26^th September 2017 Police today arrested a 21 year-old man accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a six year-old girl.

The welfare of the child is paramount in this investigation. She is now recovering at home with her family.

“Police and Victim Support are doing everything they can to support the victim and her family,” says Acting Superintendent Semi Ve’ehala.

A/Superintendent Ve’ehala also calls on the community to stand together to challenge behaviours and attitudes that condone violence and abuse of young children

“Police are committed to doing everything in their power to prevent this type of abuse and harm, protect victims and hold perpetrators to account.”

It is vital that parents are aware of where their children are at all time, who they are communicating with and have some open and frank conversations about keeping safe, and not talking to strangers.

No other information of the offending can be released due to the victim’s age and to protect her identity.

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

26 Sepitema 2017 ‘Oku fanongonongo atu kihe Hou’eiki moe Kakai ‘o e fonua, ‘oku ‘amanaki ke fakahoko ‘a e fuofua  Uike Tukuhau ‘a ho’omou  Potungaue Tanaki Pa’anga Hu Mai mo e Tute ‘i he ‘aho 16 – 22 ‘Okatopa, 2017. ‘E fakahoko ‘a e ngaahi fe’auhi mo e polokalama kehekehe ‘I he uike ko ‘eni .

Koe taha pe ‘eni he ngaahi taumu’a ngaue ‘a e Potungaue ke toe ‘ilo lahia ange pea mo mahino ange ki he kakai ‘o e fonua ‘a e fatongia ‘o e Potungaue pea mo e mahu’inga ‘a ho’o mou tukuhau ki he ngaaue moe langa hotau fonua.

‘Oku fakakaveinga ‘aki ‘ae Uike Tukuhau ‘o e ta’u ni ‘a e kaveinga ko e

“Pa’anga Mei he Kakai, Ma’ae Kakai”

Kuo fokotu’utu’u ai ‘e he Potungaue ha ngaahi polokalama faka’aho mo ha ngaahi fe’auhi pea ‘oku tuku atu ia ki he kakai ‘o e fonua ke mou kau mo poupou mai ki ai. Ko e ngaahi fe’auhi ‘eni –

• lau maau;
• Ta fakatataa ‘I ha saati pe pousita (poster);
• Talanoa fakataataa (skits); mo e
• Fa’u ‘Esei(Essay Competition)

‘Oku fakaafe’I kimoutolu ke mou lesisita mai leva ki he ngaahi fe’auhi ni he ‘oku ‘ikai ha totongi pea ‘oku ‘I ai mo e ngaahi pale lelei ki he kau ikuna.

‘E kamata ‘a e taimi lesisita ‘I he ‘aho 19 Sepitema ‘o toki ‘osi pe kihe ‘aho 6 ‘Okatopa. ‘E ma’u atu ‘a

e Foomu Lesisita mei he ‘Ofisi Tukuhau, Hala One Way, Fale ‘o e Kolisi Tutuku ‘Apiako Kuini Salote pe ko ho’o email mai ki he cst@revenue.gov.to .

Ki he ngaahi fakaikiiki, kataki ‘o fetu’utaki mai ki he telefoni 23-444 pe ko  ‘imeili mai ki he tu’asila ‘I

‘olunga

Malo

Potungaue Tanaki Pa’anga Hu Mai mo e Tute

FOOMU LESISITA

Kataki fakafonu ‘a e foomu pea fakahu mai ki homau ‘ofisi ‘I he Hala One Way kimu’a he ‘aho 6 ‘o ‘Okatopa taimi 4:30 pm.                               

Hingoa __________________                                               Feitu’u__________________                                                    

Fika Telefoni______________                                                Ako____________________

Ngaue _________________________

Ngaahi Fe’auhi

Kataki o ’a e  puha ‘o e fe’auhi te ke kau kiai.

 Maau                                                                     Fa’u ‘Esei

 Ta Fakataataa ‘I ha Pousita pe                             

Saati                                                                      Talanoa Fakatata (Skit)

• Ko e lesisita ‘oku ‘ikai ke totongi pea koe foomu lesisita ‘e ma’u atu pe meihe ‘Ofisi

Tukuhau, Hala One Way, QSC Ex-Student Building pe ko’emau uepisaiti www.revenue.gov.to

• ‘E kamata ‘a e lesisita fakataha mo hono tanaki ‘oe ngaahi me’ani ‘I he ‘aho 11 ‘o Sepitema kihe ‘aho 6 ‘Okatopa ‘o ‘osi kihe 4pm kihe ‘Ofisi Tukuhau ‘ihe Hala One Way.

• Ki hano fakaikiiki pe ko hao fehu’I kataki fetu’utaki mai ki he fika Telefoni 23-444 kia Sesilia Tangulu pe ko Mele Lokotui pe ko hao email mai ki he cst@revenue.gov.to

MAKATU’UNGA ‘OE NGAAHI FE’AUHI TAKITAHA

1. FA’U ‘ESEI

• ‘Oua to e laka hake he fo’i lea ‘e 800 – 1000
• Ngofua pe ‘a e Faka-Pilitania mo e Faka-Tonga ke ngaue’aki
• ‘Oku ‘ikai tali ‘a e ‘Esei tohinima, fiema’u pe ke taipe ‘o toki print ai
• Ko ho’o ‘Esei ke ne hulu’i ‘a e ngaahi fakakaukau lelei na’a ke fekumi ki ai ki he lelei ‘o e Tukuhau mo ‘ene tokoni ‘oku to e lave pe kakai ‘o e fonua ni pehe ki hotau To’utangata.
• ‘Oku ‘ikai ngofua ‘a e hiki tatau ‘a e ngaahi ‘ilo pe ‘esei mei he ngaahi Website pe ko ha fa’ahinga ma’u’anga fakamatala kehe.

