CDA Dr. Devon Brown and Flag Football Tonga Delegates Photo Credit: US Emabssy Tonga fb images
Nuku’alofa, Tonga — Flag football, a sport first pioneered in Tonga between 2014 and 2016, is being revitalized with renewed support from the U.S. Embassy Tonga and Tonga’s Ministry of Internal Affairs.
U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Dr. Devon Brown says the renewed push comes at an important time, with flag football set to make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, alongside rugby sevens.
Ministry of Internal Affairs Representative and Representatives from Asco Motors in support of the Flag Football Envoy launch
US Sport Envoy Tonga launch event at Kongakava Hotel which included free alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages served with a number of exquisite finger foods.
Flag football is a non-contact version of American football, where players wear flags attached to their waist. Instead of tackling an opposing player to stop the play, defenders remove the ball carrier’s flag. The sport places a strong emphasis on speed, passing, agility, teamwork and strategy, while reducing the physical contact associated with traditional rugby and American football.
While it shares some similarities with rugby—such as advancing the ball, creating space and working as a team—flag football differs significantly from rugby because there are no tackles, scrums, rucks or mauls. The game is generally played with a smaller number of players on the field and relies heavily on passing and quick changes of direction.
The initiative, working closely with the Tonga Flag Football League and the American Flag Football Federation, aims to rebuild momentum and introduce the sport to more communities across Tonga.
Members and Coaches of Flag Football Tonga including Mr. Ngalu Fusimalohi
Dr. Brown highlighted the importance of developing flag football not only as a recreational sport, but also as a pathway for Tongan youth to gain opportunities to compete locally and internationally.
With the U.S. Embassy supporting the involvement of a U.S. Sports Envoy, the initiative has further raised the profile of flag football in Tonga and introduced new sporting opportunities for young people.
The renewed partnership comes as interest in the sport continues to grow, with the goal of strengthening participation, developing local talent and creating opportunities for Tongan athletes to potentially take their skills overseas.
For Tonga, the timing is significant. With flag football joining the Olympic programme at LA 2028, Dr. Brown believes Tonga has an opportunity now to build a strong foundation and ensure its young athletes are ready to take advantage of what could become a new international sporting pathway.
88.1FM- Peoples Radio Tonga Editor Mr. Tapinga Lavemaau, Tongatapu 2 Candidate Mr. Sam Vea and US Embassy Official at the launch of the US Sports Envoy in Tonga.
This is Segment 1 of a five-part Tonga Chronicle series based on an exclusive interview with U.S. Embassy Tonga Chargé d’Affaires Dr. Devon Brown.
NUKU‘ALOFA — Local broadcaster 88.1FM People’s Radio has obtained financial disclosures detailing the cumulative, 15-year expenditure of a sitting Cabinet Minister since the initial election to the Parliament of Tonga.
The financial disclosures detail comprehensive, publicly funded travel expenditures, including airfare, accommodation, subsistence, and communication expenses, along with country-specific per diems and a 40% travel loading. At some travels, it also covers costs for spouse and staff, alongside combined benefits for the official holding both Parliamentary and Cabinet positions.
A review of the itineraries indicates that several official deployments is attending of sporting events. According to the information, the cumulative of these travel expenses over the 15-year period is estimated between $3 million and $5 million TOP, of public tax revenues.
This brings about a question directed to the Hon. Prime Minister, Lord Fakafanua and his current Cabinet Ministers:
Is this information received by 88.1FM, as mentioned above, true?
The people of this country has a constitutional right to be informed of us and the ways their tax paying money is being spend. Our diaspora community also deserves to be informed as they generate $580 million a year into the country through remittances.
The identity of the Cabinet Minister remains withheld at this time. 88.1FM People’s Radio has extended an opportunity to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet to review the information and verify its accuracy. Should the administration decline to clarify or address the matter, the broadcaster will proceed with the public disclosure of the official’s identity to ensure full public accountability.
NUKU’ALOFA: ‘Oku ma’u ‘e he Letio ‘a e Kakai 88.1FM´ ha ngaahi fakamatala mahu’inga fekau’aki mo e tokotaha ‘i he Kapineti Lolotonga´ pea mo ‘ene ngaahi fakamole fakapa’anga kotoa.
‘Oku kamata lau ‘a e ngaahi fakamole ko eni´ mei he taimi na’e hū ai ki he Fale Alea ‘o Tonga´, ‘a ia ‘oku meimei ko e ta’u ‘e 15 eni mei ai, pe ofi ki ai.
Ko e ngaahi fakamatala pa’anga eni ‘oku kau ki ai ‘ene fefolau’aki fakalotofonua mo e folau ki tu’apule’anga, ‘a ia ko e ngaahi fakamole´ ko e totongi ‘o e tikite vakapuna, totongi nofo hotele, totongi kai mo e ki’i inuinu, totongi telefoni, totongi TA rate kehekehe ‘o makatu’unga ia ‘i he pule’anga muli ‘oku folau ki ai he ‘oku rate kehekehe pe ‘a e fonua takitaha, totongi loading 40% ‘oku tanaki atu ki he ‘ene folau´, pea mo e ngaahi folau ‘oku kau atu ki ai ‘a hono hoa´ pe ko e kau ngaue´, pea mo e ngaahi monu’ia kehekehe ‘oku ne ma’u ‘i he taimi ‘oku folau ai, ‘i hono lakanga ‘i he Fale Alea ‘o Tonga´ pea pehē ki hono lakanga ‘i he Kapineti ‘o ‘Ene ‘Afio´.
