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Ha‘apai celebrates appointment of new governor, meets new Prime Minister

By
Kaniva Pacific
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The Haʻapaians cerebrated the appointment of their new governor Moʻale Fīnau last week in a cerebration that appeared to have produced a euphoric mood among the celebrants when the Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pohiva arrived at the Salote Pilolevu airport.

Hon. Pohiva was in Haʻapai as part of his role to appoint Governor Finau.

An official release from the Prime Minister’s Office read:

A human canon ball rolled down towards the plane as the 200 strong and noisy crowd cheered and clapped the Hon. Prime Minister as he led his delegation in an open truck, decked with flagrant flowers, leis and the best weaved mats and tapa cloths, specifically prepared by people from his Kauvai island, as the noisy, colorful procession clapped, cheered and crawled its way to Pangai where the official welcome and traditional and cultural protocols were held, including special ta’olunga from his extended Lotava families.

This was followed by the swearing-in ceremony of the Governor of Ha’apai, Mo’ale Finau at his LDS ward in Hihifo. The church was packed to capacity, with only standing room available, outside. The official appointment of Mo’ale Finau, by His Majesty, King Tupou VI, was read out by the Interim Chief Secretary to Cabinet, ‘Aholotu Palu. Mo’ale Finau becomes the first Governor to be nominated from outside the nobles. Significant, although the sole decision to appoint a governor rests with the PM, it still needs “royal assent” from the King, which he agreed to without hesitation.

The Hon. PM congratulated the newly appointed Governor, and advised him to appreciate and uphold the great honor endowed on him by His Majesty. With increasing power and authority vested in any prominent position, there is temptation, at times, to abuse the power therein, Hon. PM ‘Akilisi Pohiva reminded the new appointee. The Governor of Ha’apai is responsible for “all the people in your island group; its governance, administration, stewardship and care of all constituents.”

In a light-hearted banter by none other than the Minister of Infrastructure, the Hon. Lavulavu brought the congregation to occasional fits of laughter, as he related past incidents of their comradeship with the new appointee as they went through the LDS universities in Hawaii, together. Upon completion, Mo’ale knew of only one place he was going to serve, and that was Ha’apai, and he has been here since. There was one piece of advice that gripped the audience in uncontrollable fits of laughter proffered by the colourful Minister as he launched his funny anecdotes and overly exaggerated oracles at the Governor. “You are no saint”, he beamed at his close friend. “Only Jesus Christ is, followed by those elders who are sitting behind the guests of honor, and you, a distant third”, Hon. Lavulavu advised his good friend with humor. “When work needs to be done for public good and cause,” Lavulavu recited, “work is addressed in timely, organized haste, with calculated, measured and responsible approach and implemented with succinct nous, experience and skill. Take this advice brother, do it and Ha’apai will love you,” the colorful politician advised his close friend, amidst clapping and enthusiastic applause from the crowd.

Elder Tukuafu, who came together with the Hon PM ‘Akilisi Pohiva on the plane, spoke of the delight of his congregation with the nomination. He digressed in his speech, by recounting a touching moment as the plane touched down. Looking out he saw the smiles and the delight in the faces of the enthralling crowd as they awaited the Hon. PM. Instead, they were met by the LDS elder and then the Hon. PM ‘Akilisi Pohiva. “Such humility”, elder Tukuafu recounted, “is difficult to be seen in civic receptions as honorary guests are often caught up in the commotion. I am touched with the gesture”, as he told the crowd of what the PM told him to do inside the aircraft, to disembark first,” he said softly as he fought back the tears and the welling emotion.

From the LDS church, the parliamentary procession cut across to the Wesleyan hall for the celebration in Hihifo. After the speeches and the ensuing protocols, the guests of honour took their seats while the hall filled to capacity with people who came to take part in the inauguration of the Governor and the Prime Minister, enjoying the dancing, the raptures, the friendly banter and the lavishly prepared feasts put in front of them, by the participating hosts and friends of the Governor.

After a hectic five hour spell of seemingly, never ending celebration, ta’olunga and feasting, the delegation welcomed the call for the PM’s party to retreat to their residence where they wound down and caught some very much needed rest. The party flew out on Friday morning to Tongatapu, to complete the chores for the week.

