Boost for Tongan fishing sector, Solomons police station being rebuilt, and anti-vax pastor deported
Japan's commitment to Tongan fisheries sector
The Japanese Government is committing $US1.5 million to provide equipment, including fishing boats, to aid Tonga's fisheries sector in its post-tsunami recovery.
Japanese Ambassador Kensaku Munenaga and Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni signed a contract last week.
The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai Disaster Recovery and Resilience Building Plan 2022-2025, announced by the Prime Minister on March 8, stated that the fisheries industry is suffering from considerable damages by the tsunami.
Tūtūkākā marina's Sunday-morning Tongan tsunami aftermath. Photo: Tania Whyte/ Northern Advocate
Sovaleni said many fishing boats were destroyed and lost in the January volcanic eruption and tsunami, as was relating equipment and facilities, costing millions.
The Prime Minister expressed Tonga's gratitude for Japan's assistance.
He says fish and fisheries are crucial to Tonga for food, transport, economic development and culture.
In March 30 fishing boats, eight tractors and essential food was gifted to Tonga by prominent New Zealand businessman Graeme Hart.
Hart sourced vessels that have already been built to send to communities severely impacted by the volcanic eruption and tsunami immediately with others being constructed in Fiji.
In Japan, about 30 fishing vessels were damaged by high tides from the undersea volcanic eruption.
Australia helping rebuild of ruined Solomons police station
Australian Federal Police (AFP) are supporting the rebuilding of the Kukum Police Station in Solomon Islands, which was ransacked and burned during riots last November.
It is being undertaken through the AFP's partnership programme with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).
The AFP said, in a press release, that the site, which is currently covered with dirt and fire ashes, will soon be cleared to allow the construction work to start.
The building will not only provide a new and better working environment for the RSIPF officers but will benefit communities across Honiara that need RSIPF services.
The new design was influenced by specific operational requirements requested by the RSIPF including multi-purpose operations and briefing room to service the upcoming 2023 Pacific Games operations.
Pastor turfed out for anti-vaccination comments
An Evergreen Church Pastor from Fiji has been deported from Vanuatu for allegedly breaching Covid-19 protocols.
The Daily Post said Pastor Joni Isireli was arrested on Tanna Island in line with a deportation order signed by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs, Ishmael Kalsakau.
The newspaper said Pastor Isireli told members of his congregation not to get vaccinated against the virus, which breaches the Covid-19 Task Force advice.
However, the Evergreen Church congregation on Tanna has turned to social media to challenge the Government to be fair with all other local organisations meeting in a similar environment.
Students returning to school in Tonga
All primary and early childhood school students in Tongatapu, Vava'u and Ha'apai in Tonga will return to school on Monday.
Students at all other levels are already back in their classrooms.
The Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni said the government has moved because in recent weeks they have seen encouraging results in the fight against Covid-19.
The midnight to 5am curfew will remain in place.
Vaccination rates stands at 98 percent for the first dose, 91 percent for the second dose and 58 percent for booster shots.
Vaccination rates for children aged between five and 11 years stand at 46 percent.
The government also confirmed that all repatriated passengers from New Zealand, Australia and Fiji will have five days in managed isolation.
In four weeks the quarantine period will be cut to three days.
Torching of cannabis plants
French Polynesian authorities have incinerated more than 1000 cannabis plants which were found across the territory.
Local authorities found the plants through three different operations in three different locations last month and continue to look for suspects.
The plants were burnt as a cannabis legalisation conference was being held in Faa'a.