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Two months in: What has the Eke Gov’t achieved since the election? 

By
Kalino Latu
-

COMMENTARY -Today marks two months since Prime Minister Eke was sworn into office on January 23.  

Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke

As the new administration settles in, Kaniva News takes a closer look at the government’s progress so far, assessing its achievements against the promises made during the election campaign. 

This commentary offers a preliminary evaluation of the government’s performance, focusing on tangible outcomes and their impact on the people of Tonga.  

While it is still early in the administration’s term, this assessment aims to provide an objective perspective on whether the Eke government is delivering on its commitments. 

Transparency and Accountability Promises: 

From the very beginning, Prime Minister Eke declared that his government would prioritize the people. He emphasized transparency and accountability as the cornerstones of this commitment, pledging that he and his ministers would remain accessible to the media for questioning. PM Eke’s commitment to transparency and accountability was highlighted during his campaign, where he pledged to champion a law protecting whistle-blowers.

Fact-Checking Transparency and Accountability 

Kaniva News has fact-checked Prime Minister Eke’s commitment to transparency and accountability and found it to be working and highly effective. Since taking office, Prime Minister Eke has consistently addressed questions from Kaniva News, demonstrating a strong willingness to engage with the media.

It is understood that he has extended the same level of responsiveness to other media outlets, further reinforcing his commitment to transparency and open communication. When questions fell outside his jurisdiction, he promptly directed them to the relevant ministers and their portfolios. Additionally, his government has upheld its promise of holding weekly press conferences, which have been broadcast live online. 

However, he has yet to provide the public with an update on his whistleblower protection policy. Such a bill is understood to have to go through the parliamentary process, which is currently in recess.

These actions underscore strong leadership, fulfilling campaign promises and respecting the media’s role as a bridge between the government and the public. These measures reflect a genuine commitment to transparency and accountability, creating a platform that fosters live and active dialogue between the government and the people. The government is promoting openness and public participation by engaging with the media and enabling the public to watch these interactions live.

Review of Government Performance Promises 

Before its appointment, the Eke government pledged to review the performance of all ministries, departments, and boards of directors to assess their current status and identify areas for improvement. It also committed to addressing previous allegations and accusations against some of these entities to ensure accountability and resolution. 

Fact-Checking the Review Promises 

Kaniva News has verified the government’s progress on these promises and found them to be effectively implemented. In February, the Eke government announced the cessation of the long-standing questionable policy, allowing Cabinet Ministers to handpick members of various government boards. Instead, these positions are now open to the public, with applicants to be assessed by the Public Service Commission.  

This policy has been widely criticized for contributing to the failures of several public enterprises. Critics argue that Cabinet ministers often selected board members based on personal friendships and close relationships, rather than their ability to contribute effectively to the goals and purposes of those boards. This practice has raised concerns about mismanagement and a lack of accountability within key government entities.  

Additionally, the government revoked a previous decision by the former administration that allowed automatic extensions for board members of public enterprises, with this policy officially ending on March 15. An ongoing review is currently being conducted for several government entities, including the controversial Lulutai Airlines. As part of this process, the government terminated the employment of Lulutai’s CEO and appointed an interim CEO to assist with the review.  

These actions demonstrate strong leadership and a genuine commitment to reforming long-standing issues, such as the practice of Cabinet-appointed board members. They also underscore the administration’s commitment to addressing issues within key public enterprises and ensuring accountability.

The Eke government delivers on its promises and fosters inclusivity by addressing outdated policies. Through these reforms, the administration creates opportunities for individuals with better qualifications and talents to contribute meaningfully to public services.  

Next installment

While the Eke government’s fulfillment of these two promises has been fact-checked and deemed successful, earning it a reputation as an effective and capable administration, there are areas of weakness that warrant discussion. Specifically, the government’s approach to transparency and accountability through media engagement could be improved. Kaniva News believes there is a more sustainable and impactful way to implement this policy, ensuring its long-term benefits. 

As this column is part of an ongoing series to evaluate the government’s performance, we will explore this issue in greater detail in our next installment. 

Matron accuses PSC of manipulating PMS scores for nurse performance 

By
Kalino Latu
-

A senor health officer has urged the government to acknowledge the dedication of local nurses in Tonga, who have chosen to remain in the country despite opportunities for higher pay overseas.  

Vaiola Hospital Matron Sr ‘Akesa Uili Halatanu was speaking during the national development summit held in Nuku’alofa last week.  

