Date of Issuance: 1 March 2019
Date and time Expression of Interest (EOI) due: 18 March 2019 No later than 4:00 pm local time 

Drop off EOI to Main Office: Ministry of Internal Affairs, Taufa’ahau Road, Nuku’alofa
Email Submission of EOI: Please email to: etongotea@mia.gov.to
Attn: CEO, Ministry of Internal Affairs

Team Leader
Terms of Reference

Assignment: Project Management Unit (PMU) Team Leader
Employer: Ministry of Internal Affairs & Ministry of Education and Training
Location: Nuku’alofa, Tonga
Duration: The Team Leader will be contractually engaged for a period of 2 years with the option to extend based on performance
Public Servants/Government Employees: This position is open to qualified government employees with letter of endorsement from their current CEO
Expected Start Date: 1 April 2019

04th March, 2019 Two men, a 24 year old from Kolomotu’a and a 22 year old from Fasimoeafi are now in police custody after being arrested with methamphetamine by the Police Drugs Enforcement Taskforce at around 9:30 pm last night, Thursday, 28 February 2019 from a home at Kolomotu’a.

31 packs or 14.53 grams of methamphetamine and 1 pack or 0.72 grams of cannabis were seized as part of this Taskforce raid.

The Taskforce will continue to target to detect and disrupt the supply of drugs and prosecute those responsible in order to keep our communities safe.

Acting Commissioner of Police Pelenatita Vaisuai wishes to acknowledge members of the public that have assisted Police through timely sharing of information, and encourage them to continue to do so as it is important that we stand together as people of Tonga in our fight to protect our children and the future of our nation from the harm and negative impact of drugs.

ENDS

For further Information please contact: Tonga Police Media & Communication Officer, Tonga Police Headquarters, Longolongo; – Email: telesia.adams@police.gov.to phone (676) 23 323 EXT. 125

PREP Tonga/CON08

INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT

Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management,
Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC)
Kingdom of Tonga

Pacific Resilience Program (PREP) Tonga
Credit No: 5689 TO/Grant No.: D078 TO
Assignment Title:  Finance Officer
Reference No.: PREPTonga / CON08

The Government of Tonga has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Pacific Resilience Program (PREP) and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services for Finance Officer.

The Consultant service (“the Services”) includes support the Project Management Unit (PMU) to maintain the existing accounting systems to oversee the government and use of project funds; maintaining and or overseeing the day-to-day project financial transactions; maintaining appropriate financial records and documentation of all project income, expenditures and other transactions that meet donor and audit requirements.

This is a full time position and will be based at the Project Management Unit (PMU) at MEIDECC.

The Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC) now invites eligible Individual Consultants (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing their Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.

The Shortlisting criteria are:

1) Bachelor’s degree in either accounting or financial management or equivalent field; 2)Relevant and recognized professional accounting qualifications or a minimum of 5 years’ experience working as an accountant or bookkeeper in a similar project environment; 3)Applicants who do not have a degree but able to demonstrate a minimum of 8 years’ experience operating in similar positions will also be considered for this position;  4)Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing in both Tongan and English; 5)Ability to listen and ascertain the needs of customers; ability to find and communicate accurate information concerning process, policies and procedures to customers; and ability to respond to customers tactfully and courteously; 6)High integrity and accountability in all aspects of project procurement;  7)Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, vendors and the public; 8)Must be a person of proven honesty and integrity with no criminal record, result oriented and proactive; 9)Experience in a donor funded project or organization will be an added advantage.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14,

3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for Investment Project Financing Borrowers” July 2016 revised November 2017 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Selection of Individual Consultant method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Further information can be obtained by sending an email to: Lilika Fifita, PREP PMU at: preptonga@gmail.com – Project Management Unit, MEIDECC.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by e-mail) by 22 March 2019.

Attention: Paula Ma’u
The Chief Executive Officer
Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment,
Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC)

P.O. Box 1380

1st Floor OG Sanft Building
Nuku’alofa
TONGA

Tel: (676) 23-160 or 28-170
E-mail: paulm@mic.gov.to and copy to PMU: preptonga@gmail.com

04^th March 2019 Tonga will benefit from installation of a nationwide early warning system and strengthening of disaster communications, known as NEWS, for all its island groups up to the two Niuas within the next few months, in a project funded by the Japanese Government through JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency).

