NOTICE

THIS IS A PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE COURTS OF TONGA FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO BE REGISTERED AS A CANDIDATE IN THE FORTHCOMING PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IN ORDER TO OBTAIN A CLEARANCE LETTER FROM THE COURTS, YOU MUST COLLECT AND COMPLETE AN APPLICATION FORM FROM THE COUNTERS OF THE SUPREME COURT AND MAGISTRATE COURT REGISTRIES IN NUKU’ALOFA.

FOR THE OUTER ISLANDS, PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE FORMS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE IN NUKU’ALOFA AND WILL BE ONLY BE LODGED IN NUKU’ALOFA.

IF YOU HAVE LODGED AN APPLICATION WITH THE COURTS NOT USING THIS FORM, YOU ARE TO COME BACK AND COLLECT AND COMPLETE THIS FORM BEFORE WE CAN PROCESS YOUR APPLICATION.

THERE IS ALSO A FEE OF $10 PA’ANGA EACH AND APPLICATIONS WILL BE PROCESSED FOR ABOUT 3 WORKING DAYS. CONSIDERING THE SHORT TIMEFRAME, YOU ARE ADVISED TO LODGE YOUR APPLICATION NOW.

THANK YOU.

REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT

FANONGONONGO

HOU’EIKI MO E KAINGA!

‘OKU ‘OATU HENI ‘A E FANONGONONGO MEI HE FAKAMAAU’ANGA FELAVE’I PEA MO KINAUTOLU ‘OKU ‘AMANAKI KE NAU KANITEITI KI HE FILI FALEALEA ‘O E 2017. KATAKI ‘O FAKATOKANGA’I ANGE KO HONO MA’U ATU KOIA ‘A E TOHI FAKA’ATA MEI HE FAKAMAAU’ANGA, KUO PAU KEKE FAKAKAKATO MO FAKAFONU ‘A E FOOMU ‘OKU TUKU ATU ‘I HE KANITA ‘O E ‘OFISI ‘O E FAKAMAAU’ANGA LAHI MO E FAKAMAAU’ANGA POLISI ‘I NUKU’ALOFA.

KO KIMOUTOLU KOIA ‘I HE NGAAHI TUKUI MOTU ‘OKU ‘AMANAKI KE MOU KANITEITI, KATAKI KO E FOOMU NI ‘E MA’U ATU PE IA MEI HE ‘OFISI ‘I NUKU’ALOFA PEA ‘E FAKAHU PE ‘I HE ‘OFISI ‘I NUKU’ALOFA.

KO KIMOUTOLU KOIA KUO MOU ‘OSI LAVA ANGE ‘O TUKU ANGE HO’OMOU TOHI KOLE KATAKI ‘O FAKATOKANGA’I ANGE ‘OKU FIEMA’U KE MOU TOE FOKI MAI ‘O ‘OATU ‘A E FOOMU NI ‘O FAKAFONU KAE TOKI FAKAHOKO ‘A E NGAUE KI HE TOHI KOLE KOIA.

FAKATOKANGA’I ANGE FOKI ‘OKU ‘IAI MO ‘EMAU TOTONGI KO E $10 PEA KO E NGAUE KI HE TOHI KOLE ‘E TAHA ‘OKU FAKAFUOFUA KI HE ‘AHO NGAUE ‘E 3. KOIA AI ‘OKU MAHU’INGA KE KE FAKAKAKATO MAI ‘A HO’O TOHI KOLE ‘I HE VAVE TAHA.

MALO,

FAILESISITA ‘O E FAKAMAAU’ANGA LAHI

11th September, 2017 The Soroban Competition for Primary Schools in ‘Eua district was held on Thursday, 7 September 2017 at the ‘Eua High School Hall, and the overall top school in the competition was awarded to ‘Ohonua Government Primary School.

Ms. ‘Anipule Tei, Principal of ‘Eua High School was the guest of honour at the competition, whereby 246 soroban students from 6 Primary schools in ‘Eua competed each other in the three judging events, the written examination, oral examination, and flash examination. ‘Ohonua Government Primary School won the overall competition, Houma Government Primary School came second, while Angaha Primary School came third.

The top 3 students in the written examination in class 3 and 4 will be brought to Nuku’alofa to represent ‘Eua Primary Schools in the National Soroban Competition, next year in March. ‘Ofa Vakapuna Taulafo from ‘Ohonua Government Primary School won the class 3 written examination and Allison ‘Elone also from ‘Ohonua won the written examination for class 4, while Malia Mamatuki from Angaha Government Primary School won the class 5 written examination category.

Soroban education has been proven by Ministry of Education and Training to have strengthened the mathematical skills of primary students. The Embassy of Japan in Nuku‘alofa and the Ministry of Education and Training have co-hosted the Soroban Competition since 2010, and with that collaboration young soroban students from Tonga have been awarded an opportunity to join a soroban summer camp in Japan, fully funded by Japan International Soroban Diffusion Foundation.

The competition in ‘Eua concludes the 2017 annual district competitions that began from Ha’apai Islands in July, in Vava’u and Tongatapu last month, before the National Soroban Competition next year in March.

The District Competitions were successful with the support from the Tonga Soroban Education Association, JICA Tonga Office, and Japan International Soroban Diffusion Foundation.

