Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Newsletter
Support Kaniva
Home Blog Page 55

Russia keeping close eye on Trump’s claim to Greenland

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Paul Kirby, BBC

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said Russia is closely monitoring the situation, after US President-elect Donald Trump refused to rule out military action to take Greenland from Denmark.

Peskov said the Arctic was in Russia’s “sphere of national and strategic interests and it is interested in peace and stability there”.

Trump’s remarks on Greenland – a largely autonomous Danish territory – have drawn a warning from European leaders.

EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas has stressed that “we have to respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Greenland”, and Germany’s Olaf Scholz has made clear that “borders must not be moved by force”.

Advertisement

Trump said earlier this week that the US needed both Greenland and the Panama Canal “for economic security”, and refused to rule out using either economic or military force in taking them over.

He also referred to the border with Canada as an “artificially drawn line”. Denmark and Canada are both close Nato allies of the US.

Dmitry Peskov said Trump’s claims were a matter for the US, Denmark and other nations, but Russia was watching the “rather dramatic” situation surrounding his remarks. “We are present in the Arctic zone, and we will continue to be present there,” he said.

Map of Greenland

Advertisement

Outgoing US Secretary of State Antony Blinken sought to dampen concern about the president-elect’s remarks during a visit to Paris: “The idea is… obviously not a good one, but maybe more important, it’s obviously one that’s not going to happen.”

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy also played down Trump’s comments, but he acknowledged the “intensity of his rhetoric and the unpredictability sometimes of what he said can be destabilising”.

About 56,000 people live in Greenland, and it is home to US as well as Danish military bases. It also has considerable untapped mineral and oil wealth.

Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede has been pushing for independence, although the territory’s economy relies heavily on Danish subsidies.

Both he and the Danish leader have emphasised that it is “not for sale” and that its future is in the hands of Greenlanders themselves.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has said Copenhagen has a clear interest in ensuring that the US – “absolutely its closest ally” – plays a key role at a time of rising tensions in the North Atlantic, particularly involving Russia.

Facing a major foreign policy crisis, she has called a meeting of other political parties at her office on Thursday evening.

The European Commission said Trump’s threat to Greenland was “extremely theoretical” and “wildly hypothetical”, considering he was not yet in office.

However, it has confirmed that Greenland, as an overseas territory, does come under a mutual assistance clause requiring all EU states to come to its aid in case of attack.

The Kremlin ridiculed the European response, suggesting it was reacting “very timidly… almost in a whisper”.

Last week, Greenland’s leader said the territory should free itself from “the shackles of colonialism”, although he made no mention of the US.

A former Greenland foreign minister, Pele Broberg, who now heads the biggest opposition party, told the BBC that most Greenlanders he talked to believed the US was vital for their defence and safety.

“We are part of the North American continent, that’s why the defence of the US is in such a great place with regards to Greenland, because we create a buffer zone that doesn’t need to be militarised.”

He has called for a “free association agreement” with the US covering trade and defence which would give Greenland independence but hand the US responsibility for security.

Trump’s allies have reinforced his views on Greenland.

Keith Kellogg, chosen by Trump to bring an end to the war in Ukraine, said a lot of the president-elect’s remarks on Greenland made sense, “putting the United States in a position of global leadership”.

Republican congressman Mike Walz told Fox News that the issue was “not just about Greenland, this is about the Arctic”, because Russia was trying to take control of the polar region, with its mineral and natural resources.

“Denmark can be a great ally, but you can’t treat Greenland, which they have operational control over, as some kind of backwater – it’s in the Western hemisphere.”

The US is Denmark’s biggest export market and sales increased in the first 11 months of 2024 to 326bn kroner (£36bn; $45bn) – a 17.3% share of the country’s total exports.

Earlier this week, Trump said he would impose tariffs on Denmark if it rejected his offer to buy Greenland.

