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Hope fades for Tongan boxers in China Olympic qualifiers

By
Kaniva Staff
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The Tonga Boxing Association (TBA) hopes of sending fighters to the Olympics in Rio are on the ropes after their three leading contenders were beaten in the opening session of the Oceania qualifying tournament in China.

Pueki Fifita a female fighter who won bronze medal for Tonga at Pacific Games 2015, Sepesitiano Lavemai, a super heavy weight who won silver medal at the Pacific games 2015 and Fine Tu’ipulotu, also a Pacific Games 2015 contender all lost their first-round fights yesterday.

Hiko Fungavaka, the assistant president of the TBA said he has yet to receive the results for Pouono Lopeti, a Tongan light heavy weight boxer from Australia who joined the Tongan team.

However Lopeti who goes by the name Machete Lopeti on Facebook, made an emotional comment on his page this morning and said: “Not the result we hoped for….. Humbled by the experience Sad and frustrated by the loss but definitely not defeated mentally. Many thanks for the support!!!”

The TBA sent two officials and four fighters to compete at the qualifying tournament.

Fungavaka said 13 boxers were trained to compete at the tournament but they finally cut them down to only four because the funding from the government was not enough to send them all to the competition.

The selection of the fighters was then forced to pick only those fighters who had fought in an international competition like the Pacific Games.

Not the result we hoped for….. Humbled by the experience Sad and frustrated by the loss but definitely not defeated mentally. Many thanks for the support!!!

Posted by Machete Lopeti on Monday, March 28, 2016

Law: concerns at increasing pharmacies and medical students returning to Tonga

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tongan authorities were concerned about the increasing number of new pharmacies and medical students returning from overseas while the government has no regulations to control them.

The kingdom wanted laws to make sure only qualified medical practitioners are serving the public.

The idea however took shape in Nukuʻalofa last week after the health authorities and representatives from the Ministry of Justice  met to review and made the final amendment to the Medical and Dental Practice Act 2001.

The 2001 Act only dealt witht staff’s performances, professionalism and protecting the public from malpractices.

Mr Tuʻakoi ‘Ahio, Principal Health Administrator and Registrar of the Medical Dental Practice Board, said: “There is no regulation at the moment and this workshop is trying to develop some regulations to determine whether the Pharmacies are equitable to operate”.

Tuakoi
Dr. Tu’akoi ‘Ahio, Registra of the Medical and Dental Practice Board with Ms. Marina Moa from the Crown Office during the workshp in Nukuʻalofa

“Due to many new pharmacies and students going to Cuba to study, the reviewing of this Act” was to make sure they meet certain requirements before allowing them to operate and work in Tonga.

ʻAhio said the new laws will protect medical officers, dentists and doctors.

“It has been a long journey from 2001 to today and it has new things and new people in each category and it also has new challenges…so there is a need to review this Act before we implement it to meet the current standards and so on,” Tuʻakoi said.

“What we are trying to achieve today is going through the final draft and the proposed regulations for this Act,” Tuʻakoi said.

The proposal to amend the law will go through the government normal procedure and was expected to be discussed in Parliament soon.

Locals welcome Fuʻamotu new road construction

By
Kalino Latu
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Fuʻamotu locals welcomed the new road construction for their town which was funded by the Chinese and the Tongan government.

The new road was planned to give more access to the main road for commuters who travel to the Fuʻamotu International Airport and the Scenic Hotel.

China has provided TP$ 40,000 Paʻanga to cover petrol costs and the professional side of the project.

The Chinese Ambassador to Tonga HE Mr Huang Huaguang said China’s assistance to Tonga is “the key for the

the Ambassador visited the roads with Tongatapu 9 People’s Representative, Mr. Penisimani Fifita
The Ambassador visited the road with Tongatapu 9 People’s Representative Mr. Penisimani Fifita. 

development of a community as well as the Kingdom as a whole”.

MP Penisimani Fifita who is also the MP for Fuʻamotu thanked the Chinese government and the government of Tonga for making the project happened.

Tony Finau wins Puerto Rico Open in playoff for 1st title

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tony Finau made headlines before 2016 even started by signing with Nike. And before the year’s first major, he’s already proven to be a great investment.

On Sunday, Finau won the Puerto Rico Open to morph from talented curiosity into PGA Tour winner. Finau, 26, defeated Steve Marino on the third hole of a sudden-death playoff at Coco Beach.

“I think I’m still a little bit overwhelmed,” Finau told reporters in Puerto Rico after. “It probably hasn’t all sunk in.”

Finau played his final eight holes of regulation in two over par to match Marino with a final-round 70. He missed a six-footer for birdie on No. 18 for the win. However, in the playoff, Finau birdied the par-5 18th hole all three times.