Attached: Result & Photos

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

ENDS

For further enquires please contact: Ms. Yoko Tochihara, Administration Officer Embassy of Japan in Tonga. Level 5, National Reserve Bank of Tonga Building / Telephone: 22-221 / Fax 27-025

11^th September 2017 The annual meeting of the Polynesian Leaders Group, was held in Apia, Samoa on 4^th September, 2017 on the margin of the 48^th Pacific Islands Forum meetings. The Seventh meeting (PLG7) of the PLG was chaired by Tonga’s Prime Minister, Hon. Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva, under the theme, ‘Sustainable Polynesia, Empowering Polynesia through regional innovation, infrastructural cooperation and resilience’.

The meeting was attended by the Heads of Government of American Samoa, Cook Islands, Tahiti French Polynesia, Niue, Samoa, Tokelau, Tuvalu and Wallis of Futuna. Representatives from Hawaii, Rapanui, Maori and CROP agencies also attended the meeting as observers.

In his opening statement, Hon Pohiva urged members to pursue firm tangible solutions and action oriented goals to bridge the gap in the group’s development and survival.

“Tonga has chosen the theme Sustainable Polynesia as an extension to the UN Global Sustainable Development Goal Theme and the promotion of nationalism in the PIFS countries.

”He stated that the Polynesian Leader Group has specific focus on empowering Polynesia through regional innovation, infrastructural cooperation and resilience.

“In the spirit of regionalism, the Pacific Islands Forum is taking leadership in pursuing issues that has been long common and central to the survival of our island nations such as climate change, social economic development and political stability,” he said.

He noted that the Pacific nations are the smallest in development yet occupying the largest ocean in the world.

He told members that connectivity was the key to overcome the isolation experienced and emphasized the need to take advantage of the modern development and infrastructures and to collaborate with other countries that can.

“But for some of us we cannot do this alone. Hence, we look into this forum to join collaboration and cooperation with those of us, like Samoa and French Polynesia who can.”

Hon Pohiva reminded members of the uniqueness of Polynesia to sustain heritage, culture, traditional knowledge and information in order to uphold diversity and sovereignty.

He also extended the gratitude of the Tongan Government, to the Prime Minister and Government of Samoa for their coordination and hosting leaders during the PLG and PIF Meetings.

Some of the priorities discussed in the meeting included tourism and regional aviation, connectivity, infrastructure, innovation, ICT and transport and climate change and oceans.

The next PLG meeting will be chaired by Tuvalu in 2018 (PLG8), followed by American Samoa in 2019 (PLG9).

ENDS

Issued by the Prime Minister’s Office

11^th September 2017 The 48^th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting ends on 8^th September 2017 in Apia with a retreat for heads of governments from around the region.

The week-long summit provided opportunities for Tonga’s delegation to conduct bilateral meetings with various countries and organizations.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Tonga’s delegation met with the Secretary General of the Commonwealth Secretariat Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, the Prime Minister of Samoa, representatives from the International Organization for Migration, the Governments of Japan, China, Turkey, Estonia, India, United Kingdom, Indonesia and the European Union.

The Prime Minister of Tonga Hon Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva also signed a MOU with the Australian Government for pharmaceutical supplies assistance.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

The agreement aims to identify a framework for the improvement of the quality of certain therapeutic goods used in Tonga and to also facilitate the testing of samples of certain therapeutic goods by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration focusing on those that treat non-communicable diseases.

Three other Pacific Islands nations which included Nauru, Kiribati and Tuvalu also signed MOU with the Australian Government.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

ENDS

Issued by the Prime Minister’s Office

11^th September 2017 The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications, Mr Paula Ma’u this morning presented prizes and certificates to the winners of the R2R/Environment Photo Competition here at the Environment Department conference room on Vuna Road in Nuku’alofa.

The winners were selected from entries submitted through the R2R Facebook Page during the 2017 Environment Week celebrations and through the month of June to July.

Mr Ma’u thanked the winners and all participants, adding that their participation made the competition a success.

He said taking photos was not an easy thing, as alot of thinking goes into taking the ‘best shot’.

“We thank all of you who participated and the winners. This is not an easy job but in fact something that we need to develop over time, taking good photos that can tell the stories and that can be used,” Mr Ma’u said.

“You have all done very well and congratulations.”

The competition was opened to all but the photos had to be taken in Tonga and used the theme “Connecting to the Environment”.

A panel of four judges selected the winners from 45 photos shortlisted.

The WINNER was Ms Siniva Finauvala Manu, who took home a Gift Voucher of $500. She said working with her family on their own gardens and nursery was always enjoyable.

“We do that as a family,” she said.

Her winning entry showed her immediate and extended family, who have worked together over the years in “connecting to the environment and nature”.

Runner-up was Ms Baba Bronwyn Amanaki, who received a $300 Gift Voucher. Ms Baba’s entry was of her niece working on their family’s vegetable garden.

“I did not know that the photo would be a winner and we entered it because we thought it was a good one relating to the theme,” she said.

Third place getter was Mouianga H Vailea, who received a Gift Voucher of $200. The hospitality student at the Tonga Institute of Higher Education (TIHE) said she was surprised but happy to have been selected as a winner.

Her photos showed people working on their garden.

“I am happy the photo was one of the winners selected and I thank the R2R program for giving us the chance to showcase our work,” she said.

All the Gift Vouchers can be tendered at AA Retail in Pahu, where the winners can select their own prizes.

Acting Director of Environment Ms Mafile’o Ongosia Masi, R2R Program Manager Ms Ta’hirih Fifita Hokafonu, Environment HR Manager Siosiua Latuand staff of the Environment Department attended the presentation event.