‘Oku kau ki he ngaahi ‘uhinga ‘o e fefolau’aki ko eni´, ‘a ‘ene toutou lava atu ko e mamata sipoti.
Ko e fakamatala ‘oku ‘omai´, ‘oku tanaki kotoa e fakamole fakapa’anga folau ko eni, ‘oku ‘i he pa’anga ‘e $3 – $5 miliona tupu kuo ‘osi fakamoleki mei he pa’anga totongi tukuhau ‘a e kakai ‘o e fonua´.
Ko e fehu’i eni ki he ‘Eiki Palemia, Lord Fakafanua pea mo Kapineti Lolotonga:
Ko e mo’oni ‘a e fakamatala kuo a’utaki mai ki he Letio ‘a e kakai 88.1FM, ‘a eni ‘oku hā atu ‘i ‘olunga?
‘Oku ‘i ai ‘a e totonu fakakonisitutone e kakai ‘o e fonua ke nau ‘ilo ki ai pea mo e founga hono fakamoleki ‘enau pa’anga totongi tukuhau´. ‘Oku ‘i ai foki mo e totonu ho tau kakai Tonga nofo ‘i he ngaahi fonua muli´ ke nau ‘ilo ki ai he ‘oku nau talafi mai ‘a e $580 miliona ‘i he ta’u ki Tonga ni.
‘Oku ‘ikai ‘oatu ‘a e hingoa ‘o e tokotaha ni ‘i he ‘aho ni. ‘Oku tuku atu ‘a e faingamalie ke tali mai ai ‘a e fehu’i ko eni. ‘Okapau ‘e ‘ikai tali mai ‘a e fehu’i ni, ‘e tuku fakahangatonu atu ‘a hono hingoa´ ke ‘omai ha’ane tali ki ai.
PM press conference with Media. Photo Credit: Prime Minister’s Office / FacebookPrime Minister and His Cabinet Ministers. Photo Credit: Prime Minister’s Office / Facebook
NUKU’ALOFA: Prohibited and ordered by the Prime Minister, Lord Fakafanua, to the Ministers of the Cabinet, as well as the CEOs of the Government, CEOs of all Government Businesses, and the Chairmen of government board, of the year 2026 that it will no longer be allowed for anyone to answer a question, or make any further statement, or release a statement outside regarding anything related to:
Land in Matatoa where MEIDECC was leased.
Any aspect regarding the issue of the Fanga’uta Bridge, from ‘Umusī to Folaha.
Only One Mouth Shall Speak
Only the Prime Minister alone is allowed in the Government of Tonga to speak on it, and he alone is allowed to answer a question on it. He does not want, no matter who it is in the Government, to have a second mouth explaining; but only one mouth is allowed to speak to represent the Government in answering anything regarding these two major issues.
Therefore, only the Prime Minister alone is allowed to speak or answer a question regarding anything related to the MEIDECC Building at Matatoa, or the lease of TPL, or the sublease of MEIDECC. It is strictly forbidden for anyone else from the government to answer any kind of question from outside or from the media. For any other special interview with a media organization in Tonga here, he alone is allowed to speak.
Everyone else—reaching to all Ministers of the Cabinet, CEOs of government ministries, or anyone from a business board of the Tongan government, or a public servant—are all already forbidden from speaking on anything regarding the Bridge from ‘Umusī to Folaha and Longoteme.
Banning of 88.1fm and the Tonga Chronicle
At the same time, it has already been ordered that it will no longer be allowed for 88.1FM People’s Radio and the Tonga Chronicle to participate further in any Press Conference of the Office of the Prime Minister.
It was also ordered yesterday, 19th of August 2026, that it will no longer be allowed for anyone employed by 88.1FM or Tonga Chronicle to enter the government office at St. George Building at any further time. They have been completely prohibited from entering further at the inside door, whether there is a press conference being held or not. It has been ordered to forbid them from whatever they may require from any of the offices inside this government building.
The St. George Building was built by aid from the government of China to the people of the country. This building is occupied by these major offices:
Office of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet (and the conference room and meeting room of the Cabinet).
Office of Local Government, which has all district officers and town officers of Tonga here.
Office for the Ministry of Finance, which houses the Minister of Finance, CEO, and all their high-ranking officers.
Office for Passports and immigration services.
Office of National Planning of the Government of Tonga.
These are services restricted by the Prime Minister for anyone employed by 88.1FM / Tonga Chronicle to have access to.
The Questions from the People of the Country
Emerging from the progression of this order, are the following questions from the people of this country:
Which section of the law in the Constitution of Tonga, or any other law, gives that authority to a Prime Minister to stop anyone from speaking or making a statement about any issue concerning the land at Matatoa and the cancellation of the sublease by him and his Cabinet of 2026?
Which section of the Constitution or the laws of Tonga authorizes the Prime Minister to stop the Minister of Lands, CEO, or the workers and surveyors of the Ministry of Lands, Deputy Chairman of a Board of a government enterprise, from speaking or answering questions related to the lease of TPL and the sublease of MEIDECC in Matatoa? Meanwhile, it stands in their job description as minister, CEO, Deputy Chairman or worker, and their legal duty to answer the question from the people and journalists related to their duties for which they are employed. These officials possess the legal authority to speak on actual events, whereas a Prime Minister should not be performing the functions of the Ministers, the CEOs, Chairmen of the Board of any of the government enterprise and/or public sector employees. It is wrong ethically, legally, and morally.
