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Judge orders 16 years’ jail  sentence for man convicted in child sexual abuse case

By
Philip Cass
-

A man who sexually abused two girls has been sentenced to 16 years in prison.

The man carried out the offences against a 10 year old girl and her 11 year old sister over a two week period.

He was living with their mother.

The man has a previous conviction for raping a 12 year old girl.

In his sentencing report, Mr Justice Cato said the sentence reflected and emphasised the need to deter and denounce crimes against vulnerable victims and protect children.

He said the girls, who are now in care, had been injured mentally and physically.

The man has been banned from having any contact with the victims or with his own daughters by the victims’ mother.

“I consider that   he   represents   a   serious   threat   to   girls   and  there   is  no certainty  that,  even  when  released  after  a  long  period of time  in custody,  he  will  not  still  represent  a  serious  threat,” Mr Justice Cato said.

The final 18 months of the man’s sentence will be suspended on condition that he does not commit any offences punishable by imprisonment for three years; that he is placed on probation; that he does not live in any residence where girls or young women live and that he receives sexual abuse counselling.

The court has ordered that no material be published that could identify the girls.

The main points

  • A man who sexually abused two girls has been sentenced to 16 years in prison.
  • The man, who cannot be named, carried out the offences against a 10 year old girl and her 11 year old sister over a two week period.
  • In his sentencing report, Mr Justice Cato said the sentence reflected emphasises the need to deter and denounce crimes against vulnerable victims and protect children.
  • The man has a previous conviction for raping a 12 year old girl.

Commander who led Tonga’s first Afghan contingent retires

By
Alpha Latu
-

Naval Captain Sātisi Vunipola, the former commander of Tongan first troops in Afghanistan, has formally retired from His Majesty’s Armed Forces.

In 2011 Vunipola oversaw 55 Tongan soldiers who were based in the Helmand Province for six months,  alongside  20,000 other British troops and US Marines.

They were tasked with protecting the boundaries of the Camp Bastion.

For 39 year of service for the government of Tonga Vunipola enlisted in His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF) on September 4, 1977.

He has been holding the appointment of Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff Support Command since 2013.

Captain (Navy) S Vunipola has held various Command and Staff postings within HMAF.

He was the Officer Commanding (OC) of Lotuma in 1985 and was appointed as Officer Commanding (OC) of Masefield Base in 1986.

He was posted to Ha’apai as the OC of Velata Naval Base in 1989. In 1994 to 1997 he was the Commanding Officer (CO) of VOEA Savea and in 1999, he was the CO of VOEA Neiafu. Captain Vunipola was appointed as the CO of the Navy in 2001 and in 2003 he was appointed as the Component Commander (CC) of Logistic Support Group and Administration of HMAF.

He graduated from the Officer Cadet Training School in Waiouru, New Zealand in 1979 and was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the Land Force on 20 August 1980.

He attended various courses in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and the United States of America.

He is a graduate of the Australian Naval Command and Staff College in Australia in 1998. He undertook Security Studies Executive course at the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies in year 2000.

In 2002, he undertook Defence Management course at Monterey, USA. He held a post graduate Diploma in Management from the Queensland University of Technology in Defence Studies. In 2012 he attained a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies from the University of Geelong, Australia.

Captain (Navy) S. Vunipola graduated from the Officer Cadet School, Waiouru, New Zealand in 1979.

He was commissioned on the 20th of August, 1980 and progress through various naval officers training on seamanship and navigation in various countries including Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and the United States. In 1985 Captain (Navy) S. Vunipola was appointed as the Commanding Officer of the HMS FANGAILIFUKA and HMAV LATE.

