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TASANOC should stop making excuses and keep its promise on loan repayment, Minister says

By
Kalino Latu
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The Minister of Health Saia Piukala is calling on TASANOC to stop making excuses and commit itself to paying back its $600,000 loan from the government according to its promise.

Hon. Piukala was the Acting Minister of Internal Affairs and Sports when a TASANOC team met with the Ministry in a bid to secure the loan.

He said he approved the loan after a written agreement between TASANOC and the government was endorsed by the government’s solicitor general.

The Minister was responding after TASANOC Secretary General Takitoa Taumoepeau said yesterday they did not want to pay back the loan and were urging the government to convert it into grant.

The Minister said the loan was granted after the Tonga Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee failed to send 59 athletes to PNG to represent the country at the Pacific Games 2015.

The athletes arrived at the Fua’amotu Airport expecting to depart for PNG, but were turned back because they did not have airline tickets.

They were expecting to meet TASANOC officials at the airport to hand out their tickets but they found out the officials had already left for PNG.

He said TASANOC promised him the loan would be paid back the “very next week” after receiving their share of funding from the Oceania and Olympic Games.

Hon. Piukala said he was disappointed after he read on Kaniva News yesterday that TASANOC members did not pay the loan as promised and later questioned its validity.

He said it was clear from the beginning the agreement for TASANOC to pay it back was legally binding.

He said the team from TASANOC included Hasiloni Fungavai, Dr.’Amanaki Fakakovikaetau, ‘Epeli Taione, Dr.Taniela Fusimalohi and heads of various sport federations whose athletes were left stranded at the airport.

TASANOC Secretary General Takitoa Taumopeau told Kaniva News an AGM in 2015 “challenged” the validity of the loan and asked whether the government is allowed to lend money to an individual or a private organisation.

The AGM told Taumoepeau to write to the Minister of Finance and urge him to convert the loan into a grant.

Hon. Piukala claimed the government had granted the national sports authority more than a million pa’anga before the loan to help prepare and send the athletes to PNG and for TASANOC to question the validity of the loan was nothing but just finding excuses which was unacceptable.

For more information

Fusimālohi resigns amidst uproar over claims of too much politics and no work at TASANOC

Court orders money seized in Havelu raid to be confiscated

By
Philip Cass
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The Supreme Court has ordered that money found by police during a raid on a fraudulent Chinese medical clinic in Havelu should be confiscated.

The money was found in the bedroom of Yin Lin Wei who was convicted in 2015 of falsely claiming to be a doctor.

During the raid police found $TP28, 289, US$81 and CYN985.

Mr Justice Cato ordered that the Attorney General convert the money into pa’anga and deposit it in the Tongan Confiscated and Forfeited Assets Fund.

In his report on the case, the judge noted that the application to have the money confiscated under the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crimes Act 2000 had been made only a day before the two year limitation period was due to expire.

Hosting Pacific games in 2007 led to “huge loss” says Samoan MP

By
Philip Cass
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Samoa has made a bid to host the 2019 Pacific Games, but parliamentarian Olo Fiti Vaai said the country lost millions when it last held the Games in 2007.

“We did it before and it was a huge loss on the government,” Vaai said.

“What’s going to change now?”

Last week Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said the country was “eager” to host the event.

He said Fiji also wanted to make a bid.

According to Radio New Zealand, the Samoa Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee has been advised to start negotiations with the Pacific Games authorities.

Malielegaoi told the Samoan Observer the country had the necessary facilities, but needed to upgrade the swimming pool and Apia Park stadium.

The Samoan bid comes on the heels of the announcement by Tongan prime Minister’Akilisi Pohiva that the kingdom would not host the Games

However, Vaai questioned whether Samoa could afford the necessary expense if other changes were required to get the facilities up to international standard.

“Don’t let the ego and pride take over, making it seem like Samoa is able to host any international event,” the MP said.

He said there were no proper records of how much was spent to host the Games in 2007.

He claimed a lack of control in expenses and expenditures caused problems for the government.

In recent years Samoa had hosted the Oceania Weightlifting Championships, the Commonwealth Youth Games and the All Blacks test against Manu Samoa.

The main points

  • Samoa has made a bid to host the 2019 Pacific Games, but parliamentarian Olo Fiti Vaai said the country lost millions when it last held the Games in 2007.
  • Last week Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said the country was “eager” to host the event.
  • However, Vaai questioned whether Samoa could afford the necessary expense if other changes were required to get the facilities up to international standard.
  • “Don’t let the ego and pride take over, making it seem like Samoa is able to host any international event,” the MP said.

