event was facilitated by Ms. Sekilini Havili from MAFFF and Mrs. Lisa Fanu from VEPA.  On the same day a Green Costumes Contest was also held where 26 schools were invited to join.”

The three days events concluded with a Prize Awards Ceremony. The best 3R  Poster was awarded to ‘Ahosio Funaki, best green and veve  costume was awarded to G.P.S Tu’anuku, G.P.S ‘Utungake came second and the third prize was awarded to G.P.S Talihau.

MAFFF Vava’u sponsored and supported the Environment Day by distributing 25 sandalwood plants to the participants on the last day of the events.

Ms. Finau stated, the whole three days have been a experience to promote a better and healthier environment for Vava’u.

She also acknowledged the support from Government Line Ministries and Communities in making the events successful.

“This program was successful through working together and the Ministry of MEIDECC Vava’u deeply acknowledges the cooperation and support fromall Government Line Ministries, Non-Government Organizations, District and Town Officers, Teachers and Principals, and Women’s Groups for all their great support and willingness to join us for these 3 days of Environment Week.”

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Issued by the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communication

05^th September 2017 The Prime Minister of Cook Islands and outgoing chair of the Pacific Islands Forum’s Small Island States (SIS) group Hon Henry Puna has urged members to advance their efforts in order to transform the SIS Regional Strategy Plan into action.

“The development and adoption of the SIS regional strategy at our meeting last year was a significant milestone. But then in my view it’s only the beginning. We will need to elevate our efforts this year that we are to translate this plan into action and most importantly bring tangible benefits for our people.”

He stressed to SIS leaders the need to give careful consideration to the sustainable financing initiative given the high financing impact on small island states.

Secretary General of the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat Dame Meg Taylor said the SIS Leaders Meeting is a platform to discuss how issues of SIS can be constructively tackled.

She stated, “One avenue to achieving this maybe is through the endorsement of the SIS Strategies Companion Implementation Plan.”

Taylor said the agenda of the meeting include recommendations on air services and labour mobility which are initiatives that seek to bring SIS countries closer together.

“It also presents the possibilities of joined SIS proposals to the Green Climate Fund, an initiative which will require great cooperation, coordination and collaboration between the secretariat and your respected administrations.”

The meeting also observed a moment of silence to remember two Marshallese climate champions, the late Mr. Tony deBrum and Hon Mattlan Zackhras.

The new chair of the SIS Leaders Meeting is the President of Nauru Hon Baron Waqa.

SIS is made up of eight countries in the Pacific including Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau and Tuvalu.

ENDS

Issued by the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communication

The Office of the Public Service Commission advises the following vacancies are available for interested applicants within and outside the government service;

All interested applicants are required to submit their applications together with relevant supporting documents (i.e. CV, certified certificates etc.) to be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Office of The Public Service Commission, Nuku’alofa. All applications must be received no later than 4:30pm, Tuesday 19th of September, 2017. Public Servants who wish to apply must submit their applications with the endorsement of their respective Chief Executive Officer.

Should you require a copy of the Job Description or further information regarding the abovementioned vacancies, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Lisimeili Loloa via email at lloloa@psc.gov.to or by telephone at 25-770.

06^th September 2017 At around 12:45 this afternoon Police received a report of a body of a man discovered at the waterway next to the Popua Park.

The deceased has a tattoo of the words „Vola Halasiti‟ on his chest.

Police ask anyone who has any information that can assist us with our investigation or knows any missing person, to call us immediately at 922, 23417 or to the Police Station closest to you.

Photos of the deceased have been posted on Facebook and have been shared many times, and police are asking the public to refrain from sharing these photos.

The dignity of the dead must always be respected.

“By uploading those photos shows absolutely no respect to this victim. The deceased has yet to be identified and the fact of his death has not been known to the family of the victim at this early stage,” says Acting Chief Superintendent Tevita Vailea.