She said that when she submitted the nurses’ assessment results, evaluated through the Performance Management System (PMS), the Public Service Commission (PSC) rejected them and advised her to alter the scores. 

She said that this decision was detrimental to the nurses. 

She provided an example to illustrate her submission to the PSC. 

She said that approximately 200 nurses were assessed, and after reaching an agreement with all departments within the Ministry to award 100 nurses a score of 5, the PSC allegedly instructed her to revise the scores.  

The PSC recommended, according to Halatanu’s given example, that only seven nurses should receive a score of five, 10 should receive a score of three, and the remaining nurses should be given a score of 1.5. 

Halatanu described how this placed her in a difficult position, as she was left unsure of how to determine which of the 100 nurses should receive the top score of 5. 

She supported a separate motion to review the PMS, emphasising the need for fair and transparent evaluation processes. 

She also opposed a motion proposed by a former PSC commissioner during the meeting, which suggested hiring nurses from the Philippines to support Tonga’s health services. 

She emphasised that the government should prioritise local nurses and recognize their dedication and contributions to the nation’s health services.

The PSC could not be reached for comment.

One dead in single-vehicle crash on Vava’u’s Fungamisi village road

By
Kaniva Staff
-

One person has died following a serious crash in Fungamisi last night.

Neiafu Town Officer Vāvā Lapota reported the single-vehicle crash on Fungamisi road shortly before 12am this morning

“Sadly, it is clear that a person has died,” he said.

Lapota said this was the second death of the year in Neiafu.

Comments on Facebook claimed that the road in question is notorious for crashes, with many urging drivers to exercise caution when using it.

Others took the opportunity to pay tribute to the deceased.

Boxing legend George Foreman, Two-time World Heavyweight Champion, passes away at 76

By
Kaniva Staff
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“With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. Who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025 surrounded by loved ones.”

At 25, Foreman faced Muhammad Ali in 1974 in one of the most memorable boxing matches ever, coined “The Rumble In The Jungle”, in Zaire. Ali shocked Foreman, winning by eighth round TKO.

Foreman retired in 1977 and became an ordained minister before moving into several successful product endorsements.

According to the BBC, Foreman was born in Marshall, Texas, on 10 January 1949, and raised along with six siblings by a single mother in the segregated American South.

He dropped out of school and turned to street robberies before eventually finding his outlet in the ring.

Getty Images George Foreman (left) and Muhammad Ali boxing at Zaire Stade in the Rumble in the Jungle, 30 October 1974.
George Foreman (left) and Muhammad Ali in the Rumble in the Jungle

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Foreman won the heavyweight gold medal at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, aged 19, before turning pro and winning 37 consecutive matches.

He beat previously undefeated reigning champion Joe Frazier in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1973 knocking him down six times in the first two rounds.

His 1974 Rumble in the Jungle against Ali in Kinshasa, Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, remains one of the most famous boxing matches ever.

Ali, the older man, was the underdog after he was stripped of his crown seven years earlier for refusing to be drafted into the Vietnam War.

Foreman said later: “I said I was going to go out there and kill him and people said, ‘Please, don’t say you’re going to kill Muhammad.’

“So I said, ‘OK, I’ll just beat him down to the ground.’ That’s how easy I thought the fight would be.”

But the wily Ali used a tactic that later became known as “rope-a-dope”, which wore out Foreman, causing him to throw out hundreds of punches before Ali unloaded on him in the eighth round and scored a knockout.

After a second professional loss, Foreman retired in 1977 and became an ordained minister at the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Texas, which he founded and built.

“We began meeting informally at various homes in Houston, and before long, the crowds became too large for most houses to accommodate,” Foreman said on his website about preaching.

“Eventually, we bought a piece of land and an old, dilapidated building on the north-east side of Houston.”

Foreman came out of retirement in 1987 to raise money for a youth centre he founded. He won 24 matches before losing to Evander Holyfield after 12 rounds in 1991.

In 1994, Foreman knocked out undefeated Michael Moorer to become the oldest ever heavyweight champion at age 45.

He became ad pitchman for his George Foreman Grill, which millions have purchased since it hit the market in 1994, thanks in part to his memorable catchphrase, the “Lean Mean Grilling Machine”.

Foreman was married five times. He has a dozen children. Five of his sons are named George.

He explained on his website that he named them after himself so they “they would always have something in common”.

“I say to them, ‘If one of us goes up, then we all go up together,” he explained. “And if one goes down, we all go down together!'”

