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COMMENTARY: Prime Minister Pōhiva warned about use of circulars, said they muzzled Opposition MPs

By
Kalino Latu
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EDITOR’S NOTE: This commentary was edited to reflect the fact that the response from the Deputy Clerk was meant to say that the Parliament using the circular was a normal means of communication.

COMMENTARY: It is time for the practice of using circulars to make decisions in Parliament was reviewed.

Circulars should only be used on agendas that are urgent.

They should not be used on important issues such as pay rises for Parliamentarians.

Such issues should be properly debated in the House so that they can be recorded in the minutes for the public to read and also broadcast for people to listen.

As Kaniva News reported yesterday, the government’s use of a circular to canvas MPs’ views on a pay rise has been called into question.

However, the Legislative Assembly’s Deputy Clerk, Dr Sione Vikilani, said the circular was a normal means of communication approved by the House and any information sent through it was legal.

In Tongan he said: “Ko e tohi ‘avetakai ko e founga ngāue pe ‘oku ‘ataa ke ngaue’aki pea ‘oku ‘ikai ke ta’efakalao ha tu’utu’uni ‘i hono fakahoko ‘i he founga koia”.

Dr Vikilani did not respond to a question asking why a circular was used to ballot the pay hike and not a face-to-face voting in the House.

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In 2018 Tonga’s former Prime Minister, the late ‘Akilisi Pōhiva, warned that using circulars in Parliament was open to abuse.

Speaking to Kaniva News, Pōhiva said the use of circulars was normal but did not allow for discussion.

MPs, especially the Opposition, could not debate whatever agenda was being circulated.

He said that traditionally Speakers and the Noble’s representatives, who were mostly the majority  in the House, used it to ballot issues they wanted to be decided in their favour.

The late Prime Minister’s comments were made during an interview in 2018 about the decision to approve an invitation from the Tonga Rugby League for a Parliament delegation to attend a match.

The decision was adopted through a circular, by collective resolution of Parliament.

Prime Minister Pōhiva’s concerns are just as relevant today as they were four years ago.

Debates and voting in the House must be open so that all citizens can see how their MPs voted and debate can be held in public.

This was illustrated in our story yesterday when Dr Vikilani would not say how MPs voted on the circular. 

A Parliament with secrets is not truly democratic.

Photos reveal dangerous state of disrepair inside Ngū Hospital in Vavaʻu

By
Kalino Latu
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Shocking images exposing dangerous structural decay inside Ngū Hospital in Vavaʻu have unleashed fierce criticism, as frustrated residents point to years of government promises to build a replacement facility — promises that vanished without action.

Photos uploaded by Neiafu Town Officer Vava Lapota reveal the deteriorating state of Ngu Hospital, with a hazardous floor hole and crumbling door frame among the visible damage.

One of the photos shows a gaping hole in the hospital floor, directly beside a hospital bed or medical trolley.

The hole exposes broken flooring material and a dark cavity beneath—posing an immediate danger to anyone walking or working near it. The image highlights how parts of the hospital appear to be literally falling apart under the feet of staff and patients.

Another photo reveals severe structural failure around a doorway, with crumbling concrete, broken wall surfaces, and debris scattered across the ground.

The area inside the room appears filled with damaged materials, giving the impression of long‑term neglect and abandonment rather than an operational health facility.

It comes after Kaniva News reported about four years ago, in 2022, that Ngū Hospital was facing serious infrastructure problems, including leaking and outdated buildings. At the time, senior cabinet ministers described the situation as urgent and unacceptable.

The then Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Dr Viliami Uasikē Lātū, said the conditions were “inappropriate and pitiable” (“’tu’unga ‘ikai fe’unga mo faka’ofa”). Posting in Tongan on Facebook after a ministerial site visit, he wrote: “It is in a dangerous state and really needs reconstruction urgently.”

Dr Lātū inspected the hospital alongside the then Minister for Health, Dr Saia Piukala, and the Minister for Justice, Sāmiu Vaipulu. They were accompanied by the United Kingdom High Commissioner to Tonga, Ms Lucy Joyce, and the First Secretary to the Australian High Commission.

Two years later, on 7 November 2024, the World Bank announced the approval of a US$30 million grant to help Tonga address the growing burden of non‑communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes and heart disease. The funding was also intended to support the reconstruction of Ngū Hospital.