Man jailed for stabbing another man who drove a vehicle to get alcohol without owner’s permission in Vava’u

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A man who left with a machete after a failed attack attempt and returned with a sharp object and stabbed his victim has been sent to jail.  

David Kent Jr Tau’alupe, 39, wounded ‘Alo’i Kei in his left upper abdomen during a drink-up altercation at the Laione Club in Vava’u. 

He was jailed for one year for causing grievous bodily harm. 

The court was told that on the evening of 8 December 2023, Tau’alupe, Kesitoni and Kei were drinking alcohol before heading to Laione Kava Club.

At one point, Kei and another left to get more alcohol in Kesitoni’s vehicle, apparently without his permission. 

Upon their return, there was bantering between Tau’alupe and Kei about the taking of the vehicle, which escalated into an argument that led to Tau’alupe punching Kei. 

Tau’alupe left and returned with a machete to attack Kei, but Kesitoni was able to stop him and reconcile them.  

Tau’alupe left the club with the machete without incident. 

He later returned and punched the victim, challenging him to a fight. He was seen holding what looked like a small knife in his trouser pocket.  

The victim took the challenge and got up to fight the defendant. He did not know about the sharp object in the defendant’s possession.

It was not until while engaged in the fight with the defendant and others were urging the victim to retreat as he was bleeding, that he realised he was hurt.

He moved back and saw blood on his clothes and backed off, resting his back against the wall and sliding down to a seated position. 

He was immediately rushed to the hospital by a neighbour.

Tau’alupe was initially sentenced to two and a half years imprisonment.  

However, the judge suspended one and a half years on conditions. 

Tongatapu mother of four jailed for stealing goods worth $13,830 from a lawyer’s house    

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A woman who violated her suspended jail sentence by committing another robbery has been instructed to activate her suspension, which will be added to her new jail term. 

An AI impression of Kalolaine Fainga’a

Kalolaine Fainga’a, 32, is serving three years and four months in prison for serious housebreaking and theft of goods worth $13,830, including Tongan handicrafts and jewellery from a residence in Tofoa.  

It is understood that the theft occurred at a local lawyer’s residence. Fainga’a is married and has four children.

Justice Petunia Tupou said the goods involved included jewellery that had irreplaceable value. 

She also noted that Fainga’a initially denied involvement and only pleaded guilty after being told her fingerprint was found at the scene.  

Justice Tupou also mentioned her previous convictions. 

The new sentence imposed was a two-and-a-half-year imprisonment.  

The suspension for a previous crime she committed was 22 months.

Justice Tupou said that the activation of the suspension “in full resulting in a total term of 52 months’
imprisonment”.

The Supreme Court judge suspended the last 12 months for two years on the following conditions:  

a. She must not commit any offence punishable by imprisonment.

b. She must report to the probation office within 48 hours of your release from custody.

c. She must complete a life skills awareness course at the direction of the Probation Officer.

This sentence is to be backdated to 15 October 2024, when the Fainga’a was first remanded for this matter. 

Person dies after being pulled from water at Mt Maunganui beach

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By 1News Reporters

A person has died following a water incident in Mount Maunganui this morning.

Pilot Bay Beach.
Pilot Bay Beach. (Source: Google Maps)

Emergency services were notified just before 8.20am after a person was pulled unresponsive from the water at Pilot Bay Beach.

“Despite the best efforts to revive the person, they died at the scene,” a police spokesperson said.

“Inquiries are ongoing, and a formal identification process is underway.”

St John said it attended the incident but referred further inquiries to police.

Reports of fisherman falling into water off rocks at Piha

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By 1News Reporters

A search was launched this afternoon after reports a fisherman had fallen into water off rocks at the southern end of Auckland’s Piha Beach.

A helicopter is seen flying over Piha Beach Thursday.
A helicopter is seen flying over Piha Beach Thursday. (Source: 1News)

In a statement, police said it was making inquiries about the whereabouts of a fisherman who was unaccounted for.

“It has been reported the man was fishing off rocks on the southern end of Piha, when he fell into the water,” a police spokesperson said.