The overall objective of the project is to save lives of the people and their properties, and to reduce risks and damages to basic services, infrastructure and the environments at time of natural disasters.

Project main components include:

1. Emergency Radio Communications System for disaster related organizations,
2. Early Warning Sound Alert System of 75 siren and loud speakers, and 514 Remote Activated Radios (RAR)
3. Improvement of Tonga Broadcasting Corporation (TBC) Infrastructure (AM Radio broadcasting infrastructure, equipment and antennae tower facilities at Popua site, and new headquarter building and facilities at Fasimoeafi site), and
4. Training requirements for the operation and maintenance of these facilities and equipment and software applications, drafting of related standard of procedure and manuals, and conducting drills and workshops with the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) and the Tonga Meteorological Service.

Bidding for a successful contractor for the project was opened on 20 February 2019 in Tokyo, Japan, by Hon. Poasi M. Tei, Minister for Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC).

Minister re-emphasized that project is timely to save lives and properties and disaster risk mitigation, given that Tonga is second most-at-risk country in the world to natural disasters.

He added that Tonga in the past has experienced worst impacts of natural disasters like the earthquake and tsunami that hit Niuatoputapu in September 2009 with 9 lives lost, Tropical Cyclone Ian that hit Ha’apai in January 2014 and most recently Tropical Cyclone Gita that hit Tongatapu and ‘Eua in February last year, which had caused extensive damages. The installation of these early warning system which will be channeled through in a new broadcasting infrastructure from the Tonga Broadcasting Commission throughout Tonga and its territorial waters, will provide a more resilient effort in preparation before, during and after any disaster.

The Consortium of NBK Corporation and Dai Nippon Construction of Japan won the contract with US$25.5 million, and will implement the project throughout Tonga beginning in April this year. Contract was signed on behalf of Tonga by the CEO for MEIDECC, Mr. Paula Pouvalu Ma’u, and Mr. Masakazu Dazai for the Contractor.

The consortium will be in Tonga for kick off meeting on 15 March 2019, followed by the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Tonga Broadcasting Commission new Studio Building at the end of March.

The project targets to be commissioned in August, 2020.

ENDS

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

04th March, 2019 The Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Lord Fielakepa, travelled to Australia last week to inspect the first of two new patrol boats that will be gifted to His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF). Brigadier Fielakepa was accompanied by the Australian Defence Adviser to Tonga Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Quinn, and other HMAF officers.

The replacement of the Pacific Patrol Boats is part of the Pacific Maritime Security Program, Australia’s $2 billion step-up to the region over the next 30 years, with an emphasis on a new era of partnership with Pacific island countries, including Tonga.

The vessel, named Ngahau Koula (Golden Arrow), is being built by Australian shipbuilders Austal and will be handed over in June. The assigned HMAF staff will receive several weeks of training prior to sailing the boat back to Tonga later in August. Commander Fonohema will be the first commanding officer for Ngahau Koula.

During this trip, Brigadier Fielakepa also visited the 7th Brigade of the Australian Army in Brisbane, where he was greeted with a traditional Indigenous welcome ceremony. He also viewed some of the latest equipment used by the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry – QMI) at Gallipoli Barracks in Enoggera.

The Australian Army has a longstanding relationship with HMAF which will be strengthened this year as QMI’s mobile training teams will head to Tonga to provide leadership and development training.

Accompanying photos here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmBh8om8 and on Facebook for photos of the Brisbane visit: https://www.facebook.com/7thBrigade/posts/1098899510300372

05^th March 2019 The Kingdom of Tonga became the 5^th country in the Pacific Region to endorse the ‘Implementing Sustainable Low and Non-Chemical Development in Small Island Developing States (ISLANDS)’ Project during the ISLANDS regional consultation workshop held in Nadi, Fiji last week.

Mr. Paula Ma’u, Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC) and GEF Operational Focal Point signed the endorsement letter on behalf of the Government of Tonga.

According to Mr. Ma’u, the Project will benefit Tonga by reducing plastic consumption through improved management of residual waste management especially in Ha’apai.

The ISLANDS Project with just over USD$22 million is set to improve hazardous waste and chemicals management across 14 Pacific countries in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as implementing agency and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) as executing agency.

At the national level, the Department of Environment will be the coordinating agency.

Also attending the signing ceremony was Ms. Mafile’o Masi, Chief Environmentalist and Ms. Sulieti ‘Ofa, Conservation Officer from the Department of Environment.