I tried to just stay in the moment really,” Finau said. “That’s what I learned from last year. You can never look too far ahead and you can’t look back, either. You’ve got to focus on the here and now. I did a really good job of that today even though that putt slipped by in regulation for the win, I knew I still didn’t lose the tournament. I needed to refocus and get ready to play 18 again. That’s what it takes out here I feel like to win. And now that I have that feeling, it’s pretty special.”

The 36-year-old Marino remained winless in his PGA Tour career after three-putting for par from the back fringe on the final hole. He now has five runner-ups and just under $10 million in career earnings.

Local pro Rafael Campos, the 36-hole leader, shot a second consecutive 72 to finish T-8. Earlier in the week, he became the first Puerto Rican to lead a PGA Tour event since Chi Chi Rodriguez in 1979.

Ian Poulter, the 54-hole leader, shot 72 and finished one shot out of the playoff. He parred his final 13 holes.

“It’s a shame. Just slightly disappointing,” Poulter said. “I’m continuing to work on the game to try and improve, and I know if I rectify a couple of poor shots, then my game will improve. Obviously, hitting shots slightly too far right at certain times is costly.”

– Golf Digest

Niua woman in labour rushed by navy boat to Ngu hospital

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A pregnant Niua Island mother had the Tonga Navy patrol boat to thank for getting her to Vava’u in time to give birth to her baby recently.

The petrol boat  was in the outer island on a nine-day trip from March 7 – 16 taking representatives from overseas and Tonga as part of the recent Outer Island Renewable Energy Project (OIREP) mission.

It included representatives from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Australian High Commission in Tonga, Government of Tonga officials from its Energy Division, the Ministry of Labour and Commerce, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning and the Ministry of Health, Tonga Power Limited (TPL) and German consultancy company STR.

In a press release from the Australian High Commission in Tonga it said:

“An added bonus of having the medical team join the OIREP mission, was they were also able to respond to a unexpected medical emergency in the most remote of the islands, Niua Fo’ou.

The fast acting decisions of the Tonga Navy and the Ministry of Health saw the safe transport of a labouring mother to the Prince Ngu Hospital in Vava’u, where the baby was safely delivered”.

No further details about the mother and the baby were available.

Dr. Toa Fakakovikaetau and Tonga Navy load the load medical supplies for the outer islands visit.
Dr. Toa Fakakovikaetau and Tonga Navy load the load medical supplies for the outer islands visit.Photo/Australian High Commission in Tonga

The press release said: “Ministry of Health, through the Australian funded Tonga Health Sector Support Program Phase 2 (THSSP 2), took the opportunity to join the mission and extend medical and dental outreach across the islands.

“Dr Toa Fakakovikaetau and Dr Amanaki Latu, set up mobile clinics on each of the islands providing general medical and dental services and expanding the programs critical non-communicable disease screening component.

“OIREP will improve the quality, standard and cost of the power delivered to the people of Tonga, while increasing accessibility to electricity on the outer islands.

Niua Toputapu working committee meeting discuss the OIREP project with Ministry of Labour and Commerce and Energy Division.
Niua Toputapu working committee meeting discuss the OIREP project with Ministry of Labour and Commerce and Energy Division.Photo/Australian High Commission in Tonga

“OIREP is a joint program that includes funding from the ADB, the Australian Government and the European Union.

“The program supports Tonga’s efforts to reduce diesel generation through use of renewable energy.

“It aims to construct and install solar power systems on nine outer islands to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuel by increasing continuous, reliable, safe and affordable solar energy from using of sustainable and innovative technologies such as solar photovoltaic power.

“Tonga aims to reach 50% renewable energy generation by 2020 equating to a reduction of 9.4 million litres of diesel per annum.

Dr. Toa Fakakovikaetau and Dr. Amanaki Latu set up a mobile clinic to overcome access issues on Ha’ano, to undertake NCD screening.
Dr. Toa Fakakovikaetau and Dr. Amanaki Latu set up a mobile clinic to overcome access issues on Ha’ano, to undertake NCD screening.Photo/Australian High Commission in Tonga

“Australia is keen to support the program as energy supply can greatly impact the well-being and livelihood of those in the outer islands.

“Through OIREP opportunities are created to overcome barriers to economic expansion for businesses such as weaving and local fish storage (major source of income generation in the outer islands), while increased lighting enables education opportunities and can address health issues such as reduction in salt intake (related to meat preservation practices) and food poisoning”.

Growing up in poverty and lessons at ‘Unuaki ‘O Tonga drove academic success

By
Kalino Latu
-

A Tongan graduate from the Martin Hautus Institute in Auckland said growing up in poverty and the lessons she learned at the ʻUnuaki ʻo Tonga Institute were the forces that drove her to graduate last week.

Keylani Lisa Marie Hale Savieti, 27, graduated with a Diploma in Information Technology and Computer Service and will continue her studies at the Whitireia New Zealand Institute in May.

