Tonga Focus Issue 1 by Nuku'alofa Times

Volume 1 Issue 1 Your Fortnightly updates of Government news and events

COVER STORY

HM opens Tonga’s first National Symposium on Illicit Drugs

Friday 15th October 2021

New Australian High Commissioner to Tonga

His Majesty King Tupou VI opened Tonga’s first National Symposium on Illicit Drugs at Taufa’āhau Tupou IV Domestic Wharf on October 6th 2021. Nuku’alofa (MEIDECC): In his address, His Majesty stated that Tonga is no longer free of drugs but rather very much part of the global struggle against illicit drug. He said that this is not just a problem for the police to deal with but it is a national issue that requires an urgent integrated national response. His Majesty also spoke about the late King Tupou I five key lessons in nation building and addressing future development challenges. The five lessons include the dedication of Tonga to God, prioritizing people’s education, developing the land and country, upholding core functions of culture and tradition in the Tongan society

and the late King Tupou I aspiration that all citizens of the Kingdom of Tonga were secured, independent and free. “As Christians we need to reinforce our communities and more so our families as strong cohesive units. They need to be grounded in our Christian values and show God’s compassion for the drug users in finding a Christian solution to their abuse.” “Educating every one of the effects of illicit drugs should become a priority area for any future government. Our government must allocate and prioritize finances towards this important endeavor as a matter of urgency.” con’t on page 03

Nuku’alofa (MEIDECC): On 29 September, Australia’s High Commissioner designate Rachael Moore presented her credentials to His Majesty King Tupou VI, formalising her appointment as the Australian High Commissioner to Tonga. “The close and enduring relationship between Australia and Tonga is underpinned by deep historical and cultural ties. This year is the 51st year of diplomatic relations between our nations”, HE Rachael Moore, Australian High Commissioner to Tonga

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Trans fats Campaign Launched in Nuku’alofa

Nuku’alofa (MEIDECC): The Ministry of Health in partnership with the Tonga Health Promotion Foundation launched a 6-weeks Healthy Eating Campaign focusing on ‘Trans-Fats’ or ‘Ngako Fakasinokehe’i’ on Friday, October 8 at the Digicel Square, Nuku’alofa. The guest of honor of the occasion was the Minister of Health, Honorable Associate Professor ‘Amelia Afuha’amango Tu’ipulotu and it was attended by stakeholders and other officials. This is the third Healthy Eating Campaign aimed at increasing awareness and knowledge on healthy food and nutrition for the prevention and control of non communicable diseases. The previous campaigns focused on reducing sugar and salt intake in 2019 and 2020 respectively. The focus of this year’s campaign is on fats, in particular – trans fats. ‘Trans fats’ or ‘Ngako Fakasinokehe’i’ are types of fats present in the foods we eat. There are two main types of trans fats – natural and artificial trans fats. Natural trans fats are naturally present in small amounts in meat and milk fat. Artificial trans fats are partially hydrogenated oils produced during a process that turns vegetable oil into solid fats at room temperature. These industrially produced trans fats are DANGEROUS and are HARMFUL to our health. We must avoid eating foods that contain high amounts of

artificial trans fats. Studies have shown that artificial trans fats or partially hydrogenated oils significantly increases risks to heart diseases. Eating a diet high in artificial trans fats also decreases good cholesterol and increases bad cholesterol that can damage the inner lining of your blood vessels causing blockages that can cause heart attacks and may lead to death. They are also associated with increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Dr. ‘Ofa Tukia of Public Health at the Ministry of Health stressed that artificial trans fats are most common in food that we eat daily and the campaign aims at increasing awareness of its harmful effects. “Artificial trans fats are found in many fried foods and processed foods that we eat every day, including; deep fried fast foods that use solid vegetable fat or shortening, margarine, commercially baked products such as cakes made with cake mixes, pies, doughnuts, pizza and biscuits, as well as pre-

packaged snacks and foods,” she said. Trans fats are used extensively in the production processed foods to make them last long and enhance their taste. “The campaign aims at increasing the public’s awareness and knowledge on the negative health impact of trans fats and to reduce their consumptions of process foods that are high in trans fats,” says Dr. Tukia. “To avoid eating too much of foods that contain high amounts of trans fats, we recommend people eat more local vegetables and fruits and healthy local foods. Our local foods are much more nutritious and healthier”, she said. Mrs. ‘Ofeina Filimoehala, CEO of TongaHealth acknowledges the good