ENDS

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

The Government of Tonga’s strategic vision for the future delivery of public services is aimed at streamlining its organizational platform to better deliver more efficient and effective public services for the people of Tonga. To help achieve this aim, the Government of Tonga seeks to appoint Chief Executive Officers for a number of its Ministries.

Applications are welcomed from individuals who possess outstanding strategic thinking capacity, demonstrated leadership capability and superior management skills. Government CEOs are integral in supporting a productive and sustainable Public Service as Tonga continues its path towards constitutional reform. The CEO roles are particularly suited to individuals who are commercially focused, skilled in supporting innovation and providing direction to substantial change management initiatives at the policy, systems and process levels.

The roles will work closely with their responsible Minister and central agencies, not only as Chief Executive Officer, but also in defining and developing major organizational reforms aimed at optimizing the return on Government’s investment in services and programs. High orders of communication, negotiation and influencing skills are essential, as is a demonstrated track record of effective resource management.

Essential skills required of the advertised CEO roles will be to:

• Provide the Minister with high quality policy and program development advice
•  Drive strategic planning and resource management accountabilities
• Provide executive direction to professional, technical and operational teams
• Identify improvements in service delivery and efficiencies in cost to government
• Lead implementation of organizational & system changes to improve productivity
• Model cross-Ministry and whole of government collaboration to ensure high standards of communication and customer service

Term of appointment: Contract term of up to four (4) years.
Remuneration: Based on the Government of Tonga, CEO Remuneration package.

How to Apply:-

• Applicants who possess most of the qualities described under the essential skills, accountabilities, experience and qualification for the CEO positions should request an Application Information Kit. An Application Information Kit can be obtained by contacting the Office of the Public Service Commission on +676 25770, or email ceoopportunity@psc.gov.to
•  Applications should be forwarded to the following address by 4:30pm on Wednesday 03 April,2019.;

Acting Chairman
Public Service Commission
P.O. Box 46
Nuku’alofa
Tonga

• Candidates should refer to the Application Information Kit in preparing an application, ensuring that all requirements are satisfied. Incomplete documentation may prevent proper consideration of the application. Given the brevity of time, signed emailed applications will be acceptable. Email applications should be forwarded to ceoopportunity@psc.gov.to by the closing dates of the respective CEO positions mentioned above.

The Ministry of Finance & National Planning is seeking to engage suitably qualified and experienced applicants for the following vacant positions

Please note that positions number 2-6 were previously advertised, hence there is no need to re-apply as your previous application will be considered.

The detailed term of reference/ job descriptions can be downloaded from the Ministry’s website: www.finance.gov.to.  Interested candidates who wish to apply are required to submit their letter of application together with a CV, certified copies of educational qualifications and transcripts and any other supporting documents. Applications of employees of the Public Service other than the Ministry of Finance and National Planning are to be endorsed by the Chief Executive Officer of their respective Departments.

All applications are to be forwarded to the office of the Chief Executive Officer for Finance and National Planning, St George Government Building or send electronically to recruitments@finance.gov.to no later than 4.30 pm of Tuesday 19^th March 2019.

6 ‘o Ma’asi, 2019 ‘Oku lolotonga fakahoko ha ako ‘aho ua ‘a e Polokalama Haofaki Mo’uí pea mo e Tonga Health Promotion ma’ae kau fakafofonga ki he mo’ui leleí mei he ngaahi siasi takitaha ‘o fakataumu’a ke fa’u ha palani ngäue ke haofaki’i ‘a e to’onga mo’ui ‘a e kakai he siasí, ‘i he loki konifelenisi ‘a e Tungi Colonnade.

‘I he fakamatala ‘a e Sea ‘o e Polokalama Haofaki Mo’uí ka ko e Sekelitali ki he Tesi ‘a e kau Takilotú, Faifekau Fili Lilo, ko e polokalama ako ko ’ení ‘oku mahu’inga ia ke fai ai ha fepotalanoa’aki mo e kau fakafofonga ki he mo’ui leleí mei he ngaahi siasí ‘o fakatefito he ngaahi poloseki ‘e fakahoko ‘aki ‘a e pa’anga tokoni mei he Pule’anga ‘Aositeleliá ki he Potungäue Mo’uí ‘o fakafou he Tonga Health Promotion ke tufaki ki he ngaahi siasi.

