11th May 2016 Her Royal Highness and High Commissioner of Tonga to Australia, Princess Latufuipeka Halaevalu Mata’aho Tuku’aho pays a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communication (MEIDECC) on a fact finding mission regarding disaster and climate change programs that are currently being implemented, and in the pipeline for the Hihifo District.

The Acting Prime Minister and Minister of MEIDECC, Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni, Director of the Department of Climate Change, Ms. Lu’isa Tu’iafitu Malolo, Director of the National Emergency Management Office, Mr. Leveni ‘Aho and senior officials from MEIDECC received Her Royal Highness today, Wednesday 11 th of May, at 11:30am.

The meeting facilitated discussions on:

(1) A Possible tsunami evacuation drill for the Hihifo District;

(2) The Climate Change projects that are currently being implemented, and are in the pipeline for the Hihifo District

(3) Tree-planting initiatives both for coastal protection and food security

(4) A possible Official visit to the Hihifo project implementation sites

The Acting Prime Minister and Minister of MEIDECC, Hon Siaosi Sovaleni on behalf of the Ministry, conveyed his gratitude and appreciation for the visit,

‘We are fortunate to receive Your Royal Highness and your support on the implementation of climate change and disaster initiatives.’

The Hon. Acting Prime Minister requested that Her Royal Highness, being the High Commissioner of Tonga to Australia, if she could assist the Government and the Ministry in their efforts to access the Green Climate Fund, since the Board is co-chaired by Australia and South Africa.

“The Ministry is looking forward to working together with your Royal Highness, and the Hihifo Community, to successfully implement climate change and disaster initiatives amongst other initiatives from the seven different departments of MEIDECC’ The Department of Climate Change presented to Her Royal Highness the
EU-GIZ- ACSE- Adapting to Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Programme, which have recently started.

The EU-GIZ funded programme will focus on tree planting (mangroves) along the coast of Hihifo, starting from Fo’ui to Ha’atafu, this will add value to the Pacific
Adaptation to Climate Change Project (PACC) that was completed in 2015.

The National Emergency Management Office presented to Her Royal Highness the Tongatapu Evacuation Map that identifies evacuation areas, and the routes to these evacuation areas during a disaster, specifically focussing on where to go in the event of a tsunami.

NEMO has successfully installed a siren at Haatafu and Kanokupolu as a means of alerting the people during a tsunami, and is currently working on the formulation of an evacuation plan for Hihifo, this would include an evacuation drill training.

ENDS

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

11th May 2016 As their name self explains, the Health Promotion Unit (H.P.U.) of the Ministry of Health is very actively involved in spreading awareness and promoting good health in all its facets. Amongst all their varied activities, they also conduct various programs and activities which are NCD related.

They are one of the partners TongaHealth is working with as part of it’s multi-sectoral work to achieve the goals set out in the Hala Fononga – the National NCD Strategyy 2015-2020. The Health Promotion unit is about to launch an intensive anti-tobacco campaign which is being funded and supported by the governments of Tonga and Australia, WHO; facilitated and supported by TongaHealth- who will also implement the Monitoring & Evaluation of this campaign.

On “Tonga Mo’ui lelei” catch Seini Filiai, CEO of TongaHealth in conversation with Dr.Ofa Sanft Tulkia, NCD-H.P.U. unit of the Ministry of Health; about their role as one of the key implementers of the National NCD Strategy 2015-2020.
On TV Tonga 1, Thursday the 12th of May 2016 at 7:30pm.
Tonga Mo’ui lelei! Mo’ui Lelei, Mo’ui Fiefia

Issued by Tonga Health Promotion Foundation

website: www.tongahealth.org.to

12th May, 2016 The Foreign Exchange Levy (Amendment) Act 2016 (Act No.4 of 2016) was granted Royal Assent by His Majesty’s Privy Council on the 28 April 2016 and will be gazetted to be effective from 1st June 2016 to help Government finance its hosting responsibilities for the 2019 Pacific Games.

2. The Foreign Exchange Levy legislation would establish funding proceeds to assist the Pacific Games preparations for the 2019 transnational event. The new legislation directs every financial institutions, banks, and money transfer operators to collect the levy from every purchase or sale of foreign currency in Tonga and pay to Government on a monthly basis. The levy shall be assessed and paid at the rate of ‘half a seniti of the spread’ on every one pa’anga value of every purchase and sale of foreign currency effective from 1st June 2016. Financial institutions are required to keep financial records of all foreign exchange purchases and sales; from these records, each financial institution is required to pay the collected levy with accompanying returns on a monthly basis either to the Ministry of Finance and National Planning or nominated account at various financial institutions.