The police Eagle helicopter conducted an initial aerial search of the area. Surf lifesavers also took part in the search.

“The man has not yet been located, and enquiries continue,” police said.

A search for a missing fisherman is underway at Piha in Auckland.
A search for a missing fisherman is underway at Piha in Auckland. (Source: 1News)

There was “limited information” about the man, who police described as being of Asian descent and wearing a lifejacket at the time.

“Police are asking anyone who may have information about who this man is, or saw him prior to this report to come forward.

“Please approach our staff in the area, or otherwise contact police.”

Hato Hone St John sent a first response unit, an ambulance and an operations manager.

Man found with ‘critical injuries’ on Tongatapu road in Vaiola ICU

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A man has been rushed to Vaiola Hospital after he was found on Hihifo Road with “critical injuries” early this morning at about 5.30am.

Tonga Police have identified the victim as Viliami Tautuiaki.

“His family has been notified of his condition”, the Police said.

It said Tautuiaki was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.

He was last seen at 11pm on Wednesday, and his family confirmed he had not returned by 3am.

The Police said people in a Black Toyota Bb discovered Tautuiaki on their way to a morning service.

“Tonga Police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the nature of this incident”, the Police said.

Police urged the public to report any crimes they witnessed, emphasizing that community vigilance is crucial for maintaining safety and security.

Police said people could call on 924 or 7401614 if they have any information to help their investigation.

New Zealand still considering sharing criminal offending info with Five Eyes nations

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Gill Bonnett of rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

Talks are continuing with New Zealand’s Five Eyes partners about if and when they will share details of their citizens’ criminal offending.

Stylised illustration of the flags of UK, NZ, CAN, AUS with eyes watching a person surrounded by data lines

New Zealand’s Five Eyes partners continue talks about sharing the details of their citizens’ criminal offending. Photo: RNZ

The Migration 5 countries – New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the US and Britain – already work together on border policies, migrant data-sharing and technology.

The Criminal Database Checking group is due to meet online again at the end of this month.

Data released under the Official Information Act showed it had eight online meetings last year, and its first face-to-face meeting in March, in Wellington.

New Zealand currently chairs Migration 5.

The group shares details of migrants’ travel records and visas, but at present, not their own citizens’ data.

A recent document request in the UK confirms the group was already sharing data on citizens of other M5 countries when they apply for visas.

“The bilateral arrangements for fingerprint checking with all M5 partners enable the sharing of information about all third country nationals. Therefore, if a fingerprint match is found to a national of Australia, Canada or New Zealand the biometric transaction history and biographic immigration history of that individual will be shared with the US.”

It means a New Zealander for example travelling to Canada can have information provided by Australia, the US and Britain to Canada.

New Zealand does not ask who each country on-shares the information with, nor do the agreements with M5 partners require them to say.

The UK said Migration 5 had no current plans to create a “Single Window” system enabling member countries to directly access each other’s immigration data.

Police commissioner clarifies charges in Samoa political case

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai of rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

Samoa’s police commissioner has clarified the charges against the chairman of the country’s ruling FAST party, Laauli Leuatea Schmidt.

Samoa police headquarters

Photo: RNZ Pacific/Moera Tuilaepa-Taylor

Speculation and rumour has been raging in Samoa and on social media about the case.

Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo said the charges against Schmidt should not be mixed with the Tuuau Maletino case.

“Speculation regarding the connection between the two cases is unhelpful and potentially misleading,” he said.

“The current charges are based on specific alleged offences and are being handled through the usual legal channels.”

Auapa’au has clarified the charges against Laauli.

These include:

  • Three counts of conspiracy or attempt to defeat or pervert the course of justice
  • Conspiracy to commit an offence (fabricate evidence)
  • Harassment utilizing means of electronic communication
  • Three counts of false statement causing harm to a person’s reputation
  • Two counts of using insulting words with intent to provoke a breach of the peace

Laauli, who is also the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, had posted on social media after charges were laid against him that he was innocent of the accusations.