2. FE’AUHI TALANOA FAKATATAA

• Ke ‘i loto he miniti 3 ki he 5 ‘a hono fakahoko ‘o e fo’I talanoa fakatata
• Ke ‘oua to e tokosi’I ange he toko 5 ‘a e kau memipa ‘e kau ki he talanoa fakatata
• Ke fakahoko ‘i he lea Faka-Tonga
• Ko e fakamaaka ‘e makatu’unga ‘I he talanoa fakatata te ne hulu’i mai ‘a e lelei ‘o e Kaveinga ‘o e Uike Tukuhau 2017 “Pa’anga mei he Kakai ma’ae Kakai”

3. FE’AUHI LAU MAAU

• Ngofua pe Faka-Pilitania mo e Faka-Tonga
• Ko e ta’u motu’a ke ‘I he ta’u 5 ki he 11 mei he ngaahi Ako Lautohi
• ‘Oku fakakulupu ki he kulupu ‘e 3
  1. Kulupu A Kalasi 1-2

• Kulupu B Kalasi 3-4 iii) Kulupu C Kalasi 5-6

• Makatu’unga ki he ngaahi maau ke ‘uluaki taipe’i ‘o fakahu mai ki he ‘Ofisi ‘o e

Tukuhau, Hala One Way, Queen Salote Ex Student Building

1. a) Ko e fo’I maau te ne hulu’I ‘a e lelei ‘o e Kaveinga ‘o e Uike Tukuhau “Pa’anga mei he Kakai ma’ae Kakai” mo e ngaahi Monu’ia he lelei ‘oku ma’u he kakai ‘i he Totongi honau

Tukuhau

1. e) ‘Oua to e laka hake he fo’I lea ‘e 200

• Makatu’unga ‘e fai ai ‘a hono Sivi

1. a) Longomo’ui ‘a e Lau ‘o e fo’I Maau
   1. Le’o lahi lelei pea fe’unga mo ho’o fo’i Maau pea fakasi’isi’i ‘a e lau mei he la’I pepa.
   2. Mahino ‘oku hulu’I ‘e ho’o fo’I maau ‘a e lelei ‘o e Tukuhau kae ‘uma’a kaveinga ‘o e Uike Tukuhau 2017

4. FE’AUHI TA FAKATATAA

• Ke fakafofonga’i lelei ‘e ho’o ta fakatata ‘a e Kaveinga “Pa’anga mei he Kakai ma’ae Kakai”
• Ko e Ta Fakatata ‘oku fiema’u ‘a e fakakaukau fo’ou ki he mahu’inga ‘a e Kaveinga
• Fiema’u ke ngaue’aki ‘a e Color ki he valivali
• ‘Oku fiema’u ke ‘asi ‘ae Logo mo e hingoa ‘a e Potungaue ‘I he la’I Saati/Pousita Ta

Fakatata. Ko e Size ‘o e saati pe Pousita ‘oku fiema’u ‘o ‘oua to e si’isi’i hifo ‘ihe A1

• Faka’asi mo ho’o Hingoa/ Feitu’u/ Fika Telefoni ‘I ho’o Saati/Pousita

26^th September, 2017 A World Health Organization (WHO) Liaison to Tonga, Dr. Yutaro Setoya opened a Health Promoting Churches Partnership Training at Tungi Colonnade Conference Room this morning.

Hosted by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with various churches in Tonga, the three-day training aimed to support people towards healthy lifestyle.

Speaking to more than 20 participants, Dr. Setoya said “This initiative was launched 8 years ago in 28 July, 2009, by the Ministry of Health (MOH), national forum of church leaders, and WHO, among others. The WHO CLO of that time, Dr. Pratap Jay, has recently visited Tonga and reviewed the activities”.

“Dr. Pratap Jay found out that many of the churches are doing excellent activities, such as vegetable gardens, awareness raising, and NCD screening. He was happy about the evolvement of the project and made some recommendations, such as to appoint health coordinator for each church, make activity plans for each church and to report and monitor the activities”, he added.

Dr. Setoya told the gathering that he believes in the importance of the church, as a way to support the behavior change of Tongans towards healthy lifestyle.

He said that the cause of death of people in the Pacific were due to non-communicable diseases such as stroke, heart attack and cancer and many people also suffer from diabetes and renal failure.

Dr Yutaro Setoya stated that the main NCDs key risk factors are related to alcohol, tobacco and unhealthy diet and the lack of physical activity.

Chairperson of the Churches Promoting Health Partnership (CPHP) Rev. Fili Lilo expressed his sincere gratitude to the WHO for their financial assistance for the CPHP. He stated that they are looking forward for more collaboration especially on funding of the findings from Raising of CPHP and NCDs Crisis.

The workshop is funded by the World Health Organization (WHO).

ENDS

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

26th September, 2017 A Search and Rescue Coordination Training (Monday 25 – Thursday 28), is underway at the Police Training College aimed at enhancing increased understanding and coordination between the Agencies involved in Maritime Search and Rescue in Tonga.