NZ foreign minister Murray McCully arrives in Tonga

By
Alpha Latu
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New Zealand Foreign Minister , Murray McCully has arrived in Tonga an official statement from Tonga’s Prime Minister’s office said.

It said Hon. McCully and his entourage were greeted and welcomed by Tonga’s Finance Minister Hon. ‘Aisake Valu Eke  at Fua’amotu International Airport.

“An official meeting between the Hon. Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon Samiuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva and Hon. McCully has been set to be held shortly after arrival, and to be followed by a Joint Press Conference with the Media, later today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Hon. Minister McCully is also scheduled to visit the rebuilding of Ha’apai from the destruction of cyclone Ian, and is expected to return to New Zealand on Wednesday the 18th February 2015″, the statement said.

In a statement from the McCully’s office before he left for Tonga it said:

“Tonga is one of our closest neighbours and we enjoy a very strong relationship built around a large Tongan population in New Zealand, development cooperation, and working together
at the Pacific Islands Forum,” Mr McCully says.

“This will be my first visit to Tonga since their election late last year and it is an opportunity to discuss the new government’s priorities and how we can support their development objectives.

“Our aid programme in Tonga is currently focused on support for basic education and policing, private sector development, and in particular the development of renewable energy generation,” Mr McCully says.

Tongans united by elevation of Cardinal Mafi

By
Kalino Latu
-

The elevation of Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi today in the Basilica of St Peters in Rome has united Catholic and Protestant families in pride at a Tongan achievement.

Cardinal Mafi is the first Tongan cardinal and was elevated at a consistory yesterday (February 14) by Pope Francis.

A dozen travelers from the Folaha Development Society (FDS) in Auckland flew to Rome to welcome Cardinal Mafi in his new religious role.

The travellers were led by Former Free Wesleyan Church President Dr. ʻAlifeleti Mone and Dr ʻOpeti Taliai.

Her Majesty Queen Nanasipauʻu Tukuʻaho attended the ceremony.

Hundreds of people flew from Tonga to Rome to join the first Tongan cardinal in the Vatican.

The Secretary for the FDS, Soana Muimuiheata said 10 representatives were sent from the FDS because although Cardinal Mafi grew up in the capital Nukuʻalofa he is a Folahan through his father.

Muimuiheata said although she was a Methodist she was really “proud” when she heard that the bishop from Tonga was to be elevated to the cardinalate.

“I was happy and proud that he is Tongan,” Muimuiheata said.

She said she was a relative of Cardinal Mafi and she admired the fact that Tonga,  a small island in the Pacific with only about 100,000 population was chosen by the Pope.

Cardinal Mafi reportedly said he had received information from his contacts that some foreigners who knew about his elevation asked on social media about where Tonga was .

The main points

  • The elevation of Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi in the Basilica of St Peters in Rome has united Catholic and Protestant families in pride at a Tongan achievement.
  • Cardinal Mafi is the first Tongan cardinal and was elevated at a consistory yesterday (European time) by Pope Francis.
  • Her Majesty Queen Nanasipauʻu Tukuʻaho attended the ceremony.
  • A dozen members of the Folaha Development Society (FDS) in Auckland, led by Former Free Wesleyan Church President Dr. ʻAlifeleti Mone and Dr ʻOpeti Taliai, also flew to Rome to welcome Cardinal Mafi in his new religious role.

For more information

Pope Francis elevates 20 new cardinals (The Wall Street Journal)

List of new cardinals inducted by Pope Francis on Saturday (Reuters) 

Fly Niu airline bids to return to Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
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A proposal has been submitted to the Tongan government to bring back an airline that was forced out of Tonga more than 10 years ago.

Fly Niu airlines, which was owned by a Tongan-New Zealand couple, Amber and ‘Atu Finau, came to Tonga in 2004 after the collapse of the national Royal Tongan airline left the Friendly Islands without a domestic air service.

The airline left Tonga after the government passed a one airline policy that gave the sole right to operate domestic flights to Peau Vava’u, an airline, co-owned by the Late King George Tupou V and the Ramanlal brothers.