Public Outcry as Photos Confirm Years of Neglect

Neiafu Town Officer Vava Lapota published the images on Facebook this week, describing the condition as rotten (“popo”), triggering a wave of frustration among local residents, many of whom say the photos confirm long‑standing warnings about the hospital’s deteriorating condition.

Some commenters expressed disbelief that the main hospital for the Vavaʻu island group could be allowed to fall into such disrepair, while others questioned how patient safety and dignity could be maintained in such conditions.

One outraged commenter pointed out that while authorities are urging the public to clean up amid dengue outbreaks, the very institution that should embody cleanliness and safety — the hospital itself — is in a state of chaos and neglect.

“We never thought one of the main hospitals in Tonga could ever end up in this kind of danger,” a commenter wrote.

Another commenter pointed out that past governments repeatedly promised to renovate the hospital, yet none of those pledges ever materialised.

Last year, the Australian High Commission in Tonga announced on Facebook that the redevelopment of Vavaʻu’s Prince Wellington Ngū Hospital was “a project close to our hearts,” noting that work with key partners was progressing.

The post said the Australian team had joined the Ministry of Health and the World Bank to mark early milestones, confirming that design work for the new hospital building would begin soon. Tonga’s Ministry of Finance has allocated AUD $10 million from Australia’s budget support funds to the national project.

Remaining land from Hunga eruption continues to erode, new aerial survey finds

By
Kalino Latu
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The last fragments of land created by the devastating 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha‘apai eruption are continuing to erode, according to new aerial observations released by Tonga’s Ministry of Lands, Survey, Planning and Natural Resources.

The remaining remnant of Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha‘apai continues to erode, as shown in this aerial image captured during the recent volcanic survey. Photo/Supplied

The deadly eruption and tsunami resulted in three confirmed deaths in Tonga, according to official reporting by the Tongan government and the United Nations at the time.

The victims included British national Angela Glover, a 65‑year‑old woman from Mango Island, and a 49‑year‑old man from Nomuka Island.

The tsunami’s impact was also felt internationally, with high waves causing two deaths in Peru, bringing the total number of fatalities linked to the disaster to at least five.

The latest finding emerged during a United States–supported reconnaissance flight conducted on 17 February 2026.

The Ministry confirmed that during the survey, the remaining section of Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha‘apai showed no visible signs of volcanic activity, but the landmass continues to shrink as the sea steadily reclaims what is left of the once‑significant island formed in the years before the 2022 explosion.

The update was issued in a public notice following an invitation from the United States Embassy in Fiji, which arranged for the Prime Minister of Tonga, Lord Fakafanua, MEIDECC CEO Mr Sione Akau‘ola, and Deputy CEO for Natural Resources Division, Mr Rennie Vaiomounga, to board a demonstration flight of a U.S. Government Pacific regional jet.

The flight doubled as an opportunity to assess multiple active volcanic sites across Tonga.

Aerial checks confirmed that no steam, ash, discoloured water, or other indicators of unrest were visible at Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha‘apai. The Ministry reported that only the eroding remnant of the island formed prior to the 2022 eruption remains, highlighting how dramatically the landscape has changed since the explosion that triggered a Pacific‑wide tsunami.

Images released with the notice show the reduced landmass from both distance and close‑range perspectives.

The survey team also inspected Tofua Volcano, where gas emissions confirm the volcano remains active but stable. Low to moderate steam and gas emissions were observed at the Lo‘uta crater, with plumes rising to moderate heights.

The Ministry reported no ash emissions or volcanic explosions during the flight.

The mission included an assessment of Home Reef, one of Tonga’s most active submarine volcanoes in recent years. While the notice did not include detailed observations in the visible section, the Ministry confirmed the site was part of the aerial survey.

The U.S. regional jet, originally intended for Pacific Heads of Government travel, allowed Tongan officials an opportunity to view remote volcanic areas from the air—an important component of hazard monitoring in a nation vulnerable to rapidly changing geological conditions.

The Ministry said such cooperation strengthens Tonga’s ability to track volcanic unrest and respond effectively to emerging risks.

One man still missing as search continues after dramatic rescue of two Tongans at sea

By
Kaniva Staff
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A search operation remains underway for one man still missing at sea after two Tongans were rescued following more than ten days adrift about 200 kilometres off the coast of Tonga.

The vessel Mysterious Wonder, from which one crew member remains missing after two men were rescued more than ten days adrift off Tonga.

