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Tongan man awarded NZ$ 3 million compensation after inhaling toxic chemicals

By
Kaniva Pacific
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A Tongan-American man who suffered a disease that caused more than a half of his lung fail to function properly has been awarded a NZ$ 3,457,562.76 after an Orange jury in the United States announced its verdict last week.

Tanu Vatuvei, 38, of Lenox suffered a severe lung disease that “characterized by fixed airway obstruction” after years of inhaling diacetyl at his workplace. Diacetyl is a chemical “commonly used in the food flavouring industry to mimic the taste and texture of butter”, prnewswire website reported.

In court, the trial attorney for Mr. Vatuvei, Mr. Jacob Plattenberger said: “Tanu did nothing wrong, he simply went to work, day in and day out, without complaint, and for that, the defendants robbed him of a normal life by exposing him to toxic chemicals without his knowledge,” it said.

Vatuvei’s  attorneys argued the supplier of the chemical, Citrus and Allied Essences Ltd., “was aware of the hazards of breathing it in, but did nothing to warn the employees about it”.

Diagnosing with “bronchiolitis obliterans”, the effect of the toxic chemical affected Vatuvei’s life condition “to the point where it is difficult for him to get around without losing his breath”, according to the news.

The website said: “Vatuvei, worked with diacetyl on a daily basis for nearly ten years at an Orange County flavor manufacturing plant, Mission Flavors & Fragrances, Inc”.

When he was at the age of 34, “Mr. Vatuvei contracted bronchiolitis obliterans as a result of his exposure to diacetyl and he was left with only 40% of his lung function”.

Upgrade to Vavaʻu International terminal

By
Kaniva Pacific
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A screening equipment has been placed at the Vava’u airport and a scheduled upgrade to its runway would be put into effect soon as part of the airport’s efforts to meet the international aviation security standards.

The upgrade was announced as the Airport company has revealed a planned new international air service to be introduced between Vavaʻu and other countries.

The upgrade included “new bathroom and toilet facilities, new signage throughout the terminal and an upgrade to the check-in counter area”.

The screening equipment would be used to screen passengers and hand-held luggage on departing international flights, a statement from Tonga Airport Ltd said.

“An upgrade to the airport’s runway by McConnell Dowell will begin in early March until the end of June 2015”, it said.

Mr Viliami Ma’ake, the Chief Executive of Tonga Airports Limited said:  “we are currently in discussions with Fiji Airways to explore opportunities for direct flights from Nadi to Vava’u and also connecting Vava’u directly to Australia, Samoa, New Zealand and the US”.

Former Justice Minister says Pōhiva’s letter to acting AG “terrifying” and “unwise”

By
Kalino Latu
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EDITOR’S NOTE: Our source of information for this story was Nepituno News (www.nepituno.to). The website interviewed Mr Clive Edwards in Tongan. Kaniva News’ story is based on a translation of Edward’s interview in Tongan.

Tonga’s former Minister of Justice, William Clive Edwards, has blasted a letter issued by Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva in which he accused the Acting Attorney General of interfering in a criminal case, saying it was “political,” “terrifying,” “unwise” and “substandard”.

As reported in Kaniva News earlier this week, the Prime Minister wrote to Tonga’s Acting Attorney General, ‘Aminiasi Kefu and demanded he respond to what he described as his “grave concern” over his involvement with a firearms case in which Lord Tuʻilakepa was ordered by the Supreme Court to pay a fine of TP$10,000 (NZ$6396).

Lord Tu’ilakepa, one of the king’s 33 nobles and a former Speaker of Tonga’s Legislative Assembly, could have been jailed. Had he been jailed for two years or more he could have lost his title and noble’s privileges.

You can read the Prime Minister’s letter in full here

Edwards, who was Lord Tu’ilakepa’s legal counsel, said he was shocked to find such a letter has been written to the kingdom’s senior legal officer, who was supposed to be independent.