The Samoa Observer reported Friday that Fiame Naomi Mata’afa had stressed the need to let the law take its course.

Laauli is due in court on 4 February.

Seasoned journalist calls on public to be cautious

RNZ Pacific correspondent Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia said the prime minister had not issued a public statement or held a media conference on the recent issue.

Local media reported that Laauli had been told to step down but Autagavaia said that there was no confirmation from the prime minister or Laauli.

“There was talk that the FAST Caucus had met on Tuesday to discuss these matters.

“There have been alot of social media comments about this issue, but people need to be cautious, and wait on the prime minister to comment,” he said.

The prime minister is now meeting with Cabinet on Wednesday to discuss when an outcome is expected.

Germany and France warn Trump over threat to take over Greenland

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Alex Therrien of BBC

Germany and France have warned Donald Trump against threatening Greenland, after the US president-elect refused to rule out using military force to seize Denmark’s autonomous territory.

Reuters Donald Trump stood on a podium
Donald Trump said Greenland was “critical” for the US’s national and economic security (file photo)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said “the principle of the inviolability of borders applies to every country… no matter whether it’s a very small one or a very powerful one”.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said “there is obviously no question that the European Union would let other nations of the world attack its sovereign borders”.

On Tuesday, Trump reiterated his desire to acquire Greenland, saying that the Arctic island was “critical” for national and economic security.

He has repeatedly expressed an interest in buying Greenland, having mooted the idea in 2019, during his first term as president.

Denmark, a long-time US ally, has made clear that Greenland is not for sale and that it belongs to its inhabitants.

Greenland’s prime minister, Mute Egede, is pushing for independence from Denmark, but he too has made clear the territory is not for sale. He was visiting Copenhagen on Wednesday.

Chancellor Scholz said there was a “certain incomprehension” about statements coming from the incoming US administration.

“The principle of the inviolability of borders applies to every country no matter whether that’s in the east or the west.”

Denmark is a member of the US-led Nato alliance, as are Germany and France.

Scholz stressed that “Nato is the most important instrument for our defence and a central of the transatlantic relationship”.

Speaking earlier on Wednesday, Jean-Noël Barrot told France Inter radio: “If you’re asking me whether I think the United States will invade Greenland, my answer is no.

“Have we entered into an era that sees the return of the survival of the fittest? Then the answer is yes.

“So, should we allow ourselves to be intimidated and overcome with worry, clearly not. We must wake up, build up our strength,” the French foreign minister added.

0:55Watch: Danish journalist on what Greenlanders think about Trump’s comments

Germany and France are the two leading members of the EU, often described as its main driving force.

However, it is difficult to imagine how the EU might prevent any potential attack. It has no defensive capabilities of its own and most of its 27 member states are part of Nato.

Trump made the remarks at a free-wheeling news conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, less than two weeks before he is sworn in for his second term as president on 20 January.

Asked if he would rule out using military or economic force in order to take over Greenland or the Panama Canal, Trump said: “No, I can’t assure you on either of those two.

“But I can say this, we need them for economic security.”

Map of Greenland next to North America and Europe

Greenland has been home to a US radar base since the Cold War and has long been strategically important for Washington.

Trump suggested the island was crucial to military efforts to track Chinese and Russian ships, which he said are “all over the place”.

“I’m talking about protecting the free world,” he told reporters.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told Danish TV on Tuesday that “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders” and that only the local population could determine its future.

However, she stressed Denmark needed close co-operation with the US.

Greenland MP Kuno Fencker told the BBC that the population had been preparing for “some bold statements” from Trump, but that the island’s “sovereignty and self-determination are non-negotiable”.

Fencker, whose Siumut party is part of Greenland’s governing coalition, said local authorities would welcome “constructive dialogue and mutually beneficial partnership with the United States and other nations”.

He did not rule out a free association including both Denmark and the US, but said “this is a decision that Greenlandic people must take, it’s not one politician’s decision”.