Chinese construction companies face scrutiny in Vanuatu following devastating earthquake

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By ABC

Chinese construction companies are copping criticism in Vanuatu in the wake of the massive earthquake that devastated the capital Port Vila last December.

Several Chinese-built buildings, including the near-new Presidential Palace, are among those badly damaged by the magnitude 7.3 quake.

Structural engineer Cyrille Mainguy’s assessed the widespread damage at the Chinese-built Malapoa College, which is set to be demolished.

“They’re mainly building concrete frames, so columns and beam structure, and there’s no reinforcement into the block work in some of the buildings,” he said.

“But I think we must not only blame China, we must blame Vanuatu.”

The Chinese Embassy says the damage to the college, Presidential Palace and other buildings was ‘inevitable’ and ‘cosmetic’ given the scale of the earthquake.

It also says Chinese projects were built in accordance with local building codes.

Prime Minister Jotham Napat says the building code will be reviewed.

Calls to expedite coroner’s office amid serious allegations against Health Ministry following unexpected deaths 

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tonga’s Ministry of Health is facing scrutiny after an allegation arose regarding a mother’s death attributed to their negligence. 

Viliami Takau

The revelation was raised during the national development summit currently underway in Nuku‘alofa.  

Viliami Takau, the Tourism chief executive, told the Minister of Health during the summit that they would not be able to bring back his wife to life.  

He said a legal action has been launched, apparently, against the Ministry.  

He claimed his wife died unexpectedly due to the Ministry’s alleged actions. The legal action was taken to hold the Ministry accountable and ensure such incidents are not repeated, he said.

Takau, visibly emotional and speaking through tears just a few meters away from the Minister of Health, shared that after his wife’s death, he took his son to the hospital for medical treatment after two of his son’s fingers had been severed. He claimed that while the doctor recommended surgery, he ultimately decided against it. 

He eventually took his son to New Zealand, where a doctor advised against the surgery, warning that it could damage the nerves.   

“The advice here was different from the advice in New Zealand,” he alleged, speaking in Tongan. 

Takau also mentioned that he was aware of plans to establish a coroner’s office. 

He urged the Minister to accelerate the project, emphasizing that families deserve to know the causes of their loved ones’ deaths. 

Takau understood that many people had the same experience he had.

He also urged the government to prohibit doctors from operating private clinics and ensure they work exclusively at the main hospital to guarantee a consistent standard of care for the people.

National Development Summit

The consultation at the Fa‘onelua Convention Center is currently underway allowing members of the public to evaluate the nation’s development progress under the Tonga Strategic Development Framework 2015-2025 and create strategies for 2026-2036.  

It is open to the public under the theme “A Resilient Tonga through Transformative Action: Safeguarding Our Heritage.”

Participants shared their experiences with government services and policies during the summit.

‘Akilisi’s daughter echoes his father’s democratic ambitions at Tonga’s national development summit  

By
Kalino Latu
-

As Tonga’s people gathered for its first national development summit in Nuku’alofa this week, Akilisi Pōhiva’s daughter, Teisa Cokanasiga, stressed the importance of discussing the country’s political structure as a priority.  

Teisa Pōhiva Cakonisiga

The consultation brought together over 200 representatives at the Fa‘onelua Convention Center to evaluate the nation’s development progress under the Tonga Strategic Development Framework 2015-2025 and create strategies for 2026-2036.  

The fakataha fakafonua (national summit) is open to the public under the theme “A Resilient Tonga through Transformative Action: Safeguarding Our Heritage.”

Cokanasiga told the meeting that Tonga could continue pursuing its development plans; however, at some point, these efforts would stall due to constitutional limitations—an argument advocated by her father.  

The late Akilisi Pōhiva, a longtime democratic activist, was instrumental in Tonga’s transition to democracy and served as one of the country’s democratically elected Prime Ministers before he died in 2019.  

He argued that economic development would be ineffective unless Tonga operates as a democracy, allowing the executive branch to function under the parliament and all members of parliament to be elected by the people.

Cokanasiga, a lawyer by profession, stated at the summit that while discussions on good governance at the grassroots level seem feasible, they often encounter challenges when addressed at the elite level.

She cited former Prime Minister Hu‘akavameiliku as an example. He resigned as Minister of His Majesty’s Armed Forces after receiving a letter from the king expressing a loss of confidence in his duties. Cokanasiga highlighted that Hu‘akavameiliku stepped down without clarity on the king’s reasons, underscoring the need for transparency and accountability in governance.   