Public discussions have intensified around reports that the Prime Minister and Cabinet are preparing to seek an audience at the Palace to formally present a traditional apology (hū louifi) and petition for an opportunity. Why has the people have not yet received a direct press release from the Office of the Prime Minister, on the reason they are preparing to go to palace to hū louifi?
Why has the government been closed-off and official communications centralized solely under the Prime Minister regarding the Matatoa and Fanga’uta Bridge issues? What is the reason you are trying to close any other person to speak on it? What are the basis? Are there areas that the public needs to be concerned about?
What is the close-off timeframe period on the issue in Matatoa and the Fanga’uta Bridge?
Are there undisclosed details or lack of transparency regarding the Matatoa project and the Fanga’uta Bridge construction that are being withheld from taxpayers, and if so, what do these entail?
PM press conference with media. Photo credit: Prime Minister’s Office / FacebookHon. Prime Minister and most of his cabinet ministers. Photo credit: Prime Minister’s Office / Facebook
NUKU’ALOFA: Ta’ofi pea toe tu’utu’uni e ‘Eiki Palēmia, Lord Fakafanua, ki he Kau Minisita ‘o e Kapineti, pehē ki he kau CEO ‘a e Pule‘anga, kau CEO ‘o e ngaahi Pisinisi ‘a e Pule‘anga kotoa, mo e Kau Sea ‘o e ngaahi poate kotoa ‘a e Pule‘anga ‘o e ta‘u 2026 he ‘ikai ke toe ngofua ha taha ke ne tali ha fehu‘i, pe te ne fai ha toe fakamatala, pe tuku atu ha fakamatala ki tu‘a ki ha me‘a ‘oku felāve‘i mo e
Kelekele ‘i Matatoa ‘a ē na‘e lisi ai ‘a e MEIDECC.
Fa’ahinga me‘a fekau‘aki mo e ‘īsiu ‘o e Halafakakavakava ‘i Fanga‘uta, mei ‘Umusī ki Folaha.
Ngutu Pē Taha ‘e Lea
Ko e ‘Eiki Palēmia tokotaha pē ‘e ngofua ‘i he Pule‘anga Tonga ke lea ki ai, pea ko ia pē ‘e ngofua ke ne tali ha fehu‘i ki ai. ‘Oku ‘ikai ke toe loto ia, ‘o tatau aipe pe ko hai ‘i he Pule’anga, ke toe ua ha ngutu fakamatala; ka ke ngutu pē taha ‘e ngofua ke lea ‘o fakafofonga’i e Pule’anga ‘i hono tali ha me‘a ki he ongo ‘īsiu lalahi ‘e ua ko eni´.
Ko ia ai, ko e ‘Eiki Palēmia pē taha ‘oku ngofua ke lea pe tali ha fehu‘i ki ha me‘a ‘oku felāve‘i mo e fale ‘o e MEIDECC ‘i Matatoa, pe ko e lisi ‘o e TPL, pē ko e lisi ‘o e MEIDECC. ‘Oku tapu kii ha toe taha mei he pule‘anga´ ke ne tali ha fāhinga fehu‘i mei tu‘a pe mei he mītia. Ki ha toe faka‘eke‘eke makehe mo ha kautaha mītia ‘i Tonga ni, ko ia tokotaha pē ‘e ngofua ke lea.
Ko e toenga kotoa ‘o ha toe taha—‘o a‘u ki ha Minisita ‘o e Kapineti, CEO ‘a e pule‘anga, pe ha taha mei ha poate fakapisinisi ‘a e pule‘anga Tonga, ha tokotaha ngaue fakapule’anga pe —‘oku ‘osi taofi kotoa ke nau lea ki ai ke lea fekau‘aki mo e Hala Fakakavakava mei ‘Umusī ki Folaha mo Longoteme´.
Tapu’i ‘a e 88.1FM mo e Kalonikali Tonga
‘I he taimi tatau, kuo ‘osi tu‘utu‘uni he ‘ikai ke toe ngofua ki he kautaha fai‘ongoongo ko e 88.1fm mo e Kalonikali Tonga ke na toe kau ange ki ha toe Fakataha mo e Mītia (Press Conference) ‘a e ‘Ofisi ‘o e Palēmia.
Kuo toe tu‘utu‘uni foki ‘aneafi, ‘aho 19 ‘o ‘Aokosi 2026, he ‘ikai ke toe ngofua ke toe hū ange ha taha ngāue mei he 88.1fm pe Kalonikali Tonga ki he ‘ōfisi fakapule‘anga St. George Building ‘i ha toe fāhinga taimi. Kuo taofi faka‘aufuli ha‘anau toe hū ange ‘i he matapā ki loto, tatau ai pē pe ‘oku ‘i ai ha press conference ‘oku fai pe ‘ikai. Kuo tu‘utu‘uni ke ta’ofi kinautolu ki ha‘anau fiemāu ki he ‘ōfisi pe ha‘anau me‘a ‘i loto ‘i he ‘ōfisi lahi fakapule‘anga ko ‘eni.
Ko e St. George Building na‘e langa ia ko e tokoni mei he pule‘anga Siaina ki he kakai ‘o e fonua. ‘Oku tu‘u ai ‘a e ngaahi ‘ōfisi lalahi ko ‘eni:
‘Ofisi ‘o e Palēmia mo e Kapineti (pea mo e loki konifelenisi mo e loki fakataha‘anga ‘a e Kapineti).