As Kaniva News reported earlier, the pair were located yesterday morning by a Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) P‑8A Poseidon and brought safely on board the Royal New Zealand Navy vessel HMNZS Canterbury last night.

Tonga Police have not yet issued a public statement on the rescue or the ongoing search.

Deputy Commissioner ‘Atunaisa Taumoepeau confirmed to local media that one man from the vessel Mysterious Wonder remains missing, and that his identity is being withheld.

Taumoepeau described the missing man’s details as “critical information”, saying they would not be released while the search continues.

The RNZAF aircraft had originally been en route to conduct maritime surveillance related to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the South West Pacific when it was diverted for the emergency search.

The request came from Maritime New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre after the vessel was reported overdue.

The 11.5‑metre wooden boat had departed Tongatapu on 8 February. Authorities were formally notified on Tuesday that the vessel and its crew had not returned as expected.

The search is being carried out as a large-scale joint operation involving the New Zealand Defence Force, Tonga Police Maritime, the Tonga Navy, Tonga Meteorology Services, and several private agencies that have offered vessels and support.

Inspector Kisina of Tonga Police Maritime is leading and coordinating the mission on the Tongan side, with multiple agencies working together under challenging conditions.

Taumoepeau said all agencies remain on standby and will continue the search until Tonga Police Maritime issues formal direction.

“We are all waiting upon the Maritime before the operation is suspended,” Taumoepeau reportedly said.

Tilila Siola’a Walker’s ponzi scheme trial set for March 2027, U.S. prosecutors confirm

By
Kalino Latu
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The U.S. Attorney’s Office has confirmed that Tilila Siola‘a Walker, the Tongan woman charged in 2023 over an alleged mulit-million Ponzi‑style investment scheme, is now scheduled to stand trial on 1 March 2027.

Tilila Siola‘a Walker, who faces U.S. federal charges over an alleged Ponzi‑style investment scheme, is scheduled to stand trial in March 2027.

The clarification followed Kaniva Tonga News’ request for an update and its alert to U.S. authorities that Walker is now linked to promoting BG Wealth Sharing, a scheme officially branded a “scam” by financial regulators in both Tonga and New Zealand.

In its official response, the U.S. Office said it had forwarded Kaniva Tonga News’ information to the attorneys currently managing the matter, but stressed that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is bound by a strict communications policy that prevents it from commenting on any potential new investigations.

In an email to this outlet, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office wrote:

“As you may know, the policy of the U.S. Department of Justice is to neither confirm or deny an investigation, so I cannot say whether or not there is an investigation into any current happenings.”

This means that U.S. federal prosecutors will not publicly state whether they are examining new claims or recent developments connected to Walker, including any additional schemes she is alleged to be promoting.

However, in a significant development in Walker’s 2023 Ponzi‑scheme case, the U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed:

“Ms. Walker’s trial is now scheduled for March 1, 2027, a year away. This is to give the defense the time to prepare for trial.”

Investor Funds Spent on Casino Trips and Shopping

U.S. regulators allege that Walker (also known as Tilila Walker Sumchai) orchestrated a major Ponzi‑style investment scheme that defrauded members of the Tongan American community across the United States.

According to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Walker raised approximately US $11.8 million from more than 1,000 investors between January and October 2021 through a fraudulent securities offering.

The SEC’s complaint states that Walker promoted an investment she named “Tongi Tupe,” claiming she used a secret algorithm that guaranteed extremely high returns.

Investigators say she first targeted respected Tongan American community leaders, paying them unusually large returns to build trust and legitimacy. These leaders, believing the scheme was genuine, then hosted meetings and promoted Tongi Tupe to broader groups within the community.

According to the SEC, Walker promised impossible profits, including claims that a US $3,000 investment would return US $146,000 in just 16 weeks. In reality, the SEC alleges that Tongi Tupe produced no legitimate investment returns.

Instead, Walker operated a classic Ponzi scheme, using money from new investors to pay earlier participants. The complaint further alleges that she diverted investor funds for personal expenses, including casino trips, travel, and shopping.

Kaniva News understands that Tongans in New Zealand and Australia—particularly members and affiliates of the Tonga Democratic Party (PTOA)—were heavily invested in the scheme, as Walker was one of the prominent figures within the diaspora group at the time.

The SEC filed civil charges against Walker in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, accusing her of violating multiple U.S. securities laws, including anti‑fraud provisions and rules prohibiting the sale of unregistered securities.