The R2R Program thanks all the participants and congratulates the winners.Photos submitted will be used in the R2R/Environment Calendar for 2018.

ENDS

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

12th September, 2017 Novel solutions to tackling invasive plants, climate change, AI and education, better knee replacements and making sustainable agriculture truly sustainable have won five early career researchers from New Zealand and the Pacific the chance to compete at the Australian Falling Walls Lab in Canberra on September 12.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

The early career researchers have been selected by Royal Society Te Apārangi, in collaboration with the Germany Embassy. They will compete against 20 selected from Australia to see who will attend the Falling Walls Lab final in Berlin.

Falling Walls Lab gives emerging bright minds the chance to network and become the next big success story in innovation. It provides an opportunity for early career researchers and innovative thinkers to share, in 3 minutes, their idea, research project, or social initiative from all disciplines.

The global event is run by The Falling Walls Foundation, a non-profit organisation in Berlin, dedicated to the support of science and the humanities. It was established in 2009, 20 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall. At its heart is the question ‘Which are the next walls to fall?’ as a result of scientific, technological, economic and sociological breakthroughs.

For 2017, the New Zealand Falling Walls Lab is a collaboration between Royal Society Te Apārangi, the Germany Embassy in Wellington and Canberra, and the Australian Academy of Science.

The selected New Zealand Falling Walls Lab participants are:

– Sunil Gopaul, University of the South Pacific, Fiji (Breaking the Wall of Invasion Biology: on how to minimise the spread of an invasive pest and restore native flora in Fiji )
– Peni Hausia Havea, University of the South Pacific, Fiji (Breaking the Wall of Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation: on how five coastal communities in Tonga can adapt)
– Christopher Petrie, University of Canterbury (Breaking the Wall of Education and Artificial Intelligence: on using software to personalise education with the help of artificial intelligence and machine learning)
– Mehdi Saeidi, Auckland University of Technology (Breaking the Wall of Knee Replacements in Younger Patients: on developing an implant that will remove excessive load and slow progression of osteoarthritis)
– Federico Tomasetto, AgResearch Limited (Breaking the Wall of Sustainable Agriculture: on how to keep pace with pests with sustainable pest management).

President of Royal Society Te Apārangi, Professor Richard Bedford, and the German Ambassador to New Zealand, H.E. Mr Gerhard Thiedemann, hosted a reception for the Falling Walls Lab participants in Wellington today. The reception was an opportunity for the Society and the German Embassy to meet the awardees and wish them good luck before they fly to Canberra to compete tomorrow, and for the awardees to share their idea and network.

“This year, thanks to support from the German Embassy in Wellington, we are very pleased to have had the opportunity to also include applications from Pacific Island Forum Nations, in particular students at the University of South Pacific,” says Professor Bedford.

“The New Zealand Falling Walls Lab event offers an opportunity for the Society and the German Embassy to foster the sharing of new ideas and to create networking opportunities for bright early career researchers from New Zealand, Australian and the Pacific Islands.”

The German Ambassador Gerhard Thiedemann stated: “The scientific collaboration between countries is always of vital importance for any flourishing international friendship, which is why Germany strongly supports the Falling Walls project. It is delighting to see how bright young minds strengthen these relationships by presenting their visionary ideas on approaching global challenges.”

ENDS

For more information
Nancy de Bueger, Senior Communications and Digital Engagement Advisor, Royal Society Te Apārangi, 04 470 5807, 027 458 8982 nancy.debueger@royalsociety.org.nz

Background information

More about Falling Walls Lab Falling Walls Lab events are held in many countries worldwide and the winners of these competitions travel on to attend the Falling Walls Lab final in Berlin. The New Zealand and Pacific Islands Forum Nation winners will compete in the Australian Falling Walls Lab, alongside 20 Australian finalists. A jury of distinguished academics and business people will select the winner of Falling Walls Lab Australia 2017. The winner will be automatically admitted to the Falling Walls Lab Finale in Berlin on 8 November 2017.

The Falling Walls Foundation is a non-profit organisation in Berlin, dedicated to the support of science and the humanities. It was established in 2009, 20 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall. At its heart is the question ‘Which are the next walls to fall?’ as a result of scientific, technological, economic and sociological breakthroughs. Since 2009, there have been over 80 international Labs from close to 50 countries worldwide with over 1,000 participants. 600 outstanding talents have participated in the annual Falling Walls Lab Finales in Berlin from 2011 to 2016.

Public notice

From: Tonga Power Limited

To: All electricity consumers in the areas of Tatakamotonga, Lapaha, Talasiu, Hoi, Nukuleka, Makaunga ,Talafo’ou, Navutoka, Manuka, Kolonga, Afa and Niutoua.

Please be informed that the power supply to your areas will be switched off temporarily on Saturday, 16^th September 2017 from 7:00am to 3:00pm in the afternoon.

And to: All electricity consumers parts of Kolofo’ou, Mailetaha, Fanga, Haveluloto, Tofoa, Poutaha, Tufumahina, Pea, Tokomololo, Lomaiviti, Hauloto, Liahona, ’Utulau, Ha’alalo, Ha’akame, Houma, Vaotu’u, Fahefa, Kala’au, Longolongo, Tu’atakilangi, Kupolu, Hofoa, Puke, Sia’atoutai, Fatai, Lakepa, Nukunuku, Matahau, Te’ekiu, Masilamea, Fo’ui, Ha’avakatolo, Kolovai, Kanokupolu, Ha’atafu, Queen Salote Memorial Hall, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Asco Motors ,Spare Parts Zone, Royco Company Ltd, EM Jones.

