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Deportees join together to help newcomers, overcome stigma and fight spread of drugs

By
Philip Cass
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A group of Tongans deported from the United States is working to help rehabilitate other returnees, but they say that getting financial assistance from the Tongan government has been a slow process.

Latu Liava’a. Photo/Screenshot (ABC)

Former drug dealer Latu Liava’a joined forces with four other Tongans deported from the United States to form Dare to Dream.

Katrina Ma’u Fatiaki, who is a member of the group’s board, told the ABC’s Pacific Beat  that the founders decided to use their experiences of reintegrating into Tonga to help others in the same situation.

“From there, they really prayed about finding key agents of change, people who will be wanting to make a difference,” she said.

Members began to meet deportees when their flight landed in Nuku’alofa.

Livia said he wished such a service had been available when he returned. He said he told deportees there was nothing to be ashamed of.

Chairman of the Dare to Dream board Dr Uhilamoelangi Fasi told he ABC there was a stigma attached to the word “deportee”, or “tīpota” in Tongan.

“Automatically, people think you’re a bad person,” Dr Fasi said.

Tongan Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni said the government had provided funding for organisations like Dare to Dream to support their reintegration programmes.

He also said the government established an inter-agency taskforce, led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, to focus on supporting returnees in-country.

However, Dr Fasi said the group had become frustrated trying to get funding through the government and its departments, he said.

This affected its activities and meant it could not always meet people at the airport.

Members of Dare to Dream are also involved in drug education programmes in schools and say young people are vital in combatting the kingdom’s growing drug problem.

Gangsters in Paradise

In 2019 Kaniva News reported on a hard hitting documentary, Gangsters in Paradise, which investigates the lives of deportees in Tonga.

Viewers learned that most of the deportees come from the United States, Australia and New Zealand.

Most of the deportees are men between 25-35 years and have usually done time for assault, robbery, burglary, theft and drug offences.

Most have lived outside Tonga for 20 years.

Many left Tonga as children or infants and have few cultural or family ties. This means they often become involved in the burgeoning drug trade to survive.

LWS Trading, RK3 Pacific Tonga Ltd shut down by regulator following customers’ complaints

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tonga’s sole financial regulator has closed LWS Trading and RK3 Pacific Tonga Ltd and filed complaints against them with Police.

It is understood LWS Trading was based in Tonga and was operating in partnership with RK3 Pacific Tonga Ltd which described itself on Facebook as having offices in New Zealand and Australia.

The companies’ services included transferring money from overseas to Tonga.

The news comes after Kaniva News published a story earlier this week raising complaints by customers of LWS Trading about their services.

Complainants alleged LWS office repeatedly told them their money has either yet to be received in Tonga or that a staff was sent to the bank to withdraw more cash while they were waiting.

The clients said they had to return home due to long waiting hours with no sign of the staff before they left.

Some complainants claimed it took weeks before they received their money while others alleged they were given differing excuses by the company.

In a statement this morning, the National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) said it wishes to inform the public that LWS Trading and RK3 Pacific Tonga Ltd operating from Ma’ufanga, have to date, engaged in unauthorized foreign exchange services, in contravention of the Foreign Exchange Control Act 2018 (FEC Act).

“Providing money transfer services is classified as foreign exchange services, which are legally restricted to Authorized Persons holding a valid license issued by the Reserve Bank, as specified in section 13(1) of the FEC Act 2018”, it said.

It also said LWS Trading and RK3 Pacific Tonga Ltd operators have been directed to immediately cease all unauthorized activities and apply for the requisite license from the Reserve Bank.

“This matter has also been reported to the Ministry of Police to ensure swift compliance and to facilitate any necessary legal actions.

“For Customers Affected by LWS Trading Operations and RK3 Pacific Tonga Ltd Customers who have been affected by the activities of LWS Trading and RK3 Pacific Tonga Ltd are encouraged to
contact the Non-Banks Unit through telephone 24 057 or mobile 8701460.

“NRBT is committed to assisting affected customers in addressing their grievances and providing necessary support during this period. Please reach out to us for assistance and further information.

The Reserve Bank again reminds the members of the public to refrain from transacting with any unauthorized foreign exchange business”.

‘A lot of fire, violence’: Nouméa burns as New Caledonia comes to a halt

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

There are long queues outside shopping centres in the New Caledonian capital Nouméa, amid unrest in the French territory.

The unrest comes amid proposed constitutional changes, which could strengthen voting rights for anti-independence supporters in New Caledonia. Photo: Screengrab / NC la 1ère

There are long queues outside shopping centres in the New Caledonian capital Nouméa, amid unrest in the French territory.

