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COMMENTARY: Prime Minister Pōhiva warned about use of circulars, said they muzzled Opposition MPs

By
Kalino Latu
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EDITOR’S NOTE: This commentary was edited to reflect the fact that the response from the Deputy Clerk was meant to say that the Parliament using the circular was a normal means of communication.

COMMENTARY: It is time for the practice of using circulars to make decisions in Parliament was reviewed.

Circulars should only be used on agendas that are urgent.

They should not be used on important issues such as pay rises for Parliamentarians.

Such issues should be properly debated in the House so that they can be recorded in the minutes for the public to read and also broadcast for people to listen.

As Kaniva News reported yesterday, the government’s use of a circular to canvas MPs’ views on a pay rise has been called into question.

However, the Legislative Assembly’s Deputy Clerk, Dr Sione Vikilani, said the circular was a normal means of communication approved by the House and any information sent through it was legal.

In Tongan he said: “Ko e tohi ‘avetakai ko e founga ngāue pe ‘oku ‘ataa ke ngaue’aki pea ‘oku ‘ikai ke ta’efakalao ha tu’utu’uni ‘i hono fakahoko ‘i he founga koia”.

Dr Vikilani did not respond to a question asking why a circular was used to ballot the pay hike and not a face-to-face voting in the House.

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In 2018 Tonga’s former Prime Minister, the late ‘Akilisi Pōhiva, warned that using circulars in Parliament was open to abuse.

Speaking to Kaniva News, Pōhiva said the use of circulars was normal but did not allow for discussion.

MPs, especially the Opposition, could not debate whatever agenda was being circulated.

He said that traditionally Speakers and the Noble’s representatives, who were mostly the majority  in the House, used it to ballot issues they wanted to be decided in their favour.

The late Prime Minister’s comments were made during an interview in 2018 about the decision to approve an invitation from the Tonga Rugby League for a Parliament delegation to attend a match.

The decision was adopted through a circular, by collective resolution of Parliament.

Prime Minister Pōhiva’s concerns are just as relevant today as they were four years ago.

Debates and voting in the House must be open so that all citizens can see how their MPs voted and debate can be held in public.

This was illustrated in our story yesterday when Dr Vikilani would not say how MPs voted on the circular. 

A Parliament with secrets is not truly democratic.

Pasifika unemployment rate remains highest in New Zealand

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Kaya Selby, RNZ Pacific journalist and is republished with permission

Pasifika people continue to have the highest unemployment rate out of any ethnic group in Aotearoa.

Photo: Supplied/ Unsplash – Josh Olalde

Unemployment figures released Wednesday show an 11.9 percent unemployment rate for Pasifika in the first quarter of 2026, compared to a national rate of 5.3 percent.

For Pasifika, it is a slight improvement from the December 2025 quarter, but it is one percent higher than this time last year.

In Auckland, where nearly two-thirds of Pasifika people live, the unemployment rate fell slightly to 13 percent, compared to 6.6 percent nationally.

At the same time 20.1 percent of Pasfika are underutilised in their work, a 2.4 percent drop from last quarter.

The figures show an increase in employment coinciding with around 8700 more Pasifika in the working-age population.

The Māori unemployment rate is slightly lower at 11.5 percent, but their underutilisation rate is higher at 22.3 percent.

NZ Labour Party deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni told RNZ Pacific the reduction is minor, bordering on meaningless.

“It’s still double what the national average is,” she said.

“We know that there are 20,000 fewer jobs in the construction industry, and that many of our Pacific people have been working and serving in that industry.”

RNZ Pacific has reached out to Pacific Peoples Minister Paul Goldsmith’s office for comment.

‘Complex needs’ holding Pasifika back

This comes after the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) revealed that a seven million dollar programme to help Pasifika find employment has so far only put 84 people into full-time work.

The Pacific Employment Action Plan (PEAP) Fund kicked off in June 2024. It offered funding to community groups supporting unemployed, uneducated Pasifika to enter the workforce. MSD said they have so far spent around $2.4 million.

In a 12-month progress report published last month, MSAD reported that for 624 enrolled participants, the “realities of the job market” were holding most of them back.

But even though some people found part time or casual work, more than half were no better off than before.

MSD said this was not unexpected, but that “these people are still currently participating in the programme, and MSD expects that employment and education outcomes will increase over time.”

“When there are fewer opportunities for employment, people often choose to undertake education and training instead,” the report noted.

Around 253 of participants were able to complete some form of training, such as CV writing, a first aid course, or getting a driver’s licence.

Aside from external conditions, MSD said most had complex needs that held them back.

“One of the main barriers to getting work was participants’ level and complexity of needs upon joining – such as mental health, justice involvement, and low self confidence.”

“Many participants were early on their employment journey… practical obstacles like language, literacy, access to technology, and missing credentials further limited progress.”

Another government funded employment initiative, Tupu Aotearoa, lost around $22m in funding over four years in the last budget.