partnership TongaHealth has with the Ministry of Health to develop these Healthy Eating Campaigns over the past three years. She also acknowledges the funding support from the Development Partners – European Union and the Government of Australia and Government of Tonga for these campaigns. She added that TongaHealth fully supports this initiative, as it is aligned with its main roles in the prevention of the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) epidemic in Tonga. The campaign will run for six weeks on TV, radio, press and social media, text messaging (SMS) and materials distributions such as billboards, coreflutes, posters, brochures, t-shirts, banners and small billboards displaying throughout Tonga.

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HM opens Tonga’s first National Symposium on Illicit Drugs from page 01 “This is a critical development challenge that we need to share with our development partners so that adequate resourcing can be allocated towards a proper rehabilitation institution with the appropriate and accompanying human and financial resources.” “Our social structures and values must be integrated into our response to counter the spread of illicit drug. Any foreign solution without much thought to our culture and tradition will not be sustainable and will not address the root causes of the use of illicit drugs in our societies. “We must find better and more innovative solutions to support all our border agencies in their efforts to secure our country against the transportation and transshipment of illicit drugs.” He said drone technology, satellite maritime tracking technology and greater regional border control cooperation are three existing avenues that can be further explored in order to secure Tonga’s border. He also challenged the symposium to ponder on proposed pragmatic strategies that could be implemented with available resources. His Majesty also encouraged the attendees to develop ways to stop the supply of illicit drugs and its demand. “It is of critical importance to understand that there is no other freedom more costly

HM King Tupou VI

than the freedom of choice. This symposium is one opportunity for us to make the right choice and contribute in our own way to support the right decision.” Prime Minister Hon Rev Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa said, “In 2019 the Cabinet approved the National Illicit Drugs Policy and a National Drugs Steering Committee was established.” Under the direction of the steering committee, a working committee was also set up headed by the Acting Commissioner for Police Lord Fielakepa. The working committee has submitted a working plan to the Minister for Police and Minister for Finance to utilize the $5 million Pa’anga that has been approved to counter the use and spread of illicit drugs in Tonga. Hon Tu’i’onetoa said the outcome of the symposium will be reported to His Majesty King Tupou VI, Cabinet and stakeholders. The theme of the National

Symposium is ‘Working together for a Drug Free Tonga’. The opening ceremony were attended by Her Majesty Queen Nanasipau’u, Her Royal Highness Princess

Salote Mafile’o Pilolevu Tuita, Lord Tuita, Cabinet Ministers, Members of the diplomatic corps, People’s Representatives, Church leaders, government officials and guests.

Kingdom of Tonga INVITATION TO QUOTE GOODS

SUPPLY MEDICAL EQUIPMENT ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AND INSTALLATION FOR MINISTRY OF HEALTH Date: 21st September 2021 Project Title: Tonga Climate Resilient Transport Project Source of Funding (grant no.): IDA389-TO Contract Name: Package 9.A Supply of Medical Equipment – Electrical Equipment and Installation for the Ministry of Health Contract Ref: TO-MFNP-250640-GO-RFQ This project is financed by the World Bank through the above grant. The Ministry of Finance invites sealed quotations from eligible bidders for Package 9.A: Supply Medical Equipment – Electrical Equipment (1 x 500KVA Generator, 4 x 15 -20KVA Portable generators and 3 x UPS) and Installation for the Ministry of Health to deliver to the address below. The delivery should be completed within 06 months from the date of contract signature. A complete set of Request for Quotation (RFQ) documents in English will be provided to interested eligible bidders upon the submission of a written application to the address below. Quotations must be delivered to the address below by email on or before 04:00pm (Tongan Time) 15th October 2021. Late quotations may be rejected. The address referred to above is: Attention to: Ana Fakaola Lemani Financial Management Specialist Central Services Unit Ministry of Finance Nuku’alofa, Tonga. E-mail: alemani@finance.gov.to and copy to amuteteli@finance.gov.to and stvaenuku@gmail.com