The former Justice Minister, said that for the Prime Minister to say the Acting Attorney General had interfered in Lord Tu’ilakepa’s criminal case implied the court’s ruling was unjust, not independent and partial.

Edwards said the doctrine of the separation of the powers, in which the executive (the Prime Minister and cabinet), the legislature (Parliament) and the judiciary (the courts and legal system) all acted independently, was important.

It protected the kingdom from the danger that the executive might interfere with the courts.

Edwards said the Prime Minister should have given the Acting Attorney General the chance to respond to the letter before any official statement was released to the media.

He said the Acting Attorney General worked under the Judicial and Disciplinary Panel and his appointment or dismissal lay within the power of His majesty and not the Prime Minister or cabinet.

Edwards said the Prime Minister’s letter was an embarrassment for a democratic country like Tonga.

In his interview with www.nepituno.to Edwards appeared to blame the Prime Minister’s new advisor, Viliami Tāufa, for the letter. The former Justice Minister said he was not the right person for the post as his expertise was based on research on cattle and dairy farming.

Edwards claimed the Prime Minister had called a meeting with the Acting Attorney General and the Solicitor General before Lord Tu’ilakepa was sentenced.

In the interview Edwards alleged the Prime Minister had told the Acting Attorney General that cabinet would make a final decision about his situation.

Edwards said the Prime Minister’s letter terrified him because it was a threat to the judiciary.

He denied the Prime Minister’s claim that the Acting Attorney General had pleaded to reduce Lord Tu’ilakepa’s sentence.

The main points

  • Tonga’s former Minister of Justice, William Clive Edwards has blasted a letter issued by Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva in which he accused the Acting Attorney General of interfering in a criminal case, saying it was “political,” “terrifying,” “unwise” and “substandard”.
  • As reported in Kaniva News earlier this week, the Prime Minister wrote to Tonga’s Acting Attorney General, ‘Aminiasi Kefu and demanded he respond to what he described as his “grave concern” over his involvement with a firearms case in which Lord Tuʻilakepa was ordered by the Supreme Court to pay a fine of TP$10,000 (NZ$6396).
  • Edwards, who was Lord Tu’ilakepa’s legal counsel, said he was shocked to find such a letter has been written to the kingdom’s senior legal officer, who was supposed to be independent.
  • The former Justice Minister said the Prime Minister should have given the Acting Attorney General the chance to respond to the letter before any official statement was released to the media.

For more information

Link to original nepituno story in Tonga here

Pōhiva says Interim Chief Secretary to cabinet's contract lawful

By
Kaniva Pacific
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The Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon. ʻAkilisi Pōhiva said the current Interim Chief Secretary (ICS) and Interim Secretary to Cabinet (ISC)  was employed according to Tonga’s employment rules.

The Prime Minister was responding to a letter from the Public Servants Association (PSA) alleging the current ICS and ISC’s employment contract was “invalid” and “unlawful”.

Hon. Pohiva said after he sought advice from the office of the Attorney General he was satisfied with the way how the interim secretary was officially appointed.

The Prime Minister went on to say the “blame” should be put on the Public Service Commission (PSC) as it “failed to make an appointment of a substantive office holder within the statutory requirements of 12 months. This is not the fault of the incumbent, and it is incorrect and improper to blame him”.

The current ICS and ISC contract with government would end soon and an interview was conducted in Nuku’alofa recently by a PSC panel to appoint a new Chief Secretary and Secretary to cabinet.

The panel’s recommendation has been withheld following a complaint launched with the Prime Minister’s office.

For more information

You can read the Prime Minister’s response in full here

Controversy: new appointment of Tonga’s Chief Secretary to cabinet goes to tribunal

By
Kaniva Pacific
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In response to a leaked information that was shared over social media early this week saying that Dr Pelenatina Langaʻoi has been officially appointed as Chief Secretary and Secretary to cabinet, the Prime Minister’s Office said the process for selecting an appointee was still ongoing.

A spokeperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, Viliami Taufa did not deny Dr Langa’oi was intially recommended by the panel for the post but said the decision has yet to be officially announced.

“The situation is not finalized yet and work is continuing. It is with the tribunal and are yet to make their final recommendation”, Taufa said.

We understand the decision by PSC’s panel to choose Dr Langaʻoi headed to the tribunal after a complaint was launched with the Prime Minister, Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva in relation to what has been reportedly described as a “procedural error” occurred during the interview process.

Tonga plans new bridge to connect Hahake and Nukuʻalofa

By
Kaniva Pacific
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The Tongan government will construct a bridge to connect the eastern side of Tongatapu and the capital town of Nukuʻalofa.

A Chinese team were in Tonga recently to conduct surveys in the hahake (eastern) area and negotiate with officials at the Ministry of Infrastructure about the project, Hon. Etuate Lavulavu, head of the ministry told Kaniva News in Auckland.

As the plan for the bridge was one of his ministry’s strategic and action plan 2015, the minister said the project is still in its initial stage and his ministry was working closely with the Chinese team on it before it would be submitted to cabinet for approval.

Once approved the government will look for donors to fund the project, he said.

Hon. Lavulavu said he has already briefed the Prime Minister, Hon ‘Akilisi Pohiva on the project.

Pōhiva accuses Acting Attorney General of interfering in  Lord Tuʻilakepa’s fire arms case

By
Kalino Latu
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Tonga’s Prime Minister Hon. ʻAkilisi Pohiva has accused Acting Attorney General ‘Aminiasi Kefu of interfering in Lord Tuʻilakepa’s fire arms case.

Lord Tu’ilakepa was sentenced earlier this month and ordered to pay fine of TP$10,000 within 14 days after pleading guilty to firearms and ammunition charges.

The offence carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and if Lord Tu’ilapeka had been  jailed for two or more years he would have lost all his noble privileges and title.

He escaped the jail terms and still holds his title.

In a letter released to the media, the Prime Minister said Kefu appeared to have interfered  “with the independence and impartiality of a pending decision by a Supreme Judge of His Majesty’s Judiciary.”

The Prime Minister has demanded that Kefu responds to what he described as his “grave concerns.”

Kefu told Kaniva News he had just seen the letter as he was traveling overseas and would return and deal with the matter.

“I am fully prepared to answer and it is based on a total misunderstanding of judicial proceedings, and the role of the AG”, Kefu said.

Hon. Pohiva claimed Kefu, the principal legal officer who represents the Crown and the state in legal proceedings, appeared to have attempted “to reduce the severity of the case”.

He argued that Kefu failed in his role to bring full justice against Lord Tu’ilakepa.

He also accused him of trying to diminish the severity of the case in comments made on air.

The Prime Minister said  Lord Tu’ilakepa should have been treated the same way as the other people involved in the case.

Police laid firearms charges against Lords Lasike, Tu’ilakepa and Tuʻihaʻateiho, for illegal possession of firearms and weapons several years ago.

Hon. Pohiva said Lord Lasike’s case was heard four years ago. Lord Tu’ilakepa was only heard this year and Lord Tu’iha’ateiho’s case is yet to be heard.

He expressed concern about the different sentences handed down to Lord Lasike and Lord Tu’ilakepa, saying he found them “to be discriminating and excessive”.

According to the Prime Minister’s letter, only one bullet case was found in Lord Lasike’s residence while two caches of ammunitions were found at Lord Tu’ilakepa’s residences, in Longolongo and Ofu.

The Prime Minister said Kefu should have not pleaded for a lesser sentence for Lord Tu’ilakepa during his court prosecution hearing.

“Is it normal for a Crown Barrister like the Solicitor and acting Attorney General and now acting Attorney General, to be directly involved in seeking a lesser severe penalty for the defendant with the presiding judge of a case?” the Prime Minister said.

Hon Pohiva told Kefu his attitude may have been accepted by former administrations but it “has no place in my government”.