On Monday, there were demonstrations, marches and clashes with security forces in New Caledonia; and French High commissioner Louis Le Franc told the public broadcaster he had called for reinforcements to maintain law and order.

The unrest comes amid proposed constitutional changes, which could strengthen voting rights for anti-independence supporters in New Caledonia.

A Nouméa resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, told RNZ Pacific people have started panic buying in scenes reminiscent of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“A lot of fire, violence…but it’s better. I stay safe at home. There are a lot of police and army. I want the government to put the action for the peace (sic).”

Authorities have put in a curfew for Nouméa and its surrounds, from 6pm tonight to 6am tomorrow.

Airports are closed due to protest action.

Public services and schools in the affected areas announced they were sending staff and students home on Monday, and that they would remain closed for the next few days.

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters, who is on a five-country Pacific mission this week, has cancelled his visit to New Caledonia due to the unrest.

Peters and a delegation of other ministers were due to visit the capital Nouméa later this week.

All Black captain Sam Cane announces retirement from international rugby

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

Incumbent All Black captain Sam Cane has announced his retirement from international rugby.

Sam Cane Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Cane, who is currently playing for Suntory in the Japanese Top League, said the decision was “a very hard one”.

“I love playing for the team that I represent here in New Zealand. But that won’t be the case … ultimately we made the decision to sign with Suntory, I really enjoyed my first year here.”

Having played 95 tests (27 as captain), the 32-year-old has decided to sign a long-term contract with Suntory in Tokyo. Cane said that his family situation was the main motivating factor for the decision, with wife Harriet expecting another child soon.

“If I was a single bloke then I could just solely worry about myself, probably stick around in New Zealand and go another (World Cup) cycle … but I have to start thinking about others … once you hit that 30-year-old mark you start thinking about life after rugby and how I’m going to provide for my loved ones.”

Incoming All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said: “After discussing this at length with Sam, I fully understand the reasons behind his decision and support him. The position he plays asks a lot of you mentally and physically – both of those things ramp up when you are captain. So to do what he’s done over such a long period is an incredible feat. I fully respect him taking this opportunity.”

New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson also acknowledged Cane’s contribution.

“Sam is a special member of the All Blacks family and we have huge admiration for what he has achieved in the game. He has made significant contribution to New Zealand Rugby, and we are fully supportive of his decision to be with his family,” Robinson said.

32-year-old Cane’s last test for the All Blacks was the 12-11 loss to the Springboks in last year’s Rugby World Cup final in Paris. He was sent off in the first half for a dangerous tackle on Bok centre Jesse Kriel.

It capped off a tumultuous tenure in charge of the All Blacks for Cane, who also oversaw the team’s worst loss ever when they went down 35-7 to the Springboks at Twickenham last August, before rebounding to put on one of the greatest individual performances in the black jersey in the All Blacks’ 28-24 win over Ireland in the World Cup quarter final.

Cane has recently been out of action for Suntory for 10 weeks with a back injury.

Mama Hooch: New complaints laid over ‘historical incidents’ at notorious bar

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

Police are investigating fresh complaints in connection to “historical incidents” at the notorious central Christchurch bar Mama Hooch.

Photo: David Walker / Stuff

Brothers Danny and Roberto Jaz were sentenced last August to lengthy jail terms after they were found guilty of nearly 70 crimes, including rape, sexual violation and stupefying.

The pair used their positions at family businesses, including Mama Hooch and neighbouring Colombo Street restaurant Venuiti, to commit the slew of acts.

Both venues have since closed, and the company Jaz Holdings Limited was put into liquidation in early August.

A police spokesperson said since the Operation Sinatra trial last year, they had received three complaints relating to historical incidents at Mama Hooch.

“Police won’t comment on the specifics of the complaints but they are continuing to investigate.”

Both brothers have appealed their convictions.

One survivor of the case said there could be more women yet to come forward.

Sophie Brown said she was unsurprised new allegations had surfaced.

It was great to see complainants find the strength to come forward, as only a fraction of sexual assault cases get reported to police, she said.

Victims advocate Ruth Money said cases like this, which resurface when new allegations are made, can be a catch-22 for survivors.

“The trial itself was very triggering for a number of people particularly, of course, those ones who were the survivors who had disclosed at that time, but also these new ones who hadn’t disclosed yet.

“But what it says is that you’re not alone.”

Five arrested, more than 1.3 million cigarettes seized in Auckland

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

Five people have been arrested and more than 1.36 million illicit cigarettes, firearms, and a “substantial amount of cash” has been seized following searches in Auckland in recent days.