Police Investigation is underway.

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Issued by the: Tonga Police Media & Communication Officer, Tonga Police Headquarters, Longolongo; for media enquiries – Email: siaadams@gmail.com phone (676) 23 323 Fax: (676) 23 036

06^th September 2017 TONGAN On 1^st September, 2017, the Hon. Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva, Prime Minister of Tonga had made recommendations to His Majesty, King Tupou VI in accordance with Clause 51 (3) (a) of the Act of Constitution of Tonga, to revoke the appointments of Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni, Deputy Prime Minister and Hon. Tevita Lavemaau, Minister for Finance and National Planning, effective from 1^st September, 2017.

The Hon. Prime Minister recommended to His Majesty the ministerial appointments of Lord Ma’afu, as Deputy Prime Minister and Hon. Dr. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa as Minister for Finance and National Planning in addition to their Ministerial Portfolios, with effect from 1^st September, 2017.

On 5^th September, 2017 a letter was received by the Prime Minister’s Office from the Lord Chamberlain, Palace Office to convey that His Majesty, King Tupou VI has duly endorsed with the Royal Sign

Manual, the appointments of Lord Ma’afu as Deputy Prime Minister and Hon. Dr. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa as Minister for Finance and National Planning, with effect from 1^st September, 2017.

While the Hon. Prime Minister is attending the 48^th Meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum in Apia, Samoa

Lord Ma’afu, Deputy Prime Minister shall be Acting Prime Minister, with effect from 1^st September, 2017.

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Issued by the: The Prime Minister’s Office, P.O. Box 62, Nuku’alofa, Tonga. Tel: (676) 24 644     Fax:  (676) 23 888; For media enquiries- Email: pressoffice@pmo.gov.to Website: www.pmo.gov.to   

06 Sepitema 2017  ENGLISH ‘I he ‘aho 1 ‘o Sepitema, 2017, na’e ‘oatu ai ‘e Hon. Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva, ‘Eiki Palemia ‘o Tonga ki he ‘Ene ‘Afio, Kingi Tupou VI ‘a ‘ene ngaahi fokotu’u ‘o fakatatau ki he Kupu 51 (3) (a) ‘o e Lao Konisitu’utone ‘o Tonga, ke tukuhifo ‘a Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni, ‘Eiki Tokoni Palemia mo Hon. Tevita Lavemaau, ‘Eiki Minisita Pa’anga mo e Palani Fakafonua, ‘o kamata lau mei he ‘aho 1 Sepitema, 2017:

Na’e toe fokotu’u atu foki ‘e he ‘Eiki Palemia ki he ‘Ene ‘Afio ‘a hono fakanofo ‘o Lord Ma’afu ko e ‘Eiki Tokoni Palemia pea mo Hon. Dr. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa ko e ‘Eiki Minisita Pa’anga mo e Palani Fakafonua ‘a ia ‘e tanaki atu ‘eni ki he’ena ngaahi Potungaue ‘o kamata lau mei he ‘aho 1 ‘o Sepitema, 2017.

‘I he ‘aho 5 ‘o Sepitema, 2017 na’e ma’u ai ‘a e tohi mei he ‘Eiki Talafekau ‘a ‘Ene ‘Afio, ‘Ofisi Palasi ‘o fakahoko mai ki he ‘Ofisi ‘o e Palemia kuo mokoi ‘a e finangalo ‘o ‘Ene ‘Afio, Kingi Tupou VI ke fakanofo ‘a Lord Ma’afu ko e ‘Eiki Tokoni Palemia pea mo Hon. Dr. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa ko e ‘Eiki Minisita Pa’anga mo e Palani Fakafonua ‘o kamata lau mei he ‘aho 1 ‘o Sepitema, 2017.