Please be informed that the power supply to your areas will also be switched off on Saturday, 16^th September 2017 from 3:00pm to 4:30pm.

This is to enable our linesmen to repair the high voltage line in the area as part of the Tonga Village Network Upgrade and install a new transformer for the new Cost Low store building at Matatoa.

Once the proposed work is complete, the power supply to your area will be switched on with no further announcements.

Once again we regret for any inconvenience that may be caused by this power disruption.

Thank you,

Tonga Power Limited.

—————————————

Fanongonongo

Mei he: Tonga Power Limited

Ki he: Kau ma’u ‘uhila kotoape ‘i he ‘elia ‘o Tatakamotonga, Lapaha, Talasiu, Hoi, Nukuleka, Makaunga ,Talafo’ou, Navutoka, Manuka, Kolonga, Afa, Niutoua.

Mou kataki ‘o fakatokanga’i ange ‘e tamate’i fakataimi atu ho’omou ma’u’anga ‘uhila he ‘aho Tokonaki, 16 ‘o Sepitema 2017 mei he taimi 7:00 pongipongi ki he 3:00 efiafi.

Pea ki he: Kau ma’u ‘uhila kotoape ‘i he ‘elia ‘o e konga ‘o Kolofo’ou , Mailetaha , Fanga, Haveluloto, Tofoa, Poutaha, Tufumahina, Pea, Tokomolo,  Lomaiviti, Hauloto, Liahona, ‘Utulau, Ha’akame, Ha’alalo, Houma, Fahefa, Vaotu’u, Kala’au, Longolongo, Tu’atakilangi, Kupolu, Hofoa, Puke, Sia’atoutai, Fatai, Lakepa, Nukunuku, Matahau, Te’ekiu, Masilamea, Fo’ui, Ha’avakatolo, Kolovai, Kanokupolu, Ha’atafu kau ki ai ‘a e Holo Fakamanatu Kuini Salote, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Asco Motors, Spare Parts Zone, Kautaha Royco, EM Jones.

Mou kataki ‘o fakatokanga’i ange ‘e tamate’i atu foki mo ho’omou ma’u’anga ‘uhila he ‘aho Tokonaki, 16 ‘o Sepitema 2017 mei he taimi 3:00 efiafi ki he 4:30 efiafi.

‘Oku makatu’unga ‘eni kae lava hono fakalelei’i ‘a e laine volota ma’olunga ‘i he feitu’u ni, ko e konga ia ‘o e ngaue ki hono fakalelei’i ‘o e laine ‘uhila ki he ngaahi tukui kolo, pea mo hono fokotu’u ‘o e transformer ki he falekoloa fo’ou ‘a e Cost Low ‘i Matatoa.

Ka lava lelei pe ‘a e ngaue ‘e fakamo’ui atu leva ho’omou ma’u’anga ‘uhila ‘o ‘ikai ke toe fanongonongo atu.

‘Oku ‘oatu aipe ‘a e kole fakamolemole tu’unga ‘i ha maumau ‘e hoko.

Malo moe faka’apa’apa atu,

Kautaha ‘Uhila ‘a Tonga.

14th September, 2017 Many can recall the direness of ozone depletion during the 1980s, when a hole in the protective ozone film around the planet that protects Earth from overexposure to harmful ultraviolet rays was discovered. Scientists reported that, without a healthy ozone layer, all life on Earth would be negatively impacted by ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Skin cancer, cataracts, and threats to plant growth and food chains are just some of the effects caused by high exposure to ultraviolet radiation. While these threats drove the globe into crisis mode during the height of the problem, the issues of ozone depletion has faded from the public’s attention. Today, in 2017, we are moved to ask the question, “What ever happened to the ozone layer?”

As it turns out, the story of international action to protect the ozone layer remains one of unprecedented success. 2017 marks the 30^th anniversary of the Montreal Protocol, the international agreement that has led to the phase-out of more than 99% of ozone-depleting chemicals and significantly contributed to climate change mitigation. The Protocol garnered the support of stakeholders from 197 countries, signaling a truly global effort to make changes for a greater good. As of today, the ozone layer is showing signs of healing and is set to recover by the middle of the century.

Building on this success, parties to the Protocol agreed last year under the Kigali Amendment to phase down hydrofluorocarbons, a group of chemicals that do not deplete the ozone layer but are powerful greenhouse gases and, thus, catalysts of climate change. Under the Kigali Amendment, the Protocol will further contribute to climate change mitigation while continuing to protect the ozone layer.

This year’s World Ozone Day celebrat5ions will commence on 16^th September, 2017. The Ozone Secretariat and nations across the globe will launch a campaign at www.ozoneheroes.org to celebrate the major accomplishments of the Montreal Protocol in protecting the ozone layer and the climate, to increase public recognition of the success and impact of the Protocol, and to generate further support for the Protocol and its new mandate to phase down climate warming hydrofluorocarbons.

The ozone success story is a refreshing reminder that we are capable of solving large-scale environmental issues through cooperation and partnership, an especially significant point as we face similarly pressing global issues like climate change and marine pollution.

We hope that you will join us in this celebration by sharing the ozone success story and inspiring your audience to realize how their efforts are capable of creating tangible change.

For further information or inquiries, please contact Department of Climate Change at 27767.