However, in 1992 he became the Commanding Officer of the VOEA NEIAFU. In 1998 he was appointed as the Tonga Navy Component Commander. He became the Commanding Officer Administration in 2003

In 1994 CAPT S. Vunipola was the Executive Officer of the VOEA PANGAI during the Operation Lagoon in Bougainville Island. During the global campaign against terror, CAPT S Vunipola led HMAF 4th Contingent to Iraq in 2008 and in 2010-2011 he was once again the Contingent Commander for the 1st HMAF Contingent to Afghanistan under the International Security Assistant Forces (ISAF)

He was also awarded with the following medals and service decorations: The Order of St George: HMAF General Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; Long Service & Good Conduct Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; US Army Commendation Medal; British Operational Service Medal; and ISAF Medal for Afghanistan

MP Jenny Salesa to meet with potential candidates in Nukuʻalofa

By
Alpha Latu
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New Zealand Tongan MP Jenny Lātū Salesa is meeting with local potential female candidates who will be running for Tonga’s election of town and district officers in Nukuʻalofa tomorrow Thursday 14.

Salesa will be sharing her experiences on politics with these women.

Salesa was in Nukuʻalofa on her way to Vava’u to receive three container loads of goods, collected by the Vavaʻu Relief Committee in New Zealand for the victims of Cyclone Winston which hit Vava’u in February.

The MP for Manukau East was expected to “empower” the local women especially those who are running for local government this year.

MP Jenny Lātū Salesa has become the first Tongan-speaker to enter New Zealand Parliament following the national election on 2014.

This was not the first time for Salesa to help local Tongan women while visiting Tonga.

In June last year during her two-week visit to the Kingdom, she met with women and girls with various career goals and she encouraged them to “aim high and to achieve to the best of their abilities”.

The meeting on Saturday is open to the public.

The meeting will begin at 12:00pm at the UN Joint Office upstairs Royco Building (where the New Zealand immigration is located on ground level).

Tongan cop suspended over social media misconduct

By
Alpha Latu
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A 35-year-old Tongan Police officer was suspended in what Police described as “alleged misconduct on Social Media”.

Tonga Police Commissioner Steve Caldwell has confirmed this in a statement this afternoon.

“As the matter is now a criminal investigation it is not appropriate to offer any further comment at this time”, the statement said.

Last month CNN reported a white police officer in Ohio has been fired after he posted a comment on Facebook calling the suicide of a Black Lives Matter activist “a happy ending.”

A Police officer in Michigan was also fired in March over a Facebook post but his lawyer argued that  “this is a matter of free speech – plain and simple”.

He said “his client and his Facebook post are protected by the” law.

Kava for victory, first Tongan promoted into higher position in Waitematā police

By
Kalino Latu
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An important Tongan cultural practice  was performed during the new appointment of a Tongan Sergeant Police officer in New Zealand to the position of Pacific Liason District Coordinator.

The special kava ceremony was normally performed to mark a victory and the first cup of kava was called by the matāpule (herald),  during the event last weekend to be delivered to Sanalio Kaihau to honour his new role in New Zealand Police.

The kava circle was joined by the Waitemata police, family and guests.

As the eldest son of ‘Amelia Tu’ungafasi Kaihau  and Haieti Kaihau it means the celebration had a significant turned out from Sanalio’s Kanokupolu, Tatakamotonga, ‘Eua and Niua relatives and friends.

The growth and increase in the population of the Māori and Pasifika people in West Auckland recently means Police have to open more opportunities in the Force’s offices for the ethnic Police officers.

Haieti
Sanalio Kaihau and his parents, Haieti and ‘Amelia Kaihau. Photo/Supplied

Kaihau was one of those who were selected to take those opportunities.

“But in terms of Lio personally, and the Tongan community, he’s the first Tongan to be promoted in any rank within our Waitematā district,” said Inspector Fata Willie Fanene.

His appointment also received tributes and gratitude on social media from family and friends overseas.

Kaihau’s aunt Kalausia ‘Otukolo who is living in the United States expressed on Facebook how she was marvelled by the new appointment.

“So proud of you nephew G-pa smiling from the other side.‪#‎dadnamesake#weloveyou#”, ‘Otukolo wrote.

“Good job Sanalio keep up the good work i still remember him when he was little ofa atu kia amelia mo haieti eee”, wrote another.