Lolotonga ‘a e me’a ko ia ‘a e ‘Eiki Palemia ‘o Tonga ki he fakataha hono fangofulu ma valu (48) ‘a e Kau Taki ‘o e Ngaahi Fonua ‘o e Pasifiki ‘a ia ‘oku fakahoko ‘i Apia, Ha’amoa, ko e Tokoni Palemia, Lord Ma’afu ‘oku Palemia Le’ole’o ‘o kamata lau mei ‘aho 1 Sepitema, 2017.

NGATA’ANGA

The Government of Tonga’s strategic vision for the future delivery of public services is aimed at streamlining its organizational platform to better deliver more efficient and effective public services for the people of Tonga.  To help achieve this aim, the Government of Tonga seeks to appoint two (2) Part time Commissioners for the Public Service Commission.

The Public Service Commission acts as the adviser to Government on the management of the Public Service and is further tasked with overseeing the development of guidelines, frameworks, policies and standards to ensure that the public service operates in a transparent, consistent and robust manner. The Commission is also responsible for providing leadership in the strategic management of the public service workforce, oversight and evaluation of a continuing process of public service reform within the Kingdom.

Accountabilities

The Part time Commissioners will be responsible to the Chairman of the Commission in performing the Public Service Commission mandates in accordance with the Public Service Act.

Specifically the purpose of the roles is to;

Assist the Chairman of the Commission in overseeing the implementation of public employment policies, principles and performance of the Public Service. The roles will be integral in overseeing a productive and sustainable Public Service as Tonga continues its path towards Public Sector Reform.

Experience and Qualification

• A Tertiary educational qualification relevant to the position with demonstrated successful/effective leadership and senior executive management experience in the Public Sector and/or the Private Sector AND
• Proven expertise in strategic Human Resource management at the executive level, and in the development of Legal and Policy frameworks for the public and/or private sector.

How to Apply:-

Applicants who are interested in applying for the positions advertised should request an Application Information Kit. An Application Information Kit can be obtained by contacting the Public Service Commission Office on +676 25-770, or e*mail employment@psc.gov.to.

• Applicants should refer to the Application Information Kit in preparing an application, ensuring that all requirements are satisfied. Incomplete documentation may prevent proper consideration of the application.

• Applications should be forwarded to the following address by 4:30pm on Wednesday 04 October, 2017.

Acting Chairman

Public Service Commission

P.O. Box 46

Nuku’alofa

Tonga

• Given the brevity of time, signed emailed applications will be acceptable. Email applications should be forwarded to employment@psc.gov.to by the closing date.

06th September, 2017 Police have located a 20-year-old woman reported missing since August 25, 2017 safe and well last evening Tuesday 5 September 2017.

Police inquiries indicate that she never went to ‘Eua and claims that were made on kidnapping and associated allegations are false.

She was picked up last evening at around 12:00 midnight in the company of a male boarding the MV ‘Otuanga’ofa destined for Vava’u, after police received calls from the public.

‘Eua Police cancelled the search last night when she was located after an extensive searched was launched.

“Police are concerned that the family have been put through this unnecessary worry and also valuable police time and resources have been wasted,” says Acting Chief Superintendent Tevita Vailea.

Police continues with their Investigation in to the circumstances of this case.

ENDS

Issued by the: Tonga Police Media & Communication Officer, Tonga Police Headquarters, Longolongo; for media enquiries – Email: siaadams@gmail.com phone (676) 23 323 Fax: (676) 23 036

06^th September 2017  TONGAN  His Majesty the King Tupou VI has issued the Writs of Election yesterday 5^th September, 2017 which confirmed the Legislative Assembly General Election to be held on Thursday 16^th November, 2017.

The Electoral Commission has therefore called for the nomination of candidates to be held on Wednesday 27^th and Thursday 28^th September, 2017 from 10:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon at the Office of the Electoral Commission in the case of Tongatapu, at the Governor’s Office in the case of Vava’u and Ha’apai, and at the Offices of Government Representatives respectively in the case of ‘Eua, Niuatoputapu and Niuafo’ou.