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COP26 Stakeholder Consultation and UK Photography Exhibition in Vava’u Neiafu (MEIDECC): On Thursday the 30th of September 2021, the British High Commission in collaboration with the Ministry of MEIDECC held consultations on Climate Change with stakeholders in Vava’u. The consultation took place in Maama Mo’onia Hall at Mailefihi-Siu’ilikutapu College in Neiafu. The participants at the consultation were stakeholders from government ministries, nongovernment organizations, women’s groups, district and town officers, communities and the private sector. The Governor of Vava’u, Reverend Lord Fakatulolo was Guest of Honour at the event. The British High Commissioner Her Excellency Ms. Lucy Joyce in her remarks stated that, “The UK is committed to working with Tonga and joining forces with civil society, businesses and those on the frontline of climate change to inspire climate action ahead of

The TONGA FOCUS is published fortnightly for Tonga by NUKU’ALOFA TIMES MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS of Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu KINGDOM OF TONGA Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: ILIESA TORA EMail: iliesatora2012@gmail.com Phone: (+676) 864-2633 Production: TEVITA SILIVA EMail: silvergreen8@gmail.com Phone: +676 7745984

COP26. Today’s stakeholder consultation is just one part of our commitment, and your commitment (stakeholders) to support building a Resilient Tonga”. Tupou Havea who is currently a Form 7 student at Saineha High School and the Winner of Vava’u’s secondary schools Speech Competition gave a heartwarming speech on the importance for Tonga to re-visit traditional knowledge and methods of fishing to help preserve marine resources that are being depleted as a result of climate change. She mentioned the importance of Special Management Areas (SMAs) and urged that fishermen should fish wisely and responsibly. In his keynote address the Governor of Vava’u Reverend Lord Fakatulolo used the analogy of an aging planet earth to describe the changing environment and as stewards of the land we need to be more responsible and caring towards the natural resources afforded to us.

To commemorate this event and Tonga’s ongoing relation with the British government, a tree planting ceremony took place where Her Excellency Lucy Joyce planted a Heilala Tree in support of climate actions and Tonga’s NDC target to plant 1 million trees by 2023. During the consultation process the different stakeholders were allocated into groups and assigned key questions to discuss impacts of climate change on their sector/ village/community, proposed actions to address the issues and proposed timeframes for implementation. A representative from the Women’s Group voiced the issue of ‘changing weather patterns’ and their concern for ‘flooding occurring in places that never flooded before’. From the Government group there was recommendation to introduce legislation to make tree planting a mandatory activity to encourage reforestation. The private sector group

Tupou Havea

recommended establishing an ‘emergency fund’ to help businesses located near coastal areas i.e. resorts, hotels to recover after a cyclone event. The consultations concluded with closing remarks from the CEO of MEIDECC Mr. Paula Ma’u.

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Tonga Asset Managers & Associates Limited

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Preserving Traditional Tongan Dance With Performing Arts Initiative

Job Vacancy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Position 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 Tonga Asset Managers & Associates Limited seeks to appoint a Chief Executive Officer. Applications are welcomed from individuals who possess outstanding strategic thinking capacity, demonstrated leadership capability and superior management skills. The CEO role is particularly commercially focused, skilled in supporting innovation and providing direction to substantial change management initiatives at the policy, systems and process levels. The role will work closely with the Board of Director, Stakeholders, Private Sectors not only as Chief Executive Officer, but also in defining and developing major organizational reforms aimed at optimizing the return on Shareholder’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 role will be to: Provide the Board 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 TAMA Lead implementation of organizational & system changes to improve productivity Model cross-Public Enterprises and whole of government collaboration to ensure high standards of communication and customer service. Term of appointment: Contract term – 4 years Interested candidates who wish to apply MUST submit their letter of application together with CV, certified copies of qualifications and transcripts and any other supporting documents. All applications are to be forwarded to the Management office of TAMA, Small Industries Center, Ma’ufanga or send an electronic copy to email:tamal.sic@gmail.com no later than 4:00pm Friday 29th October 2021. Applications should be addressed to the Chairman, Board of Director, Tonga Asset Managers & Associates Ltd, P.O. Box 382, Nuku’alofa. Applications can be submitted by emailed to: tamal.sic@gmail.com Applicants should provide their curriculum vitae and address the selection criteria for the position in their covering letter. Remuneration: Based on the Public Enterprise’s CEO Remuneration package for TAMA. JD can be provided by Management Office, Tonga Asset Managers & Associates Ltd, Small Industries Center, Ma’ufanga. Telephone # 21-880 or 23-880 or email:tamal.sic@gmail.com Sincerely, Tonga Asset Managers & Associates Limited Small Industries Center Ma’ufanga

