Tongan Government

Sixty-two residents of the remote Mango Island have had to relocate to nearby Nomuka Island after losing their homes and belongings, and the government warned they may have to relocate again to the main island due to food and water shortages.

The government also released the names of the two Tongan nationals who died in the tsunami: Lataimaumi Lauaki, a 49-year-old woman from Nomuka; and Telai Tutu’ila, a 65-year-old man from Mango Island. They were buried in the days after the disaster.

The bakeries have been allowed to operate on Sundays since 1982, after a state of emergency was declared following a cyclone, but church leaders says it must end.

Tonga has traditionally been strongly opposed to commercial trading on a Sunday.

The commerce minister, Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa, said the government wants a compromise and it has been talking with the various stakeholders, including the public through talkback radio.

"The government can see the mood of the people on the expected change and we may make a decision this week or next week," Mr Tu'i'onetoa said.