Peace Corps Director Carol Spahn is visiting Tonga today, Tuesday 13.
She was expected to meet with partner government officials, volunteers, and community partners.
The Director’s visit highlights the agency’s commitment to supporting the development priorities of Fiji and Tonga, with a strong emphasis on meeting their requests for partnership on climate resilience and inclusive economic development.
The Director’s engagements include administering the oath of service to 19 new Peace Corps Volunteers in Tonga.
Director Spahn will meet with Peace Corps Volunteers and Blue Pacific Youth Champions to learn about their current projects and collaboration with community members.
As a signature program within the Blue Pacific Youth Initiative, the Blue Pacific Youth Champions are young leaders from rural communities across the Pacific who participate in a year-long program to learn about climate adaptation and resilience strategies and facilitate projects in their communities.
The Peace Corps is an international service network of volunteers, community members, host country partners and staff who are driven by the agency’s mission of world peace and friendship.
Jail term for drug offender who assaulted undercover officer
A drug dealer from Ha’alalo has been sentenced for methamphetamine possession and assaulting an undercover police officer during his arrest.
Mr Haisini Fonohema, 37, was charged with two drug possession offences.
He was found with 1.08g of methamphetamine, classified as a Class A illicit drug, and 0.08g of cannabis, classified as a Class B illicit drug.
He was also charged with assaulting a police officer by punching him three times.
His co-offender, Sosaia Palei, 39, received a suspended sentence.
Mr Palei was also charged with possessing drug paraphernalia, specifically a smoking pipe used for methamphetamine.
The charges arose from a police operation following information linking Mr. Fonohema to illegal drug activities.
An undercover officer approached Mr. Fonohema, posing as a drug user, and was able to obtain evidence leading to his arrest.
During the arrest, Mr Fonohema resisted and assaulted the police officer.