3. The Minister for Finance and National Planning Hon. ‘Aisake Eke stated that the “the proceeds from the levy is included in the 2016/17 budget and will assist Government finance its hosting responsibilities for the 2019 South Pacific Games as an important event for the Kingdom. This levy would be repealed at the end of Jun 2020 after the Games.”

4. The Ministry of Finance and National Planning have conducted consultations with key stakeholders since April 2015 to help financial institutions and money transfer operators understand the objectives of the levy, how to apply and collect it properly.

ENDS

Issued from the Ministry of Finance and National Planning

12th May 2016 On 12 May 2016, H.E. Huang Huaguang, Chinese Ambassador in Tonga and Hon. Semisi Fakahau, Minister for Agriculture, Food, Forestry and Fisheries of Tonga (MAFFF) jointly initialed the Protocol for Tongan squash to be exported to China at the MAFFF headquarter.

In the past months, Chinese Embassy in Tonga has been working closely with Tongan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, MAFFF and the Chinese General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) on the market access of Tongan squash to China. With the joint efforts from all sides, it’s quite promising that Tongan squash could reach Chinese market later this year, which would be a landmark for China-Tonga cooperation in agricultural sector and would bring benefits to the local farmers and companies.

In order to ensure the smooth of the process, a group of experts from AQSIQ visited Tonga last October, had good discussions with their Tongan counterparts and visited the plantation areas and packing facilities.

-END-

Issued by the: Chinese Embassy in Tonga

12th May 2016 The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC) Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni, officially opened a two-day training on Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) Establishment and Operations today at MEIDECC’s conference room.

Hon. Sovaleni in his opening remarks said CERT was an important body that would ensure cyber security in Tonga.

“Addressing cyber security should be amongst stakeholders and also there are some people here from the government they actually need to work together and see how we can help each other and see how we pull resources to help prevent cyber issues,” he said.

Hon. Sovaleni stated that the time was right for Tonga to establish a team to ensure cyber security in  the country.

“It’s about time that we do something because we believe that cyber security is essential for Tonga.”

He stated that the latest statistics in Tonga, 90% of the households have mobile phones but at the same time it subjected them to cyber issues.

“In Tonga 90% of households have mobile phones which is good for us, but at the same time it’s opening up 90% of our households to cyber issues. So 90% of our household is vulnerable, so we will not only look at cyber security but also cyber safety.”

The training’s facilitator from Asia- Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) Mr. Adli Wahid said developing a National Cyber Security Strategy was an advantage.

“In this region, many countries are now developing a National Cyber Security Strategy and developing capabilities like this is actually a good thing.”

Mr Wahid said the training was based on two topics and the participants will learn about CERT but more deeply to its operation, information, where to get assistance and skills that are required.

The objectives of the workshop were in line with the Organizational Outcome of Tonga Strategic Development Framework II (TSDF II) aimed to create a more reliable, safe and affordable information and communications technology (ICT) used in more innovative and inclusive ways, linking people across the Kingdom and with the rest of the world, delivering key services by government and business and drawing communities more closely together.

Participants included high level officials, representatives from government ministries and public enterprises.

ENDS

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

13th May 2016 Semisi Palu ‘Ifoni Tapueluelu has been appointed as the new Prison Commissioner for the Ministry of Police, Prisons and Fire.

Mr Tapueluelu signed and took his oath of office as the Prison Commissioner in the Acting Prime Minister’s presence, Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni and other government officials on Tuesday this week.

Mr. Tapueluelu said that his plans as the new Prison Commissioner aligned with the department’s vision.

“It is the Prison’s Department’s main responsibility to assure the safety of the people in the society and that is to put those that the court has ruled in prison because they can’t control themselves. My intention as Prison Commissioner is therefore rest on the main vision of the department,” he said.

He stated that it was important to limit the criminal activities within the communities because it interfered with the development of the country.

“Although these unlawful acts can never be wiped out completely, it can always be controlled, and that is my aspiration to limit it to give opportunities to the government and the people to ensure the development of the country.”

Hon Sovaleni stated that government supported Mr Tapueluelu and were looking forward to work with him.

“The government views the management and reform of the Prisons as very important and supports Mr Tapueluelu in this key role and we look forward working closely with him.”

Mr. Tapueluelu was a Member of Parliament and has worked as a prisons superintendent before going into politics. His career in national politics began when he was elected from Tongatapu 10 electoral constituency as a MP in the 2010 general election.

END

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

13th May 2016 The nurses in Vaiola Hospital conducted a prayer service to mark International Nurses Day yesterday afternoon with the theme, A Force for Change: Improving Health Systems’ Resilience.

The service was led by Rev. Sione Haukinima and he emphasized on the life of Florence Nightingale and the important roles that nurses played in the society.