Regulators are seeking permanent injunctions, a conduct‑based injunction, disgorgement of profits, civil monetary penalties, and an order barring Walker from serving as an officer or director of any company.

FBI Urges Potential Tongi Tupe Victims to Come Forward

In its 2023 public notice, the FBI urged anyone who believes they were affected by Walker’s Tongi Tupe investment program to come forward and assist federal authorities.

The Bureau said it is legally required to identify victims in fraud cases and asked potential victims to complete an official questionnaire, noting that the information provided may help the investigation and allow agents to contact individuals for further details.

The FBI stressed that responses are voluntary but important for determining the scope of the alleged fraud.

Fresh judging controversy reignites Tongan mistrust of Miss Pacific Islands — despite reform promises

By
Kalino Latu
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Commentary – Fresh controversy at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant has reignited anger among Tongan supporters, who say the regional event continues to betray their trust despite public assurances of reform.

The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant has once again been swept into controversy. Photo/Miss Pacific Islands Pageant

Many are again urging the Tongan government to consider withdrawing from future participation unless the pageant delivers credible, transparent change.

The current backlash does not exist in a vacuum.

Just a year ago, allegations surfaced that Samoan lawyer Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt—then the head judge for the 2025 pageant—had interfered with the final results, awarding the crown to Miss Samoa, Litara Ieremia‑Allan, instead of awarding it to Miss Tonga, Racheal Guttenbeil, whom critics argued was the rightful winner.

The claims were serious enough to prompt a police investigation in the Solomon Islands and travel restrictions on Brunt. Authorities there stopped him at the border and questioned him over suspected “fraudulent activities.”

He denied any wrongdoing and was later allowed to leave, but the episode cast a long shadow over the competition and eroded public trust—especially in Tonga.

Tonga’s dilemma: participate or protest?

In the wake of that scandal, Tongan fans called on the government to step back from the pageant. Yet Tonga still sent Miss Heilala, Siosi‘ana Patricia Lavulo Taumoepeau, to compete in Fiji this year.

Some supporters responded with a targeted protest: boycotting the popular online vote.

That threat appears to have materialised. Tonga lost the online voting title—previously held by Miss Guttenbeil—to Miss Papua New Guinea this year, a visible signal of grassroots frustration.

With the 2025 dispute unresolved, the Solomon Islands withdrew from this year’s competition in Fiji, citing concern over the lack of progress in addressing the controversy.

For many Tongan observers, that decision echoed the very trust issues they have been raising for months.

Vow to reform

Media reports during the MPIP contest in Fiji stated that the regional pageant had pledged to reform its judging process, although no details were provided about what those reforms would involve.

During one of the events, some Tongan observers noticed a heavily stapled envelope—apparently containing the scorecards—being presented on stage.

They joked that perhaps this was the “reform,” a tongue‑in‑cheek reference to the 2025 controversy, when it was alleged that the envelope containing the judges’ scores had been opened before reaching the MCs who were meant to announce the winners.

2026 result lights the fuse

Despite the reform promise, this year’s final result only sharpened the debate. Fiji’s Ailava Samuels was crowned Miss Pacific Islands, with Papua New Guinea’s Iampela Popena and Samoa’s Iliganoa Feagaimali‘i Soti named first and second runner‑up respectively. Miss Tonga became the third runner-up.

Within minutes, viewers across the region erupted online questioning whether the heavy presence of Fiji-affiliated judges gave the host nation an unfair advantage.

From Papua New Guinea, Anna Bais of the Miss PNG team said she was disappointed with the outcome and called on organisers to release the judges’ scorecards, as reported by ABC News.

Critics across the region described the situation as “a bad look for the Pacific,” and renewed calls for stronger oversight and transparency.

What Tonga wants—before next time

For Tongan supporters, the question is no longer who wins a crown, but whether the crown still carries credibility. If the pageant is to regain Tonga’s trust, several concrete steps are expected:

  • Publish full scorecards for all rounds, with judge names anonymised but affiliations declared.
  • Independent audit of scoring and tabulation, with a public summary report.
  • Conflict‑of‑interest rules that clearly govern judge selection, host‑nation affiliations, and backstage access.
  • Balanced judging panels with regional representation that avoids host‑nation dominance.
  • Appeals and review mechanism for contestants and national committees, with clear timelines.
  • A reform timeline published before the next pageant cycle, including who is accountable for delivery.