‘Ofisi ‘o e Pule’anga Fakalotofonua (Local Government), ‘a ia ‘oku ‘i ai ‘a e kau pule fakavahe mo e kau ‘ōfisa kolo kotoa ‘o Tonga ni.
‘Ofisi ki he Potungāue Pa‘anga, ‘a ia ‘oku ‘i ai ‘a e Minisita Pa‘anga, CEO, mo ‘enau kau ngāue mā‘olunga kotoa.
‘Ofisi ki he Paasipooti mo e ngaahi ngāue faka’mikuleisini.
‘Ofisi ‘o e Palani Fakafonua (National Planning) ‘a e Pule‘anga Tonga.
Ko e tu‘u leva ‘eni ‘a e ngaahi me‘a kuo taofi fakamālohi‘i ‘e he ‘Eiki Palēmia ‘aki hono mafai fakapalēmia, ko ia ko e tokotaha ma‘u mafai lahi taha ia ki he pule‘anga Tonga. Ko e ha ha me’a ‘oku ne tu’utu’uni ke ta’ofi, kuopau ke ta’ofi ia.
Ko e Ngaahi Fehu‘i mei he Kakai ‘o e Fonua
‘I he hoko ‘a e tu‘utu‘uni ko ‘eni, ‘oku hā hake ai ‘a e ngaahi fehu‘i mahu‘inga mei he kakai ‘o e fonua:
Ko fē kupu‘i lao ‘i he Konusitūtone ‘a Tonga, pe ko ha toe lao kehe, ‘oku ne foaki ‘a e mafai ko ia ki ha Palēmia´ ke ne taofi ai ha taha ke lea pe fakamatala ki he palopalema ‘oku hoko ki he kelekele ‘i Matatoa, fekau‘aki mo hono kaniseli ‘o e sublease ‘e ia mo ‘ene Kapineti ‘o e 2026?
2. Ko fē kupu‘i lao ‘i he Konusitūtone pe lao ‘o Tonga ‘oku ne fakamafai‘i ‘a e Palēmia ke ne taofi ‘a e Minisita Fonua, CEO, pe kau ngāue mo e kau savea ‘o e Potungāue Fonua, Tokoni Sea ‘o ha Poate e ngaahi kautaha fakapule’anga, ke nau lea pe tali fehu‘i ‘o felave’i mo e lisi ‘a e TPL mo e toe lisi ‘a e MEIDECC ‘i Matatoa? Lolotonga ia, ‘oku tu‘u ‘i honau lakanga faka-ngāue (job description) ko e minisita, CEO, Tokoni Sea pe tokotaha ngaue, mo honau fatongia fakalao ke nau tali ‘a e fehu‘i mei he kakai mo e kau faiongoongo felave’i mo honua fatongia ‘oku fakangaue’i kinautolu ki ai. Ko kinautolu ia ‘oku fakangofua ‘e he lao ke nau lea mo fakamatala ‘a e me‘a mo‘oni ‘oku hoko, ka ‘oku ‘ikai ko e Palēmia ia ‘o ha fonua ke ne fai ‘a e ngāue ‘a e Minisita Fonua, CEO mo e kau ngaue fakapule’anga. ‘Oku hala ia faka-‘ēfika, faka-lao, pea mo faka-molale.
3. ‘Oku talaki holo ‘oku teu ke me‘a ‘a e ‘Eiki Palēmia´ mo ‘ene Kapineti´ ki Palasi ke fai ha hū louifi mo ha kole faingamālie. Ko e hā hono ‘uhinga ‘oku te‘eki ai ke ma‘u ai ‘e he kakai ha press release fakahangatonu mei he ‘Ofisi ‘o e ‘Eiki Palēmia, ki he ‘uhinga ‘oku teu ai ke nau ‘alu ki palasi ‘o hu louifi.
4. Ko e hā ‘oku fai ai ‘a e tatāpuni fale mo e tatāpuni ke LEA ‘a ha toe taha kehe mei he Palemia ‘o fakamatala pe tali ha fehu’i ki he ‘isiu ‘i Matatoa pea mo e Hala Fakakavakava Fanga’uta? Ko e ha e ‘uhinga ‘oku ke feinga ai ko eke tatapuni ha toe taha kehe ke lea ki ai? ‘Oku makatu’unga eni ‘i he ha? ‘Oku ‘i ai ha me’a ‘oku hala?
5. Ko e hā hono lōloa ‘o e vaha‘a taimi ‘oku tu‘utu‘uni ai ke tatāpuni kotoa ‘a e lea ki he ‘īsiu ‘i Matatoa mo e Hala Fakakavakava Fanga’uta?
6. ‘Oku ‘i ai ha me‘a fakapulipuli ‘i Matatoa pe ko e Hala Fakakavakava ‘oku feinga e ‘Eiki Palēmia´ ke ‘oua na‘a ‘ilo ki ai ‘a e kakai totongi tukuhau ‘o e fonua´? ‘Okapau ‘oku ‘i ai, ko e ha ‘a e ngaahi me’a ko ia?
Nuku’alofa, Tonga — Tonga High School was honoured on Wednesday morning, 19 August 2026, to welcome Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tuku‘aho and Mayor Webster Lincoln of East Palo Alto, California, USA, to the school grounds at Faa’imata.
The distinguished delegation was formally welcomed by Acting Minister of Education and Training Hon. Hu‘akavameiliku, the Acting Principal of Tonga High School, the President of the Ex-Students’ Association and shareholders.