“Florence Nightingale was born in 1820 serving as a nurse during the Crimean War. She tended wounded soldiers and for that she gave nursing a high reputation and became an icon of the Victorian culture with the title The Lady with the Lamp,” he said.

“Nightingale once said nursing is an art, and if nursing is to be made an art it requires devotion and hard work just like any painter’s or sculptor’s work. But dead canvas and dead marble can never be compared to the living bodies because it is the finest arts.”

Rev Haukinima stated “that is why your roles are important because your love for God will determine your professions.”

Presented in the special occasion were the Minister of Health Dr Saia Piukala, Acting CEO Lisiate ‘Ulufonua, the oldest retired nurse Limiteti Kupu aged 94, retired nurses, staff and invited guests.

The International Nurses Day was celebrated around the world every May 12, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth.

END

Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Environment, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications

13th May 2016 The Ambassador of Japan to Tonga, HE Mr. Yukio Numata commissioned Puke’s restored water supply system yesterday.

HE Mr Numata in his remarks said “the nature of this aid is unique for it forges a direct cooperation between the Japanese Embassy, local communities, non-government organizations and the local public authorities.”

He emphasized that the assistance ensured that everyone can access to water which would also be the foundation of development for the village.

“The efficient management of our limited water resources is crucial to those efforts, for it is part of our coordinated steps towards attaining the Sustainable Development Goals on ensuring access to water and sanitation for all,” he said.

“We are happy to witness the establishment of an environment friendly, safe and sustainable water supply system that will become the basis of the further development of the village.”

The Minister of Public Enterprises and People’s Representative of Tongatapu 6 Hon. Poasi Tei on behalf of the people of Puke extended his gratitude to the Government and People of Japan for their support to the development of the village.

Puke’s old water supply system was installed in the early 1970’s but the diesel system required huge consumptions of fuel and the existing tank stand was damaged by a cyclone in 2008.

The project was funded by the Government of Japan through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP). The grant amount for the project totaled to TOP$168,408 which included a solar power water pump unit, a water tank 5000GL and a 2x3feet tank stand with a fence.

Since the initiation of GGP in Tonga, His Excellency said that nearly 35 percent of all its implemented projects have been the setting and restoring water supply systems in villages.

ENDS

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

16th May 2016 Under the Granting Funding Arrangement between UNDP, UNESCO, UN Women, PLP and the Ministry of Internal Affairs – Youth Division, a National Youth Sustainable Development Forum have been jointly organized by the UNDP office, Pacific Leadership Program (PLP) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs – Youth Division to develop a national vision for the youth sector.

The objective of the Forum is to:

 Introduction of participants to Tonga TSDF II/SDG;

 Report on the Status of Youth Strategy Plan 2014-2019;

 Stakeholders’ strategy mapping and prioritize (stocktaking exercise);

 Plan and M&E framework confirmed.

As a lead up to the two days National Youth Sustainable Development Forum scheduled for 17th and 18th May 2016, the Ministry has allocated youth Thematic Groups to discuss and identify key issues relating to respective groups. The groups identified are as follows:

– Youth & Culture/Arts

– Youth & Health and Sports

– Youth & Economy

– Youth Employment

– Youth & Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Risk Management

– Youth & Politics

– Youth & Technology

In view of these Thematic Groups, the Ministry and the steering committee for this Forum has identified respective Government Agencies, private organizations and non-government organizations under each theme to discuss relevant youth development issues to be tabled at the Forum.

The expected outcomes of this Forum are:

 To increase awareness and understanding on Tonga TSDF II/SDG;

 Status of Youth and Development in Tonga (Status, constraints, way forward)

 Roadmap for Youth Stakeholders’ implementation plan of the Tonga National Youth Strategy 2014-2019;

 Action Plan for the development of the Tonga National Youth Policy.

HRH Princess Latufuipeka Halaevalu Mata‘aho will officially open the two days Forum at the Fa‘onelua Convention Centre.

The outcome of this National Youth Sustainable Development Forum will assist in the development of the Tonga National Youth Policy.

END

Issued by the: Ministry of Internal Affairs, Tonga

17th May 2016 TongaHealth hosted meetings with members of the four designated NCD Advisory Committees between the 14^th and 28^th of April 2016, to take forward work plans related to the Hala Fononga (National NCD strategy 2015-2020).

The four Advisory Committees consist of members representing a cross section of the Tongan workforce. These members are collaborating in an integrated governance approach towards achieving the four major outcomes set out in the Hala Fononga. The advisory committees are:

1. Physical Activity Advisory Committee
2. Healthy Eating Advisory Committee
3. Tobacco Control Advisory Committee
4. Alcohol Harm Reduction Advisory Committee

The main function of these multi-sector representing members is to support the design and implementation of the Hala Fononga.