For more information

M.P. explains anti Pacific Games bid stance

Samoa to bid for 2019 Pacific Games

Raw: Brawl erupts following school parades in Nukuʻalofa

By
Kalino Latu
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TASANOC refuses to pay back loan, urges government to convert it into grant

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tonga’s national sport organization TASANOC has refused to pay back $600,000 it borrowed from the government saying it was pushing for the Minister of Finance  to convert it into grant.

The money was given to assist more than 50 athletes who arrived at Fu’amotu airport two years ago to find their names weren’t on the passenger list to PNG to represent Tonga during Pacific Games 2015.

On Tuesday Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva said TASANOC has yet to pay back its loan.

TASANOC Secretary General Takitoa Taumoepeau has said the national sport authority’s AGM in 2015 had “challenged” the validity of the loan.

He said members of the AGM asked whether an individual or a private organisation could borrow money from government.

He said he was told by the AGM to write to the Minister of Finance and urge him to convert the loan into a grant.

It is understood the paper works for the loan were processed after the money was granted.

Taumoepeau said he has written to the outgoing Finance Minister ‘Aisake Eke asking for the conversion and he has yet to receive a response.

He said he wanted to follow it up with the current Minister of Finance Tevita Lavemaau.

Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva was dissatisfied with how the TASANOC handled the athletes travel in 2015 and had demanded an immediate report.

At the time it has been revealed the government had already provided TASA with TP$464,000 as its contribution towards the players travel costs.

For more information

Stranded sport teams leave for PNG, PM demands report from TASA

Fusimālohi resigns amidst uproar over claims of too much politics and no work at TASANOC

Man in custody for attacking woman with machete after argument over car damage

By
Kalino Latu
-

A Tokomololo man had allegedly injured a woman from Pahu with a machete after he thought she had vandalised his car on Monday night.

The 31-year-old woman who suffered serious injuries had been recovering in Vaiola hospital.

Police said the 29-year-old man has been charged with grievous bodily harm.

A date was to be set for the accused to appear in court.

Police investigation continues.

Fonohema Dux: Cultural roots divide kainga on social media

By
Kalino Latu
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The announcement of the dux of this year’s combined government recruit course has sparked a light hearted battle online as different branches of his family claim the credit for his success.

Viliami Hopoate Fonohema was made dux of Tonga’s 61st Combined Recruit course, which trains new recruits for the Police, Fire and Prison services and His Majesty’s Armed Forces.

Recruits sat the same examinations and had their prize giving together at Taliai Military Camp in Fua’amotu last week.

Gabriel Naeata of Ta’anea Vava’u was awarded second place and Siaosi Vea of Ha’apai and Tongatapu was placed third.

The outstanding recruit for the Ministry of Fire was Viliami Patolo of Tafahi, Vaipoa and Veitongo Tongatapu while Sione Lavakei’aho of Falaleu Vava’u and Popua Tongatapu won the outstanding prize for the Prison Department.

It is normal practice in Tonga when it comes to achievement and the winning awards that the place of birth of the awardees and their parents have to be part of the announcement.

Fonohema’s uncle, who goes by the name Enele Ma’afu on Facebook, congratulated his achievement.

“Congratulations to my nephew Viliami Fonohema for being the Best Overall Recruit and also the Best Overall soldier recruit from His Majesty’s Armed Forces. Malo e ako,” he wrote.

He also said in Tongan: “I understand the kainga from Falevai, Vava’u and Tongaleleka are claiming you come from them, but I reckon you come with me to the Kali ko Mavaetangi ( Ha’asini  Tongatapu).”

Fonohema’s mother, who uses the Facebook name Funga Niu’ui, agreed, saying: “That’s the place where they can shout out and express their joy in times of happiness and triumph.”

Another person, Api ko Fakala’a, joined in and said Fonohema was from Tofoa, the place where he grew up and said the village name had been carried far and wide because of his great achievement.

Another cousin of Fonohema by the name Peni Junior Tutuila, thanked Fonohema’s parents and attributed his achievement to his side of Tongoleleka, saying his wisdom came from them.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala was the Guest of Honour at the graduation, and presented the prizes.

He congratulated the 61st combined recruits on their achievements and urged them to make use of what they had learned at the training camp.