The Training is a follow-up from the Sixth Pacific Regional SAR Workshop held in Noumea, New Caledonia, in 2015 followed by one in Auckland in 2017. Pacific Island delegates were committed to promote cooperation in SAR matters among the 26 members of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.

Delivering the training are two experts from RCC (Rescue Coordination Centre) NZ, Mr David Wilson and Ms Christie Wilson. They visited Tonga last November 2016 and met with relevant people to identify and scope out training that will enhance SAR response and boating safety.

Commissioner Caldwell in his opening speech reminded the participants that the first role of Police is to protect our citizens by working with the community we serve.

Since the launched of Police Rescue Boats in December 2015, 86 lives have been saved from 24 Marine SAR Operations.

The Commissioner acknowledged the good work of Tonga Police and their courage but also took the opportunity to acknowledge the great support of HMAF, Tonga Coastal Radio and Marine and Ports.

The Commissioner emphasised three points with Marine SAR; 1. Public Education and Awareness to stop people making bad decisions with bad boats and equipment. 2. To maintain the capability to respond quickly and professionally in a coordinated manner. 3. To bring home the lost seafarers to their families but make sure you the rescuers also get home to your families by making good operational decisions.

He further said, there is always room for improvement and to do that we have to learn from our mistakes, debrief after every Operation, practice our drills, examine our S.O.Ps (Standard Operating Procedures), be prepared at all times, maintain our boats and learn from the experience of others.

Police Search and Rescue National Commander A/Deputy Commissioner ‘Atunaisa Taumoepeau is grateful to these talented and expert trainers for giving up their time to help pass on their knowledge and teach the SAR team and the rest of the participants some valuable skills.

Attending the Training are members from His Majesty’s Armed Forces (Navy), Tonga Coastal Radio, Marine and Ports, Ministry of Environment and a Representative from Vava’u Emergency Response Association as well as Tonga Police SAR Team.

This Training is funded under the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

ENDS

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

27th September, 2017 History was made in Apia last week with the endorsement of initiatives to ban or restrict the importation, re-use and re-sale of products and wastes containing asbestos in Pacific island countries.

The proposal to advance work on banning asbestos, championed by Cook Islands, was agreed to by representatives of the 21 Pacific island and five metropolitan members of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) at its Twenty-eighth Meeting of Officials.

Speaking on behalf of Cook Islands, Director of the Cook Islands National Environment Service, Mr Joseph Brider, expressed delight at the positive outcome:

“The Cook Islands is extremely pleased with the decision of the SPREP Meeting. We believe that it reaffirms that the Pacific islands are truly united in our shared stewardship of the region and our commitment towards a sustainable future.”

The proposal was co-sponsored by Tonga and Australia, and received strong support from the majority of SPREP Member countries and territories.

Mr Paula Ma’u, Chief Executive Officer of Tonga’s Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications, said that the move to ban asbestos in the Pacific is particularly important given the repeated failure of the Rotterdam Convention to reach consensus on the listing of chrysotile asbestos on Annex III of the Convention:

“Tonga is very pleased to have been able to co-sponsor the proposal from Cook Islands to help progress a Pacific regional ban on asbestos. Planning the details of the ban will be important as it will need to allow for the importation of asbestos waste for disposal, as some Pacific islands have limited capacity to safely dispose of legacy asbestos stockpiles.”

Information about the extent of asbestos in the Pacific region was very limited until the European Union-funded PacWaste project undertook a Pacific regional asbestos baseline survey in 2014.

PacWaste is a €7.85 million project funded by the European Union and implemented by SPREP to improve regional hazardous waste management across the Pacific.

The survey found more than 187,000 square metres of confirmed non-residential asbestos across 11 Pacific island countries, 78% of which was classified as either high or moderate risk. The survey also found evidence of new asbestos containing building materials being imported into the region.

At last year’s SPREP Meeting of Officials in Niue, SPREP and PacWaste sought support for a similar ban on asbestos. While the proposal received strong support there was apprehension from Members as to how the implementation of such a ban would be resourced.

SPREP’s Director General, Mr Kosi Latu, explains that these concerns around resourcing, capacity, and monitoring for a Pacific-wide asbestos ban have since been alleviated, thanks partly to the announcement of new funding from the European Union for a follow-up project called PacWaste Plus:

“This direction from our Members to work with them on banning or restricting the importation, re-use and re-sale of products and wastes containing asbestos will make great inroads into ensuring the safety of future generations from the harmful effects of asbestos.”

Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation for the Pacific, Mr Christoph Wagner, noted the leadership shown by Pacific island countries to progress asbestos restriction initiatives:

“We welcome this decision from Pacific Island nations to work towards joining 59 other countries, including all member states of the European Union, to ban asbestos. It’s a fantastic outcome for the health and wellbeing of communities across the Pacific region, and an effective recognition of the work undertaken through PacWaste and planned for PacWaste Plus.”

For further information, please contact:

Stewart Williams
PacWaste Project Manager
Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)
stewartw@sprep.org

Mohammed Nazeem Kasim
Press Officer
Delegation of the European Union for the Pacific
Mohammed-Nazeem.KASIM@eeas.europa.eu

28th September, 2017 Empowering the Private Sector and the Business Community to be the driver of the sustainable energy development in Tonga is the objective of a one day consultation meeting at the Tungi Collonade at Nuku’alofa on 27^th September 2017.