The Commission strongly urges all candidates to ensure that their nomination forms and all other requirements are completed before they are submitted.

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For further information and nomination forms contact:

The Tonga Electoral Commission: Telephone Nos: 26884 or 28820

06 Sepitema 2017 ENGLISH Na’e ma’u ‘e he Komisoni Fili ‘aneafi, Tusite ko hono 5 ‘o Sepitema, 2017 ‘a e Ngaahi Tohi Fekau ki he Fili mei he ‘Ene ‘Afio, ko e Tu’i Tupou VI ‘a ia kuo fakapapau’i ai ‘a hono fakahoko ‘o e Fili Fale Alea ‘a e fonua ‘i he ‘aho Tu’apulelulu ko hono 16 ‘o Novema, 2017 ‘o tatau ki hono fili ‘o e kau fakafofonga ‘o e Hou’eiki Nopele pea pehe ki he kau fakafofonga ‘o e Kakai.

Kuo fakapapau’i ai ‘e he Komisoni Fili ke fakahoko ‘a hono fokotu’u ‘o e kau Kanititeiti ki he fili ‘i he ‘aho Pulelulu ko hono 27 mo e Tu’apulelulu ko hono 28 ‘o Sepitema, 2017 ‘o kamata mei he taimi 10:00 pongipongi ki he 3:00 efiafi ki he ‘Ofisi ‘o e Komisoni Fili, Nuku’alofa kapau ko Tongatapu, ‘Ofisi ‘o e Ongo Kovana, kapau ko Vava’u mo Ha’apai pea pehe ki he ngaahi ‘Ofisi ‘o e kau Fakafofonga Pule’anga kapau ko ‘Eua, Niuatoputapu mo Niuafo’ou.

Ko e faka’amu ia ‘a e Komisoni kiate kinautolu kotoa pe ‘a e kau kanititeiti ke nau fakapapau’i ‘oku maau mo kakato ‘a ‘enau ngaahi  foomu fokotu’u kanititeiti, fakataha mo e ngaahi fiema’u kehe ‘o fakatatau ki he Ngaahi Tu’utu’uni mo e Ngaahi Lao fekau’aki mo e Fili, kimu’a pea toki fakahoko ‘a hono fokotu’u kinautolu.

NGATA’ANGA

Ki ha toe fakaikiiki kataki ka e fetu’utaki ki he Komisoni Fili ‘I he telefoni 26884 pe 28820

06^th September 2017 The Honourable Chief Justice Owen Paulsen is currently hosting a regional Judicial Leadership Workshop in Nuku’alofa.

Officially opened by the New Zealand High Commissioner to Tonga, Her Excellency Ms. Sarah Walsh, the meeting started yesterday Tuesday, 5^th September and will run until Thursday, 7^th September at Tanoa International Hotel.

The three days’ workshop aimed to explore the meaning of judicial leadership, consider the drivers of change that are facing the courts of the South Pacific and to discuss approaches and tools to support leaders within Pacific Judiciaries.

The workshop will also provide opportunities for senior judicial officers across the region to discuss issues facing their judiciary and develop effective strategies to overcome these issues and strengthen their court systems.

The goal of the Pacific Judicial Strengthening Initiative is to build fairer societies by supporting the courts in the Pacific region to develop more accessible, just, efficient and responsive justice services. The Initiative operates in 14 countries including Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

The workshop is promoting regional leadership as part of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade funded Pacific Judicial Strengthening Initiative (June 2016-July 2021).

ENDS

Issued by the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communication

06th September, 2017 Samoa’s Prime Minister Hon Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has reminded Pacific leaders of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group, the importance of being active and participating in discussions that relates with the ACP Group and European Union (EU).

In his capacity as chairman of the Pacific ACP he told members that “substantial efforts remain and are needed on both fronts, from our regional organisations in ensuring that our efforts are prioritised and coordinated, and that the political will and solidarity of PACPS remains strong.”

