Government of Tonga :: About Government (original) (raw)
About Government
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Posted by: Joyce Cocker on Sun, 09 Jan 2005 21:59:10
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was established in 1979 and continues to carry out its primary function of conducting the Kingdom's foreign policy and external relations. The interests of the country are pursued through Royal Visits, ministerial and official visits abroad, formal visits to the Kingdom, as well as through bilateral and multilateral consultations. Tonga's membership and active participation in Regional and International organizations gives further impetus to the nation's external relations. In pursuit of the nation's interests, the Ministry continues to consult closely with other agencies of Government to ensure a high degree of coherency with the common goal to attain the country's development objectives. Direct representation continues to be conducted from the High Commission in London, the Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, the Consulate General in San Francisco and the Consular Agency in Honolulu to the respective countries and areas to which they are accredited. With the establishment of its Immigration Division on 1st July, 2001 the Ministry formally took over the functions previously vested in the Ministry of Police relating to:- Immigration in accordance with the Immigration Act - Cap.62; Passports in accordance with the Passports Act - Cap.61; Nationality and Naturalization in accordance with the Nationality Act - Cap.59. All enquiries should be addressed to the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Fekitamoeloa 'Utoikamanu. Office Address : Location : Level 4, National Reserve Bank Building, Salote Rd, Nuku’alofa, Tonga. Postal : Ministry of Foreign Affairs, P. O .Box 821, Nuku’alofa, Kingdom of Tonga Telephone : (676) 23600 Fax : (676) 23360 Website : www.mfa.gov.to Email: info@mfa.gov.to / webmaster@mfa.gov.to
MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
Posted by: Admin on Mon, 01 Nov 2004 20:02:34
| The Ministry of Civil Aviation, set-up in 1980 under the Government Act and the Civil Aviation Act, is responsible for the overall administration and regulation of air transport services. These include the operation and maintenance of the various airports throughout the Kingdom, including fire and security services, navigation aids and meteorological services. Among the mandates of the Ministry of Civil Aviation is to ensure that air transport services and facilities are adequate to support social and economic development and to ensure a high degree of air transport safety. The Airports are under the direct administration of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. There are six (6) operational airports in the Kingdom namely Fua’amotu at Tongatapu, Lupepau’u at Vava’u, Salote Pilolevu at Ha’apai, Kaufana at ‘Eua, Mata’aho at Niuatoputapu and Lavinia at Niuafo’ou. Fua’amotu Airport at Tongatapu and Lupepau’u Airport at Vava’u provide international services. Appropriate legislation under the Ministry of Civil Aviation include the Civil Aviation Act, Aerodromes, Aircraft Offences, Nuku’alofa Airport (Water) Act, Carriage by Air Act etc. All enquiries should be addressed to the Secretary for Civil Aviation. Official Address : Location : Ministry of Civil Aviation, Salote Rd Nuku’alofa, Tonga. Postal : Ministry of Civil Aviation, P.O. Box 845, Nuku’alofa, Kingdom of Tonga. Telephone (676) 24144/24045, Fax (676) 24145,Website: http://mca.gov.toE-mail : info@mca.gov.to | HRH Prince Ulukalala Lavaka Ata , Minister for Civil Aviation Commencement Date : 24th January, 2001_Date of Birth :_ 12th July 1959_Career:_ 2004 - Minister of Civil Aviation; Minister responsible for Communications; Minister of Defence; Minister of Marine and Ports; Minister of Works and Disaster Relief Activities 2001 - Minister of Civil Aviation & Minister of Communications2000 - Prime Minister of he Kingdom of Tonga, Minister for Agriculture and Forestry, Minister of Fisheries, Minister of Marine and Ports1998 - Minister for Foreign Affairs & Defence1991-1995 - Commander of the Navy, Tonga Defence Services, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and DefenceEducation: 1998 - Master of Arts in International Relations, Bond University, Queensland, Australia1997 - Masters in Defence Studies, University of New South Wales, Australia1995 - Graduate Diploma of Strategic Studies, Australian Joint Services Staff College, Australia1988 - Diploma in Strategic Studies, United States Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island, USA. |