At the meeting, Cokanasiga spoke directly to Prime Minister Eke and suggested that it was about time the government reviewed the political reforms.   

“The structure of the government is brought to life (“fakamānava’i”) and sustained by the constitution, which serves as its foundation and guiding framework”, Mrs Cokanisiga said in Tongan. 

She mentioned the Constitutional Lawyer’s review, which stated deficiencies in the 2010 constitution and democratic reforms.  

According to the Peter Pursglove report, which was endorsed by the Tu’ivakanō government in 2014: 

Tonga’s 2010 constitution does not uphold democracy 

The Privy Council lacks any democratic composition or accountability 

The judiciary lacks accountability and transparency. 

Changes to the judiciary are inefficient, ineffective, unaffordable and possibly illegal. 

No public discussions were held regarding the reforms to the judiciary or why they were considered necessary. 

“The present Constitution of Tonga can lay claim to being the most poorly structured and drafted Constitution of any Country in the Commonwealth,” the report says. 

EDITOR’S NOTE: Cokanisiga has made an essential point that the government should take heed of. The government needs to implement Mr Pursglove’s report, as he has identified significant shortfalls in our constitution. Ignoring these issues means we are wasting time and money on a summit to create economic plans that will struggle to succeed under an inadequate constitution.

The most notable examples are the last two governments. One created policies that allocated $400 million to road construction projects. Unfortunately, many roads were damaged and became unbeneficial for the country. There were accusations of corruption and nepotism surrounding this project.

The Hu’akavameiliku government, on the other hand, insisted on investing nearly $40 million, according to the Minister of Public Enterprises, in the national airlines, fully aware that it was unlikely to be a profitable venture for the government. The weak political system and our flawed constitution create loopholes allowing such disasters. And it will continue to occur until we fix the constitution.

Police wrestle with suspect on the road near Tonga National University  

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Police officers faced difficulties handcuffing a man during his arrest in Tongatapu this morning.  

Police wrestle with a man in an attempted arrest.

The incident, which lasted several minutes, ended with the man being subdued and taken into custody 

The man and a few officers fell onto the road during the struggle.  

The incident was captured on camera.  

The video shows what appears to be one officer pushing the man to the ground while others hold him down. 

Kaniva News was unable to verify the authenticity of the video. 

A bystander recorded the incident on video, clearly capturing the events as they unfolded. 

The incident occurred near Tonga National University, and the man was allegedly intoxicated, the bystander told Kaniva News.

COMMENTARY: The Lavulavus case and Justice Cooper’s legacy, a call for judicial reform in Tonga 

By
Kalino Latu
-

COMMENTARY Former Justice Cooper’s time on the Tongan bench has ended with the expiration of his contract. While his tenure successfully advanced the prosecution of illicit drug offences—the primary reason for his appointment—it also raises critical questions about the Privy Council’s processes for selecting and appointing judges. 

It also raises the question of whether our “poorest constitution” among Commonwealth countries, with its problematic clauses governing courts, the judiciary, and the Attorney General office—now deemed unworkable and potentially illegal—has underlying implications that contribute to the technical and operational shortfalls we see in the judicial system today.

Justice Cooper had been a prosecutor level three in the UK before being brought to Tonga to handle cases related to illicit drugs, a significant concern for the Kingdom. Over time, his responsibilities expanded to oversee other criminal cases, including one of the most important and high-profile cases of the century: the Lavulavus fraud case.  

The couple’s charges, which involved allegations of misusing over TOP$500,000 government funds, culminated in a guilty verdict and a prison sentence for the defendants in July 2021. However, the Lavulavus successfully appealed the decision while they were in prison, leading to their release.

The Appeal Court found that the primary issue lay in Justice Cooper’s failure to maintain impartiality during the trial. This finding resulted in the court ordering a retrial, a decision that has had far-reaching consequences. 

It is reasonable to question whether Justice Cooper should have initially presided over the Lavulavus case, considering his background as a prosecutor and potential lack of necessary experience for such a significant court case.

At taxpayers expense 

What makes this situation particularly concerning is the significant cost it has imposed on the Tongan government and, by extension, its taxpayers.

The retrial process requires the police to reinvestigate the case, the Attorney General’s Office to re-prepare its legal arguments, and the judicial system to allocate additional time and resources. These expenses are not just financial; they also strain the public’s trust in the legal system.   