As part of the Paris Agreement and Tonga’s Energy Road Map or TERM, Tonga has adopted ambitious national renewable energy and energy efficiency targets of:

• 50% renewable electricity by 2020
• 70% renewable electricity by 2030
• 9% reduction in electricity line losses by 2020

The above targets are part of Tonga’s contributions to saving the planet from the effects of climate change and are in line with her sustainable development aspirations.  Tonga’s energy targets will cost millions of dollars and these are real commercial opportunities for the local private sector and the business community.

“We are seeing more and more renewable energy and energy efficiency projects costing more than a million dollar in Tonga and we are fortunate to have the Pacific Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (PCREEE) here at Nuku’alofa to support our private sector and business community to be a key player and beneficiary in these opportunities.

The PCREEE is a fine example of regional and international cooperation, as stated by His Majesty in his recent address of the UN General Assembly, and I look forward for some frank discussions on how the government, PCREEE and the private sector can collaborate to achieve Tonga’s energy targets through a private sector-led arrangement,” said Honorable Poasi Tei Minister for MEIDECC in his opening of the meeting.

Participating at the meeting are electrical contractors and representatives of key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, tourism and small and medium enterprises.  They will discuss the challenges faced by these sectors in fully participating in the sustainable energy development of the Kingdom and how can the PCREEE assist their respective businesses.

The workshop is facilitated by the PCREEE and supported by the Tonga Chamber of Commerce and MEIDECC.

ENDS

Issued by the: Pacific Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (PCREE).

28th September, 2017 Tourism is central to economies around the world. The sector generates 10 percent of the world’s Gross Development Product, 30 per cent of global trade in services, and 1 out of every 10 jobs. For many of the billions of tourists each year, visiting natural areas is the primary motive for travelling, creating an ideal opportunity for promoting awareness of the importance of biodiversity and the urgent need for its conservation.

Tourism is also remarkably resilient, as one of the world’s fastest growing industries. Total international arrivals between 2011 and 2016 increased by 25per cent, and for 2017, growth is estimated at 6 per cent over 2016 figures, with more than 1.2 billion travelers crossing international borders. By 2030 this figure is expected to reach 1.8 billion. Ecotourism and rural community-based tourism are among the segments with the highest growth rates.

Healthy beaches, coasts and islands, mountains, rivers and lakes, all underpinned by biodiversity, are prime tourism attractions. For example, some 1.4 million people visit Australian parks annually to experience their natural landscapes and culture, and contribute $23 billion to its economy. By the same token, the destruction of biodiversity poses a threat to the continued vitality of the tourism industry. For example, the loss of wildlife caused by poaching significantly impacts tourism development in Africa, thus reducing economic benefits as well as low-impact livelihood opportunities for indigenous peoples and local communities.

At the 2016 UN Biodiversity Conference in Cancun, Mexico, Parties reaffirmed that tourism depends heavily on biodiversity, and adopted a decision on areas for action. Furthermore, the Cancun Declaration on Mainstreaming the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity for Well-Being, adopted by Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity during the High-Level Segment of the conference, includes commitments for mainstreaming conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in tourism. This includes, among other things, integrating biodiversity into policies and models of economic and social development for tourism as an enabling agent for change.

Tourism can also provide direct financial support to protected areas, thus making tourism and conservation mutually-supportive. The tourism sector is recognized as being the largest global market-based contributor to the financing of protected area systems in many countries, including by reinvesting finances from fees, concessions, licenses and other market-based means back into the management of the areas. For some countries, tourism and visitation revenues constitute between 65 and 80 per cent of the annual funding of protected areas’ agencies. To support such efforts, earlier this month, the publication “Guidelines for tourism partnerships and concessions for protected areas: generating sustainable revenues for conservation and development” was launched by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity at the 22nd United Nations World Tourism Organization General Assembly. Geared towards protected area authorities, ministries of environment and tourism, policy experts and the business sector, the publication aims to help such entities to strengthen the level of financial resources available for conservation from tourism concessions and partnerships.

This year’s International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) celebrated the connection between biodiversity and tourism, also in support of the United Nations General Assembly’s designation of 2017 as International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. 327 celebratory events were organized in 95 countries, IDB-related webpages were downloaded 10,000 times, and related social media were read by over 130,000 readers.

Today, on World Tourism Day, let us recall the key role of nature as one of the main attractions, and one of the basic factors for tourism development, and work together in ensuring that tourism becomes a catalyst for progress to reach the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

For more information, please contact:

Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity
United Nations Environment Programme
413 Saint-Jacques Street, Suite 800, Montreal, QC, H2Y 1N9, Canada
Tel : +1 514 288 2220 Fax : +1 514 288 6588
secretariat@cbd.int www.cbd.int

Proposed Development: Hahake Coastal Protection, Tongatapu.

Purpose: To build and monitor coastline protection on the eastern side of Tongatapu from Nukuleka to Kolonga.

Applicant: Climate Resilient Sector Project (CRSP) – MEIDECC

Determining Authority: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC)

The Department of Environment of MEIDECC has received the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for the development proposal and is seeking comments from the public on the Report (EIA Project No. 310/2016-17). A copy of the report can be inspected during working hours (9:00am – 4:00pm) at the:

Department of Environment – EIA Unit

Vuna Road

Nuku’alofa.

Comments must be received by due date: Tuesday 10^th October 2017.

29th September, 2017 On the evening of September 27, a farewell reception for H.E Mr. Yukio Numata, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Tonga was held at the residence in ‘Anana, who will conclude two years and a half tenure in the Kingdom, next month.

Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva, Prime Minister of Tonga attended the farewell reception along with Hon. Lord Chief Justice Owen Paulson, H.E Sarah Walsh, High Commissioner of New Zealand to Tonga, H.E Andrew Ford High Commissioner of Australia to Tonga and Mrs. Ford, H.E Mr. Wang Baodong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Tonga, His Eminence Cardinal Mafi and Reverend Semisi Fonau, President of the Free Church of Tonga. Present also at the reception were Lord Fulivai, Governor of Vava’u, Lord Dalgety, Cabinet Ministers, People’s Representatives to Tonga’s Legislative Assembly, Head of International Agencies in Nuku’alofa, Business Managers of both Public and Private Sectors, and close friends of Ambassador Numata and his wife, Mrs. Yukiko Numata.

Prime Minister Pohiva in his remarks extended his sincere admiration for all the efforts and commitments by H.E Mr. Yukio Numata in advancing relations between Tonga and Japan. “I have enjoyed your confidence in the many ways that Tonga and Japan can benefit from each other. You have been such a good Ambassador of Japan to our Kingdom and you have demonstrated an appreciation and understanding of our Tongan values and the needs of our people, which makes it all worthwhile.”

The Prime Minister in particular emphasized two most vivid commitments of Ambassador Numata during his tenure which were; the visit of Their Imperial Highnesses, The Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako of Japan to Tonga for the Coronation of Their Majesties, King Tupou IV and Queen Nanasipau’u in 2015, and his vision to drive forward the infrastructural and economic development of the Kingdom by upgrading the Faua domestic wharf. “Both are remarkable and noteworthy achievements, and tonight, I have the pleasure of extending the gratitude of the Government and the people of the Kingdom of Tonga – to Your Excellency and the Government of Japan,”

“We thank you for your service, your commitment and your personal love for Tonga which shines through your short time with us. We do hope that you and Madame Numata will cherish the work, the memories and the many friendships that you have made in the Kingdom,” expressed Prime Minister Pohiva before he proposed a toast for the good health and continued success of Ambassador Numata.

H.E Sarah Walsh warmly extended her admiration and pleasure to have served Tonga along with H.E Mr Yukio Numata and Mrs. Yukiko Numta. “On behalf of the Diplomatic corps, we have sincerely enjoyed spending time with such a collegial, kind, positive and experienced diplomat as yourself. We have appreciated your warmth and openness, your coordination on aid projects and your discussion on issues important to Tonga and the broader Pacific.”

“We wish you both well for the future, thank you for your friendship and thank you to your family for lending you to us over these past few years,” she said.

H.E Mr. Yukio Numata arrived Nuku’alofa in May 2015 with his wife, as the third Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Tonga. During his tenure, both His Excellency and Mrs. Numata were honoured to witnessed significant moments in Tonga’s history including the coronation of Their Majesties King Tupou IV and Queen Nanasipau’u, the visit of Their Imperial Highnesses the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Japan, Tupou College’s 150 Anniversary Celebration, the inauguration of His Eminence Cardinal Mafi, the Royal Funeral of her Late Majesty, The Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata’aho and more recently His Majesty King Tupou VI’s 58th birthday celebration in Vava’u.

He extended his heartfelt appreciation for everyone’s cooperation during this term in Tonga. “It truly has been a great pleasure for me and my wife, to have lived and worked here in the Kingdom of Tonga. Our memories are not only filled with experiences from my Embassy’s work but also with ones from my personal life, such as making and eating ‘umu and swimming with the whales.”

“I developed some delightful impressions that have strengthened my warm friendship with you. I am overwhelmed by memories of each person, of challenges that we have overcome and accomplishments that we have shared.”

“I want to thank everyone for your kindness and I wish everyone a success in all future endeavour. I am sure that our warm relationship will continue with my successor, H.E Mr. Tetsuya Ishii,” he said.

Their love to Tongan lifestyle and culture was evident in both His Excellency and Mrs. Numata taking Tongan language classes, and their many various trips to the outer islands including Niuatoputapu islands. Mrs. Numata deepen her interest with Tonga by sharing her skills as a professional pianist while volunteering as a Music Teacher at the Tupou Tertiary Institute.

Mr. Shinji Yoshiura, Resident Representative of JICA Tonga office delivered the closing remarks at the reception and assured that Tonga is left with a vivid remembrance of the cordial friendship with His Excellency and Mrs. Numata. The guests took turns in bitting their farewells while also enjoying various Japanese cuisines prepared and Japanese wines served at the reception, and the surprised performance of the Tongan tau’olunga dance by Ambassador Numata.

Tonga and Japan have shared their cordial diplomatic and friendly relations for 47 years.

Attached: Photos

ENDS

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

JOB DESCRIPTION

Key Result Areas

Special Note:  The Tonga Health Promotion Foundation has mandatory child protection compliance standards to ensure that all employees understand and act on their obligations for managing risks to children. All employees become role models of healthy living by not smoking or drinking alcohol, eating healthy and exercising regularly.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

03rd October 2017 Her Royal Highness Princess Salote Mafile’o Pilolevu Tuita unveiled the Peace Corps Tonga anniversary plaque to mark the organization’s 50^thanniversary of friendship and service to Tonga, yesterday at the American Wharf.