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MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE FORESTRY AND FOOD
Posted by: Admin on Mon, 01 Nov 2004 19:48:20
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MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE FORESTRY AND FOOD
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) is primarily responsible for the formulation and implementation of Government’s policies on agriculture and the marketing of the Kingdom's agricultural produce locally and internationally. The Ministry comprises 7 major functional divisions which include Finance & Administration; Policy & Planning; Research-Extension; Mechanical Services; Quarantine & Quality Management; Livestock and Forestry. The Ministry employs 288 staff and has extension offices in each of the island group of the Kingdom namely Vava’u, Ha’apai, Niua and ‘Eua.Agricultural production is the predominant activity in the economy, and the main source of foreign exchange earnings for the Kingdom. The main agricultural exports include squash, vanilla, coffee, kava, root crops, vegetables and fruits including coconuts. The legislation governing the core role and functions of the ministry include the following: Fruit Export ActForests ActPlant Quarantine ActPesticides ActCopra ActRhinocerous Beetle Act Animal Diseases Act. All enquiries should be addressed to the Director of Agriculture and Forestry. Office Address : Location : Vuna Rd, Nuku’alofa**Postal Address** : P.O.Box 14, Nuku’alofa, Kingdom of Tonga Telephone : (676) 23038, Fax : (676) 24271, 23093 E-mail : maf-hq@maf.gov.to |
 Hon. Tuita_,_ Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and FoodCommencement date : 15th October, 2002 Date of Birth : 31st March, 1951 Career : 2002 - Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food1998 - Governor of Vava’u 1992 - Tonga Consul General, USA 1989 - Tonga High Commissioner, UK 1986 - Chief Protocol/Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs 1980 - Counsellor, Tonga High Commission, UK 1979 - First Secretary, Tonga High Commission, UK 1978 - Assistant Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister’s Office 1972 - Official Translator, Prime Minister's Office**Education :**1977 - Certificate in Diplomatic Studies from Oxford University, United Kingdom1971 - University of Auckland, New Zealand |
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THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE
Posted by: Admin on Mon, 01 Nov 2004 19:45:25
| The Prime Minister’s Office is responsible for the formulation of His Majesty's Government's policies and the administration of its internal affairs, under the direction of the Prime Minister, in accordance with its following vision and mission:-Vision: To be the most efficient and effective organisation in the Public SectorMission: To provide leadership for efficient and effective government The Prime Minister's Office comprises two Divisions:-(i) Establishment Division- promotes and coordinates an effective policy formulation process, across the Civil Service;(ii) Administration Division - promotes and maintains the central processes of executive Government in accordance with the Constitution, and its functions are implemented through the following Department, Unit, Centre and Division:-1. The Department of Communications provides policy advice and regulates satellite, telecommunications, radio and broadcasting services.2. The Information Unit is responsible for the production of accurate information pertaining to Government's policies, initiatives and activities [and any amendment or review of such information], and its prompt dissemination to the public. 3. The Women & Development Centre is responsible for the formulation and implementation of policy on Women and development matters, provision of advice and support to women's groups, and identification of issues of special significance to women. 