“’Oku ngäue’aki leva ‘e he ngaahi siasi ‘a e pa’anga tokoni ko eni ki he ngaahi poloseki tö vesitapoló, ako ki he feime’atokoní, polokalama fakamalohisinó kae pehé ki he sivi mo’ui lelei.”

Ko e polokalama ako ko eni ‘oku fakahoko he ta’u kotoa pe ke toe fakalakalaka ange kimu’a ‘a e to’onga mo’ui e kakaí mei he ngaahi palopalema ‘oku ne uesia ‘a e kakai ‘o e fonuá.

Na’e fakahä ‘e Toketa ‘Ofa Tukia ko e feinga ‘eni ‘a e polokalama ngäue  ke to e väofi ange ‘a e fengāue‘aki pea mo kinautolu  mei he ngaahi siasi.

“’Oku makatu’unga ‘a e fakakaukau ni koe‘uhí ko e fakatokanga’i e malu pe ko e toe tokolahi ange ‘a e kakai ‘oku nau mo’ua pe ‘oku nau mate he ngaahi fokoutua koia ko e NCD pé ko e mahaki ‘oku ‘ikai pipihi.”

“‘Oku mahu’inga ke fakatokanga’i ‘a e ngaahi ivi mālohi mo e mafai ‘o e ngaahi siasí, kau taki lotú ke fai ai ha tokoni ki hono tau’i e ngaahi fokoutuá ni ‘i he ngaahi siasi takitaha.”

Ko e ako ko ‘eni ‘oku fakapa’anga pe ia ‘e he Tonga Health Promotion.

NGATA’ANGA

Tuku atu mei he: Potungāue Fakamatala ‘Ea, Ma’u’anga Ivi, Ma’u’anga Fakamatala, ‘Ōfisi ki hono Tokangaekina ‘a e Ngaahi Fakatamaki Fakaenatula, ‘Ātakai, Feliuliuaki e ‘Ea mo e Fetu’utaki.

06 Ma’asi 2019 Na’e fakaava ‘e he ‘Eiki Nōpele ma’u tofi’a ‘o Kolonga, Nopele Nuku ‘a e fuofua Ako Tokamu’a ‘a e Potungāue Ako mo e Ako Ngāué ‘i he efiafi ‘aneafí ‘i he Lautohi Pule’anga ‘a Kolongá.

‘I he me’a ‘a Nukú na’a ne fakahā ai ko e ngāue kuo fokotu’ú ‘oku ne hanga ‘e ia ‘o ‘omai ‘a e fakakaukau ke toe fakalolotoange ‘a hono tokanga’i e longa’i fānaú.

“Kimu’a na’e kamata ‘a e akó ‘i he ta’u 5 ki he 14 pea fai ai ‘a e hala fononga ‘o a’u mai ki he taimi kuo toe fai ai ‘a e fokotu’utu’u ‘e kamata ‘a e ako ‘i he ta’u 4 ki he 18. Ko e fakakaukau ko ení ‘ikai ngata pe ‘i he’ene tanaki mai ki he’etau tokanga ka ‘oku ne hanga ‘o fakalahi ‘a e tokanga mei he ta’u 14 ki he 18.”

“Ko e ta’au ‘o e taimi ni ‘oku faingata’a pea ‘oku hānge ko e talanoa ko hono kumi ko ia ‘o hotau koloa fakatongá ko e pule ‘otó ko hono ‘uhingá ko e koloa mahu’inga ‘oku fai ‘aki ha fa’ahinga fatongia ‘oku mahu’inga mo pelepelengesi.”

Fakatatau ki he fakamatala ngāue ‘a e Taki ‘o e Va’a Ako Tokamu’á Soana Kaitapu ko e fatongia ‘o e potungāué ke “fakapapau’i ‘oku ‘i ai ‘a e faingamālie ‘a e fānau ta’u fā mo e nima ‘i he ako tokamu’á.”

Fakafehoanaki ki he ola ‘o e tohi kakai 2016 ko e pēseti ‘e 30 ‘a e longa’i fānau ta’u fā mo e nima ‘oku nau hū ‘o ako pea pēseti ‘e 70 ‘oku nau nofo pē ‘i ‘api. Ko e ngaahi ako tokamu’a ‘e 42 ‘i Tonga ni. Ko e ngaahi ako ai ‘e 19 ‘i Nuku’alofa ‘ata’atā pe ia.