In a meeting in Auckland between Tonga’s Minister of Infrastructure, Hon. ‘Etuate Lavulavu and Fly Niu’s CEO ‘Atu Finau last night (February 13), it was apparent the new democratic Tongan government is prepared to ease the one airline policy and invite airlines to compete for its internal flight services.

Tonga’s current sole domestic airline, Real Tonga, has suffered from bad publicity and  inconsistent performance since it began operation in 2012. The company leased an MA60 transport which had been given to the Tongan administration by the Chinese government.

The airline’s other aircraft, including its Beechcraft Queen Air (A3-CIA) and British built Jetstream 32 have also each involved in recent incidents.

Hon. Lavulavu said the decision to approve Fly Niu’s proposal lies within the power of the cabinet, but said he became interested in the company’s submission after he was briefed by Finau. The minister said the proposal sounded reasonable and convincing.

A couple of airlines had already indicated their interest in operating Tonga’s domestic services, Fiji Airways and a new airline company owned by the Former Deputy Prime Minister of Tonga, Samiu Vaipulu.

Bid

In a letter to Hon. Lavulavu, Finau, who describes himself as an aviation consultant and has worked for Hawker Pacific Asia said: “Firstly, we would address the domestic operation and then, once established, regional and international operation focusing on the Fiji, Samoa and New Zealand markets.”

“We have access to aircraft that would be ideal to operate in Tonga – they are safe and reputable with a positive proven performance record in the Pacific; specifically, the ATR 72-500 and the Twin Otter.”

Finau told Kaniva News if the government approved his proposal it would take less than three months before its airline could start operating.

Finau, the former General Manager of Engineering (Operations) for Air Vanuatu, said Fly Niu’s international operations concentrated only on flights from Auckland to Tonga.

He said Fly Niu would operate under Air Vanuatu’s Foreign Air Operator Certificate, a certificate that it could take a newly established airline up to a year to obtain.

Services

Hon. Lavulavu said he was happy that Finau had an interest in the flights between Nadi and Vava’u and also for an aircraft to service Niua, the northernmost group of the kingdom’s islands.

Finau said his company had found that about 80 percent of tourists travelling from Fiji to Tonga were travellers to Vava’u. Most travellers from Auckland to Tonga were Tongans and not foreign tourists.

He said at the moment travellers from Fiji to Vava’u have to transit through Tongatapu before taking an onward flight.

Finau said Fly Niu planned to offer a direct Nadi-Vava’u service.

“If the government can revive my  airline we can give Tonga the best service ever in its history of airline services just as we began doing in 2004,” Finau said.

He said the Air New Zealand and Pacific Blue flights left either New Zealand or Tonga at night and the amount of cargo they allowed did not meet Tongan traveller’s needs.

“Our Tongan people cannot travel to Tonga without taking as much luggage and as many parcels as they can take for their families and relatives, so we have to provide reasonable heavier weights and space in the aircraft for them,” Finau said.

He said Fly Niu’s international flight would fly during the day, allowing arriving travellers time for shopping and sightseeing.

Fear

Finau expected the current government would guarantee future governments would not interfere with Fly Niu’s operation unless it was for safety reasons.

Finau said he trusted the government of Prime Minister Pohiva to promote fair competition and the best services for the people. However,  after four years in office there was no guarantee those policies would stand if another government took over.

He asked Hon. Lavulavu whether the government could provide such a guarantee, but the minister told him to put it in his proposal for the cabinet to look at it.

Finau said airlines were a multi-million business and his investors did not want to spend millions on the first three years setting up the business and then find in the fourth year that they were kicked out by the next government, as happened to the Fly Niu in 2004.

Niuas

Finau, the former General Manager of Fiji Airways, said he would use a nine seater Britten Norman Islander to serve the Niuas from their nearby islands of Vava’u.

Finau said the British made aircraft fitted the conditions of the Niuas because it could land on short, rough airfields.

He said he understood the demand from the domestic market was high. Apart from tourists, Tongans travelled for funerals, weddings, birthdays and businesses.

Finau would not talk about how much he would charge for airfares, but said he would guarantee  Fly Niu would always keep its airfares as the best rates for the people.

“I am not doing this to get rich,” he said.

“Yes, we need money but as long as our costs are covered and we have enough profit and that’s all.”