15^th September, 2017 The Department of Climate Change under the Ministry of MEIDECC will host a number of activities to mark the three-day National Climate Change Awareness, under the theme ‘Climate Change is here! Let’s Act Now!’

The National Climate Change Awareness will run from Wednesday, September 20^th to Friday, September 22^nd. A tree planting activity will be conducted in four high schools, on September 20^th and will end with a panel discussion on Television Tonga.

On September 21^st a tree planting activity will be conducted at the chosen communities that are vulnerable to climate change and the program will conclude with an exhibition on Friday, September 22^nd, at Digicel Square.

ENDS

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

15th Septermber, 2017 Police have made a third arrest for the Tanoa Hotel burglary which occurred on Wednesday 30th August 2017.

A 33 year old man from Pea was arrested from his residence last night and will appear in the Fasi Magistrate Court today charged with housebreaking and theft.

He is the third suspect to be arrested and charged directly with the theft of a laptop and four flash drives from Tanoa, which belongs to a Team of Medical Experts from Australia who were in Tonga last month.

Police enquiries, including reviewing CCTV footage in the area, have confirmed the 33 year old man as the third suspect.

Police Investigation continues.

ENDS

For further Inquiries, Contact – Telesia Adams, Tonga Police Media & Communication Officer, Tonga Police Headquarters, Longolongo – Email: siaadams@gmail.com phone (676) 23 323 Fax: (676) 23 036

15th September, 2017 Mr Edgar Cocker of Ma’ufanga, Tongatapu has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Ministry of Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation and Labour with effect from 30 October, 2017 for a period of four (4) years.

Mr Cocker holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA – 1991) and a Master of Science in Community Economic Development (Ms – 1990) from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), New Hampshire, United States of America.

Mr Cocker’s career in the public service began on 03 August, 2007 when he was appointed as Director of Tourism for the then Ministry of Tourism. However, prior to his appointment as Director of Tourism, Mr Cocker began his career in the private sector where he held various senior Financial positions at the Shipping Corporation of Polynesia Ltd, Tonga Water Board, Friendly Islands Marketing Corporative (FIMCO) from 1982 to 1992. In March 1992, he joined the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) Fiji as Marketing and Trade Officer to the Pacific Island Forum Countries until December, 2000. He also served in the Board of Directors of the Tourism Council of the South Pacific (TCSP) while he was with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) in Suva, Fiji. After his nine (9) year term with PIFS in Fiji, he became the Director for the Cooperative Research, Education and Extension Services (CREES) under the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Northern Mariana Islands from 2001 to November, 2005. He was also the National Procurement Officer for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Grant project on Climate Resilience Sector Project (CRSP) under the Ministry of Infrastructure (MOI). Mr Cocker is well known in the Private Sector as an entrepreneur and businessman and is currently completing a consultancy for the Ministry of Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation and Labour on PACER Plus before he takes up his appointment on October 30th 2017.

Mr Cocker has sat on various professional committees and was President of Manufacturing Association of Tonga, and Full and Executive Council for Tonga Chamber of Commerce, and Executive of Tonga Business Education Centre (TBEC).

The Public Service Commission wishes Mr Edgar Cocker’s appointment as the CEO for the Ministry of Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation and Labour, and wishes him a successful and a fulfilling term in Office.

ENDS

P.O. Box 46, Public Service Commission, Nuku’alofa, GOVERNMENT OF THE KINGDOM OF TONGA.  Tel: (676) 25-770,  Fax: (676)  24-565

15th September, 2017 The Public Service Commission is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs ‘Emeline ‘Uheina Tuita of Kolofo’ou, Tongatapu as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ministry of Tourism, who will assume this position effective on 15 September, 2017 for a period of four (4) years.

Mrs Tuita holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Auckland University, New Zealand and a Master of Business Administration from University of California Berkeley, United States of America. Mrs Tuita has since 1984, held various positions in the public, private and civil society sector of the Kingdom, including the Tonga Development Bank, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Shoreline Group of Companies. Mrs Tuita has also served as a career diplomat, as the Consul for the Kingdom of Tonga in San Francisco from 1990 to 1992 and as Consul General in 1996 to 2000. She was appointed the first Ambassador for Tonga to the People’s Republic of China in 2004 and took up post in Beijing from 2005 to 2008.

Prior to taking up her appointment as Chief Executive for Tourism, Mrs Tuita was engaged as an Economic Development Management Consultant at The Amira Agency, Tonga. Mrs Tuita brings a seasoned senior management experience from the private sector to fast track national and government goals to develop the tourism industry.

The Public Service Commission welcomes Mrs ‘Emeline ‘Uheina Tuita appointment as the CEO for Ministry of Tourism and wishes her a successful and a fulfilling term in Office.

ENDS

P.O. Box 46, Public Service Commission, Nuku’alofa, GOVERNMENT OF THE KINGDOM OF TONGA.  Tel: (676) 25-770,  Fax: (676)  24-565

19th September, 2017 The Ministry of Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation & Labour wishes to advise that the Tonga Competent Authority (TCA) has approved the new petroleum prices for September – October 2017 to be effective from Saturday, 16th September 2017.

Wholesale kerosene and diesel will increase by 4.85 seniti/litre and 3.42 seniti/litre respectively, while petrol prices recorded the largest increase, up by 8.66 seniti/litre. For retail prices, Kerosene and Diesel increase with 3.66 seniti/litre and 5.20 seniti/litre respectively, while petrol increase with 9.21 seniti/litre. All price changes include consumption tax.