Kaihau made headlines in 2013 after she helped and prevented a woman from committing suicide. Instead of handling the case with what a Police officer was trained to do in such situation Kaihau invited the woman to pray with her and eventually she was saved.

Challenges faced by Pacific Women discussed in Nukuʻalofa maritime conference

By
Alpha Latu
-

The challenges faced by women in maritime was one of the topics discussed in Nukuʻalofa in a week-long regional conference for Pacific Women in maritime

Those who attended also discussed issues such as energy and climate change, sustainable development, women’s rights and the Maritime Labour Convention.

The CEO of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, ‘Ana Bing Fonua in her welcoming speech said the Government of Tonga is in good support of women’s value.

“My government endorses the strongest support and efforts to raise awareness of women’s value in the society and their role in development especially in leading roles and there is no discrimination in any forms in these sectors,” she stated.

Fonua said the conference helped raise the awareness about the role of women in sustainable development around the Pacific.

“This conference and its means in advocating women’s rights, indicate to us that all of us have a better future for women in maritime.”

“And we must cease this opportunity and make sure that we shall not fail for failure is not an option in women in maritime.”

Director of Marine and Ports Tonga, Ms Kelelela Tonga said the conference recognizes the economic contribution and leadership of women in the Pacific maritime sector.

“There are a lot of women who have higher position in both public and private sectors, so we are here today to recognize them and the roles they play in maritime.”

It is the first time for Tonga to host the conference.

She said that at the end of the week-long conference, participants will look at adopting a work plan for the Pacific Women Maritime Association (PacWiMA).

The conference is funded by the International Maritime Organization, Secretariat of the Pacific Community and the Ministry of Infrastructure.

Tonga hosts archery Olympic qualifier, Prince opens competition

By
Alpha Latu
-

Tonga has hosted a sporting event in which the successful competitors would be qualified for the Rio Olympic Games and the event was opened by Prince Ata in Tonga today.

Archers from around Oceania and as far away as Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji and New Caledonia were competing in Tonga in the Oceania Archery Championships, the Commonwealth Championships and the Continental Qualifying Tournament.

The Continental Qualifying Tournament allows the successful athletes to compete at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in August.

“There are two spots opened for women and two for men to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Game in Rio and we’re hoping Tonga will have a spot in it,” the Secretary of Tonga Archery Foundation, Tukia Tatafu said.

Tonga normally sent its potential athletic candidates for the international or regional sports to compete in overseas qualifiers.

“.. this is the only event and for the first time for Tonga to qualify athletes to join the Olympic,” Tatafu said.

She said: “Assistance from the TAF and the government of Tonga has managed us to further our resources and improve our facilities before inviting the participating countries to Tonga for the championships.”

Hans Jensen, the President of the World Archery Oceania,  “who is based in Tonga said yesterday was the official practice day for competitors to adjust to the environment and the battle of participating countries for someone to represent Oceania to the Olympic Games in Rio”.

The Archery Sport was first introduced to Tonga in 1998.

Man hospitalized and charged with drink driving after Hofoa crash

By
Alpha Latu
-

A car driver from Kanokupolu was taken to hospital for medical assistance after a car he was driving in crashed at Hofoa last week.

Police said the man was later charged with reckless and drink driving.

His medical condition was not clear at the time of this report.

At the same time Police said the death of a 53-year-old man who died in Kolofoʻou last week was not suspicious.

On a separate note, Police said an autopsy has found and concluded the cause of death of the Telekava victim Kasimea ʻOneʻone and it will be released to public sometime this week.

Three teens had been arrested, charged and are currently in Police custody in relation to his death.

Afuhaʻamango to guest pose at Samoa body building competition

By
Alpha Latu
-

Tonga’s golden boy Manase Afuhaʻamango is set to ignite the Gov H. Rex Lee Auditorium stage this weekend when he makes a guest appearance at the Sau Ia Bodybuilding Club  in Pagopago.