He said if the airfares were affordable and people were satisfied with the service the company could guarantee a service that may last for many more years.

History

Fly Niu was forced out of Tonga after the government introduced a one airline policy and awarded the sole domestic operating license to  Peau Vava’u, an airline co-owned by the Late King George V and the Ramanlal brothers.

Fly Niu admitted later it had not actually applied for the new license.

The Tongan government seized Fly Niu’s Dash 8-series 200 aircraft for a time because of unpaid fees.

At the time Finau said his company expected to operate in Tonga for up to 15 to 20 years, but was surprised at the treatment he received because he had put a lot of effort and money into setting up the business.

Peau Vava’u’s licence was revoked after two years of services and after it received a number of complaints and criticisms from the public for its bad services. It ceased operating soon after one of its offices burned down.

The main points

  • A proposal has been submitted to the Tongan government to bring back an airline that was forced out of Tonga more than 10 years ago.
  • Fly Niu airlines, which was owned by a Tongan-New Zealand couple, Amber and ‘Atu Finau, came to Tonga in 2004 after the collapse of the national Royal Tongan airline left the Friendly Islands without a domestic air service.
  • The airline left Tonga the same year after the government passed a one airline policy that gave the sole right to operate domestic flights to Peau Vava’u, an airline, co-owned by the Late King George Tupou V and the Ramanlal brothers.
  • Tonga’s current sole surviving domestic airline, Real Tonga, has suffered from bad publicity and inconsistent performance since it began operation in 2012.

For more information

Tongan airline history

Peau Vava’u

Fly Niu

Tonga’s Fly Niu confirms failure to apply for licence (RNZI)

Tonga releases Fly Niu p[lane (RNZI)

Tonga officially owns Tonga Gas Ltd

By
Alpha Latu
-

Tonga has officially owned Tonga Gas Ltd after it has been at the hands of foreign companies for over 40 years.

John van Brink, Tonga Power’s CEO said: “Tonga Gas owns a total base asset of approximately TOP$3 million in comparison to Tonga Power’s asset base of some $80 million”.

“While the two gas companies, Home Gas and Tonga Gas, continue to operate as separate entities, combined, both retails around 1, 500 tonne of LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) throughout Tonga”.

“This equates to 110,000 cylinder fills per year with 70% of the population using LPG for cooking making access to LPG as important as it is for electricity”. He said, this was one of the reasons why Tonga Power saw LPG business as a natural fit for Tonga Power’s expertise and growing customer awareness.

Prior to the achievement of purchasing Tonga Gas, Tonga Power Ltd acquired Home Gas and it became a subsidiary of Tonga Power Ltd where the commencement of Tonga Power’s involvement in the gas business emerged.

“The acquisition of Tonga Gas will enable the two parts of the supply chain to eventually merge operations and become a single, Government owned, supplier of gas and associated services”, said John.

History

The history of the supply of Gas to Tonga started back in 1973 when the supply of gas was carried out by Origin Energy Australia. In 1980, the supply of gas was taken over by Boral Gas Tonga, a company owned by Origin Energy Australia. In 1983, that ownership has changed and Fiji Gas took over from Origin Energy Australia. From 1983 to 2000 Fiji Gas became the main supplier of gas to Tonga. In year 2000, Tonga Gas started supplying gas to Tonga under the ownership of Fiji Gas Ltd.

The ceremony was officiated by the guest of honour, Hon. Poasi Tei, the Minister for Public Enterprises, attended by Lord Matoto, president of the Constitution Free Church of Tonga, the Chairman of Tonga Power’s Board of Directors, Mr Carl Sanft and guests.

India’s Prime Minister Modi congratulates PM ‘Akilisi Pohiva

By
Alpha Latu
-

The Prime Minister of India, the biggest democracy in the world, Narendra Modi has congratulated Tongan Prime Minister Akilisi Pohiva after he won Tonga’s premiership election.

Hon. Pohiva was the first commoner to be popularly elected to become the kingdom’s Prime Minister.

A statement from Modi’s office, the Prime Minister said: “Please accept my warm congratulations and best wishes on your election as the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga. India deeply values the close relationship with Tonga, which has grown in intensity over the years,” the letter read.