More than 1 million illicit cigarettes seized by Customs. (Source: NZ Customs Service)

The New Zealand Customs Service carried out a search on Auckland’s North Shore this morning, leading to the arrest of a 35-year-old man and the seizure of illicit cigarettes and a “large quantity of cash”. He was due to appear in the Auckland District Court this afternoon.

Today’s confiscations and arrest followed searches by Customs, assisted by police, on Friday involving three homes, a private catamaran, and a storage facility on the North Shore, as well as a commercial business in Greenlane.

Three men and a woman, aged between 35 and 45, were arrested and appeared in the North Shore District Court on Friday.

A substantial amount of cash, two firearms, ammunition, and further evidence was found at one of the residential properties, Customs said. Customs investigators also found 286 black rubbish sacks containing more than1,300,000 uncustomed cigarettes in the self-storage facility. The cigarettes equated to approximately $2 million in revenue evasion.

Ammo seized by Customs.
Ammo seized by Customs. (Source: NZ Customs Service)

The group members were facing multiple charges, including defrauding Customs revenue, possession or custody of uncustomed goods, sale of uncustomed goods, and participation in an organised crime group. Further charges were being considered.

Customs investigations manager Dominic Adams said the investigation, dubbed Operation Montreal, began in February 2024 in relation to a network of people believed to be responsible for the large-scale distribution of uncustomed cigarettes across Auckland.

Cigarettes seized by Customs.
Cigarettes seized by Customs. (Source: NZ Customs Service)

“Customs has a specialist investigations team that’s focused on tracking down smuggled tobacco to both combat tax evasion as well as other associated crimes and the serious consequences this can have on our communities,” he said.

“This issue is bigger than smuggling or selling cheap cigarettes. Customs is increasingly seeing that well-resourced organised criminal groups are often involved — with cigarette profits potentially being used to fund more serious crimes.”

A firearm and ammo seized by Customs.
A firearm and ammo seized by Customs. (Source: NZ Customs Service)

Anyone who knew or suspected someone was involved in illegal smuggling was been asked to call Customs on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768), a 24-hour confidential hotline, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Fisherman rescued from sea in Tonga

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A fisherman had been taken out to sea before spending about a day swimming before arriving at the island of Monotapu, reports said. 

The victim was rescued by some good Samaritans who heard him calling for help.

A photo shared on Facebook shows what appeared to be the good Samaritans’ boat and the victim, swathed in blanket, sitting there.

The photo also shows three other people sitting on the top of the vessel.  

Reports alleged the ordeal began when the man set off on a fishing trip with his wife with the intention of returning the following day.    

But things took a turn for the worse when according to reports, the wife left in the boat leaving her husband behind.

Kaniva news was unable to independently verify various versions of stories being reported about the whereabout of the wife and their boat.

One report claimed an argument broke out between the couple before the wife left while the husband was diving.

Another report alleged that when the rescue boat arrived at the wharf in Nuku’alofa the wife was already there.

It is understood the incident has been reported to Police.

Authorities could not be reached for comment.

Mother’s Day marred by online complaints as people queue outside money transfer outlets in Tonga through days  

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Customers of some money and shopping transfer outlets in Tonga have expressed frustrations after waiting for long periods and experiencing delays in receiving money or goods from overseas.

Some Mother’s Day shoppers in Nuku’alofa alleged their money has been sent from overseas, but one outlet in particular claimed it has yet to receive it.

Videos posted to Facebook since yesterday appeared to show people queueing outside LWS Trading.

LWS Trading could not be reached for comment, and we were unable to independently verify whether it has link to the complainants or not.

The video also showed what appeared to be outrageous customers trying to find some shade under nearby trees and power poles outside the outlet while waiting for their money and shopping.

A raft of complaints shared on Facebook included clients who claimed they were told by the outlet a staff was at the bank to withdraw their money. The clients said they had to return home due to long waiting hours with no sign of the staff before they left.

Some complainants on a Tongan Facebook group alleged they were sent money from their families overseas on Monday and Tuesday but the outlet kept telling them up to Friday it has yet to receive it.

It appeared the hardest hit complainants were those who left their online shopping and money transfer until last minute.

Some good Samaritans offered supports and advised complainants to look for reputable money transfer companies such as MoneyGram and Western Union to minimise the risk of any delivery issues.

Lavulavu found guilty of contempt; Court says offending material must be taken off internet

By
Philip Cass
-

The Supreme Court has found former Cabinet Minister Etuate Lavulavu guilty of contempt of court.

‘Etuate Lavulavu

He has been fined TP$15,000 and ordered to remove the offending material from the internet.

Lavulavu and his wife were convicted on charges of financial irregularities surrounding an educational institution they ran. The Court of Appeal quashed the convictions and sentences in October 2022. The trial attracted much media attention.