Crude oil prices maintained an upward trend during August supported by strong demand from Asia Pacific and with US inventories continuing to fall from high levels earlier this year. Dated Brent averaged USD 51.64/bbl which was USD 3.08/bbl higher than July.

Continued discipline from OPEC and some non-OPEC countries holding on to their production restraint agreement is keeping supply steady despite solid demand growth. As a result, prompt prices are higher, encouraging companies to reduce stocks. This is one of the aims of the production restraint agreement although as stocks were at a very high level historically, any upside in the price is expected to be limited. Most forecasters are expecting crude prices to remain in the USD50-55/bbl range for the balance of this year.

Prices for petroleum products have increased, particularly in the US recently due to the impact of Hurricane Harvey in the US Gulf coast. Diesel and kerosene prices have risen in line with crude while petrol prices have risen more strongly with solid demand coupled with some refinery disruption. This has been exacerbated recently due to a shortage of products in the US because of Hurricane Harvey (flooded and damaged refineries). A rare opportunity to export petrol from Asia to the US is supporting refining margins which are now at their highest level since early 2016. Comparing the August month average prices with July:

• Crude oil (Dated Brent) was up USD 3.08/bbl (6.3%)
• Diesel was up USD 2.45/bbl (4.0%)
• Jet was up by USD 3.32/bbl (5.6%)
• Petrol was up by USD 5.66/bbl (9.6%)

The freight rate has strengthened increasing the cost of shipping to Tonga (albeit from a fairly low level). The Tongan Pa’anga has been steady therefore the increase in Singapore prices has flowed through local prices.

For further information please contact the Ministry of Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation & Labour at telephone 23688.

ENDS

19th September, 2017 The New Zealand High Commissioner to Tonga Her Excellency, Ms. Sarah Walsh handed-over a new x-ray machine and sets of radio communications equipment to Tonga Airports Limited last week at Fua’amotu International Airport.

The new equipment will replace the old x-ray system donated by New Zealand in 2006.

H.E. Walsh said the safety of aviation is important to New Zealand and Tonga, and the safety standard that people will find at Auckland International Airport will also be found here in Tonga, through this new screening equipment.

She added that over the past 12 years, the New Zealand Government has been working in partnership with Tonga to ensure we have a robust aviation security that protects the public traveling between the two countries and across the region.

“Risks to our borders and to the traveling public are constantly changing and becoming increasingly complex to manage. Traveling members of the public have a right to be protected and indeed expect to be protected.”

She said that New Zealand will also provide NZ $11.5 million for aviation security equipment and training in the Pacific over the next five years and Tonga will receive around NZ$800,000 of the new funding. The funding will be used to provide another six x-ray machines for Fua’amotu and Vava’u International airports, as well as walk-through metal detectors and devices to detect traces of explosives.

Ms. Walsh stated the assistance also includes maintenance of the equipment, and training on security processes from New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority.

“All of this support means staff at Tonga Airports Limited are better equipped to do their job. The assistance will help Tonga to meet international aviation security standards and gives the safety assurance that the traveling parties expects and needs.”

Chief Supervisor Ms. Malia Taufa, says this machine will ensure the safety of both passengers and the country as a whole because everything will be well-screened by this machine. She also demonstrated how the machine will work.

Chairman of the Board Mr. Steve Edwards thanked the New Zealand Government on behalf of the Board and Directors of Tonga Airports Limited for their great assistance.

The ceremony and the equipment was blessed by the Chief of Domestic Airports Rev. Kinitoni Mafi. The x-ray equipment was jointly funded by New Zealand and Tonga with a total cost NZ$151,000 where Tonga contributed NZ$66,000.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

ENDS

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

19^th September 2017 Police in „Eua seized 106 cannabis plants from two different bush allotments yesterday Monday 18 September at around 1:00pm, after information was received relating to cannabis plants being cultivated in this area.

Police also seized a 12 Gauge shotgun.

A 35-year-old man from Angaha was arrested and charged with cultivation of illicit drugs and possession of unlicensed firearm.

A couple from Futu both 39-years-old was also arrested and charged with cultivation of illicit drugs.

All accused are under police custody until Friday 22 September 2017.

“We would like to acknowledge the assistance of members of the public which led to the drug seizures yesterday.  It only takes one call to disrupt the supply of drugs in your community and we encourage anyone who can provide information of drug dealing to contact Police,” says Inspector Loluhama FINE

Tonga Police are committed to disrupting the supply of these drugs and preventing the harm this illegal trade supports.

Anyone with information can contact Police on 922, 23 417 or 25 147.

Tonga Police investigations are continuing.

END

For further Information please contact: Telesia Adams, Tonga Police Media & Communication Officer, Tonga Police Headquarters, Longolongo; – Email: siaadams@gmail.com phone (676) 23 323 EXT. 125                                       

20th September, 2017 Tonga was able to have inputs into plans to have a long term strategic framework for the controlling of hazardous waste in the Pacific, as was highlighted as a priority in Friday’s opening of the Ninth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Waigani Convention held in Apia, Samoa.

Tonga was represented at the meeting by the Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of MEIDECC Mr. Paula Ma’u, and Chief Environmentalist Ms. Mafile’o Masi.

Speaking at the event, Chief Environmentalist and Head of Waste in Tonga, Ms. Masi said it is important to have a list of common hazardous waste for the Pacific available.