“I have great appreciation for our ties with the Pacific Region, which is why India recently hosted the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation in Suva, Fiji. We are planning to host the next edition of the Forum in India later this year, which I hope you will be able to attend,” Prime Minister Modi added.

The Pohivas and the spirit of Valentine’s Day

By
Kalino Latu
-

It is not clear whether the Pohivas have a plan for this Valentine’s Day, but Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva has always talked publicly about his wife Neomai as the woman he adores and loves.

On the day he was officially appointed by the king, thousands witnessed how much he loves his wife.

When the Prime Minister was called to the front to hear the Secretary to Cabinet reading his letter of appointment from the king and to be blessed by the president of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, Hon. Pohiva pushed his wife’s wheel chair to the front in the church so they could both receive the blessing.

Some people took to Facebook to share their tributes to Neomai, saying Hon. Pohiva had won because she had stood by him since the beginning.

One caller told one of the Tongan Radio programmes in Auckland he felt like crying when he read that the Prime Minister had pushed his wife’s wheelchair and not left it to a civil servant or one of their children.

The man said Hon. Pohiva’s attitude for his wife really showed he was the type of good leader Tonga needed.

Watching

Tonga’s Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva told his family and relatives in Auckland that although his wife Neomai was lying sick, she kept watching him whenever he returned home during the lead up to the election of the Prime Minister in December.

Hon. Pohiva said Neomai, who is now confined to a wheelchair because of her illness, knew the last election would be his last term in Parliament. According to Hon. Pohiva, Neomai thought that winning the premiership would be a significant milestone in the family’s fight to bring democracy to Tonga.

The Prime Minister said that in the weeks prior to the election he told his wife that it would be all right if he did not win the premiership because he would return home at the end of this parliamentary term with the trust the people had in him and their family during the 32 years he has been in parliament.

He said that when he came home on the day it was announced he had won the premiership, his wife was in tears.

A photo obtained by Kaniva News shows Neomai Pohiva crying while the Prime Minister holds her hands. It was the moment she had been waiting for.

The main points

  • It is not clear whether the Pohivas have a plan for this Valentine’s Day, but Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva has always talked publicly about his wife Neomai as the woman he adores and loves.
  • On the day Hon. Pohiva was officially appointed by the king, thousands witnessed how much he loves his wife.
  • When he was called to the front of Parliament for his appointment to be blessed by the president of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, Hon. Pohiva pushed his wife’s wheel chair to the front in the church so they could both receive the blessing.
  • Some people have said he became Prime Minister because his wife had supported him through decades of political struggle.

Bishop Mafi says it’s a significant year for Tonga with a new government and his Majesty’s coronation

By
Kalino Latu
-

Catholic Bishop Soane Patita Paini Mafi has for the first time publicly paid tribute to the new Prime Minister of Tonga and the new popularly elected Tongan government.

Speaking before his departure for Rome, Bishop Mafi told Tongan Catholics this year was especially important because of the coming coronation of His Majesty King Tupou VI in July.

The bishop will be elevated to the rank of cardinal in a ceremony on Saturday, February 14.

He will become the church’s youngest cardinal.

Bishop Mafi said his grandfather Maletino Mafi was the first young Tongan to travel to Rome when he went there in 1912 with Bishop Joseph Félix Blanc, SM. Blanc, also known as ‘Epikopō Tipanio, was working for the Diocese of Tonga at the time  was appointed bishop. Maletino was taken by the French missionary to help carry his bags, Bishop Mafi said.

Celebration

He reminded his Tongan parishioners and supporters he wanted them to put the spiritual side of his appointment first before any worldly celebration.

Kaniva Pacific understands hundreds of Tongans from Tonga and overseas are travelling to Rome to join the bishop in his ordination.

Bishop Mafi told the committee organising the celebration of his elevation that he did not want them to put a heavy burden on the congregation.

The celebration will be held on April 11 after Lent, which runs from Ash Wednesday (February 18) to Holy Saturday on April 4.

Niue

Bishop Mafi will also be responsible for Niue which he will visit later this year to attend the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Catholic church’s establishment on the island.

He said this was an opportunity for him to meet Niueans after his appointment.

