The Prime Minister of Tonga, Honorable Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva, wishes to issue a public statement in response to articles published by various media organizations in recent weeks:

23 May, 2017. A search warrant executed by Police on Wednesday 17 May 2017 at a residence at Kolomotu’a, resulted in the arrest of a 45 year old man from Nukunuku, with 1 pack (0.40grams) of the illicit drugs methamphetamine or ICE. He has been charged with possession of illicit drugs.

22 May, 2017. The Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation was held in Beijing, China from May 14 to 15, 2017, with over 1500 participants including 29 Heads of State and Government, Secretary-General of the United Nations, more than 200 officials at ministerial and above levels from 110 countries and 61 international organizations.

22 May, 2017. A former justice minister in Tonga says by attempting to amend the constitution, the government is trying to grab absolute power.