In her address, HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita stated that Peace Corps services have impacted the lives of Tongan people, the poor and the marginalized, the lives of young people, women, and communities.

“Our crossed culture experience inspired us to challenge our limitations and bring about opportunities for the people that you serve, your values of services to others, your willingness to accompany other people, respecting our ways of doing things and sharing your skills are values and ideas that you positively contribute to our people and development.”

She added that many Peace Corps volunteers have committed to live their lives here in Tonga for two years, others for three years while some give total commitments.

She said that the commitment given by volunteers include enduring hardships which demonstrate their love and service and they also preserve regardless of the challenges they face for the betterment of Tonga.

HRH Princess Salote Mafile’o Pilolevu Tuita highlighted a quote from Martin Luther King Jr which affirmed that ‘everybody can be great because anybody can serve’. She said that serving others does not require a college degree, but one needs a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.

Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon. Samiuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva said that Tonga has been blessed with more than one thousand, six hundred volunteers, who have demonstrated utility activities and resolved critical challenges alongside Tonga’s local communities.

“The commitment and noble sacrifice of the US Government and the people to make a difference by experiencing first-hand the Tongan culture and knowledge and the local people has become a continuous success,” he said.

Hon. Pohiva also expressed his sincere gratitude to the US Government on behalf of the Government of Tonga for their valuable contribution and the efforts of Peace Corps development to Tonga.

US Ambassador to Tonga Her Excellency Ms. Judith Cefkin added that the program is not just a celebration of the 50^th anniversary in Tonga but it is also a celebration of the special friendship and partnership that US Government has with the people of Tonga.

She said that Peace Corps is about promoting understanding between the people of the United States and the people of countries around the world.

“The organization resulted from a vision articulated by a young candidate for US President in 1960. During his presidential campaign, John F. Kennedy called on talented men and women of the United States to answer the call to serve in a peace corp.”

“On March 1^st, 1961, when he has won the election President Kennedy formally established Peace Corps. We are very fortunate that President Kennedy’s vision was matched by the vision of His Majesty King Tupou IV, who invited the Peace Corps to come and serve in Tonga and in October 1967 our first 15 volunteers arrived in Tonga.”

She said that Peace Corps is about learning from each other and finding the common humanity that binds people together.

ENDS

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

3 Sepitema, 2017 ‘Oku fe’unga mo e fānau ako kalasi ono ‘e toko 3,022 ‘oku nau sivi ‘i he Sivi Hū Fakapule’anga ki he ngaahi kolisí ‘i he ta’ú ni ‘a ia ‘oku kamata ‘i he ‘ahó ni.

Ko e toko 1,376 ai ko e fānau fefine, pea ko e toko 1,646 ai ko e fānau tangata.

Fakatatau ki he ngaahi fakamatala kuo tuku mai mei he Va’a Sivi ‘a e Potungāue Akó ko e ngaahi fai’anga sivi kotoa ‘e 104 ‘oku fakahoko ai ‘a e sivi ‘a e fānau kalasi onó. ‘I Tongatapú ‘oku ‘i ai ‘a e fai’anga sivi ‘e 16 ‘i he Vahe Hihifó, fai’anga sivi ‘e 12 ‘i he Vahelotó pea 24 leva ‘i he Vahe Hahaké.

‘I he ngaahi ‘otu motú, ko e fai’anga sivi ‘e 28 ‘i he Vahefonua Vava’ú, 18 ‘i Ha’apai, tolu ‘i ‘Eua, taha ‘i Niuafo’ou pea mo e fai’anga sivi ‘e ua ‘i Niuatoputapu.

Ko e ngaahi lēsoni ‘e fā ‘oku fakatefito ai ‘a e siví, ‘a ia ko e lēsoni Lea Faka-pilitāniá na’e sivi’i ia ‘aneuhu pea mo e lēsoni Saienisí ‘i he efiafí ni.

‘E faka’osi’aki leva ‘a e lēsoni Fiká ‘i he pongipongi ‘apongipongí pea mo e lēsoni Tongá ‘i he efiafí.

‘I he ta’u kuo ‘osí na’e fe’unga mo e fānau ako kalasi 6 ‘e toko 2,946 na’a nau kau atu ki he Sivi Hū ki he Ngaahi kolisí.

NGATA’ANGA

Tuku atu mei he: Potungāue Fakamatala ‘Ea, Ma’u’anga Ivi, Ma’u’anga Fakamatala, Fakatamaki Fakaenatula, ‘Atakai, Feliuliuaki ‘o e ‘Ea mo e Fetu’utaki.

The Regional Rights Resource Team (RRRT) of the South Pacific Community (SPC) in liaison with the Ministry of Justice is piloting a Legal Aid Centre for survivors of Domestic Violence in Tonga, which will be trialing for a period of one year.This project is established under the implementation projects of the Family Protection Act 2013 and as such, SPC/RRRT and MOJ hereby invite internal and external applications for the following 1 year contract vacancies:

Please find below are the mandatory requirements to be submitted in all applications:

1. Cover Letter
2. Updated CV
3. Certified Copies of Academic transcripts
4. At least two (2) reliable references

Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered Public servants who wish to apply must submit their applications with the endorsement of the Chief Executive Officers however please take note, applicants will be subjected to Section 2D.4 (Secondment) of the Public Service Policy Instructions 2010.