“Developing a regional list of common hazardous wastes for the Pacific based on available information will assist countries to provide information that can be used not only to lessen the burden of reporting and duplication of efforts by the Parties,it will also help the Secretariat better assist countries by adopting a more pro-active approach,” she said.

The Waigani Convention is similar to the Basel Convention, which is the primary international instrument governing the transboundary movement and the environmental management of hazardous waste.

Importantly, however, the Waigani Convention also includes radioactive waste, and applies only to the Pacific islands region.

The key objectives of the Waigani Convention are:

• to reduce or eliminate transboundary movement of hazardous and radioactive waste in the Pacific region and to minimise the production of hazardous and toxic waste in the Pacific region;
• to ensure that disposal of such waste is completed in an environmentally sound manner and as close to the source as possible; and
• to assist Pacific island countries that are Parties to the Convention in the environmentally sound management of hazardous waste they generate.

Nine of the 13 Members of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) who are Parties to the Waigani Convention were present at the meeting.

SPREP Director General Mr. Kosi Latu said hazardous waste is a particularly acute problem for small island countries.

“We all import significant quantities of hazardous materials, and many SPREP Members, especially low-lying atoll nations, have only very limited space for safe storage or disposal of wastes. Additionally, with so many hazardous materials transported by sea through our region on major trade routes, there is always the potential for accidents and pollution,” Mr. Latu said.

“Our region is slowly embracing the concepts of integrated waste management and the user-pays principles to fund the improvement of waste management. There are new opportunities on the horizon that would provide a platform to continue the good work in the Pacific such as the PacWaste Plus project funded by the European Union and other similar projects.”

The Secretariat was able to address these challenges through the regional projects that have been implemented to address the issues of hazardous waste management which included the AgenceFrancais De Developpment (AFD) waste project, PACWaste and the GEFPAS uPOPs project.

“These have had some wonderful success in upskilling our capacity through the various training events and workshops, and the removal of certain legacy wastes such as asbestos, but they have either ended or are coming to an end soon,” Mr Latu added.

SPREP highlighted that strong partnerships are needed to improve the implementation and coordination of the Waigani Convention and this is reflected through the relationships established with organisations such as the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions, Ocean Customs Organisations (OCO), Minamata Convention and Tsinghua University to name a few.

The 13 Parties to the Waigani Convention are Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, New Zealand, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

ENDS

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

20th September, 2017 The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Ministry of Justice co-hosted the first workshop in the Kingdom to introduce and explain to the business community and the lawyers of Tonga the benefits of Tonga acceding to the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, 1958 (New York Convention) and the legal framework under the Convention to implement international commercial arbitration in Tonga.

The Tongan Government is hoping to become a signatory to the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, 1958.  The New York Convention has 157 States as members and its core objective is to facilitate dispute resolution over commercial agreements between international companies and businesses.  The convention enables private parties from two different Treaty States to set up a mechanism for dispute resolution by arbitration in a third member country. A decision awarded by the arbitrators is enforceable in all countries who are member States of the Convention.

International arbitration through the Convention has proven an attractive incentive for foreign investors worldwide.  This is due to the stability and globally accepted form of dispute resolution that it provides for investors in member States.  The New York Convention is described as the corner stone of international commercial dispute resolution.

The opening ceremony, held on Tuesday 19^th September at the Tanoa Hotel was attended by Their Excellencies, the Japanese Ambassador, HE Mr Yukio Numata, the Australian High Commissioner, HE Mr Andrew Ford and the New Zealand High Commissioner, HE Ms Sarah Walsh, whose countries are also member States to the Convention.  The keynote address was delivered by the Minister of Justice, Hon. Sione Vuna Fa’otusia.  The ADB representative for the Region, Ms Christine Pak and the resident ADB representative for Tonga, Mr Tatafu Moeaki, were pleased to support a team of legal expert consultants led by Mr Daniel Meltz to explain and guide the participants of the workshops on the NY Convention.

Participants for the first workshop, which focused on legal aspects of the NY Convention, was well attended by the local lawyers of Tonga, lawyers from the Attorney General’s Office and also the Ministry of Justice.  Participants for the second workshop, which is being held today, are members of the local business community in Tonga.

The ADB will be organizing follow up workshops on this international commercial arbitration framework over the next year.

ENDS

Issued by the: Ministry of Justice.

21^st September 2017 Department of Climate Change starts its awareness program yesterday with tree planting in three schools including Lavengamalie College, Liahona High School and Ocean of Light.

Ms Lu’isa Tu’i’afitu, the Director of Climate Change and Department of Climate Change and staff from Department of Forestry attended this tree planting. Traditional, medicinal, commercial and fruit seedlings were provided to these schools.

Mrs. Lesieli Saafi, the Deputy Director of Administration at Lavengamalie College expressed her sincere gratitude to Department of Climate Change for providing seedlings and also to Mr Huufi Filiai for advising teachers and students on how to plant and take care of the trees.

Ms Mele Funaki a senior officer from Liahona High gratefully acknowledged the continued provision of seedlings from the Department of Climate Change to Liahona High School.

Ms Nadia Fifita, the Principal of the Ocean of Light expressed her sincere thanks to Department of Climate Change for providing the seedlings. She also emphasized to students the importance of trees to their school and communities. She added by saying, “We indeed support planting of fruit trees for they provide shade and they are good source of food and nutrition for both current and future students of the school”.