Na’a ne fakahā foki ‘oku mahino ko e konga lahi ‘a e fānau ako tokamu’a ‘oku nau ‘i he Vāhenga Hihifó pea mo Hahake pea ko e kamata eni ‘e he pule’angá ‘a e ngāué pea mei Hahake pea toki hoko atu ki Hihifo.

“Ko e ako ko eni ‘i he ‘Utulongoa’á ko hono tā ia ‘o e ‘uluafí ‘a e ako tokamu’a ‘a e Potungāue Ako mo e Ako Ngāué. Fiefia lahi ai ‘a e Potungāue Akó ‘i hono kamata’i ‘a e ngāue ko ení pea mo e taumu’a ke fakahoko kotoa ia ‘i Tonga ni.”

Ko e konga lahi ‘a e fakamole ki hono fakanaunau ‘a e loki akó na’e fua pē ia ‘e he potungāué ‘a ia na’e fakafuofua ki he $20,000 pea na’e tokoni ‘a e Kautaha ‘a e Mātu’a mo e Tauhi Fānau ‘a e Lautohi Pule’anga ‘a Kolongá ki hono langa ‘a e naunau va’inga ma’ae fānaú. Na’e ‘i ai foki pea mo e tokoni mei he Siasi ‘o Sīsū Kalaisi ‘o e Kau Mā’oni’oni ‘i he Ngaahi ‘Aho ki Mui ni ‘o kau ai ‘a e tēpile mo e naunau va’inga.

Na’e fakahoko foki mo e kole tokoni ki he Tonga Health ‘i he taumu’a ke faka’ai’ai ‘a e mo’ui lelei pea foaki mai ki he ako tokamu’á ‘a e naunau kai, fakamalohisino, filita vai pea mo e pulopula vesitapolo.

‘Oku fe’unga mo e longa’i fānau ‘e 31 mei Afā pea mo Kolonga kuo nau ‘osi lēsisita ki he ako ni.

NGATA’ANGA

Tuku atu mei he  Potungāue Fakamatala ‘Ea, Ma’u’anga Ivi, Ma’u’anga Fakamatala, ‘Ōfisi ki hono Tokangaekina ‘a e Ngaahi Fakatamaki Fakaenatula, ‘Ātakai, Feliuliuaki e ‘Ea mo e Fetu’utaki.

Vacancy Notice No. APT/HR/2019-02

1. Post Title: Project Coordinator
2. Classification:                 General Service (Level 5 or 6, depending on experience)
3. Period of Appointment: One year from the date of commencement and extendable depending on performance and conduct (with the probation period of 3 months)
4. Duty Station:                 APT Secretariat, Bangkok, Thailand
5. Special Notice: Appointment against this post is on a local basis
6. Qualifications & Experience:
   • University Degree in telecommunications, electronics, electrical or information processing engineering and other related fields; another degree or certificate in economics or law would be an advantage; an advantage for holder of Master’s Degree;
   • Good knowledge in telecommunication policy and regulations and other related activities;
   • Good knowledge and experiences on international conferences and good understanding of its procedure; experience in organizing international events will be advantage;
   • Computer literacy and proficiency in Microsoft Office;
   • Excellent command of written and spoke English;
   • At least 5 years or more working experience in ICT sector; an advantage of more than 10 years work experience.
7. Responsibilities:

The personnel will be assigned, but not limited to, to the following tasks:

• Perform work activities for preparing and organizing events designated by the Secretary General;
• Prepare summary records of the events;
• Provide assistant to Office Bearers as appropriate;
• Prepare policy documents/procedural documents for the functioning of the Work Programmes;
• Update website and contents relevant to the work;
• Coordinate with members for their outputs – reports, working papers, proposals etc. and editing, circulate it to all concerned;
• Assist in preparation for the Management Committee and General Assembly meetings by preparing draft working papers and reports;
• Coordinate APT Preparations for ITU Conferences, for example, Plenipotentiary conferences, World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly, World Radiocommunication Conference, World Telecommunication Development Conference, etc. as assigned;
• Perform such other related duties as may be assigned by the supervisor and/ or Secretary General.

8. Submission of Application:

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and CV along with a duly completed APT Personal Information Form to APT Secretariat via email at apt-ab@apt.int by 15 March 2019.