A copy of the relevant job descriptions may be obtained from ‘Ana Niutupuivaha Kakau at telephone 25-618 or akakau@justice.gov.to

For further information regarding the actual project, please do not hesitate to contact ‘Ana Laulaupea’alu at telephone 26-618 ext. 203 or alaulaupeaalu@justice.gov.to

All applications are to be received no later than 4:00pm, Thursday 23rd of November, 2017 and to be addressed to the:

Chief Executive Officer
Ministry of Justice
P.O Box 130
Corner of Kausela and Lavinia Road
Fasi moe Afi
Nuku’alofa

04th October, 2017 The Minister for Health, Hon Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala opened a three-day workshop this morning at Tano’a International Dateline Hotel, hosted by the Ministry of Health and funded by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The three-day event aimed to discuss and finalize National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance for Tonga, which declares total inter-sectoral commitment to act and fight against antimicrobial resistance.

Dr. Piukala stated that antimicrobial resistance is a global public health threat with resistant microorganisms reaching alarming levels in many countries, including Tonga.

“Lately, frequent infectious disease outbreaks has occurred in our country, with some pathogens showing multi-drug resistance. In 2011, the WHO celebrated World Health Day highlighting antimicrobial resistance with the important theme ‘No Action Today, No Cure Tomorrow’”.

He told the gathering that if Tonga does not act now, antimicrobial resistance can endanger all efforts to control bacterial infections.

The Ministry of Health is working to maintain quality of care provided to patient by reducing the incidence of disease outbreak and multi-drug resistance.

He also stated, “Our effort alone is not adequate to address this problem; we need the support from other government ministries and partners. Therefore, we need your commitment and collaboration in implementing this action plan. Everyone plays critical roles in avoiding the further emergence of antimicrobial resistance.”

Dr. Piukala also expressed his sincere gratitude to the World Health Organization (WHO) for their financial assistance and continuous support.

WHO Technical Officer to Tonga, Dr. Yutaro Setoya said the situational analysis on AMR in Tonga highlighted the emergence of some microorganisms’ resistance to conventional antibiotics in the country. If not controlled, this may threaten the effective prevention and treatment of an increasing range of infections.

WHO commended the effort in finalizing Tonga National Plan on AMR. The plan will guide actions and outline clear roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder. The importance of establishing indicators is to monitor and evaluate the country’s response to AMR.

Attending the opening sessions were Government CEO’s, representatives from line ministries, stakeholders and private sectors and guests.

ENDS

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

05th October, 2017 The Tongan Ministry of Health launched a hard-hitting campaign today highlighting the dangers of tobacco use.

The Tuku Ifi Leva (Quit Smoking Now) campaign is implemented by the Tongan Ministry of Health with support from the Australian Government, Tonga Health Promotion Foundation, and the World Health Organization.

The campaign will run for six weeks on TV, radio, press and Facebook throughout the Kingdom, commencing 5^th of October 2017.

The Tuku Ifi Leva campaign graphically shows the risks of tobacco use, including cancers and diseases affecting the heart, lungs, brain, throat, and mouth.

With 46% of men and 13% of women smoking, tobacco use in Tonga is among the highest in the world. Up to half of these men and women can be expected to die as a direct result of their smoking habits.

Many more Tongans, including children and adults affected by secondhand smoke, will be left disabled by cancers, diseases, infections, asthma and other serious health complications caused by tobacco use.

Dr Reynold ‘Ofanoa, Chief Medical Officer of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, said today “According to the CDC, smokers will lose about 10 years of their life. That is ten years without children, families and loved ones. We believe all Tongans have a right to live smokefree”.

Smokers motivated to quit by the campaign can receive advice and support from fully trained Ministry of Health staff through a newly established toll-free Quitline (0800 333).

The Tuku Ifi Leva campaign is delivered as part of The Tonga National Strategy to Prevent and Control Non-Communicable Disease 2015-2020 (The National NCD Strategy).

Ongoing delivery of the National NCD Strategy, including the Tuku Ifi Leva campaign, is funded and supported by the Australian Government, the Tonga Health Promotion Foundation, and the World Health Organization.

Attached: Photos

ENDS

Issued by the: Ministry of Health.

6th October, 2017 The Government of the Commonwealth of Australia has sent an Australian Defence Forces (ADF) contingent to provide humanitarian assistance to Vanuatu in the face of a volcanic eruption threat on Ambae Island. The ADF contingent includes a platoon of Royal Tonga Marines from His Majesty’s Armed Forces.

The Tongan platoon was scheduled to deploy with ADF contingent on HMAS CHOULES to participate in a New Zealand-led regional exercise, Exercise SOUTHERN KATIPO 2017. On Saturday 30 September 2017, HMAS CHOULES and the ADF contingent were re-assigned to provide humanitarian assistance to Vanuatu. At the request of the Government of Vanuatu, the Tongan platoon redeployed with HMAS CHOULES to provide humanitarian assistances in Vanuatu as part of Operation VANUATU ASSIST 2017.

HMAS CHOULES will help the Government of Vanuatu evacuate the 11,000 residents on Ambae Island. Also on board are specialists and supplies to assist with the evacuation as well as a landing craft. The ADF and Royal Tongan Marines will provide assistances on distribution of food and water to evacuated population. The duration of the task is not yet confirmed.