4. The Internal Affairs Division manages and administers national elections, provides central administration to the villages and outer islands, and necessary support services to the Office of the Clerk to the Legislative Assembly, and Offices of the Governor of Vava'u, Governor of Ha'apai, and the Government Representatives at 'Eua, Niuafo'ou, and Niuatoputapu.The functions of the Prime Minister's Office are governed by the following legislation:-(1) Act of Constitution of Tonga (2) Government Act (3) Legislative Assembly Act(4) District and Town Officers Act(5) Communications Act(6) Broadcasting Act(7) Radio Communications Act(8) Telegraph ActAll enquiries should be addressed to the Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet, Mrs. 'Eseta Fusitu'a.Official Address Location : Prime Minister’s Office,Taufa’ahau Road, Nuku’alofa, Tonga**Postal** : Prime Minister’s Office, P.O. Box 62, Nuku’alofa, Kingdom of Tonga Telephone (676) 24 644 Fax : (676) 23 888 Web Address: http://www.pmo.gov.to | HRH Prince 'Ulukalala Lavaka Ata Prime Minister Commencement Date : 3rd January, 2000 Date of Birth : 12th July, 1959 Career : 2004 - Minister of Civil Aviation; Minister responsible for Communications; Minister of Marine and Ports; Minister of Works and Disaster Relief Activities 2001 - Minister of Civil Aviation and Minister for Communications2000 - Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Minister of Fisheries, Minister of Marine and Ports 1999 - Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence 1991-1995 - Commanding Officer of the Navy, Tonga Defence Services, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Defence1981- Cadet Officer, Tonga Defence Services, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Defence**Education** 1998 - Master of Arts in International Relations from Bond University, Queensland, Australia 1997 - Masters in Defence Studies from the University of New South Wales, Australia1995 - Graduate Diploma of Strategic Studies from the Australian Joint Services Staff College, Australia1988 - Diploma in Strategic Studies from the United States Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island, USA |
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The Legislative Assembly
Posted by: Admin on Mon, 01 Nov 2004 19:01:13
THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
The King and the Legislative Assembly have the power to enact and repeal laws. The assembly comprises the 12 Cabinet Ministers, nine representatives of nobles and nine representatives of people.
The Speaker of the Assembly is being appointed by the King and all the other officers are being appointed by the Assembly. The latter makes its own rules of procedure for the conduct of its Meeting.
The representatives of the nobles and people hold office for a period of three years.
1999-2003 Legislative Assembly Membership
1.Cabinet Members and the Privy Councilors
| Prime Minister; Minister of Civil Aviation; Minister responsible for Communications; Minister of Marine & Ports; Minister of Works and Disaster Relief Activities | HRH Prince 'Ulukalala Lavaka Ata |
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| Deputy Prime Minister; Minister of Police, Prisons & Fire Services; Minister of Labour, Commerce & Industries | Hon. James Cecil Cocker |
| Minister of Health | Hon. Dr. Viliami Ta'u Tangi |
| Minister of Lands, Survey and Natural Resources; Attorney General and Minister of Justice | Hon. Fielakepa |
| Minister of Finance | Hon. Siosiua Tu'italukua T. 'Utoikamanu |
| Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries & Food | Hon. Tuita |
| Interim Minister of Education | Hon. Paula Sunia Bloomfield |
| Minister of Foreign Affairs | Hon. Sonatane Tu'akinamolahi Taumoepeau Tupou |
| Minister of Defence | Hon. 'Aloua Fetu'utolu Tupou |
| Governor of Ha'apai | Hon. Malupo |
| Governor of Vava'u | Hon. 'Akau'ola |
2. Nobles' Representatives
| Tongatapu | Vava'u | | -------------------------------------- | --------------- | | Hon. Tu'ivakano (Speaker of the House) | Hon. Tu'i'afitu | | Hon. Vaha'i | Hon. Fakatulolo | | Hon. Fohe | | | Ha'apai | 'Eua | | HRH Prince Tu'ipelehake | Hon. Nuku | | Hon. Havea Tu'iha'angana | | | Niuatoputapu | Niuafo'ou | | Hon. Fotofili | Hon. Fotofili |
3. Representatives of the people
| Tongatapu | Vava'u | | ---------------------------- | ------------------------ | | Mr. Samiuela 'Akilisi Pohiva | Mr. Trevor Guttenbeil | | Dr. Feleti Vaka'uta Sevele | Mr. 'Etuate Lavulavu | | Mr. 'Isileli Pulu | | | Ha'apai | 'Eua | | Mr. Fineasi Funaki | Mr. Sunia Fili | | Mr. 'Uliti Uata | | | Niuatoputapu | Niuafo'ou | | Mr. Sione Peau Haukinima | Mr. Sione Peau Haukinima |
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