He stated that the Second Forum of Foreign Ministers Meeting in Suva was an opportunity to discuss post-Cotonou arrangements and the approach the region would take in the ACP Group negotiating structure.

“The negotiations for a post-Cotonou arrangement will need to commence no later than August 2018. The broader political issues related to the Pacific region’s relation with the EU and the ACP Group needs our consideration.”

Hon Malielegaoi also called on members’ active participation on the discussions with the EU to ensure that they will be able to voice out priorities and challenges in areas such as climate change, renewable energy, sustainable development and management and conservation of ocean and its resources.

“PACP leaders must consider a proposed resolution that supports the process going forward – ensuring that our own visions, objectives and priorities as articulated through the Framework for Pacific Regionalism, fundamentally guides the European Union’s relations with the Pacific region in the post-2020 era.”

Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) Dame Meg Taylor reiterated the need to be proactive in ensuring the development support under this arrangement is channelled effectively to the region and aligns with regional priorities.

“The broader theme of the 48^th Pacific Island Forum – The Blue Pacific focuses on strengthening our collective identity and indeed collective political action to advance our regional priorities.

“I would therefore encourage the Pacific ACP Leaders to capitalise on this renewed impetus and new narrative, in progressing the preparatory discussions on post-Cotonou.”

With regards to the European development assistance to the region, Taylor stated that it was disappointing the region has not been able to draw down on the regional envelope of EDF11 funds to address the agreed priority areas identified by the region.

The ACP Group consists of 79 member-states, where 15 member-countries are from the Pacific region.

ENDS

Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Energy, Climate Change & Communications.

07^th September 2017 The 48^th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting was officially opened at the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum in Samoa under the theme, The Blue Pacific: Our Sea of Islands – Our Security through Sustainable Development, Management and Conservation, yesterday evening.

Samoa’s Prime Minister and Chair of this year’s Pacific Forum Hon. Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi told Pacific leaders and delegations that the theme speaks to the very heart of Pacific Regionalism.

“For the Pacific region and its island countries, the ocean is crucial. Exercising a sense of common identity and purpose linked to the ocean, has been critical for protecting and promoting the potential of our shared Pacific Ocean.”

He said that this commonality has the potential to empower the region through collective and combined agendas and actions.

“The Blue Pacific provides a new narrative for Pacific Regionalism and how the forum engages with the world.”

“This new narrative calls for inspired leadership by the forum and a long-term commitment to the benefits of acting together as one Blue Continent, has the potential to define a Blue Pacific economy, ensures a sustainable, secure, resilient and peaceful Blue Pacific as well as strengthens Blue Pacific Diplomacy to protect the value of our ocean and people.”

He also called on leaders to strive to maintain focus on regional priorities and not allow unnecessary issues to take dominance in the Blue Pacific.

Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Dame Meg Taylor reminded leaders of the Framework for Pacific Regionalism and how the region have worked hard in the past three years to bring it to life.

“This was a step you took to raise the ambition for collective political action in the Pacific. A step taken because of a common concern that regionalism had lost its way, that bureaucratic process and technical issues were dominating the regional agenda and impeding leaders’ ability to set and drive the Pacific’s political and development priorities.”

She said that over the years the region’s policy agenda has been developed providing Pacific people with the opportunity to voice issues of importance to their leaders through the framework’s public consultation process.

Some of the issues that leaders will be discussing include matters related to the governance and financing of regionalism in support of forum leaders decisions, the Pacific Roadmap for Sustainable Development and progress made against regional priorities in climate change, fisheries and PACER Plus.

ENDS

Issued by the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communication

07th September, 2017 The Government of Japan and the Folaha Village Water Committee celebrated the handover of their Upgraded Water Supply System funded through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects, GGP on Tuesday afternoon, 5 September 2017.