The Hala Fononga i.e. the National NCD strategy is a multiyear strategy currently funded by the Governments of Tonga and Australia. The Australian government has signed a five year, A$2.1 million dollar (T$3.2 million) agreement, with TongaHealth (national coordinating body and Secretariat for NCD activities in Tonga) to support the implementation of Tonga’s National NCD Strategy 2015 – 2020. Phase one has a sum of 500,000 AUD that is to be allocated to various multi-sectoral partners for implementation of activities related to the Hala Fononga.

The CEO of TongaHealth Mrs. Seini Filiai oversaw all four meetings and the salient features of each meeting were:

1. Overview of the Hala Fononga Outcomes with special focus on Outcome 2
2. Annual Work Plan 2015-16
3. Global allocation of funds to priority risk factors in relation to Outcome 2 as “phase 1” of implementation
4. Proposed Grants to implementing partners for approval by the TongaHealth Board and the National NCD Committee

TongaHealth as the national coordinating body and Secretariat for NCD activities in Tonga is responsible for ensuring a coordinated and integrated approach in the implementation of the National NCD strategy. Its role will include harmonizing funding streams for NCD prevention, strengthening communication and collaboration among implementing partners and strengthening the monitoring, evaluation and reporting of progress.

The meetings had almost 100% attendance and each member was charged about their valuable role in the implementation of activities towards Outcomes of the Hala Fononga. Members include CEOs, secretaries, church leaders, officers, NGO and commercial business sectors representatives, as well as workers from the Tongan Government line ministries.

The 28^th of April saw members of all 4 designated NCD Advisory Committees come together to attend the following presentations :

1. Legislation in relation to Alcohol, Tobacco, Food and Physical Activities – presented by the Attorney general’s office
2. Proposed initiatives to promote a healthy lifestyle by the Ministry of Customs and Revenue

END

Issued by the: Tonga Health

The position of secretary of the Health, Nutrition and WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) cluster is being created in order to assist Ministry of Health (MoH) and the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) with the coordination of this cluster. The secretary will bridge the gap between government and non-government agencies in the Health, Nutrition and WASH cluster. She/he will contribute to strengthen health, nutrition, water, hygiene and sanitation activities carried out in Tonga and help improve the coordination of such activities in emergency and post-disaster phases.

The person we seek:

• Demonstrated ability to communicate with a wide array of stakeholders, including government and non-government officials, development partners, and local communities.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate, facilitate, and take decisions when necessary to implement Health, Nutrition and WASHrelated activities, including during emergency and the post-disaster phases.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure and able to meet deadlines.
• Be fluent in Tongan and English.
• Have the skills to report on the progress and achievements of the cluster and make recommendations on the needs to further develop the cluster.
• Demonstrated capacity to assist with the preparation/organization of meetings and workshop/lessons learned.
• Administrative abilities such as to prepare draft minutes, maintain a contact list of cluster members and share information.
• Be computer literate with skills in using Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Qualification and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in one of the disciplines relevant to the following areas: Public Health, Environmental Science, Science Social Studies, Geography, Management in Public Administration, or a field relevant to Health, Nutrition and WASHrelated development assistance.
• At least two years of progressively responsible professional work experience in a national government, non-governmental organisation or the private sector.
• Experience in disaster preparedness, response and recovery is a strong asset.

Duration: 1 (one) year with possibilities of extension.

Salary: A salary of TOP$ 24,000 negotiable

Duty station: The position will be based at the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) in Nuku’alofa, Tonga.

Enquiries: Dr Loic Le De – Email: tonga.hc@oxfam.org.nz – Phone Number: 8412459

Closing date for applications: 23 May 2016 at 4pm

How to Apply: You should send your application to: tonga.hc@oxfam.org.nz

Please include the following documents:

1. An updated CV
2. Cover letter
3. Two referees

17th May 2016 School apparatus were handed over to Tonga High School yesterday morning donated by a delegation to Tonga from Dongguan City, Guangdong Province in China.

The donation included 12 laptops, 30 computers, schoolbags, stationaries and sports apparatus.

The Acting Prime Minister of Tonga and Minister of MEIDECC Hon Siaosi Sovaleni who was the guest of honour of the handover ceremony told students that ICT was the key tool to make services accessible.

“ICT is a key tool for sustainable development and should be accessible to all. It can make health and education services more accessible, can transform government services to be more efficient and less costly, it can also ensure a better managed disaster response and provide early warning system,” he said.

Hon Sovaleni said there was a need to build Tonga’s ICT capacity and expertise.

“We need to build our ICT capacity and expertise, we need to have an ICT literate workforce, we need students to be ICT literate and to undertake ICT studies.”

“The donation of these computers will greatly contribute to these key undertakings. It will help students with their studies and better prepare them to tertiary studies as you definitely need to know how to use a computer when you are in university or similar institutions.”