Until such measures are in place—and demonstrably enforced—Tongan supporters will continue to question the integrity of the competition and the wisdom of remaining involved.

For a pageant meant to celebrate Pacific unity, credibility is the true crown.

Cocaine detections surge in workplace drug tests across New Zealand

By
Kaniva Staff
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New workplace drug‑testing data shows a sharp rise in cocaine detections across the country, signalling what experts say is a concerning shift in New Zealand’s drug‑use landscape.

The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) has released its results for the three months to December, revealing that cocaine appeared in 3.7 percent of all positive tests — more than double the rate recorded in the previous quarter.

TDDA identified Bay of Plenty, Auckland West, and Waikato as the regions showing the steepest increases.

Under New Zealand employment law, employers are allowed to carry out random drug testing, but only in specific circumstances. Random testing typically applies to safety‑sensitive roles — such as transport, construction, forestry, logistics and manufacturing — where impairment could pose serious risks.

It must also be explicitly stated in the employee’s contract or in the company’s formal drug and alcohol policy. Without this, employers risk breaching privacy rights or opening themselves to legal challenges over unjustified testing.

Chief Executive Glenn Dobson told broadcaster Mike Hosking of Newstalk ZB that the upward trend is worrying, especially alongside New Zealand’s already well‑established methamphetamine problem.

“New Zealand already has a strong use base of methamphetamine, and now we’re starting to see a real increase in cocaine usage, which is a real concern for us,” Dobson said.

Industry experts say the rise may reflect changing drug supply lines, increased workplace testing, or shifting social patterns — but all agree the new data points to a growing presence of cocaine in New Zealand communities.

TDDA conducts tens of thousands of workplace drug tests annually across sectors including transport, construction, manufacturing and logistics.

The latest figures suggest employers may need to prepare for a wider range of substances appearing among staff.

The agency is expected to release a full breakdown of its annual statistics later this year.

Further Mapelu meth arrest as Police vehicle collides in Halaloto pursuit

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tonga Police have arrested two men following a drug‑related incident in the Halaloto area on 17 February 2026, after officers received information concerning the alleged sale of methamphetamine in the community.

Police identified the suspects as a 38‑year‑old man from Mapelu and a 31‑year‑old man from Fatai.

According to police, officers promptly located the suspects’ vehicle in the Lomaviti area.

When signalled to stop, the driver failed to comply and attempted to evade police, resulting in a collision with a police vehicle. A brief foot pursuit ensued before both individuals were apprehended.

Drug utensils and cash believed to be proceeds of illicit drug sales were seized at the scene. Both suspects have been charged, and investigations are ongoing.

Previous Arrest in Mapelu

Last month, a 29‑year‑old man from Mapelu was also arrested after officers found methamphetamine, drug utensils and Tongan paʻanga in his possession.

He was charged with possession of illicit drugs and drug utensils and is expected to appear in court at a later date.

The series of arrests reflects ongoing police operations targeting methamphetamine distribution in the area.

Tonga Police reaffirmed their commitment to reducing drug harm and safeguarding communities, and continue to urge the public to report any information relating to drug‑related activity.

For further media inquiries, contact the Tonga Police Media & Public Relations Office on 740‑1613.

RNZN rescues two men adrift nearly 200km off Tonga

By
Kaniva Staff
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A coordinated Royal New Zealand Navy and Air Force operation has successfully rescued two men found drifting in an 11.5-metre wooden vessel nearly 200 kilometres off Tonga’s coast.

The crew of the Mysterious Wonder wave as the P-3 Orion. (Source: Supplied)

The pair, travelling aboard the boat Mysterious Wonder, left Tongatapu on February 8 and were reported missing earlier this week.

Their disappearance triggered an urgent search led by New Zealand authorities.

Search Aircraft Diverted Mid-Mission

A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3 Orion, originally tasked with a maritime surveillance flight targeting illegal fishing activity, was redirected on Tuesday by Maritime New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre to begin searching for the missing vessel.

The Orion crew flew to Fiji to establish an overnight base, beginning their search at first light yesterday. At 10.15am, they located Mysterious Wonder drifting approximately 105 nautical miles south of Tonga.

A photo taken from the aircraft showed the two men standing on the cabin roof, waving a flag to signal their position.