His Excellency Mr. Yukio Numata, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Tonga congratulated the completion of the Project during a handover ceremony held at the water supply site in Folaha village. Hon. Penisimani Fifta, Minister for Education and Training attended the handover ceremony along with Mrs. Natalia Palu Latu, Deputy CEO, Ministry of Finance and National Planning, Executive Members of the Folaha Village Development Council, Town Officer and the people of Folaha.

In the keynote address, H.E Mr. Yukio Numata stated that the aim of Japan’s GGP is “to encourage sustainable development and overcome vulnerabilities at the grass-roots level in order to strengthen targets for achieving Human Security.”

“We recognize the fact that access to clean and plentiful water is vital for human’s everyday life and its scarcity poses danger over the community, leading to many problems such as severe health issues. ” emphasized the Ambassador, and expressed his joy that a new water supply system had been installed supplying the village people with clean and plentiful water, replacing the deteriorating water supply system installed in 1995.

Hon. Penisimani Fifita on behalf of the people of Folaha village and the government of Tonga thanked H.E Mr. Yukio Numata for Japan’s support aiming at improving the physical infrastructure and providing better living standard for Folaha residents. “The equipment will certainly help improve the reliability of the Village’s water supply system as well as the quality of the water, which will contribute significantly towards improving the health of the Village community in a sustainable way,” he said. He also assured that the people of Folaha will do their best to operate and maintain the equipment effectively to benefit more generations to come.

Folaha Village Water Committee sought for Japan’s assistance in 2016 to upgrade a deteriorating water supply system installed in 1995. Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects was introduced in 1990 to respond to various development needs in developing countries, and to date have granted over 270 projects in different sectors throughout Tonga. The assistance epitomize Japan’s commitment to support efforts by the People and the Government of Tonga to achieve its National Strategic Planning Framework, and also hope to strengthen the warm and close relations between the people and the Government of Japan and the people of the Kingdom of Tonga.

Attachment: Project Factsheet & Photos

Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP)
Project Fact Sheet

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For further enquires please contact: Ms. Hitomi Obata, Second Secretary, Embassy of Japan in Tonga. Level 5, National Reserve Bank of Tonga Building / Telephone: 22-221 / Fax 27-025

07^th September 2017 The Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) Dame Meg Taylor and the European Union signed a EUR 13 million agreement to tackle the root causes of gender inequality and violence against women and girls in the Pacific and yesterday afternoon.

Dame Meg Taylor said, “Recognizing the high levels of violence against women in our region this assistance is timely and will effectively assist the region in concretely addressing this issue.”

She said that five years ago, Pacific leaders adopted the Gender Equality Declaration in the Cook Islands.

“The declaration highlighted, amongst other things, the importance of implementing progressive and holistic packages of essential services for women and girls who are survivors of violence.”

According to her, violence against women is a complex and multi-dimensional issues and it needs support from civil society, private sector, government, faith based groups and development partners.

She said that PIFS is looking forward to working with the EU and partner organizations such as SPC and UN Women to support women in the Pacific and to strengthen the region’s commitment to ending violence against women.

Director for Asia, Central Asia, Middle East/Gulf and the Pacific at the European Commission’s Department for International Cooperation and Development Pierre Amilhat said, “Gender equality is a joint priority to the EU and the Pacific.”

He said that  in the Gender Equality Declaration, Pacific leaders acknowledged that gender inequality is imposing a high social and economic cost of Pacific people and nations and that improved gender equality will make a vital contribution to creating a just, prosperous, stable and secure region for current and future generations.

“This is a EUR 18 million program. It will trigger positive change.”

Amilhat said the program will enhance formal and informal education on gender equality and prevention of violence against women and girls. It will also try to promote gender equality and the prevention of violence against women and girls in community level and will build the capacities of civil society organizations to advocate, monitor and report on the issue.