Hon Sovaleni thanked the Deputy Mayor of Dongguan for the assistance and relayed his hopes that this would be the beginning of a partnership between Tonga High School and Dongguan City.

Guangdong’s Province Director General of Education Ms Liang Fengming said the school has witnessed the friendship between Tonga and China.

“Tonga High School witnessed the friendship between China and Tonga people when the new campus of Tonga High School was built with assistance of the Chinese government 11 years ago,” she said.

“Today I am honoured to have brought you computers, schoolbags and stationaries and sports apparatus which we hope can help improve this school’s educational conditions and renew the friendship between China and Tonga.”

Apart from donating gifts, the delegation’s visit aimed to promote good cooperation between Dongguan and Tonga and to build a sister relations between Dongguan and Ha’apai.

ENDS

Issued from the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications

17th May 2016 The Government of Tonga signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Dongguan City, Guangdong Province in China, yesterday evening at Faonelua Convention Centre.

The MOU aimed to enhance mutual understanding, promote sustainable partnership and develop exchanges and cooperation in a wide range of areas.

Followed by signing of the MOU between Tonga and Dongguan City, the Governor of Ha’apai Hon Mo’ale Finau also signed another MOU with Dongguan’s Deputy Mayor Mr. Yang Xiaotang to build a sister city relationship between Ha’apai and Dongguan.

The Acting Prime Minister and Minister of MEIDECC Hon Siaosi Sovaleni said that signing the MOU has strengthened the ties between Tonga and Dongguan.

“The relations between the City of Dongguan and His Majesty’s Government have further strengthened with the success of the signing ceremonies of the Memorandum of Understanding for future cooperation and exchanges; and the Memorandum of Understanding for the sister relationship between Dongguan and the Ha’apai Island,” he said.

“We are confident that our relations will further promote good cooperation and long lasting friendship between China and the Kingdom of Tonga.”

After the signing ceremony, Mr. Xiaotang presented to the Government of Tonga some equipment for agricultural, education and health.   The presentation was followed by the promotion of the 21^st Century Maritime Silk Road Expo which would be held in Dongguan later this year.

ENDS

Issued from the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications

18 ‘o Me, 2016 Na’e foaki ‘e he kau timi ‘a’ahi mai mei Siaina mei he kolo ko Dongguan ‘i he vahefonua Guangdong ha me’a’ofa ki he ‘Apiako Ma’olunga ‘o Tongá ‘i he ‘aho Mönite ‘o e uike ni.

Ko e me’a’ofa ko ení ‘oku kau ai ‘a e komipiuta to’oto’o ‘e 12, ngaahi kato naunau lahi hake he 1,000, ngaahi naunau ako mo e sipoti pea mo e ngaahi komipiuta ‘e 30.

‘I he me’a ‘a e fakaafe fakalangilangí, ‘Eiki Palemia Le’ole’o ka ko e Minisitā ‘a e MEIDECC Hon Siaosi Sovaleni ‘i he ouau foaki tokoni mei Dongguan, na’a ne pehe ai ko e ngaahi naunau fakatekinolosia ‘o e fetu’utakí ‘e tokoni ia ki hono faka’atä e ngaahi sëvesí ‘i he ngaahi tapa kotoa pë ke lava ‘a e kakaí ‘o ngäue’aki.

“Ko e ngaahi naunau fakatekinolosia ‘o e fetu’utakí ko e kï tefito ia ‘o e fakalakalaka tu’uloá pea ‘oku totonu ke ‘atä ia ki he taha kotoa. ‘Oku malava ke ne faka’atä ‘a e sëvesi ‘i he mala’e ‘o e ‘akó pea mo e mo’uí ke ‘inasi ai ‘a e taha kotoa. ‘Oku ne lava foki ‘o faka’ata ‘a e fakahoko fatongia ‘a e pule’angá ke toe lelei ange ‘i he totongi ma’ama’a ‘ikai ke ngata pë aí ka ‘oku ne toe fakapapau’i foki ‘oku ‘i he tu’unga fakafiemalie ‘a e ngaahi tokoni ki he ngaahi fakatamaki fakaenatulá pea mo e tokateu ki ha fakatamaki ‘e hoko.”

Na’e me’a foki ‘a e ‘Eiki Palëmia Le’ole’ó ‘i he mahu’inga ke langa hake ‘a e ngaahi ‘ilo ki he ngaahi tekinolosia ‘o e fetu’utakí ‘i hano ako’i ‘a e kau ngäué ke nau ‘ilo ki he ngaahi tekinolosia ko ení pea pëhë foki ki he fänau akó ke nau ako fekau’aki mo e mala’e ko ení.