The Culture & Heritage Division of the Ministry of Tourism will end their outerislands traditional Tongan dance lessons at ‘Ohonua, ‘Eua on Friday, 8 October 2021, with a dance recital. As part of the Ministry’s Performing Arts Initiative of preserving traditional Tongan dance, 6-week dance lessons were taught at Vava’u, Ha’apai and ‘Eua respectively. This initiative is part of the Culture & Heritage Division’s campaign to preserve authentic and proper tau’olunga and faiva fakaTonga dance motions. CEO for Tourism, Mr. Sione Finau Moala-Mafi stated that there is concern that many dance motions have been modernized and worry that the traditional Tongan dance techniques will be forgotten. The Deputy Director, Ms. Pulupaki Ika and staff of the Culture & Heritage Division

initiated this Performing Arts program which has been offered at Tongatapu since 2017 and was introduced at the outer-islands this year. The goal is to teach our youth the basic foundation of Traditional Tongan performing arts. There were 4 different classes taught to students ranging from the early age of 5 to young adults. Over 230 students participated at Vava’u, Ha’apai and ‘Eua combined for this round, these numbers reflect the interest and support by its participants and their families. The Tongan dance initiative will continue at Tongatapu in the weeks to come. The Ministry of Tourism would like to thank the participants and their families for taking part in this program and for your efforts in preserving Traditional Tongan Performing Arts.

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FANONGONONGO KOLOA PEKIA NOTICE OF DECEASED ESTATE SIOSIFA FAINGA‘ANUKU TU‘I ‘Oku ou fanongonongo atu heni ke mea‘i he kakai kotoa pe koe ‘uhi ko e koloa ‘a e pekia ko Siosifa Fainga‘anuku Tu’i ‘o Makave Vava‘u, Tonga, na’e pekia ‘i he ‘aho 15 ‘o ‘Epeleli 2021. ‘Oku ou ‘amanaki kole ki he Fakamaau’anga Lahi ki hono tohi mo pule‘i e koloa ‘a e pekia. Ko ia ko kimoutolu ‘oku ‘i ai ha‘amou mo‘ua pe ‘oku mou tauhi ha ngaahi mahu‘inga ‘o fekau‘aki mo e pekia pe ‘oku ‘i ai ha mo’ua ki ai ‘o e pekia, ke mou fakafe‘iloaki mai kiate au ‘oku fakamo‘oni hingoa ‘i lalo ‘o ‘ikai ke to e tomui ange ‘i he ‘aho 5 ‘o Tisema 2021.

SIOSIFA FAINGA‘ANUKU TU‘I ‘Oku ou fanongonongo atu heni ke mea‘i he kakai kotoa pe koe ‘uhi ko e koloa ‘a e pekia ko Siosifa Fainga‘anuku Tu’i ‘o Makave Vava‘u, Tonga, na’e pekia ‘i he ‘aho 15 ‘o ‘Epeleli 2021. ‘Oku ou ‘amanaki kole ki he Fakamaau’anga Lahi ki hono tohi mo pule‘i e koloa ‘a e pekia. Ko ia ko kimoutolu ‘oku ‘i ai ha‘amou mo‘ua pe ‘oku mou tauhi ha ngaahi mahu‘inga ‘o fekau‘aki mo e pekia pe ‘oku ‘i ai ha mo’ua ki ai ‘o e pekia, ke mou fakafe‘iloaki mai kiate au ‘oku fakamo‘oni hingoa ‘i lalo ‘o ‘ikai ke to e tomui ange ‘i he ‘aho 5 ‘o Tisema 2021.

Fakamo’oni (Uaifi) – ‘Esiteli ‘Asinate Pasikala Tu‘i. Makave Vava‘u, Tonga. Ph: 7795664.

Fakafofonga Lao: Sisi Kakala Vaipulu Ebrahim, Law Practitioner at Vaipulu Law Office, Nuku‘alofa, Tongatapu. Ph: 23543.

