POLITICS

On Thursday 4 April 2024, Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni expressed a willingness to accept China’s offer of security assistance for the upcoming major regional summit in the South Pacific kingdom. This move has sparked concerns in the United States, which is actively working to mitigate China’s expanding influence in the region.Prime Minister Sovaleni reassured that […]

The Prime Minister honoured the departing Australian High Commissioner, Her Excellency Rachael Moore in a farewell event at the Australian Residence in Nuku’alofa on ThursdayApril 4.The Hon Hu’akavameiliku, expressed profound thanks in his farewell speech for her distinguished service in diplomacy over the past years. Despite the challenges posed by the Hunga-Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption,

Prime Minister Hon Hu’akavameiliku has finally confirmed his resignation (reported by Tonga Independent bit.ly/4crPLxJ ) and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Hon Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu, from their roles in His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF) and Foreign Affairs & Tourism, effective March 28, 2024. In Nuku’alofa on April 4, the Prime Minister Undertakes Cabinet Reshuffle

Australia is gearing up to introduce a new Pacific quota within its permanent migration policy, offering a landmark opportunity for the Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste. This new Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) allocates 3,000 visas annually, aiming for a fair distribution among potential applicants. Unlike typical visa processes that favour skilled migrants, the PEV will operate

The controversy surrounding the recent share transaction between Lulutai Airlines and the Retirement Fund Board has escalated, with MPs expressing disappointment over the lack of transparency from the government. In our previous article, we delved into the concerns raised by several Members of Parliament regarding the transaction, highlighting their frustration at the government’s apparent disregard

Tonga is set to host the esteemed Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland KC, marking her inaugural official visit to the Kingdom. Scheduled to arrive on March 30th, she will in Tonga to April 3rd, 2024, her visit holds significant promise for Tonga’s engagement with the Commonwealth. During her stay, the Rt. Hon. Patricia

Dr Mo’ale ‘Otunuku of Longomapu has won the Vava’u 14 By-election with 709 votes, securing his seat as a new People’s Representative in the Legislative Assembly of Tonga. Sione Fataua Halatanu ran a distant second with 353 votes. Dr ‘Otunuku is a Research Fellow and Head of the Institute of Education’s Research and Development Programme

Recent revelations surrounding the sale of shares in Lulutai Airlines have once again thrust Tonga’s governance into the spotlight. The sale, conducted in August 2023, has ignited concerns amongst MP’s regarding accountability and transparency within the highest echelons of power.At the crux of this controversy lies Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku’s dual roles as Chairman of Lulutai

Tonga Independent has received reliable information that Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni (Huakavameiliku) has surrendered the Defence Ministry portfolio, and Fekita Utoikamanu has surrendered the Foreign Ministry portfolio as per His Majesty Tupou VI’s decision in Privy Council. Sovaleni remains Prime Minister, retaining control of numerous other ministries including Police and Education, while Utoikamanu retains the

Recent developments have led to unnecessary public political smearing and undermining of His Majesty’s authority as Head of State, risky decisions using national retirement funds, and questionable ethics behind secretive government commercial operations. These issues have called into question Prime Minister Sovaleni’s ability to lead with competency and integrity. The Opposition’s stillborn motion for a