She hopes to graduate with a BA in 2018.

Savieti said her success was driven by coping with the huge challenges she faced from the moment she arrived in New Zealand in January last year.

Everything was new to her. She had to wake up at 7am to take a bus from Manurewa where she lived to Manukau where she had to get another bus to go to Onehunga where the Martin Institute is located

“It was difficult, but I know that’s how life is and I have to bear in my mind our little island and how people are brought up there in poverty,” Savieti said.

Lisa
Keylani Lisa Marie Hale Savieti. Photo/Supplied

She said she was taught lessons at the Unuaki ‘o Tonga Royal Institute (‘UTRI) she did not forget when she was studying for her diploma in New Zealand.

“I was really happy when I studied at ‘UTRI because they had practical courses in which students practised professional hospitality, cultural dances and discipline skills,” Savieti said.

Savieti said she felt the students were specially treated at ‘UTRI. She said she wanted to encourage Tongan students to consider studying at ‘UTRI as their practical courses helped when she came to New Zealand.

Because she was successful in her first year in New Zealand, Savieti urged other students to pursue their education in New Zealand at the Martin Hautus Institute.

She said students could study at the school in the same way as she did.

She first paid part of her school fees to allow her to obtain a student visa. When she obtained her student visa she moved to New Zealand and applied for a job to help pay for her education costs and living expenses.

“Don’t ever give up on your dreams, dream big and aim high because at the end you will achieve your target,” Savieti said.

“Your future is in your hands.”

Savieti said she prayed when she was struggling with her studies.

The Director of ‘UTRI ‘Akosita Lavulavu said the school helped students get their visa before they were enrolled with Martin Hautus Institute, their partnering school in New Zealand.

She said they kept in touch with their students while they were in New Zealand and helped guide them if they wanted to pursue further studies.

She said UTRI had partnered with the Martin Hautus Institute for the past three years.

Savieti was one of the six students from UTRI who graduated last Wednesday (March 23).

Savieti studied at Takuilau College before enrolling with the Tonga Training Institute. She said she heard about ‘UTRI and enrolled there in 2014.

The Martin Hautus graduates are:

  1. Lavinia Hakalo from Ngele’ia
    2. Keylani Lisa Marie Hale from Tatakomotonga
    3. Atelaite Lupe Saipaia from Tatakomotonga
    4. Sela Ngahe from Tofoa
    5. Lolie Tangi from Fo’oui
    6. Linda Fifita from Halaleva

The main points

  • A Tongan graduate from the Martin Hautus Institute in Auckland said growing up in poverty and the lessons she learned at the ʻUnuaki ʻo Tonga Institute were the forces that drove her to graduate last week.
  • Keylani Lisa Marie Hale Savieti, 27, graduated with a Diploma in Information Technology and will continue her studies at the Whitireia New Zealand Institute in May.
  • She hopes to graduate with a BA in 2018.
  • Savieti said her success had been driven by coping with the huge challenges she faced from the moment she arrived in New Zealand in January last year.

Two cow heads and animal intestines found, Tongan Police investigate

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Police in Tonga are hunting for the thieves believed to be responsible for the slaughter and stealing of two cows in a tax allotment in Houma, Tongatapu.

Mele Tāvite Fisiliu, the owner of the cows told Kaniva News the discovery was made by a local after he spotted two heads and intestines believed to be of the cows left in their allotment.

After reporting the animal remains to the family a complaint was lodged with Police.

The cows’ slaughtered remains suggested they were butchered and stolen on Friday night.

Fisiliu said if she was to sell her cows they  would be for about more than TP$2000 paʻanga each.

Her sister Kilisitina Fakavā posted the theft on social media and asked the public to contact them if they have information to help find the poachers.

Fisiliu said she received a call from Fuʻamotu from a person who said his cow was also slaughtered and stolen from his tax allotment.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Mele Fisiliu at 7719302 or Kilisitina at 7737408.

Tongan mother sentenced to 26 years imprisonment, deemed as worst in US, could face life behind bars

By
Kaniva Staff
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A Tongan woman  who  brought her daughter from the kingdom to the United States  to be used as a sex toy has been jailed for 26 years.

The woman handed the 6-year-old over to her new husband, a pedophile, and she sold the girl’s innocence to other men on Craigslist.

She faces up to life behind bars if she can’t one day convince the state’s Indeterminate Sentence Review Board that she is safe to release.

She took sexually explicit videos and photographs of the girl and shared them with strangers. One video recovered by Snohomish County sheriff’s detectives shows the woman texting with another potential client while her daughter, seated next to her, is sexually assaulted by a man who paid to abuse the girl.

Her actions were abhorrent, unconscionable and provoke revulsion, Superior Court Judge Thomas Wynne said Friday.

“You are the worst possible example of a mother in American society,” the judge said.