The delegation first paid a courtesy visit to the Tonga High School Library, where a brief meeting was held, before proceeding to the School Hall for a special assembly attended by staff and students.
The formal programme was presided over by Rev. Dr. Feke Mafi and featured a welcome address by Acting Principal Mr. Solomone Tavalea Takai.
Mayor Lincoln then delivered remarks and introduced members of his delegation, which included a number of Tongans, to the delight of the school community.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Head Boy Prefect Mafi-Ta-E-‘Uluafi.
Following the assembly, Acting Minister Hon. Hu‘akavameiliku and the Acting Principal hosted a morning tea in honour of the visiting delegation, providing an opportunity to further strengthen the valued relationship and collaboration between the two communities.
For the staff and approximately 1,400 students of Tonga High School, the visit marked a particularly special occasion. Among schools across Tonga, prestigious Tonga High School was honored to be selected to receive the distinguished delegation from its sister city.
The school expressed its deep gratitude and pride at hosting the Crown Princess and the East Palo Alto delegation, describing the occasion as an important opportunity to further strengthen the enduring people-to-people ties between Tonga and the United States.
The visit also highlighted the shared relationships, initiatives and cooperation that continue to connect the two communities, with Tonga High School looking forward to building on those ties in the years ahead.
Deputy Chairman of the Common Utilities Board of Directors Mr. Siotame Tsutomu Nakao, Mr. Nikolasi Fonua and 88.1FM -People’s Radio Director Mr. Etuate Lavulavu
Kuo fakahoko ‘e he Tonga Power Limited (TPL) ‘enau kole fakamolemole ki he kakai ‘o e fonua’, hili ia ha ngaahi ‘aho ‘o e taufetongi hono tāmate’i ‘o e ‘uhila’ (rotational power outages). Na’a nau tali foki ‘oku ‘ikai ke a’usia ‘a e tu’unga falala’anga faka’uhila ‘oku ‘amanekina ki ai ‘e he kakai ‘o e fonua’.
Ko e tali ko eni´ na’e hoko ia ‘i he lolotonga hono talanga’i ‘e he Tonga Power ‘a e faingata’ia faka’uhila ‘oku lolotonga hoko hili ia e maumau ‘enau minisi senoleita lahi taha´. ‘A ia kuo ne holoki lahi ‘aupito ‘a e iví malava ke tufaki ai e ‘uhila’ ‘i he fonua’.
FAKATAHA FAKAVAVE MO E MĪTIA
Na’e ui ‘e he Tonga Power ha fakataha fakavave mo e ngaahi kautaha faiongoongo’ ‘i he Tūsite, ‘aho 18 ‘o ‘Aokosi 2026, ke talanga’i ‘a e palopalema ‘oku hoko ki hono tufaki ‘o e ‘uhila’.
Na’e kau ki he konifelenisi mītia ko eni ‘a e Tokoni Sea ‘o e Poate Pule ‘a e Ngaahi Ngāue Tokoni (Common Utilities Board) ko Mr. Siotame Tsutomu Nakao pea mo e CEO Le’ole’o, Mr. Nikolasi Fonua, fakataha mo e kau fakafofonga mītia.
Na’e kau atu ‘a e ngaahi Kautaha Mītia ‘e ono ki he konifelenisi ko eni´:
Kautaha Fakamafolalea ‘a Tonga / Letio Tonga A3Z
88.1FM – Letio ‘a e Kakai
Letio Kele’a 91.5FM
Matangi Tonga
Letio 87.5FM
Kalonikali Tonga
Deputy Chairman of the Common Utilities Board of Directors Mr. Siotame Tsutomu Nakao, Kele’a Newreporter Ms. Milika Ulupano, Mr. Nikolasi Fonua and Mr. Etuate Lavulavu
MAUMAU ‘A E MISINI SENOLEITA ‘UHILA LAHI TAHA´
Fakatatau ki he fakahā ‘a e Tonga Power ki he mītia na’e tuku atu ‘i he ‘aho 18 ‘o ‘Aokosi 2026, ko e tu’unga ‘oku ‘i ai he taimi ni na’e kamata ia hili e maumau ‘a e misini senoleita lahi taha´ ‘i he Tokonaki, ‘aho 15 ‘o ‘Aokosi.
Ko e maumau ko eni´ kuo ne holoki lahi ai ‘a e lahi ‘o e ‘uhila ‘oku lava ‘o tufaki ke feau e fiema’u ‘i Tongatapu kotoa.
Telia na’a hoko ha mate faka’aufuli ‘a e ‘uhila’ (complete system blackout), na’e fakahā ‘e he Tonga Power ‘oku nau lolotonga fakahoko ha taufetongi hono pule’i mo tamate’i fakafeitu’u ‘o e ‘uhila’ (controlled, rotational load shedding). ‘O ‘i ai e ngaahi feitu’u kehekehe ‘oku nau a’usia ‘a e mate he ngaahi taimi ‘oku ‘osi vahe’i ki ai.
Na’e fakahā ‘e he Kautaha´ ‘oku taufetongi fakafeitu’u ‘a e tamate’i ko eni ‘a e ‘uhila ko ha feinga ke fakapotupotu tatau ‘a e uesia ko eni ‘i he ngaahi feitu’u kotoa pe pea ‘i he taimi tatau ‘oku kei tauhi ‘a e ‘uhila ki he ngaahi ngāue tefito mo mahu’inga ‘aupito, ‘o kau ai e ngaahi falemahaki, ngaahi sisitemi vai, mo e ngaahi feitu’u mahu’inga kehekehe pē.