MTO Ref. 6321 5 October - 5 December 2021

Fakamo’oni (Uaifi) – ‘Esiteli ‘Asinate Pasikala Tu‘i. Makave Vava‘u, Tonga. Ph: 7795664.

Fakafofonga Lao: Sisi Kakala Vaipulu Ebrahim, Law Practitioner at Vaipulu Law Office, Nuku‘alofa, Tongatapu. Ph: 23543.

MTO Ref. 6321 5 October - 5 December 2021

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Kolomotu’a GMS celebrates opening of new school facility

Nuku’alofa (MEIDECC): A new school building with two classrooms for Kolomotu’a Government Middle School was commissioned yesterday, September 30 under Japan’s Grant Assistance for GrassRoots Human Security Projects (GGP). The total cost of the facility was USD$88, 000. Japanese Ambassador to Tonga, H.E Mr. MUNENAGA Kensaku said GGP has contributed in achieving communities’ basic need since 1990. “GGP is like the Tongan proverb saying, ‘Even if it’s just a morsel of rock fish’. Therefore, even though the grant amount might be small, the assistance it provides is very significant.” “This is the second GGP to Kolomotu’a Government Middle School. In 2008, the Government of Japan supported the construction of

your washrooms and library, and today we handover this new school building with two classrooms.” The new building is partitioned, which can be drawn to form a hall. “I heard that due to the limited spaces, the Form 1 students’ classroom was the tents in the school ground and some classrooms were crammed full of students.” He said that a good education is the foundation for Tonga’s development and prosperity.

“It is our priority to ensure that all children enjoy their education in comfort. Education, especially primary education is extremely important to help children develop their capabilities and enhance their self-esteem.” “With our support, I hope that your circumstances for learning will be improved and all the students will study harder towards their promising future.” He acknowledged the parents and teachers association of

the Kolomotu’a Government Middle School for their continuous efforts to better the study environments of their children. H.E Mr. Kensaku also extends his sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Finance for their ongoing support towards Japan’s GGP projects over the years. The event was attended by the Minister for Education and Training, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku, government officials and guests.

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MINISTRY OF METEOROLOGY, ENERGY, INFORMATION, DISASTER MANAGEMENT, ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE AND COMMUNICATIONS (MEIDECC)

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST Procurement Assistant (PREP Tonga/CON41) Individual Consultant Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC) Pacific Resilience Program (PREP) Tonga Credit No: 5689 TO/Grant No.: D078 TO Assignment Title: Procurement Assistant Reference No.: PREP Tonga / CON41 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 Procurement Assistant. The Consultant service (“the Services”) required is to assist with implementation of all procurement activities for the project. S/he will ensure that all procurement is conducted in accordance with the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for Investment Project Financing Borrowers” July 2016 revised November 2017, August 2018 and November 2020 (“Procurement Regulations”) and the provisions stipulated in the Financing Agreement between the World Bank and the Government of Tonga for the Pacific Resilience Program (PREP). The duration of the assignment is 1 year. 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: Academic qualification and relevant experience Minimum BA/BS with a major in a relevant discipline (e.g Business Administration, Engineering, Commercial, Law) Minimum years of relevant experience: 1 year General competencies; Ability to function effectively in multi-disciplinary teams within a matrix management environment, and to promote collaboration in providing a range of procurement services. Essential Specialized Skills / Knowledge / Competencies Strong written and verbal communication skills in Tongan and English, with ability to prepare, present and discuss findings in written and oral form. Strong mathematical skills Proficiency in using Microsoft Excel and Word Knowledge and understanding of public procurement systems of the Kingdom of Tonga and of the World Bank’s (or other Donor’s) procurement policies, processes and practices would be an advantage Successful completion of relevant procurement courses will be considered an advantage. Examples of these courses are: World’s Bank’ Certificate Program in Public Procurement (CPPP) World’s Bank Certificate Program in Contract Management (CPCM) CIPS/UNDP Introductory Certificate in Public Procurement – CIPS Accredited, Level 2 CIPS/UNDP Advanced Certificate in Public Procurement – CIPS Accredited, Level 3 Diploma in Strategic Public Procurement, CIPS Accredited Level 4 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, August 2018 and November 2020 (“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 e-mail) by 15 October 2021. 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.co