“The prolonged and unnecessary delay in bringing the case of Lord Tu’ilakepa to court baffled me,” the Prime Minister said.

For more information

You can read the Prime Minister’s letter in full here: Prime Minister’s Letter to Attorney General

The main points

  • Tongan Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pohiva has accused Acting Attorney General ‘Aminiasi Kefu of interfering in Lord Tuʻilakepa’s fire arms case.
  • Lord Tu’ilakepa was sentenced earlier this month and ordered to pay fine of TP$10,000 within 14 days after pleading guilty to firearms and ammunition charges.
  • The offence carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and if Lord Tu’ilapeka had been jailed for two or more years he would have lost all his noble privileges and title.
  • The Prime Minister has demanded that Kefu respond to what he described as his “grave concerns.”

Pope Francis welcomes King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipauʻu

By
Kaniva Pacific
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Pope Francis welcomed Their Majesties King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipauʻu Tuku’aho in an audience in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican Monday, Radio Vatican said.

A statement released by the Vatican’s Press Office said:
“His Majesty first expressed his satisfaction at the election of the first Cardinal from the Pacific archipelago, Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi, underlining the enthusiasm of the population and the presence of Her Majesty the Queen and numerous Tongans at the Ordinary Public Consistory held on 14 February.

“During the cordial discussions, attention was paid to the recent political developments in the country and on a number of aspects of social and economic life, as well as the positive contribution of the Catholic Church in various areas of society. There was subsequently an exchange of opinions on the international situation, with particular reference to the insular States of the Pacific and the environmental problems that some of them are compelled to face”.

Ports Authority Tonga marks 16 anniversary

By
Alpha Latu
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Tonga’s Ports of Authority (PAT) held a small ceremony to mark its 16th anniversary on the 16 February 2015 at the Head Office, Queen Salote Wharf Nuku’alofa.

In the past 16 years, PAT provided cost efficient effective and competitive services and facilities for port users and shippers.

‘’The board and staff of the Ports Authority Tonga are to be commended for their outstanding achievements in the past year,’’ General Manager Mosese Lavemai said in a statement.

‘’Our ports success is a win for us all, and a direct result of PAT’s commitment and support for critical port infrastructure projects. PAT’s infrastructure expansion support jobs, investment and economic development in every aspect for the Kingdom’s benefit’’, he further added.

In retrospect, PAT’s main mission is to enhance the long term value of (ports) business and to ensure its sustainability, by making remarkable profits returns.

“PAT’s operations are here for the long term,” remarked the General Manager.

In 2014, PAT has exceeded targets in operations, financial revenue and shareholder return. General Manager Lavemai also revealed that after 16 years the PAT is still growing stronger and expanding its ventures and infrastructure. Operating at international standard, one of the visible highlights of PAT’s success is the facilitating of incoming visits of ocean cruise liners over the last two years, when Vuna Wharf re-opened.

Chinese-Vavaʻu store robbed at gun point, four appear in court

By
Kaniva Pacific
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Three male adults and a teenager appeared in court yesterday after robbing a Chinese store with a 22 rifle on the night of February 12 at Tu’i Rd near the village of Mataika in Vava’u.

Molitoni Fifita, 22, of Koloa, Viliami Tupou, 26, of Okoa, ‘Osaiasi Talia’uli, 21, of Tokomololo and Fenuki Tupou, 17, from Okoa have been charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, committing armed robbery with a firearm without a license and aggravated robbery.

[sociallocker id=”43062″]The owner of the shop, Feing Yumn, was left unharmed according to Vava’u Police Superintendent, Netane Falakiseni.

Superintendent Falakiseni said the accused fled the scene with telephone cards worth TP$500 and other goods worth TP$2000 as well as cigarettes.

He said when Police captured the alleged robbers they recovered the stolen goods and seized the firearm. The accused remained in Police custody, Falakiseni said.[/sociallocker]

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