Kae kehe, ki he ngaahi fāmili pea mo e ngaahi pisinisi, kuo hoko e mate fakafeitu’u ko eni ‘o e ‘uhila’ ko ha uesia lahi ki he ‘enau ngaahi ngāue faka’aho, ngāue faka-pisinisi, pea mo e malava ko ia ke falala e ngaahi fāmili ki ha founga tufaki ‘oku tu’uma’u.
‘AMANEKINA KE ‘OSI HONO MONOMONO ‘I HE UIKE ‘E UA
Na’e fakapapau’i mai ‘e he Tonga Power ‘oku lolotonga fai e ngāue ki hono monomono ‘o e misini senoleita ‘uhila na’e maumau’ pea mo e fakatetu’a ki ai’ ‘ee ‘osi ia ‘i loto ‘i ha uike ‘e ua.
‘Oku lolotonga faka’osi foki ‘e he Kautaha´ hono fokotu’u ha ongo misini senoleita ‘uhila fo’ou ‘e ua, ‘a ia na’e fakahā ‘oku fakatetu’a ia ke fe’unga hono lōloa mo e vaha’a taimi tatau pē.
Kae ‘oua kuo ‘ata ‘a e ivi tufaki ‘o e ‘uhila ko eni’, ‘oku fakatokanga ‘a e Tonga Power ‘e kei hoko atu pē e taufetongi hono tamate’i fakafeitu’u ‘o e ‘uhila’ ‘o fakatatau pē ki he tu’unga ‘oku ‘i ai e sisitemi pea mo e lahi ‘o e fiema’u ‘uhila’.
Kuo ‘osi tuku mai mo ha taimi tēpile ‘o e palani mate taufetongi ‘o e ‘uhila (load-shedding schedule) mei he ‘aho 17 ki he 23 ‘o ‘Aokosi. ‘Oku ha ai ‘a e feitu’u, ‘aho mo e taimi ‘e hoko ai e motuhia ‘o e ‘uhila.
Na’e fakahā ‘e he Kautaha´ ‘e lava pē ke ‘ikai fakahoko e tamate ‘uhila ko eni’ ‘i he taimi ‘e fe’unga ai e ‘uhila ‘oku ma’u’ ke feau ‘aki e kotoa ‘o e ngaahi fiema’u.
KO E HA E TU’UNGA ‘OKU ‘I AI ‘A E $18 MILIONA’?
Na’e fehu’ia ‘e he Talēkita ‘o e 88.1FM – Letio ‘a e Kakai, Etuate Lavulavu, pē ko e pa’anga ‘a e kau totongi tukuhau, fe’unga mo e TOP $18 miliona na’e vahe’i ke tokoni’i ‘aki e kakai’ ki he ’enau ngaahi totongi ‘uhila’, ‘oku ‘i ai ha founga tatau ki he $18 miliona’, ‘e lava ke vakai’i ke fakalelei’i ‘aki e palopalema ‘oku hoko ki he misini senoleita ‘uhila’ pea ke fakamālohia’i ‘aki e falala’anga ‘o e tufaki ‘uhila ‘a Tonga ni.
Ko e ngaahi fehu’i ‘a Lavulavu’, ‘oku fakatefito ia ‘o ‘ikai ngata pē ki he ngaahi mate fakafokifāa’, ka ki he kaveinga fakalukufua – pē ‘oku fe’unga nai e pa’anga ngaue (investment) ‘oku vahe’i atu ki he ngaahi naunau lalahi (infrastructure) ‘oku fiema’u ke fakahoko ‘aki ha ngāue ‘uhila falala’anga ki he kakai ‘o Tonga’.
‘Oku ‘ikai ‘uhinga ‘a e fehu’i ko eni’ ko ha fokotu’u atu ke ofe’i ‘a e pa’anga tokoni lolotonga ko eni’. Kā, ‘oku ne ‘ohake ‘a e fakakaukau pe ‘oku malava ke vahe’i atu ha toe pa’anga ngaue (investment) ke tokoni ki hono fakamalohia’i ‘a e ivi malava tufaki ‘uhila ‘a Tonga’.
Ki he kau totongi tukuhau pea mo e kakai’, ‘oku mahino lelei pē ‘a e me’a ni: kapau ‘oku fakamoleki e lau miliona ke tokoni’i ‘aki e kakai’ ke totongi ‘enau mo’ua ‘uhila’, ko e hā e me’a ‘oku fakahoko ke fakapapau’i ‘oku falala’anga ‘a e tufaki ‘o e ‘uhila?
“‘OKU FIEMA’U KE TOE LELEI ANGE ‘EMAU FAKAHOKO ‘A E FATONGIA’”
‘I he tali ‘a e ngaahi faingata’a ‘oku fehangahangai mo e kakai’, na’e tuku atu ‘e he Tonga Power ha kole fakamolemole mo e fakaha ‘oku nau ‘ilo’i ‘oku ‘ikai ke a’usia ‘a e tu’unga falala’anga na’e fakatetu’a ki ai ‘a e kakai’.
‘Oku kau ‘a e tali ko eni’ ‘i ha tali mahu’inga ‘aupito mei he Kautaha ‘Uhila ‘a e fonua, ‘i he taimi ‘oku ‘i ai ‘a e hoha’a mo e tokanga ‘a e kakai’ ki he toutou mate ko eni ‘a e ‘uhila’.