He said there would be one celebration to mark his elevation for the various parishes on Tongatapu. He said the outer islands would have their own celebrations when he visited those parishes.

He also planned to visit Tongan communities in New Zealand, Australia and the United States.

First Catholic school in Tonga

Cardinal Mafi said this year the Catholic Church would celebrate the 150th anniversary of its first school in Tonga.

The Sangato Sitaniselao school was established at ‘Ahopanilolo in Ma’ofanga by Fr Lapase. About 22 years later the school was moved to where ‘Apifo’ou College now stands.

The college celebrated its 125th anniversary in December 2012. It counted its anniversary from the day when the school moved from ‘Ahopanilolo to ‘Apifo’ou.

The first pioneer students of the Sangato Sitaniselao School were among the first civil servants in the government of Tonga, the bishop said.

Bishop Mafi said he benefitted from the work of pioneers like Fr Lapase.

Government of PM Pohiva and King Coronation

Bishop Mafi said this was the first opportunity for him to pay his tribute to the Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva, His Deputy Hon Siaosi Sovaleni and all the cabinet ministers of the new government of Tonga.

He said he wished the first government elected by the people of Tonga all the best and asked that God bring them energy and strength to run the government.

He said this year was important year for Tonga because of the coronation of His Majesty King Tupou VI in July.

He reminded Tongan Catholics that many visitors would be traveling to Tonga this year and he wished the spirit of love to be upon the country while they braced for the king’s coronation.

Bishop Mafi said he would pray for King Tupou VI and the Queen and the whole of Tonga during his elevation in St Peter’s basilica in Rome.

Their Majesties King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u are currently in Europe and according to reports they will be in Rome to join Bishop Mafi’s elevation.

The main points

  • Catholic Bishop Soane Patita Mafi has for the first time publicly paid tribute to the new Prime Minister of Tonga and the new popularly elected Tongan government.
  • Speaking before his departure for Rome, Bishop Mafi told Tongan Catholics that this year was especially important because of the coming coronation of His Majesty King Tupou VI in July.
  • The bishop will be elevated to the rank of cardinal in a ceremony on Saturday.
  • He will become the church’s youngest cardinal.

For more information

‘Pope Francis casts into the deep to find two cardinals for Oceania’ (Catholic News Agency) 

Pope Francis names new cardinals (Catholic TV)

The Holy See (The Vatican)

Government terminates Real Tonga MA60 operation

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

The Tongan government has grounded Real Tonga’s controversial MA60 aircraft pending requirements by its new civil aviation act to be fulfilled by the airline.

The aircraft has been returned to the government this week after its lease was terminated due to the new legislation.

The new legislation introduced by the Tongan government required the Xian MA60 aircraft to undergo a new licensing process that was effective on Sunday, February 8 before reissuing of a new license would be considered.

The airline company released a statement that said: “This new legislation impacts the MA60 operation on two levels. Firstly, the Type Acceptance of the aircraft through the Ministry of Infrastructure must be re-issued after the aircraft has undergone type certification in line with and in compliance to the New Zealand Civil Aviation Rules. In a formal report on the status of the MA60, by PASO, the recommendation from PASO was to ground the MA60 pending full and proper type acceptance.

“Secondly, Real Tonga must address issues on its Part 121 operation to adequately demonstrate full compliance to the same rule part under NZ CARs.

“The MA60 is therefore not operating until the two above requirements have been met and the aircraft has now been formally returned to Government and the lease between Government and Real Tonga has been terminated”.

The MA60 would be replaced by a second British Aerospace  Jetstream 32 aircraft in March, the Airline said.

Two LDS elder missionaries attacked in Fangaloto

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

Two elder missionaries, a Tongan and a foreigner,  for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were attacked in Fangaloto, Tongatapu in the last week of January.

The two missionaries were known as Elder Mahe and Elder Lao. They were attacked by two drunken men, Police Inspector Mema Latu told local media.

Two locals intervened and protected the missionaries by fighting back against the attackers before Police arrived, one report said.

The elders were taken to hospital and were treated with minor injuries.

Another report said the attackers sustained major injuries when they were attacked by the locals and were also taken to hospital.

Police said the two missionaries have forgiven their attackers and told Police they did not want them to be charged.

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