Only the short-listed candidates will be contacted.

recruitment-apt-piform_v1

E-mail: aptmail@apt.int, Web Site: www.apt.int Telephone: +66 2 5730044, Telefax: + 66 2 5737479

07th March, 2019 The final presentation to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf on the consideration of the Partial Submission of data and information on the outer limits of the continental shelf of the Kingdom of Tonga of the 11th May 2009 in respect of the eastern part of the Tonga-Kermadec Ridge pursuant to Part VI of, and Annex II to, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) was made today by the delegation of the Kingdom of Tonga at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The Kingdom of Tonga has made 2 partial submissions pursuant to Part VI of, and Annex II to UNCLOS. Today’s presentation by the Delegation of the Kingdom of Tonga to the Commission was based on the first of the two. The presentation was the culmination of a submission made to the Commission on the 11th May 2009. The second partial submission in respect of the western part of the Lau-Colville Ridge which was made on the 23rd April 2014 is still in line for consideration by the Commission.

The first partial submission contained data and information on the outer limits of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles of the Kingdom of Tonga in accordance with UNCLOS and the Scientific and Technical Guidelines of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. The submission recalled 2 historic claims made in the Royal Proclamation issued by His Majesty King George Tupou I on the 24th August 1887, and Land claim made in the Royal Proclamation issued by His Majesty King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV on the 15th June 1972. Both historic claims define the land masses of the Kingdom of Tonga from which the maritime spaces under its national jurisdiction are determined in accordance with the relevant provisions in the UNCLOS.

To consider the Kingdom of Tonga’s submission, the Commission convened a Sub-Commission to engage the Delegation of the Kingdom of Tonga in order to formulate recommendations to inform the final conclusions of the Commission as a whole today. The Sub-Commission held 6 exchanges of ideas with the Kingdom of Tonga in 2018. The Delegation of the Kingdom of Tonga informed the Sub-Commission that the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea was determined throughout the Kingdom of Tonga had undergone a process of continuing review since 2009. For this reason, the Delegation of the Kingdom of Tonga provided the latest geodetic coordinates of the baselines determined in the Island of ‘Ata as per the map above.

The exchange of ideas between the Sub-Commission and the Delegation of the Kingdom of Tonga resulted in recommendations made by the Sub-Commission to the Commission as a whole today. In considering the views of the Sub-Commission, the Commission as a whole is to provide its informed recommendations on the Kingdom of Tonga’s submission in the near future. Positive recommendations by the Commission will result in Tonga enlarging its jurisdiction over the seabed beyond its exclusive economic zone pursuant to the provisions of UNCLOS.

The presentation of the delegation of the Kingdom of Tonga to the Commission on its submission was divided amongst all members of the delegation and took about 50 minutes in total. The presentation and the atmosphere in the room could be described as very positive, informative, and dignified, covering all historical, technical, legal, and diplomatic aspects of the submission, including the consensus reached upon the conclusion of the exchange of ideas between the Kingdom of Tonga and the Sub-Commission.

The delegation of the Kingdom of Tonga was led by Her Royal Highness Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Halaevalu Mata’aho Tuku’aho. The delegation was also comprised of members of the Cabinet Sub-Committee for Maritime Boundary Delimitation and the Extended Continental Shelf which included the Minister of Fisheries Hon. Semisi Tauelangi Fakahau, the Secretary for Foreign Affairs H.E. Mr. Mahe ‘U. S. Tupouniua, the Solicitor General Mr. Sione Sisifa, the Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Tonga to the United Nations H.E. Mr. V. Va’inga Tōnē, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Lands and Natural Resources Mr. Taaniela Kula, the Advisor to the Cabinet Sub-Committee Dr. Galo Carrera, and staff of the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Tonga to the United Nations (Deputy Permanent Representative Dr. T. Suka Mangisi and Second Secretary Miss Darlene Vaea).

Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Tonga to the United Nations
TEL: (917) 369- 1025 – FAX (917) 369- 1024
EMAIL: tongaunmission@gmail.com

07th March, 2019 The Executive Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Mr. Syurkani Ishak Kasim was in Nuku’alofa to meet with government officials and to visit three main projects funded by ADB including the Nuku’alofa Network Upgrade at Fanga ‘o Pilolevu Village, Mata-ki-‘Eua Water Production and Storage and Hahake Coastal Protection.

The highlight of the visit was a courtesy meeting with the Minister of Finance and National Planning, Hon. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa yesterday morning.