“Ko e ngaahi tokoni komipiuta ko ení ‘e tokoni lahi ia ki hono a’usia ‘a e ngaahi ta’umu’a ko ení. ‘E tokoni lahi ia ki he fänau akó ‘i hono teuteu’i kinautolu ki he ngaahi ako mä’olunga angé ke nau ‘ilo e anga hono ngäue’aki ‘o e  komipiutá.”

Na’a ne fakamälö’ia foki ‘a e Tokoni Pule Kolo ‘o Dongguan mo e me’a’ofa kuo ne foaki mo ‘ene timi ‘a’ahi mai ki Tongá ni pea ne fakahä ‘ene faka’amu ko e kamata eni ‘a e vä fetokoni’aki ‘o e ‘Api ako Ma’olunga ‘o Tongá mo e kolo ‘o Dongguan.

‘I he lea ‘a e Talëkita Seniale ‘o e Akó ‘i he Vahefonua Guangdong Ms Liang Fengming na’a ne pëhë ai kuo ‘osi mätä tonu ‘e he ‘Api ako Ma’olunga ‘o Tongá ‘a e vä fengaue’aki ofi ‘a Siaina mo Tongá.

“Kuo ‘osi mätä tonu ‘a e Ako Ma’olunga ‘o Tongá ‘a e vä fengäue’aki ‘a e kakai ‘o Siainá mo Tonga ‘i hono langa ko ia ‘a e ‘api akó ‘i he tokoni mei he Pule’anga Siainá ‘i he ta’u ‘e 11 kuohilí.”

“‘Oku ou fiefia ‘i he ‘aho ni ke ‘omai ‘a e tokoni ko ení ke toe leleiange ai ‘a e tu’unga fakaako ‘a e ‘api ako ni pea mo toe fakafo’ou ‘a e va fengau’aki ‘o Siaina mo Tongá.”

Ne fakataumu’a foki ‘a e folau mai ‘a e timí ke faka’ai’ai ‘a e vä fengaue’aki ‘a Tonga mo Dongguan pea mo langa ha vä fakatokoua mo e ‘Otu Motu Ha’apaí.

NGATA’ANGA

Tuku atu mei he Potungäue Fakamatala ‘Ea, Ma’u’anga Ivi, Ma’u’anga Fakamatala, Fakatamaki Fakaenatula, ‘Atakai, Feliuliuaki ‘o e ‘Eá mo e Fetu’utakí

18 ‘o Me, 2016 Na’e fakamo’oni ‘a e Pule’anga Tongá ‘i ha aleapau mo e Kolo ko Dongguan ‘i he feitu’u ko Guangdong ‘i Siaina, ‘i he efiafi Mōnite, 16, ‘i he fale fakataha’anga ‘o Fa’onelua.

‘Oku fakataumu’a ‘a e aleapau ko ‘ení ke to e fakalakalaka ki mu’a ‘a e vā fengaue’aki, faka’ai’ai ha hoa ngāue ‘oku tu’uloa pea mo e fakalakalaka ki mu’a ‘a e ngāue fakatahá mo e fevahevahe’aki.

Taimi tatau na’e toe fakamo’oni mo e Kōvana Ha’apaí, Hon. Mo’ale Finau ‘i ha aleapau mo e Tokoni Pule Kolo ‘o Dongguan, Mr. Yang Xiaotang ke langa hake ha vā fengāue’aki fakatokoua ma’a Ha’apai mo Dongguan.

Na’e fakahā ai ‘e he Palēmia Le’ole’ó ka ko e Minisitā ‘a e MEIDECC, Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni ‘oku hoko ‘a e aleapau ko ‘ení ke ne toe fakamalohia ‘a e vā fengaue’aki ‘i he vaha’a ‘o Tonga mo Dongguan.

“’Oku toe fakamalohia ange ‘a e vā koia ‘o e Kolo ko Dongguan pea mo e Pule’anga ‘o ‘Ene ‘Afió, ‘i he aleapau ko ‘eni kuo fakamo’oní, ki ha fengaue’aki fakataha ‘i he kaha’ú, pea mo ha aleapau ki ha vā fengaue’aki fakatokoua ‘i he vaha’a ‘o Dongguan mo e Motu ko Ha’apai.”

“’Oku tau falala ‘e hoko ‘a e vā fengaue’aki ko ‘eni ke ne to e teke ki mu’a ‘a e fengau’aki lelei kuo fakahoko pea mo ha vā ‘oku tu’uloa ‘i he vaha’a ‘o Siaina pea mo e Pule’anga Tongá.”

‘I he ‘osi ‘a e ouau fakamo’oni aleapaú na’e foaki atu leva ‘e Mr. Yang Xiaotang ki he Pule’anga Tongá ha ngaahi me’a ngāue ki he Ngoué, Ako pea mo e Potungāue Mo’uí.