The main points

  • The announcement of the dux of this year’s combined government recruit course has sparked a light hearted battle online as different branches of his family claim the credit for his success.
  • Viliami Fonohema was made dux of Tonga’s 61st Combined Recruit course, which trains new recruits for the Police, Fire and Prison services and His Majesty’s Armed Forces.
  • Recruits sat the same examinations and had their prize giving together at Taliai Military Camp in Fua’amotu.
  • Gabriel Naeata of Ta’anea Vava’u was awarded second place and Siaosi Vea of Ha’apai and Tongatapu was placed third.

Kelikao man burnt in blaze which costs his family thousands

By
Kalino Latu
-

A 36-year-old Houmakelikao man was hospitalised after a fire that costs his family thousands ripped through their house destroying one vehicle on Saturday 27 at about 5am.

He was admitted to hospital with “minor” burns to his head, arm and hands, a Fire Service spokesman said.

It is understood the man was trying to bring his three children and his wife outside from the fire.

The house was well alight when the Fire fighters arrived.

Damages were estimated at $51,000 after the fire erupted at 4.48am, the spokesperson said.

A vehicle was destroyed in the blaze while another was saved, he said.

It is also understood the man had been discharged from hospital.

The cause of the fire was “undetermined” and fire safety officers were investigating how the blaze started.

Real Tonga CEO denies claims of cheap aircraft leases, says no room for second airline

By
Kalino Latu and Philip Cass
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Real Tonga CEO Tevita Palu said today the Tongan market was too small to support another airline.

Palu was responding to a suggestion by Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva at a meeting yesterday that the kingdom should have another airline to compete with Real Tonga.

“There is not enough work locally to support two local airlines,” he said.

Palu said criticism of Real Tonga’s pricing structure was unfair since it was made against Air New Zealand.

“Fare comparison is done on a seat basis,” he said.

“We cannot compare airfares on a B777 aircraft carrying over 350 passengers operating on a market of four million people with a small aircraft carrying 30 passengers operating on a limited market of 100,000 people.”

He said airfares in Tonga could be reduced by having lower fuel prices, localisation of pilots and engineers, better airports and weather forecast systems, fewer taxes and better regulatory support from the government.

Palu denied claims that the MA60 and Y12 aircraft the government leased to his airline were provided cheaply by international standards.

Former government Civil Aviation Minister Etuate Lavulavu, said they were leased out at $1500 per hour.

“Under what basis does the government think the lease is cheap?” Palu asked.

“Our current lease rate is more expensive that normal commercial lease compare to similar capacity aircraft type.”

The Prime Minister said the government rate was designed to subsidise airfares, including the flight to the Niuas. Real Tonga operates a weekly service, charging TP$344 to Niuafoou and TP$269 to Niuatoputapu from Vavau.

Palu said there had been TP$11.50 ($10 airport levy plus CT) fare adjustment which is on the Vava’u sector in January this year.

MP Akosita Lavulavu complained that she had been charged the new passenger tax for each of four sectors of a flight from Tongatapu to Vava’u.

She said Real Tonga told her that because the aircraft landed in Ha’apai before Vava’u, charges were made for two sectors on the outward and returns legs of the journey.

In December last year the government refused an operating license to Tonga Airways.

Tonga Airways was a partly Tongan, partly foreign owned venture which said it would bring cheaper airfares to Tonga.

Last month Real Tonga sent a chartered plane back to Australia after it has not been used for three months because of a fall in demand.

Tonga Radio said more people were understood to sailing between the islands after improvements in services and cheaper fares.

The main points

  • Real Tonga CEO Tevita Palu said today the Tongan market was too small to support another airline.
  • Palu was responding to a suggestion by Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva at a meeting yesterday that the kingdom should have another airline to compete with Real Tonga.
  • “There is not enough work locally to support two local airlines,” he said.
  • Palu said criticism of Real Tonga’s pricing structure was unfair since it was made against Air New Zealand.

Dangerous prisoner still at large on Tongatapu

By
Kalino Latu
-

A “dangerous” remand prisoner remains at large three weeks after he escaped from a Tongatapu magistrate court while waiting to defend an offence.

Tonga Police are still searching for Amoni Fifita who is in his 20s.

Police have said Fifita is considered dangerous and members of the public have been warned not to approach him.

This was the second time he has escaped from Police custody.

On January 31 Fifita and another inmate escaped the Central Police Custody and robbed a shop owner at gun-point.

They were arrested two days later after the other inmate was located at Hofoa while Fifita was found at Ha’ateiho.

If anyone has any information on his whereabout, they can contact their local Police station or call 922 immediately.

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