ENDS

Issued by: His Majesty’s Armed Forces

6th October, 2017 VOEA NEIAFU arrived this morning at HMNB MASEFIELD after a period of refitting and maintenance in Cairns, Australia. On completion of the refit package, the boat was handed over to the crew under the command of Lieutenant Commander Semisi Tapueluelu for work-up on upgraded systems and preparations for passage back to Tonga. The repair and upgrade was funded under the Australian Pacific Patrol Boat Program. His Majesty’s Armed Forces appreciates the continued support of the Commonwealth of Australia to Tonga and the region in Maritime Security.

ENDS

Issued by: His Majesty’s Armed Force

06 ‘Okatopa 2017 Na’e fakahoko ‘i he pongopongi ni ‘a e lotu fakafeta’i ‘i he Holo ‘o e Kolisi Kuini Sāloté ke fakamanatua ‘a e ‘aho fakamāmāni lahi ‘o e kau faiakó ‘aki ‘a e kaveinga, ‘Fakalotolahi’i e kau Faiakó ke nau faiako Tau’atāina’.

Na’e tataki ‘a e lotu fakafeta’í ‘e he kau faiako mo e kau taki lotu ‘o e Siasi ‘Ingilaní.

‘I he me’a ‘a e fakaafe fakalangilangi ‘o e ‘ahó ‘Aminani Katinali Soane Patita Paini Mafi na’á ne pehē ko e fatongia fakafaiakó ‘oku mafatukituki, pea ko e tau’atāina ‘i he ngāue fakafaiakó ‘oku kei laukau’aki ‘e Tonga ‘i he ako. Ka ‘i he taimi tatau ‘oku tau fakahoko hotau fatongiá ‘o lahi ange ia he me’a na’e ‘amanaki ke tau fakahokó.

“Manatu’i ke tau fakahoko hotau fatongiá ki he tumutumu ‘o e tau’atāina kuo ui tautolu ki ai ‘e hotau fatongiá. Ka ko e ‘aho ko ‘ení ke tau fakamālō’ia ‘a e kau talēkita ako kae ‘uma’ā ‘a e kau faiako, he ‘oku ‘ikai ko ha fatongia faingofua ‘oku mou fakahoko pea ‘oku ‘ilo lelei pē ‘e he fānaú ‘a e mafatukituki ‘o e fatongiá.”

Na’e fakahā foki ‘e Katinali Mafi ko Sisū pē ‘a e faiako ma’olunga tahá ‘o fakatatau ki he lau ‘a e folofolá.

“ Na’a ne fufulu ‘a e va’e ‘o ‘ene kau akó, pea na’a ne folofola mai leva, temou lava ke fufulu ‘a e va’e ‘o e tokotaha kotoa pē. Ko Sisu pē na’a ne ma’u ‘a e tau’atāina kakató, na’á ne feohi mo e kau angahalá pea na’á ne ako’i ‘a e tokotaha kotoa. Ko e faka’amu ia ketau pehē kotoa ‘i he’etau hoko ko e faiako.”

Na’á ne fakamamafa’i foki ki he kau faiakó, ko e kaha’u ‘o e fonuá ‘oku ‘i honau ‘aofinimá, ko e ‘uhinga ia ‘oku fu’u mahu’inga fau ai ‘a e lakanga ‘oku ‘iate kinautolú.

“Ke tau ma’u ‘a e angafakatōkilalo ‘i he’etau fua fatongiá, he neongo ‘a e kau peau ‘o e fonongá, ka ko e ngaahi me’a kotoa pē ‘oku ‘i ai hono ‘uhinga. Kau faiako tau toe nofo ‘o toe siofi hotau ngaahi fatongiá mo ‘etau motó ‘i he ‘etau hoko ko e faiako.”

Na’e fakamālō’ia ai pē ‘e he ‘Eiki Minisitā Ako, Hon. Penisimani Fifita ‘a e ngaahi ngāue kuo lava, pea mo ‘ene talamonū ki he kau faiako kotoa pē ‘i Tonga, ‘i he fua fatongia ‘oku nau fakahokó.

Na’e kau atu ki he lotu fakafeta’i ‘a e kau ‘ofisa ako ma’olunga mei he Potungaue Ako kae pehē foki ki he ako ‘o e ngaahi siasí.

Na’e kamata’aki ‘a e polokalama ha laka mei he Uafu Vuna ki he Holo ‘o e Kolisi Kuini Salote ‘o fakahoko ai ‘a e lotu fakafeta’i ‘o e pongipongí ni.

NGATA’ANGA

Tukuatu mei he Potungaue Fakamatala ‘Ea, Ma’u’anga Ivi, Ma’u’anga Fakamatala, Tokangaekina ngaahi fakatamaki fakaenatula, ‘Atakai, Feliuliuaki ‘o e ‘Ea mo e Fetu’utaki

The Ministry of Justice invites applications for the following vacant position in the Ministry of Justice:

Please find below are the mandatory requirements to be submitted in all applications:

1. Cover Letter
2. Updated CV
3. Certified Copies of Academic Transcripts
4. At least two (2) reliable references

Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered. Public servants who wish to apply must submit their applications with the endorsement of their respective Chief Executive Officers. A copy of the relevant job descriptions may be obtained from ‘Ana Niutupuivaha Kakau at telephone 25-618 or akakau@justice.gov.to All applications are to be received no later than 4pm, Friday 20th October, 2017 and to be addressed to the.

Chief Executive Officer,
Ministry of Justice,
P.O Box 130,
Corner of Kausela and Lavinia Road,
Fasi moe Afi,
Nuku’alofa
Kindly note that applications send via e-mail will be considered