The Samoan competition was set up last year by Peter Reid III and Sala McMoore to promote the Samoan youth body builders.

Nase
Manase Afuha’amango

Afuhaʻamango won a gold medal in the -100 kg weight category at the Pacific Games 2015.

He will be in Samoa together with Masa Onodera, the president of the New Zealand based Tonga Bodybuilding Association (TBBA) of which he is a member.

Onodera will be one of the judges during the competition.

He told Kaniva News the TBBA has about 25 members in which three won gold medals during the South Pacific Games 2015.

The Association organised fund raising earlier this month as part of their preparation to travel to Tonga to participate in the upcoming Mr Tonga competition.

This week’s event will be the first body building competition to be organised by the Sau Ia Bodybuilding Club .

Court orders Tribunal to reconvene and consider Cabinet Secretary’s appeal again

By
Philip Cass
-

The long running legal campaign mounted by former Chief Secretary and Secretary to the Cabinet Busby Kautoke over his dismissal in 2012 has taken another turn.

Following a three sided legal dispute between the Public Service Tribunal, Mr Kautoke and the Public Service Commission, Lord Chief Justice Paulsen has ruled that a decision overturning his dismissal should be subject to judicial review.

The review was sought by the Public Service Commission acting as plaintiffs with the other two parties acting as defendants.

Mr Kautoke was suspended by the Commission on April 5, 2012, pending an investigation into allegations made against him under the Public Finance Administration (Public Fund) regulations relating to a failure to provide vouchers.

The charges related to alleged failure to provide the required documentation during a period from May 2009 to July 2010.

He was suspended without pay and on August 8, 2012, was sent a letter telling him he had been terminated, dating from April 6, 2012.

Mr Kautoke appealed his decision to the Public service Tribunal  in 2013 and on March 21 of that year the Tribunal declared that the decision to terminate him was invalid.

The Tribunal argued that his termination was invalid largely on the basis that Cabinet had not approved the termination.

The decision to remove Mr Kautoke was noted by Cabinet, but consideration of the report was deferred and ultimately the report of the decision was withdrawn.

In a closely argued 32 page statement released on Friday, Lord Chief Justice Paulsen noted that the rules surrounding the employment of public servants like Mr Kautoke had changed during the course of his employment.

The judge’s report noted that a number of arguments and claims had been made about how these changes had been interpreted, whether sections of the Public Service Act were pertinent in respect of the case and whether the fact that the dismissal was not approved by Cabinet was relevant.

In his decision, Lord Chief Justice Paulsen ordered that the Tribunal’s decision to allow Mr Kautoke’s appeal against the decision to terminate his job should be set aside.

He ordered the Tribunal to meet again to re-hear Mr Kautoke’s appeal at the earliest opportunity.

“I consider  that  referring  this  matter  back  to  the  Tribunal  is  likely  to  be the  most  time  and  cost  effective  method  by  which  Mr  Kautoke  can have   his  case   finally   determined   on   its  merits,  which   is  what   he desires,” the judge said.

“This case  has  been  beset  by  procedural  manoeuvring  which has  caused  the  delay  of  which   Mr  Kautoke  now  complains  and  no doubt  has added  considerably  to  the  costs  of  both  parties.

“The court can  only  hope  that  Mr  Kautoke’s  grievance  shall  now  be  aired  in the specialist  forum which was  established  for that  purpose.”

The main points

  • The long running legal campaign mounted by former Chief Secretary and Secretary to the Cabinet Busby Kautoke over his dismissal in 2012 has taken another turn.
  • Following a three sided legal dispute between the Public Service Tribunal, Mr Kautoke and the Public Service Commission, Lord Chief Justice Paulsen ruled that the best way to resolve the issue was to send it back to the Tribunal.
  • Mr Kautoke was first suspended without pay and then sacked over allegations made against him under the Public Finance Administration (Public Fund) regulations.
  • He appealed his decision to the Public service Tribunal in 2013 and on March 21 of that year the Tribunal declared that the decision to terminate him was invalid.
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