The Minister for Internal Affairs in Tonga has released a first 100-day plan which she says will address issues affecting communities at the grassroots.
'Akosita Lavulavu Photo: VNP / Daniela Maoate-Cox
'Akosita Lavulavu said she wanted to encourage small business innovation to provide jobs, focus on the protection of women from domestic violence and promote regular sporting fixtures to help identify young talent as well as keeping communities healthy.
Ms Lavulavu said local government also needed to be strengthened so her ministry will add new standards.
"We're working on policy for the district and town officers as well as many other legislations we are working on at the same time but within the next 100 days we expect a handbook for the district and town officers to guide them in their duty and we are working very hard on this to make it happen. We have never had this, but we will make this happen."
'Akosita Lavulavu is also creating a grievance department within her ministry which had received the second highest number of complaints to the Ombudsman in the government sector last term.