The court was told that VPON Media and Broadcasting ran a total of 10 programmes of interviews with Lavulavu to discuss the case. The programmes were live streamed via Facebook and YouTube.

In his summary of the trial, dated May 8, Acting Lord Chief Justice Tupou said that during a live streamed program on October  26, 2022, the Defendant, in response to a question from the interviewer, said:

“Yes I believe that is what happened and it was not just me who saw them. I was very surprised ……. But they are political figures, two of them and others who are higher level than the Judge …. I really felt that he believed these people who were trying to mislead him from the side and that’s where the truth was lost … “

It was determined that there was a prima facie case of contempt against Lavulavu for the statement, which imputed that the trial Judge’s decision was influenced by political figures and persons of high rank.

The prosecution said the statement struck at the core function of a Judge and his oath to perform truly and with impartiality, his duties as a Judge. The statement had been widely published in Tonga and abroad.

Lavulavu had maintained his not guilty plea throughout the proceedings and the statement had severely affected the judiciary and undermined public confidence in the administration of justice in Tonga.

Judge Tupou said allegations that a Judge was partial or biased were calculated to bring that Judge into contempt and had been considered by this court as serious because they undermined confidence in the basic function of a Judge.

“Advanced technology has made the creation and publishing of content by any person at any time widely accessible and at very little to no cost,” the judge said.

“Such advancements, when used safely, of course benefits society. Similarly, its user friendly nature makes it susceptible to misuse and/or abuse. And when used in the latter, damage to individual’s rights, privacy, reputation and institutions such as the courts in this case is at the click of a button to an infinite audience. It is disappointing that the offending programme is still up and available on YouTube.”

The judge said the incident of contempt was a direct allegation of bias against the trial judge. “Bias, if proven, may fall under judicial misconduct,” she said.

“The allegation is that serious. It seeks to question the credibility of His Honour’s decision not only on this matter but potentially to all other matters on which he presides. In a small jurisdiction, where the Supreme Court bench consists of three judges, the damage inflicted on the administration of justice is critical.”

Lavulavu  was fined TP$15,000 to be paid within four weeks. The court ordered that if he failed to pay the fine within the specified time he would be jailed for a fortnight.

Judge Tupou said the offending programme must be removed immediately. Lavulavu was to file a memorandum with the court confirming its removal within seven days from sentencing.

Bank employee steals $72,000 from LDS church account, Vava‘u

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A bank teller working at Tonga Development Bank (TDB) branch on Vava‘u has been sentenced  after embezzling $$72,857.60 from a church account.

Tonga Development Bank. Photo/Kalino Lātū

‘Eva ‘Ailolo also known as ‘Eva ‘I Pomana Tau’ese, 28, stole from an account held by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ (LDS) Wards of Ha’alaufuli, Ta’anea and Holeva.

She was caught after Duran Ormond, a manager of the LDS, Pacific Division based in Utah, USA, spotted a problem with the account, prompting an investigation.

The enquiry was in relation to cash deposits expected to be made into LDS Church account number l50325-S40.  

The unaccounted amount was $3,765.00 deposited on 28 December 2021, $1,580.40 on 5 September 2022, $4,260 on 3 October 2022, and $345 on 28 October 2022 at the TDB Vava’u Branch.

These deposits were cash from Sunday church tithe offerings collects by the LDS Church Wards of Ha’alaufuli, Ta’anea and Holeva.

The TDB head office investigated the matter and they realised they could not locate their copies of the receipts for the said deposits.

Upon internal investigation it was established ‘Ailolo was responsible for the missing money.

‘Ailolo wrote letters to her supervisors to apologise including one which to inform them that she wrongfully kept the receipts for the cash deposits she received, and she did not post the funds into these accounts. She kept this from everyone because she was scared but never attempted to destroy the receipts.

However, she alleged during her cross-examination that some contents of her letter of 2 December 2023 are false.

She showed no remorse for her action which is indicated by her not guilty plea and her allegation that her letters of apologies to TDB were coerced by TDB officer Kolokesa Paunga.

‘Ailolo has not repaid any of the aforesaid amount to the bank or customers.

As mitigating factors, Justice Langi considered ‘Ailolo’s no previous conviction. She is young and if given a second chance would take it towards rehabilitation.

Mrs Langi said the offending was out of character for she was a trustworthy employee at her current employment.

On the count of embezzlement ‘Ailolo was convicted and sentenced to one year and nine months imprisonment.

The final twelve months is suspended for two years on the following conditions:

  1. She is not to commit any further offences punishable by imprisonment for a period of 2 years.

The accused is to serve nine months of imprisonment.

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