HMNZS Canterbury Turns Around to Assist

HMNZS Canterbury, which had been returning from Tokelau where Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro marked a century of New Zealand’s administration of the territory, immediately changed course after receiving the distress call.

The Navy ship had been en route toward the Kermadec Islands but diverted to rendezvous with the drifting boat. A seaboat was launched to retrieve the two men, who were safely brought aboard Canterbury.

They were later airlifted back to Tonga on an NH90 helicopter.

Rescue Praised as Model Joint Operation

Commander Wayne Andrew, Canterbury’s Commanding Officer, praised the efficiency and coordination shown by all Defence Force personnel involved.

“This was an excellent combined effort to locate and rescue the crew members,” he said.
“The P-8A crew did a fantastic job locating the vessel in a large search area. We were fortunate to be in a position to assist the two men.”

Following the rescue operation, Canterbury resumed its planned mission to Raoul Island, where Navy personnel will support MetService and Earth Sciences New Zealand in upgrading critical weather, tsunami and volcanic monitoring systems.

Former Minister Vātau Hui reportedly sent to Hu‘atolitoli prison

By
Kalino Latu
-

Former Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament Vātau Hui has reportedly been sent to Hu‘atolitoli prison, according to a broadcast this afternoon by Letiō ‘a e Kakai FM 88.1.

Former MP Vātau Hui

Reporter Tapinga Lavemaau of the radio station reported that Hui was found guilty in the Supreme Court of Tonga, after being charged under sections 124 and 112 of the Criminal Offences Act.

He said the hearing took place in October 2025, and the case was registered as CR223/2024.

Under the Tongan Criminal Offences Act, section 124 covers indecent assault, while section 112 addresses common assault. Section 124(3)(a) states that a person found guilty of indecent assault “is punishable by a term of imprisonment for any period not exceeding five years.”

The station did not release any further details about the alleged detention.

The report comes months after Kaniva News revealed in 2024 that police had charged Hui in relation to allegations made by a woman from Ha‘ateiho, who accused him of indecent conduct and harassment.

At the time, Hui strongly denied the accusations in later comments to Kaniva News, calling them fabricated and saying he intended to file a counter‑complaint against the woman.

Hui was ousted in last year’s general election by Lata‘ifaingata‘a Tangimana, who now serves as Minister of Finance.

Kaniva News was unable to reach the relevant authorities for comment.

Pita Lolohea sentenced for break‑in and theft at Ministry of Internal Affairs

By
Kaniva Staff
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Nuku’alofa — The Supreme Court of Tonga has sentenced Pita Lolohea to a term of imprisonment for breaking into the Ministry of Internal Affairs, stealing electronic equipment and damaging government property during an incident in March 2025.

Lolohea pleaded guilty in November last year to serious housebreaking, theft and serious wilful damage.

The court heard that on 23 March 2025 he unlawfully entered the Ministry’s Kolofo’ou offices, where he stole a camera, two Apple tablets and four Samsung tablets worth a total of $14,756.

He also damaged six interior doors valued at $2,610. Police later recovered all the stolen items after executing a search warrant at his residence in Popua.

The Crown submitted sentencing recommendations that included a partially suspended imprisonment term, noting Lolohea’s early guilty plea and cooperation after arrest. Prosecutors also cited several previous decisions to guide the court’s consideration.

A presentence report from the Probation Office assessed Lolohea as a high risk to the community and recommended imprisonment. The report detailed his personal circumstances, including family responsibilities and the breakdown of his relationships following his remand in custody.

In sentencing, Lord Chief Justice Malcolm Bishop KC emphasised the seriousness of breaking into and damaging a government building. He said the court had a duty not only to rehabilitate but also to deter others from similar offending.

However, he acknowledged Lolohea’s remorse, early plea and his cooperation with police. A letter from the Police Chaplain describing Lolohea’s character also influenced the court’s decision to consider partial suspension.

For serious housebreaking, the court imposed a sentence of three years’ imprisonment, with the final 18 months suspended for two years on conditions that include probation supervision, compliance with directions on residence, completion of an Alcohol and Drugs Awareness Course and reporting to Probation upon release.

For theft, Lolohea was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment to be served concurrently. For wilful damage, he was ordered to complete 80 hours of community service within the suspension period.

The court clarified that Lolohea will serve a total of 18 months in prison, followed by a 12‑month suspended period, with the sentence backdated to reflect the time he has already spent in custody.

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