In a joint press release by the EU and PIFS, it stated that Australia will also provide an additional EUR 5 million to the program which will support activities at regional levels as well as 10 Pacific nations including Tonga.

The program is co-financed through the 11^th European Development Fund, Australian Government and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women).

ENDS

Issued by the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communication

07 ‘o Sepitema, 2017 Na’e fakahoko ‘e he Tokoni Palemia Malӧlӧ, ka ko e Minisita Malӧlӧ ki he ongo Potungāue lalahi ‘a e Pule’anga Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni ‘a ‘ene lea fakamālo he ngaahi fatongia kuo lavaˊ, ‘o fakafou he ngaahi kautaha ongoongo ‘aneafi ‘i he loki fakataha’anga pē ‘o e Potungāue Fakamatala’ea, Ma’u’anga Ivi, Ma’u’anga Fakamatala, Tokanga’i e Ngaahi Fakatamaki Fakaenatula, ‘Atakai, Feliliuaki e ‘ea mo e Fetu’utaki.

‘I he fakamatala ‘a e Tokoni Palemia Malӧlӧ, Siaosi Sovaleni na’e a’utaki ange ha tohi mei he Palemia ‘o Tonga Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva ‘i he ‘aho 5 ‘o Sepitema, ‘o fakahoko ange kuo mokoi ‘a ‘Ene ‘Afio ki hono fokotu’u ‘e to’o ‘a hono lakanga ko e Tokoni Palemia, pea mo hono lakanga faka-Minisita ‘i he Kapineti. Pea na’aˊ ne tali loto lelei ‘a e tu’utu’uni kuo fakahoko.

“Ko hoku lelei taha, tukuingata mo e ‘osikiavelenga ‘i he funga ‘o ‘eku ‘ofa Fonua mo’oni, na’e fakahoko ‘aki hoku fātongia ma’ae kakai ‘o Tonga mo e pule’anga. Kapau na’e ‘i ai ha tonounou he fua fatongia, ‘oku ou kole fakamolemole ai, ka na’e ‘ikai tuku ha lele’i. ‘I he taimi kotoa ‘o e fakahoko hoku fatongia, na’a ku feinga ke fakahaa totonu ma’u pe ‘a ‘eku fakakaukau mo ‘eku tui, ke tokoni mo poupou kakato ki he lelei ‘o ha fokotu’utu’u ngaue pe fai tu’utu’uni ‘i he tataki na’e fakahoko ‘e he ‘Eiki Palemia pea mo e Hou’eiki Kapineti. Na’e ‘ikai ha taimi te u feinga ke vaetu’ua ai e poupou mo e ma’uma’uluta e fakahoko fatongia koia”.

Na’e faka’ikai’i ‘e he ‘Eiki Tokoni Palemia ‘a ‘ene kaunga ki hono fokotu’u ke veteki koia ‘o e Falealea ‘o Tonga.

Na’e fakahoko aipe ‘e he ‘Eiki Tokoni Palemia Malӧlӧ ‘a ‘ene lea fakamalo loto hounga’ia ki he kakai ‘o e fonua ki he ngaahi poupou kotoa lolotonga e taimi na’aˊ ne fua fatongia ai he pule’anga.

“‘Oku ou fakamalo ki he ‘Eiki Palemia, koe’uhi ko e faingāmalie pea mo e falala na’aˊ ne tuku mai ki he motu’a ni, keu fakahoko fātongia ai ma’ae kakai ‘o e Fonua ‘i he kapineti mo e pule’anga. Ko e fātongia na’e hoko ko e tapuaki lahi ‘i hono tokoni’i e kakai ‘o e Fonua. ‘Oku ‘oatu aipe ‘a ‘eku talamonu ki he ‘Eiki Palemia mo e Hou’eiki Kapineti ki he fatongia ‘oku fakakakato. Ki he Pule Lahi, Paula Ma’u, mo e kaungaue kotoa ‘o e Potungāue MEIDECC, ‘oku ou fakamalo lahi atu he’etau fengaue’aki talu mei he ta’u 2015, pea pehe ki he Pule Lahi Mālӧlӧ, Va’inga Tone, pea mo e Pule Le’ole’o ‘o e Potungaue ki Muli, Siamelia Latu mo e kaungaue kotoa ‘o e Potungāue ki Muli tali ‘etau fengaue’aki mai mei Ma’asi 2017. ‘Oku hounga’ia ki he motu’a ni ho’omou poupou mo e taliangi.