Greenland has a population of just 57,000 and wide-ranging autonomy, although its economy is largely dependent on subsidies from Copenhagen and it remains part of the kingdom of Denmark.

It also has some of the largest deposits of rare earth minerals, which are crucial in the manufacture of batteries and high-tech devices.

Danish Broadcasting Corporation senior international correspondent Steffen Kretz, who has been reporting in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, said most of the people he had spoken to were “shocked” by Trump’s refusal to rule out using military force to take control of the territory.

While a majority of people in Greenland hoped for independence in the future, he said there was widespread acknowledgment that it needed a partner who could provide public services, defence and an economic foundation, as Denmark did now.

“I have yet to meet a person in Greenland who is dreaming of the island becoming a colony for another outside power like the USA.”

Kretz told the BBC that while the Danish government had sought to “downplay” any confrontation with Trump, “behind the scenes I sense the awareness that this conflict has the potential to be the biggest international crisis for Denmark in modern history”.

The president-elect’s son, Donald Trump Jr, paid a brief visit to Greenland on Tuesday, in what he described as a “personal day trip” to talk to people.

He then posted a photo with a group of Greenlanders in a bar wearing pro-Trump caps.

Brother of Tonga’s first solo round-the-world sailor builds double-hulled canoe to revive nearly lost skills

By
Kalino Latu
-

A deep-sea twin-hulled canoe is being constructed in Tonga to preserve Kalia construction skills.  

Sitiveni Fehoko

The project, known as Vaka Lautala is led by the accomplished Tongan carver and artist Sitiveni Fehoko.  

The approximate 17-metre canoe, called kalia in Tongan, was used for long voyaging and fishing.  

The new kalia was intended to travel from Tongatapu to Hā’ano.  

Sitiveni said the initiative was intended to show how important it is to keep traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage alive.  

He and his brothers were renowned kalia constructors and navigators from Hā’ano.  

He and his elder brother Isikeli had recently teamed up and constructed the Whale boat, which he had described as “a big project.” 

“Combining my skills in carving and Isikeli’s boat-making skills, we work side by side with the team and Sully Paea from New Zealand to complete this project”, he reportedly said. 

Sitiveni has invited parents to visit his new project site at his Popua residence with their children to learn how to build kalia.

Tefua ‘a Vaka Lautala

The craftmanship is no longer practised in the archipelago.

The latest model of kalia, a state-of-the-art catamaran designed specifically to provide essential ferry services to Tonga’s two Niua islands, was constructed in New Zealand. 

The traditional technical expertise involved was particularly known among the navigators of Vaka Lautala harbour at Ha’apai’s Ha’ano island.

The involvement of technical know-how, deep understanding of the ocean, and the effective utilization of materials available in their environment led to the derivation of the Tongan proverb, Tefua ‘a Vaka Lautala. 

In English, the expression conveys the idea of important people coming together to deliberate on significant issues. 

A family trait  

The Fehokos come from a family known for their skills in constructing kalias.  

Viliami Fehoko attempts to solo sail around the world in 1970s

Sitiveni’s eldest brother Viliami was on the international news in the 1970s after he embarked on a mission to solo sail around the world in a sailing vessel he had built out of pieces of plywood he collected in Auckland, New Zealand, according to former Tongan journalist Sione Tu’itahi.  

The solo sailor named his boat Mata Moana or Eye of the Deep Ocean.  

According to Tu’itahi, Viliami first practised his idea of travelling worldwide by successfully sailing around the Pacific.  

The mission did not go according to plan after Viliami travelled to the Indian Ocean and lived there on Seychelles Island.  

Tu’itahi said that Viliami was unable to travel to the Atlantic Ocean. By not doing so, he would not be regarded as having travelled around the world, although he had travelled the Pacific and Indian Oceans.  

1...545556...891Page 55 of 891
© Copyright 2025 Kaniva Tonga News & Entertainment