Mr. Kasim, said Hon Tu’i’onetoa expressed his gratitude for ADB’s continuous support towards the Tongan Government.

He noted that the purpose of the sites visit was not to check on what has been done but rather to see whether the projects have created an impact in the communities. According to Kasim the projects he visited was what ADB expected which goes to show that they can really make a difference.

“It is very much impressive, what I see and believe.”

He said that Tonga has a small economy and faces a lot of challenges such as natural disasters.

“It is important to be prepared all the time and it’s difficult and challenging for the government to do it themselves. They would need financial help, that’s when and how ADB comes in and help.”

The Executive Director is based at the ADB’s Headquarter in Manila, Philippines.  He arrived in Tonga on Tuesday evening March 5^th and departed earlier this morning.

ENDS

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

7th March, 2019 The 5^th International Conference for Tongan Nurses was opened yesterday at Tanoa International Dateline Hotel by HRH Princess Salote Mafile’o Pilolevu Tuita under the theme ‘Contribution of Nurses to Health Status of Tongans: Evidence and Research Needs.’

HRH told the gathering that the conference presents an opportunity for participants to examine effectiveness, explore how they can “provide evidence of multi-dimensional performance” and their impact on the lives of every Tongans.

She stated that over the years she has witness nurses working diligently to improve people’s health in communities and countries, health systems and inspire young people to take up nursing and health professions.

“I have seen them operate at all levels of society, as health leaders, as leading academics, as humble village community workers, everywhere you look you see nurses – the Noble Profession.”

“We are pleased to understand the capacity of the various nursing associations, Pasifika Medical Association and health workers to respond to our need in the region, when disaster falls upon us. We remember the leadership shown by doctors and nurses following disasters here in Tonga and overseas.”

“Most recently this was demonstrated in the support provided post cyclone Gita through the Pasifika Medical Association who facilitated doctors and nurses such as Dr Sione Vaka to respond and return home.”

Looking ahead, the princess said that the Tongan nursing leadership group is “gathering wisdom and experience” as younger nursing leaders are emerging.

“The true test of leadership is the ability for us to work together, putting aside our needs and demands to benefit others. Tongan nurses; this is what you are known for.”

The conference brings together retired nurses, matrons, nursing students and registered nurses from Tonga and abroad. The programme will conclude on Sunday with a church service at the Centenary Church, Nuku’alofa.

ENDS

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

08 ‘o Ma’asi, 2019 ENGLISH ‘Oku tuku atu ‘e he Kautau ‘a ‘Ene ‘Afio ‘a e ongoongo makehe ko eni, makatu’unga ‘i ha ngaahi ongoongo hala ‘oku tuku mai pea ‘oku uesia ai ‘a e ongoongo ‘o e Kautau ‘a ‘Ene ‘Afio.

‘Oku ‘ikai ke poupou ‘a e Kautau ki ha fa’ahinga tui pe kaveinga Fakapolitikale. ‘Oku taliui ‘a e Kautau ki he tu’utu’uni, pea ke tu’u ‘ataa mei ha ngaahi ngaue mo ha taalanga Fakapolitikale. Ko e ‘uhi ko e Kautau ‘a ‘Ene ‘Afio ‘i he taimi kotoape ‘oku ‘ikai ha’ane kaunga ki ha taumu’a pe ngaue fakapolitikale (Apolitical).

‘Oku mateuteu ‘a e Kautau ke fakahoko honau fatongia ‘oku fokotu’utu’u ‘i he lao ‘o Tonga. Koe makatu’unga eni ‘oku ‘ikai ai kaunga pe poupou ‘a e ‘Eikitau, Pilikatia Fielakepa pea mo e memipa kotoa ‘o e Kautau ‘a ‘Ene ‘Afio ki ha ngaue ‘oku taumu’a fakapolitikale.

NGATA’ANGA

Tuku atu mei he: Kau Tau ‘Ene ‘Afio.

08th March, 2019 TONGAN His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF) hereby notifies the public with regards to misleading information released via social media.

HMAF does not support or promote any political belief or opinion of any group or people. HMAF is strictly under legal command not to involve or participate in any political activity. HMAF adheres to maintaining its apolitical position at all times.

HMAF’s primary responsibility is to carry out its functions and duties as prescribed under the laws of Tonga. On that note, the Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Fielakepa and all members of HMAF do not support or participate in any activity of a political nature.

ENDS

Issued by the: His Majesty’s Armed Forces