Na’e fakahā ‘e he Tonga Power ‘oku nau kei nōfo’i mo tukupā pē ke fakalelei’i ‘enau fakahoko ngāue’ ke a’usia e tu’unga falala’anga ‘oku ‘amanekina ki ai ‘a e kakai’ ki he tufaki ‘o e ‘uhila’ ‘i he fonua’.
‘I he lolotonga ko eni hono ngāue’i ‘e he Tonga Power ke fakafoki mai ‘a e ivi tufaki ‘o e ‘uhila’, ‘e siofi ofi pē ‘e he kakai’ ‘a e ngaahi tali ki he monomono fakavavevave ‘oku fakahoko he taimi ni’ pea mo e fakahū pa’anga vaha’a taimi lōloa ke ta’ofi ‘aki e fa’ahinga palopalema pehē ‘i he kaha’u’.
‘E hoko atu ai pē foki ‘e he Kalonikali Tonga ‘i hono muimui’i e tu’unga ‘oku ‘i ai e me’a ni pea mo lipooti e ngaahi liliu faka-ngāue fekau’aki mo e tufaki ‘o e ‘uhila ‘a Tonga’, ko e monomono ‘o e misini senoleita ‘uhila, pea mo e ngaahi fehu’i kuo langa’i hake fekau’aki mo hono ngaue’aki ‘o e pa’anga ‘a e kakai’ ke poupou’i ‘aki e kau faka’aonga’i ‘uhila’.
CDA Dr. Devon Brown, Human Trafficking Expert Dr. Sandra Morgan, Political Assistant Lavinia Taumoepeau
Dr. Sandie Morgan urges patience, restoration and trust for trafficking survivors
Nuku’alofa, Tonga — Human trafficking has emerged as a serious and deeply concerning issue facing Tonga, prompting increased attention to victim protection, prevention and community education as the country confronts allegations involving Tongan women and trafficking networks overseas.
In response to the growing concern, the U.S. Embassy in Tonga is strengthening its engagement with Tonga in the fight against human trafficking, bringing international expertise and awareness to the forefront.
On Tuesday, 18 August 2026, the U.S. Embassy Tonga hosted members of the Tongan media for a special Media Meeting Sync with internationally recognised human trafficking expert Dr. Sandie Morgan, coordinated by Dr. Devon Brown, Chargé d’Affaires and Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy Tonga.
The session provided journalists with important insight into how trafficking survivors should be approached, the importance of survivor-centred recovery, and the often-overlooked psychological impact experienced by those who work closely with victims.
Dr. Sandra Morgan- Human Trafficking Expert educating Tongan journalist with CDA Dr. Devon Brown listening intently
Charge d Affaires / Deputy Chief of Mission Dr. Devon Brown
“It is too early” to interview survivors
One of the most important questions raised during the meeting came from Tonga Broadcasting Commission Reporter Liliani Polutele and Katalina Siasau of Matangi Tonga, concerning Tongan women who have experienced alleged human trafficking in China and whether they should now be interviewed about their experiences.
Dr. Morgan stressed that, for survivors who have only recently returned home, it may be too early to expect them to recount their experiences publicly.
She emphasised that the immediate priority should be reintegration, restoration, safety and rebuilding their lives, rather than seeking detailed accounts of their trauma.
According to the guidance discussed during the meeting, survivors may need significant time and space to regain stability. Dr. Morgan highlighted the importance of allowing survivors to rebuild their lives, noting that even after an initial period of approximately 60 days, survivors may remain extremely fragile and may not yet feel ready to disclose everything they have experienced.
She stressed that recovery is not a quick process and that it can take years before a survivor begins to feel more secure and able to move forward, even if they are not yet thriving.
Rebuilding trust after losing hope
Dr. Morgan placed particular emphasis on trust.
For survivors of trafficking, returning home does not necessarily mean the trauma is over. Many may have experienced exploitation, deception, fear, isolation and profound loss of control.
Dr. Morgan highlighted the importance of creating an environment where survivors can gradually regain confidence in themselves, their families and their communities.
She also spoke about the devastating psychological impact of victims feeling that “no one was coming for them” — a sense of abandonment and hopelessness that can remain long after they have escaped the trafficking situation.
For this reason, empowerment must become a central part of recovery.
Rather than defining survivors by what happened to them, communities must help them regain independence, confidence, dignity and hope.
What is vicarious trauma?
Dr. Morgan also addressed an important issue for journalists, police officers, social workers, health professionals, counsellors and others who regularly hear or witness the traumatic experiences of trafficking survivors — vicarious trauma.
Vicarious traumatic stress refers to stress that can occur when a person is indirectly exposed to another person’s traumatic experience, including through listening to or supporting someone who has experienced trauma. It is also commonly referred to as secondary traumatic stress.
The U.S. State Department has similarly described vicarious trauma among professionals working with trafficking victims as negative reactions that can develop through repeatedly hearing or witnessing accounts of violence, abuse and trauma. Symptoms can include anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, irritability, nightmares, emotional numbness and loss of empathy.
The issue is not simply theoretical. A 2025 study of 256 anti-trafficking workers found that 58 percent reported secondary traumatic stress symptoms at a clinical level, with higher levels of vicarious trauma associated with greater intentions to leave their jobs.
This means that protecting survivors also requires protecting the people who work with them.
Education must begin with our children
Dr. Morgan also stressed the importance of prevention and education, particularly for children and young people.
She urged communities to educate both boys and girls about how human trafficking can begin and how traffickers may use seemingly attractive offers to gain trust.
For vulnerable young people, approaches involving fake marriage proposals, promises of money, employment, travel or a better life can become pathways into exploitation.