Teachers and students were also interviewed on the importance of this program to the school and how this tree planting activity relates to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

A team from the Department of Climate Change will be responsible for monitoring of this activity on monthly basis.

Department of Climate Change fully acknowledge the support from the Ridge to Reef Project at the Department of Environment in providing seedlings for today’s program.

ENDS.

For more information please contact Department of Climate Change, telephone (676) 26514

25^th September 2017 Police arrested and charged a 49-year-old man from Vaini/Kolofo’ou with Reckless driving causing the death of a 21 year-old man from Ha’ateiho on Saturday night 23 September, 2017 at around 11:40pm at Ha’ateiho.

The accused was driving a Rental car heading West on Taufa’ahau Road when he hit the deceased who was walking beside the road at Ha’ateiho.

The accused failed to stop and ascertain injury or death. He finally stopped at Tofoa and contacted Police about the fatal accident.

The 21 year-old man was rushed to Vaiola hospital by members of the Ha’ateiho Community Patrol Volunteers.

He passed away on Sunday 24 September 2017 at approximately 10am.

This latest fatal death brings the total number of deaths on the road this year to 2, compared to 18 road deaths for the previous year, 2016.

While the full circumstances of the fatal accident are yet to be determined, all too often Police are attending fatal accident and serious crashes that are avoidable.

So many families have been dealing with the grief of losing a loved one on our roads, and that’s incredibly sad.

“Accident like this is preventable and we all need to do our part to reduce deaths and injuries on our roads,” says Acting Chief Superintendent Sisi Toutai Tonga.

Tonga Police would like to send their condolences to the family of the deceased.

The accused is under police custody while Investigation continues.

END

For further Information please contact: Telesia Adams, Tonga Police Media & Communication Officer, Tonga Police Headquarters, Longolongo; – Email: siaadams@gmail.com phone (676) 23 323 EXT. 125

25^th September, 2017 The Lord Chief Justice Hon. Owen Paulsen opened a five-day Introductory Cybercrime and Electronic Evidence Training of Trainers for the Pacific Region, hosted by the Council of Europe in partnership with the Ministry of Justice, this morning at Tano’a International Dateline Hotel.

The five-day event is one of the benefits Tonga receives from being a member of the Budapest Convention. The training falls under the ‘judicial training’ arm of technical assistance provided by the Council of Europe.

Speaking to more than 50 participants and guests, Hon. Paulsen said the growth of Tonga’s IT infrastructure and use of technology has been developing since the early 1990s.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

He said that at first very few government ministries had computers. In the mid 1990’s there was an expansion in the use of computers and a satellite connection to the internet but by 2000 only a few ministries had internet connection and it was very slow.

“In 2000 – 2002 mobile phones became more commonly available to all sectors of the Kingdom and the Government removed the monopoly on telecommunication companies.  It certainly appears now that almost everyone in Tonga has a cellphone or some form of mobile computer device. Mobile penetration rates appear to be very high and increasingly so is internet penetration and use of social media sites.”

“In 2013, the laying of fiber optic cables to the Kingdom, provided high-speed internet access to Tonga.  This expanded the social and consumer network, facilitated banking processes, widened consumer access to commercial internet shopping and provided greater business and job opportunities, as well as access to information”, he added.

He told the gathering that with this rapid growth of technology in Tonga, the under-developed knowledge of cybercrimes and lack of specific cybercrime legislation was a target for cybercriminals.

Hon. Paulsen said that the Tongan government and law enforcement agencies began to see a need to develop and update legislation on electronic evidence and cyber-related crimes.

“As a country Tonga realized that it must bring its laws in line with the world’s best practices.  This the major reason why just this year Tonga acceded to and ratified the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime.  This was a significant move and Tonga is the first PIC to ratify the Convention.  In the region, the only other country to have done so is Australia.”

Senior Project Officer, Cybercrime Programme Office (C-Proc) from the Council of Europe, Ms. Polixenia Calagi said the Introductory Judicial ToT Course is delivered under the framework of the Global Action on Cybercrime Extended project (GLACY+).

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

The initiative is a joint-project of the European Union and the Council of Europe and it supports 8 priority countries in Africa, Asia Pacific and Latin America, namely: Dominican Republic, Ghana, Mauritius, Morocco, Philippines, Senegal, Sri Lanka and the Kingdom of Tonga.

The specific goal of the GLACY+ project is to strengthen the capacities of countries worldwide to apply legislation on cybercrime and electronic evidence and enhance their abilities for effective international cooperation in this area, through the implementation of the Convention on Cybercrime, usually referred to as the Budapest Convention.

The Budapest Convention is the reference, and the only, legal international treaty on cybercrime and electronic evidence, and sets common standards for what relates (1^st pillar of the BC) offences to be criminalized, (2^nd pillar of the BC) procedural powers for criminal justice authorities and (3^rd pillar of the BC) provisions for international cooperation amongst the countries that ratify it.

The Kingdom of Tonga acceded to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime in May this year, becoming the 55 party to this treaty, alongside Australia, Japan, Sri Lanka and the United States of America, just to cite a few.

Attending the opening ceremony were Lord Tu’i Ha’ateiho, Tonga first Ombudsman Mr. ‘Aisea Taumoepeau, Tonga Police Commissioner Mr. Steven John Caldwell, Government CEO’s, representatives from the Judicial Service, Ministry of Justice, Attorney General’s Office and other institutions that are in judicial international cooperation on cybercrime and cyber-related crimes and guests.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

ENDS

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