NGATA’ANGA

Tuku atu mei he Potungäue Fakamatala ‘Ea, Ma’u’anga Ivi, Ma’u’anga Fakamatala, Fakatamaki Fakaenatula, ‘Atakai, Feliuliuaki ‘o e ‘Eá mo e Fetu’utakí

18th May, 2016 His Majesty the King has appointed the Right Honourable Lord Dalgety QC under Section 4 of the Electoral Commission Act, 2010 as the new Chairman of the Electoral Commission for the next five years. Lord Dalgety replaces Mr. Barrie Sweetman who was the first Chairman of the Commission from 2010 until the completion of his term in July last year.

Ms. Linda Simiki Folaumoetu’i was also appointed as a member of the Commission for five years and both appointments were effective as from 29^th April, 2016. The Commission consists of three members as follows:

1. Right Honourable Lord Dalgety QC : Chairman
2. Linda Simiki Folaumoetu’i : Commissioner
3. Pita Vuki : Commissioner & Supervisor of Elections

ENDS

For further enquiries please contact the Electoral Commission, Ph: +676 28820, 26884

18 ‘o Me, 2016 Kuo fakanofo ‘e he ‘Ene ‘Afio ko e Tu’i ‘a Right Honourable Lord Dalgety QC ‘o fakatatau ki he Kupu 4 ‘o e Lao ki he Komisoni Fili, ko e Sea fo’ou ia ‘o e Komisoni Fili ki he ta’u ‘e nima ka hoko. Kuo fetongi ai ‘e Lord Dalgety ‘a Barrie Sweetman ‘a ia na’a ne hoko ko e fuofua Sea ‘o e Komisoni mei he ta’u 2010 ‘o a’u ki he kakato ‘a hono taimi ngaue ‘i Siulai ‘o e ta’u kuo ‘osi.

Na’e fakanofo pea mo Linda Simiki Folaumoetu’i ko e memipa ‘i he Komisoni ki he ta’u ‘e nima, pea ko e ongo fakanofo ni na’e kamata lau ia mei he ‘aho 29 ‘o ‘Epeleli, 2016. ‘Oku toko tolu ‘a e kau memipa ‘o e Komisoni ‘o anga  pehe ni:

1. Right Honourable Lord Dalgety QC : Sea
2. Linda Simiki Folaumoetu’i : Komisiona
3. Pita Vuki : Komisiona & Supavaisa ‘o e Fili

NGATA’ANGA

Ki ha toe faka’eke’eke kataki kae fetu’utaki ki he Komisoni Fili, Telefoni : +676 28820, 26884

18th May, 2016 On 14-17 May 2016, Mr. Yang Xiaotang, Deputy Mayor of Dongguan, Guangdong Province in China led a delegation visited the Kingdom of Tonga. The successful visit further promote China-Tonga friendship in various sectors.

The delegation had several good discussions with Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni, Acting Prime Minister of Tonga and cabinet ministers for future cooperation priorities and signed MoUs on strengthening exchanges and cooperation and the establishment of sister relations between Dongguan and Ha’apai. As addressed by H.E. Mr. Huang Huaguang, Chinese Ambassador in Tonga, after the signing ceremony, “the local government played an important role in promoting the friendship between two countries and would inject new powers for the future China-Tonga cooperation.”

A package of goods provided by Dongguan was handed over by Mr. Yang, including two tractors, medical equipment like electrocardiogram machines, ultrasound examination machines and dental chairs as well as computers, schoolbags and stationary for schools. The computers would be provided to Tonga High School and Ha’apai High School for upgrading their computer classrooms. The total amount of the goods provided by Dongguan is around 800,000 TOP. Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni, H.E. Ambassador Huang and Mr. Yang join the celebration of the handover in Tonga High School in the morning of 16 May.

During the visit, Mr. Yang, together with H.E.Ambassador Huang and Hon. Aisake Eke, Minister for Finance and National Planning also jointly commissioned the Campus Road Upgrade Project of Tupou College. The project would pave most roads inside the campus including the road to bush area. The cost of the project is around 1 million TOP and is planning to be finished before the celebration of 150 anniversary of Tupou College later next month.

In the evening of 16 May, a promotion event of 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Expo was held in Fa’onelua Convention Center and Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni, H.E. Mr. Huang and Mr. Yang together with business people from both countries attend the event. Mr. Yang invited Tongan government and business sectors to take part in this year’s Expo which would be held on 27-30 October 2016 and utilize the Expo to introducing its tourism resources, good quality agricultural products and colorful culture and make it an new platform for China-Tonga win-win cooperation.

Besides government officials, the delegation also includes 14 members from the business sectors as well as 10 art performers. The art delegates gave two wonderful performance during the Tonga High School Handover Ceremony and the MSR Expo Promotion Event and gained lots of applause.