‘Oku ou fie fakamālō foki ki he ngaahi potungāue kehe ‘a e pule’anga, kaungaue fakapule’anga pea mo e ngaahi kautaha fakapule’anga kotoa, koe’uhi ko e fengaue’aki lelei na’a tau fakahoko.

‘Oku ‘oatu mo e fakamālō lahi ki he kau Taki Lotu ‘i he lotu mo e hufia e fakahoko fatongia ‘a e motu’a ni. Ko ho’omou ngaahi lotu na’e hoko ko e ma’u’anga ivi mo e malohi ke fakahoko’aki e fatongia.

‘Oku ou faka’amu ke a’u atu ‘eku fakamālō ki he kau pule fakavahe mo e kau ‘ofisa kolo, kau pule ‘o e ngaahi kautaha taautaha, ngaahi sino ‘ikai fakapule’anga, kau pule ‘o e ngaahi kautaha ongoongo he ngaahi taimi ne tau fengaue’aki fakataha ai. Na’e hoko ho’omou ngaahi poupou ko e fakakoloa ki he fakahoko fātongia.

‘Oku ou fakamalo lahi foki ki he kau fakafofonga faka-tipilometika ‘o e ngaahi Fonua muli pea mo e ngaahi hoangaue he langa fakalakalaka koe’uhi ko ho’omou ngaahi tokoni lahi fakapa’anga mo e koloa ki he fakalakalaka e fonua mo e mo’ui ‘o e kakai ‘o Tonga. ‘Oku ou faka’amu ‘e kei hokohoko lelei atu pe ‘a ho’omou ngaahi tokoni.

‘E fakakakato ‘a ‘eku fakamālō ni, ‘a e ‘oatu ‘eku fakamālō loto ma’ulalo mo’oni ki he kakai kotoa ‘o e Vahenga Tongatapu 3, koe’uhi ko ‘etau fēpoupouaki lelei mo fengaue’aki fakataha, ‘i he taimi na’e fakahoko fatongia ai ‘a e motu’a ni ‘i he Kapineti ma’ae kakai ‘o e fonua. ‘Oku ou tukupa ke hokohoko lelei atu pe ‘etau kafataha ke paotoloaki e melino, fe’ofo’ofa ni, mo e loto’i ngaue ke hokoatu e fakalakalaka ki he tukunga mo’ui kakai kotoa hotau vahenga”.

Na’e aofanga tuku‘aki ‘e he Tokoni Palemia Mālӧlӧ, Siaosi Sovaleni ‘o pehe ko e taimi matu’aki mahu’inga ‘eni kiate ia mo hono ki’i famili. Pea ‘oku ne faka’amu ai ke tuku ange ‘a e taimi ko’eni ma’ana mo hono ki’i famili.

Na’a ne talamonu aipe ki he kakai ‘o e fonua mo e fakatauange ki he ‘Otua Mafimafi ke kei toka aipe ‘a e melino pea malu’i ‘a ‘Ene ‘Afio, pule’anga mo e kaha’u ‘o Tonga.

NGATA’ANGA

Tuku atu mei he: Potungāue Fakamatala’ea, Ma’u’anga Ivi, Ma’u’anga Fakamatala, Tokanga’i e Ngaahi Fakatamaki Fakaenatula, ‘Atakai, Feliliuaki e ‘ea mo e Fetu’utaki.