Meanwhile, the Lavulavus remain free, living in the public eye while the nation watches and waits for the outcome of the retrial. This case underscores the critical importance of judicial impartiality and the need for rigorous oversight in the appointment of judges. It also highlights the broader implications of judicial decisions, which can have lasting impacts on public confidence, government resources, and the pursuit of justice.   

The most concerning scenario would be if the Lavulavus succeed in their appeal against the retrial. In such a case, they could potentially sue the government for compensation, which would place yet another significant financial burden on the country. 

Justice Cooper’s tenure serves as a reminder that the selection of judges must prioritize not only expertise but also integrity, impartiality, and a deep understanding of the local context.  

As Tonga moves forward, the important question is: is it time that the king should do something to address the report revealing how poor our constitution is?   

Justice and AG offices

The report by an expert who reviewed Tonga’s constitution said that dividing the justice sector among the Ministry of Justice, the Office of the Lord Chancellor, and the Attorney General’s Office has proven inefficient, ineffective, and unaffordable.

According to the report by constitutional law expert Peter Pursglove, the reforms laid out in the 2010 Constitution are unworkable, incompatible with Tonga’s constitutional monarchy, and lack legal, cultural, or historical ties to the Kingdom.

“The provisions in the Constitution relating to the Judiciary are particularly lacking in both structure and content to the extent that they are not only unworkable but are totally incompatible with the principles of constitutional monarchy and democracy upon which the new Constitution of 2010 was supposed to have been founded.

“The report notes that the justice sector has been divided between the Ministry of Justice, the Office of the Lord Chancellor and the Office of the Attorney General. “Having three separate bodies responsible for the justice sector is proving to be unworkable,” the report says. “It is inefficient, ineffective and unaffordable”.

According to the Pursglove report, which was endorsed by the Tu’ivakanō government in 2014:

  • Tonga’s 2010 constitution does not uphold democracy
  • The Privy Council lacks any democratic composition or accountability
  • The judiciary lacks accountability and transparency.
  • Changes to the judiciary are inefficient, ineffective, unaffordable and possibly illegal.
  • No public discussions were held regarding the reforms to the judiciary or why they were considered necessary.

“The present Constitution of Tonga can lay claim to being the most poorly structured and drafted Constitution of any Country in the Commonwealth,” the report says.

Mother of five jailed for 20 months after embezzling $155,588 from employer

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Pauline Langi, a former cashier, breached trust by stealing company funds despite being given multiple chances to repay, leading to a 32-month sentence with 12 months suspended.

Pauline Langi, a mother of five, has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for theft and embezzlement totalling $155,588. The Supreme Court heard that Langi, a cashier and finance manager for a small company, began stealing shortly after starting her employment.

Initially, she took 1,800, and her employers, showing considerable leniency, allowed her to repay the amount through an agreement.  

However, Langi failed to repay the money and stole an additional 1,800, and her employers, showing considerable leniency, allowed her to repay the amount through an agreement. Langi failed again to repay the money and stole an additional 7,000 two weeks later. Despite being given a second chance, she continued her fraudulent activities, withdrawing 20,000 on August 2, 2023, another 20,000 on August 2, 2023, and another 20,000 on August 18, 2023. 

Her theft escalated further, with withdrawals of 29,000 on September 20, 2023, 29,000 on September 20, 2023, and 27,000 through a third party on September 28, 2023, bringing the total of the four checks to 96,000. Police investigations revealed that Langi had also embezzled 96,000. Police investigations revealed that tLangi had also embezzled 57,588 from customer payments, resulting in a combined theft of $155,588.

During sentencing, Justice Bishop highlighted the severity of Langi’s actions, stating, “These are very serious offences. What makes them particularly serious is, first, you were given two chances, which you ignored; second, your actions were a breach of the trust placed in you; and third, your systemic dishonesty, born of avarice and greed, caused economic, emotional, and reputational damage to your employers.”

Langi did not explain her actions other than giving her brother some stolen money.

A pre-sentence report from the Probation Office, filed on January 14, 2025, detailed her stable upbringing but noted her “high risk” of re-offending due to her lack of previous good character, unemployment, and associations with negative influences.

Despite her early guilty plea, Justice Bishop imposed a sentence of 32 months imprisonment for theft and 24 months for embezzlement, to be served concurrently. He suspended the final 12 months of the punishment for one year, conditional on Langi not committing further offences, reporting to the Probation Office within 48 hours of release, and being placed on probation.

“For the avoidance of doubt, you will serve 20 months’ imprisonment followed by 12 months suspended on conditions,” Justice Bishop concluded.

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