ENDS

Issued from the Chinese Embassy

19th May, 2016 Pacific Islands’ leaders, ministers and officials from regional and global development agencies will gather in the Kingdom of Tonga from 20-22 June 2016 to deliberate on better ways to tackle the region’s non-communicable diseases (NCDs) crisis.

NCDs – primarily heart disease, cancers, lung disease and diabetes – are the leading cause of death in the Pacific, with life expectancy declining in some Pacific Island countries as a result of NCD-related premature deaths.

The first ever Pacific NCD Summit is a collaboration between the Government of Tonga and the Pacific Community (SPC), supported by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the New Zealand Aid Programme, World Bank, World Diabetes Foundation, World Health Organization and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Taking place in Tonga’s capital, Nuku’alofa, the high-level summit theme is “Translating Global and Regional Commitments into Local Action”.

It will be officially opened by His Majesty King Tupou VI, with a keynote address due to be delivered by UNDP Administrator Helen Clark focusing on the links between NCDs and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“There’s no shortage of declarations, commitments and strategies aimed at addressing NCDs, but with up to 75 per cent of deaths in the Pacific related to NCDs, current efforts just aren’t enough,” the Pacific Community Director-General, Dr Colin Tukuitonga said.

In addition, there is a significant socio-economic burden placed on many Pacific Island countries and territories that are unable to provide essential medicines and services for preventing and caring for people with NCDs.

“Despite the challenges, we need to ensure that our response is multi-sectoral, and aligned to commitments. This summit aims to present a case for more urgent and collaborative action towards addressing NCDs in the Pacific at the global, regional and national level,” the Tonga Minister for Health and acting Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Saia Piukala, said.

Among its objectives, the summit will review how Pacific Island countries and territories are implementing their NCD activities aligned with the SDGs and the Samoa Pathway.

The participants will also review progress with the Pacific NCD Roadmap in an effort to accelerate implementation; seek to strengthen current funding arrangements and explore new sources of funding; and create opportunities for South-South collaboration in implementing good practice to address NCDs.

Tonga, as the host nation, has demonstrated strong commitment and leadership in its efforts to address NCDs. Tonga is the first country in the world to develop an NCD strategy (2004), the first in the Pacific to set up a Health Promotion Foundation (2008) and has shown some positive progress in the most recent STEPwise approach to Surveillance (STEPS) survey in 2012, compared to an earlier survey in 2004.

The Pacific NCD Summit will be held at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre in the capital, Nuku’alofa. For more information, visit <http://www.spc.int/en/events.html>.

Media contacts:

Andrew Toimoana   Director of Information, Tonga atoimoana@mic.gov.to or +676 772 9000 Julie Marks    SPC Communications Director, juliem@spc.int or +687 80 74 95

MEDIA ACCESS: Media representatives are welcome to attend the Summit. International media who will be travelling to Tonga are asked to register in advance by contacting the Pacific Community Media team on media@spc.int or +687 807485.

19th May, 2016 Members of the Small Island States Resilience Initiative (SISRI) Forum convened in Venice, Italy for the fourth biennial Understanding Risk global forum for five days starting on Monday 16^th until the 20^th of May 2016.

This year’s Forum, Building evidence for action, convened attendees from all over the world including Tonga, with interest, either professionally or personally, in the field of disaster risk identification and climate change adaptation. The Small Island States Resilience Initiative Forum 2016 brought together representatives from government agencies, multilateral organizations, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, research institutions, academia, community-based organizations, civil society, and the greater community.

The Small Island States Resilience Initiatives will facilitate discussions on experiences from Disaster Risk Management and climate resilience and ways to help reduce fragmentation of the financial landscape, provide technical assistance to overcome capacity challenges in fiduciary and technical aspects of investments, and assist Small Island States in accessing scaled up and more efficient financing for resilience.

Tonga delivered a presentation on Building Resilience in vulnerable communities with a particular focus on building resilience of school children through providing them with ‘Safer Schools’. Natural disasters often damage and destroy school infrastructure, threatening educational opportunities and risking the lives of school children especially in the outer islands of Tonga.  The Government of Tonga through NEMO in collaboration with Ministry of Education and other related stakeholders aims to make school facilities and the communities they serve more resilient to natural hazards. Some of the works in Tonga aims to reduce the physical impact of disasters on school infrastructure and minimize the negative educational outcomes that result from disasters.

Tonga was represented at this meeting by two officials from MEIDECC – the Director of the National Emergency Management Office, Mr. Leveni ‘Aho and Principal Policy Analyst, Department of Climate Change, Ms. ‘Ofa Ma’asi-Kaisamy. The meeting will close later in the week.

ENDS

Issued from the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications