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Well, the week began well here in Tongatapu with some cool refreshing rain drenching the land. I've got a little system worked out for editing (composing) these files so the hope is definitely there that you can get the news on a regular basis from the Kingdom of Tonga.

samt

[<iSnapShot>] Tonga on the 'NET

Loseli Hafoka has been quietly plodding away at his field and has developed a rather nice website for Tonga High School's ex-students at http://www.lavalink.com.au/~loseli/tonga_high/ . The site also hosts a thought provoking discussion, message board for those particularly interested in Tonga High School but with broader emphasis on issues relating to Tonga.

Tuna Stocks.High Level Fisheries talks in Hawai'i will determine whether Tuna stocks in unregulated waters in the Pacific can be protected. Under the proposed treaty, any country can enforce regulations. Treaty members would survey the existing Tuna stock and make proposals whether stock controls are necessary. In such a regime the United States or any member state can enforce, stop vehicles caught in the act of unsanctioned fishing.

Anzac day observations (April 25th) this year commerates the 85th anniversary of the ANZACs landing in Anzac cove during the Gallipoli landing. Anzac day became a symbol of war losses and bravado for members of the Australia, New Zealand Army Corp and has been observed ever since by ANZACs and their partner islanders to commemmorate loss and bravery in all wars. This year the observance proceedings will be at the New Zealand High Commission residence at 5:45 am and will be lead by members of the Salvation Army.

Vava'u Development.The European Union is evaluating together with the Vava'u Development Committee are reviewing development projects in Vava'u as a continuation into the 3rd phase of funding in Vava'u which will include Agriculture, Fisheries, and Tourism projects. Proposal reviews are being surveyed over the next couple of months jointly with assistance of the Ministry of Agriculture. The Union's funding in previous years has consisted of major development projects including a new agriculture market, new facilities at the Lupepau'u Airport and road infrastructure.

Eagles and Barbarians.Tonga's Sea Eagle's ruggers (Rugby Players): Semisi Faka'osifolau and ___ were selected to join a Barbarians team representing South Pacific Island rugby teams in this year's April 23rd Japan ..... Two team members are selected from each of various South Pacific Islands and trip funding is provided by Japan's Rugby Board.

Local netball competitions started Saturday April 15th. One of the objectives of this year's competitions is to select a national Under 21s squad. After Saturday's competition a training squad was isolated from which coaches hope to narrow the field down to 10 playing members for the national team. The Under 21s squad (as expected) has a number of high school students on the team.

Tropical Cyclone Neo is somewhere off the coast of Tonga so although the islands will be missed (hopefully) there is still the tail effects which show up as rain and winds. Warnings were broadcast for fishermen to ...

Tonga High School's Ex-Students' Association is preparing for invited members to attend commemoration activities of the school's 53rd year to be held in Sydney, Australia. The 1997 AGM of Ex-Students' accepted an invitation for commemoration services to rotate between different ex-student chapters (especially those overseas.) This (2000) is the 1st invitation for commemmoration services to be held overseas. During this weeks Ex-Students' radio program, panel members noted the validity of transferring services overseas as many of the ex-students' are now residing overseas.

One key reasoning for excitement at this proposal is the encouragement it provides for ex-students overseas to create their own chapters to retain fellowship of ex-students and continue assistance to the school. Local designs are for at least 50 ex-students from Tonga to attend the proceedings, likewise it is expected that ex-students from New Zealand, the USA, and other parts of Australia will be attending.

  April 24th - Yamaha Fishing Tournament sponsored by Jones Limited as promotional activity for their range of Yamaha outboard motors. Funds raised from registrations will be donated to the 'Atenisi Institute of Performing Arts.

[<iSnapShot>] Legalese

Disclaimer: Please make use of the information provided at your own risk. Although we make some effort to faithfully transcribe information we recieve we do not perform any research as to the validity of the information we recieve. Do not invest resources solely on the information provided by these releases.

News for this newsletter is gathered from available print news publications, conversations with locals and non-print broadcasts.

For a more 'researched' report on current events in Tonga, please find yourself a copy of the local media releases. Reference to Media Publications are in our Media pages. Of course you can always ask for specifics on the discussion forums.