Wynne sentenced the woman to a minimum of 26 years in prison.

The woman denies committing the crimes and plans to appeal her conviction. She could be challenged persuading the review board to release her if she doesn’t accept responsibility for her actions or engage in treatment in prison.

The defendant’s husband pleaded guilty in June to first-degree child rape and child molestation and possession of child pornography. He was sentenced to a minimum of 27 years in prison. The review board also will determine his ultimate release date.

Jurors, who were exposed to graphic images during last month’s trial, needed less than three hours to convict the Marysville woman of more than a dozen sex crimes. They didn’t buy her story that her husband forced her to abuse her daughter.

The woman, who isn’t a U.S. citizen, was concerned that she would be sent back to Tonga if she didn’t cooperate with her husband’s demands, jurors were told.

Snohomish County deputy prosecutor Elise Deschenes said the woman only came up with the story when she realized that she faced criminal charges.

The defendant not only failed to protect her daughter, but she instigated the abuse, Deschenes said.

“She brought (the girl) into what she knew would be a life of abuse because it would make (her husband) happy and she could join in the sexual activities with her together. She also knew she could help make money,” Deschenes said.

The deputy prosecutor asked Wynne to sentence the woman to a minimum of 53 years in prison. She argued that if the woman was allowed to serve time for each of her crimes concurrently, she’d be getting a free pass for some of those offenses.

Wynne said he was tempted to grant the prosecutor’s request but he was satisfied with the 26-year sentence.

The woman’s legal troubles might not be over. Federal prosecutors have expressed an interest in the case, primarily for the woman’s alleged production of child pornography.

The Marysville couple’s actions came to light after a detective in Florida discovered that the Marysville man was sending child pornography to a man in Texas. The investigation uncovered nearly 200 Craigslist ads posted by the Marysville man advertising his stepdaughter.

– This is an edited version of a story published by the heraldnet

Brothers sent home to Tonga after serving 11 years of imprisonment for the murder of an Australian policeman

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A Tongan man has been deported to Tonga today and it will be followed by his brother after serving 11 years in prison for the manslaughter of the NSW Senior Constable Glenn McEnallay fourteen years ago.

Motekiai Taufahema was sent to the kingdom today and his brother John will be sent later.

The two brothers  were both on parole for a brutal bashing when stopped by McEnallay with four stolen guns in Hillsdale in 2002.

Their accomplice, Sione Penisini, shot McEnallay three times, “once in the head and twice in the chest” on March 27, 2002.

According to the Australian 9news, “Constable McEnallay was gunned down after pulling over a stolen car in Sydney’s east”.

Tongan police warn media after photos of bloody and bruised man leaked

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Tongan police have warned that taking photos of any suspects or accused inside its watch-houses is strictly forbidden.

The warning came after Kaniva News sent Police photos we received from an anonymous source.

Police have also denied that the man in the photograph had anything to do with an armed robbery.

The pictures show a man with a bruise on his left eye and swelling under his right eye holding what appears to be white clothing streaked in blood.

The man was apparently in police custody, sitting on the floor while a female police officer standing close by and facing towards the camera.

One photo showed the man with his head bowed. In another he was pointing towards the camera.

The person who sent us the photos claimed the man was a suspect in an armed robbery.

We then sent the photos to the Tongan Police for verification.

In response, Telesia Adams from the Police Communication Centre said the man in the photos was taken to the police station after he was involved in a fight at Tali’eva Night Club and was processed before the police later released him.

She did not say when the incident happened.

When we asked if the person in the photos had anything to do with an armed robbery Adams said there was an armed robbery case at Pahu at one of the Chinese shops, but the man in the photo had nothing to do with it.

Man in custody 21
The man was apparently in police custody, sitting on the floor while a female police officer standing close by and facing towards the camera. Photo/supplied

Police were still investigating the robbery, Adams said.

“I haven’t received confirmed information relating to this case,” she said.

“I will inform you accordingly when I have concrete information.”

Adams was concerned at how the photos were taken without Police permission and leaked to media.

“It is not allowed for photos to be taken of any accused person or suspect who is taken into our custody especially inside our Watch House,” she said.

“These photos were taken without the knowledge or approval from us.”

Although the identity of the person who sent Kaniva News the photographs is unknown, the photographs were sent from an e-mail address that appears to link to a Chinese Facebook page from Taiwan.

The sender urges readers of the e-mail to circulate the photographs on Facebook.

The main points

  • The Tongan police have warned that taking photos of any suspects or accused inside its watch-houses is strictly forbidden.
  • The warning came after Kaniva News sent Police photos we received from an anonymous source.
  • They showed a man with a black bruise on his left eye and swelling under his right eye holding what appeared to be white clothing streaked in blood.
  • Telesia Adams from the Police Communication Centre said the photos were taken without the knowledge or approval of the police.
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