The recent allegations involving Tongan women travelling to China for arranged marriages have brought this danger into sharp focus. Tongan police are investigating allegations that women were lured into arranged marriages, while support organisations have identified indicators they say are consistent with internationally recognised human-trafficking indicators.
This has raised urgent questions for Tonga about how young people can be better educated to recognise deception before they become victims.
Prevention starts before the trafficker arrives
For Tonga, the challenge is not only responding after trafficking occurs.
It is also about ensuring that children, families and communities understand the warning signs before a trafficker has the opportunity to exploit vulnerability.
Economic hardship, limited opportunities and the desire for a better future can make false promises particularly powerful. That is why prevention must include education, economic empowerment, safe migration awareness, community support and strong systems for reporting suspected trafficking.
Dr. Morgan’s message was clear: communities must create environments where young people can ask questions, recognise danger and seek help without fear or shame.
A resource for Tonga’s fight against trafficking
Dr. Sandra Brown autographing her book for Tongan Journalists
During the meeting, Dr. Morgan also shared copies of her book, Ending Human Trafficking: A Handbook of Strategies for the Church Today, co-authored with Shayne Moore and Kimberly McOwen Yim.
The book focuses on understanding human trafficking, prevention, victim protection, prosecution, partnership and practical strategies for communities and organisations seeking to combat modern slavery.
The book was among resources provided to members of the Tongan media attending the meeting, alongside a lighter but memorable gift — sunflower butter lip balm.
For Tonga’s journalists, however, the most significant takeaway was far more serious: human trafficking requires informed reporting, survivor-centred approaches and a united community response.
As Tonga begins to confront this emerging threat more openly, the message from Dr. Morgan was not simply to find victims or tell their stories.
It was to restore them, protect them, empower them and help them rebuild their lives — while ensuring the next generation knows how to recognise trafficking before it happens.
Gifts received by Tongan Journalists from Dr. Sandra Morgan
Nuku’alofa, Tonga — The Ministry of Health welcomed Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tuku‘aho and Mayor Webster Lincoln of East Palo Alto, California, USA, to Vaiola Hospital on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties and cooperation between Tonga and the United States.
The distinguished delegation was received by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Reynold ‘Ofanoa, together with members of the Ministry’s Senior Leadership Team.
During their visit, the delegation toured key areas of Vaiola Hospital, including the Dental Department, Laboratory Section and Paediatric Ward, providing an opportunity to observe health services and engage with staff.
The visit also highlighted the continuing Sister City Partnership between the City of East Palo Alto, California, and the Kolofo’ou District of the Kingdom of Tonga, with both communities working to build meaningful cooperation and initiatives of mutual benefit.
Following the hospital visit, the Minister of Health and the Minister of Public Enterprises hosted a luncheon in honour of the delegation. The gathering provided an opportunity to recognise the importance of the partnership and discuss continued collaboration between the two communities.
The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Public Enterprises expressed their appreciation for the visit, emphasising the value of continued people-to-people connections and cooperation between the Kingdom of Tonga and the United States of America.
What is happening with the construction of the Parliament of Tonga? This construction is on land where an individual has already filed a lawsuit against the building of the Parliament of Tonga on land she has secured. She initially had an agreement for it, to build her business there, and she had already spent 6 million dollars that she borrowed from the Tonga Development Bank, guaranteed by the Government of Tonga.
The most tragic part is that the Parliament of Tonga knew very well there was already an agreement for this Businesswoman to build her business on many acres of land in Tufumahina.
The plan for her business was already well prepared. There was also an understanding with the TDB that they would loan her the first 6 million for the land. When that was done, she would continue her loan from TDB to continue building her business, large office buildings, and various other tourism businesses there.
But surprisingly, this company suddenly entered and took her map that was submitted for her business loan from the Development Bank. They diverted that opportunity and work plan, using it as their own business plan, and used their authority as the top management of TDB. They formed their business to build on the exact same location that was supposedly already given to her. But then this new company entered and took it, like intercepting a pass in a ball game, claiming it and running with it. It went as far as completing the groundbreaking ceremony, but as it turned out, they could no longer continue. A major storm hit TDB, sweeping away these individuals. Then it continued with the arrival of the former Speaker of the Parliament of Tonga during the 2022-2024 period, and they performed another interception, snatching the same land, which has now become the site where the Parliament of Tonga is currently being built.
Despite this, the Parliament of that time had already informed the foreign governments funding the Parliament of Tonga that there would be a legal lease to ensure their funding would be applied to land leased according to the land laws of Tonga.
The Parliament of Tonga did not back down at all on this matter. Instead, they kept insisting on building the Parliament there, even though warning letters to stop had already been issued, but it was not stopped.
At the same time, this Businesswoman went ahead and filed her caveat (or what is known as filing a legal claim to hold that land, so that no one can ever lease it out or lease it to secure a loan with the land legally).
As it stands right now, this business person has already filed their civil lawsuit against these individuals, including the Parliament and others who committed this massive interception, to the Court. This lawsuit is currently in the Supreme Court.
At the same time, this Businesswoman stated that the former CEO of TDB, the former Lawyer of TDB, and others are directly involved in this.
It remains a question as to which of the two sides will win this upcoming trial once this legal resolution is complete? This Tongan Businesswoman is using a Lawyer from Australia who is a foreigner. The question then is, why is this property or land not leased?
What lesson will we learn from what happened here? The question is, does this have an impact on the people of the country?