Grand Tonga Hotel aims to raise hospitality standards in Tonga

By
Kaniva Staff
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A major new hotel development in Tonga is promising to deliver affordable, high-quality accommodation while showcasing the warmth and hospitality that have long defined the Kingdom’s culture.

Grand Tonga Hotel, currently under construction in Fangaloto, is expected to become one of the country’s significant accommodation projects, with plans for approximately 80 rooms, swimming pools, wellness facilities, an event centre, and a full-service restaurant.

The development comes as Tonga continues to face growing demand for accommodation driven by tourism, family events, conferences, and regional activities.

The founders say the project was inspired by their personal experience living in Tonga over the past nine years after originally arriving in 2016 for what was intended to be a short holiday, according to Tonga Tourism.

What began as a temporary visit evolved into a long-term commitment after they developed a strong appreciation for the peaceful environment and the friendliness of the Tongan people.

Recognising a shortage of quality accommodation options, particularly during major events, the developers began planning a hotel that would combine affordability with international hospitality standards.

Their existing restaurant business has since helped support the development of the project.

The developers say lessons learned from previous natural disasters, including Cyclone Gita, played a major role in shaping the hotel’s design and construction approach.

The hotel is being built using steel framing and other durable materials aimed at improving resilience against Tonga’s environmental conditions.

According to the developers, the focus is not only on comfort but also on creating a long-lasting and dependable facility capable of serving visitors and locals for many years.

Facilities focused on comfort and affordability

Once completed, the hotel is expected to include:

  • Around 80 rooms across two accommodation blocks
  • VIP and Deluxe room options
  • Soundproofed rooms designed for privacy and comfort
  • Swimming pools for adults and children
  • Sauna and steam facilities
  • An on-site restaurant
  • An event and function centre

The developers say the goal is to provide a comfortable stay at a price point that remains accessible to a wide range of visitors.

Construction is currently progressing steadily, with the project reportedly approaching its halfway stage.

Completion is tentatively projected for late 2027, although timelines remain subject to weather conditions, labour availability, and construction logistics.

The developers believe the project will help strengthen Tonga’s tourism infrastructure by increasing accommodation capacity while also encouraging broader tourism experiences and activities throughout the country.

They say the core vision behind the project is simple: to ensure guests experience the same warmth and generosity that first inspired them to make Tonga their home.

‘Aisiena Taumoepeau appointed to Tonga Rugby Union board

By
Kaniva Staff
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Nuku’alofa, Tonga – Tonga Rugby Union (TRU) has announced the appointment of Ms ‘Aisiena Latuniua Taumoepeau to its Board, welcoming her extensive experience and leadership as the organisation continues to strengthen the development of rugby across the Kingdom.

In a statement, TRU said Ms Taumoepeau brings more than 15 years of professional experience spanning governance, legal practice, executive leadership, and strategic management across the public, commercial, and regulatory sectors in Tonga and the wider Pacific.

Her expertise in corporate governance, finance, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and organisational leadership is expected to contribute significantly to the Union’s long-term direction and operational effectiveness.

Ms Taumoepeau is also recognised as a strong advocate for inclusion and the advancement of women’s rugby in Tonga. She previously contributed to Tonga Rugby as a Board Observer representing the Tonga Women’s Rugby Association, where she supported initiatives aimed at promoting athlete welfare and strengthening participation pathways for women in the sport.

Tonga Rugby Union said her commitment to integrity, community impact, and athlete wellbeing aligns closely with its strategic vision and values.

“We welcome ‘Aisiena to the Board and look forward to her contribution in helping strengthen the future of rugby across the Kingdom,” the Union said.

Her appointment comes as Tonga Rugby continues to focus on governance improvements and expanding opportunities both on and off the field, including the growth of women’s rugby and community engagement initiatives.

Two arrested in Police drug operation in Te’ekiu

By
Kaniva Staff
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Nuku’alofa, Tonga – Tonga Police have arrested two suspects in Te’ekiu as part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal drug activity, according to an official media release issued Thursday.

The arrests stem from separate incidents linked to drug possession and distribution within the community. Both individuals are scheduled to appear in court.

Police confirmed that on May 1, a 50-year-old individual from Te’ekiu was taken into custody and charged with multiple offences, including possession of illicit drugs, possession of drug-related utensils, and cultivation of cannabis.

During the operation, officers seized a range of items believed to be connected to criminal activity, including cash suspected to be proceeds of crime, cannabis plants, packaged cannabis, and drug paraphernalia.

In a separate case, an 18-year-old from the same area was arrested and charged with possession of drug-related utensils as well as distributing drugs within the local community.

Authorities say the arrests are part of a broader effort to curb the supply and use of illegal substances across Tonga. Police reiterated their commitment to tackling drug-related crime and maintaining community safety.

“Tonga Police remain committed to disrupting the supply and use of illegal drugs,” the statement said. Officials also urged members of the public to report any suspicious activity that may be related to drugs.

The operation highlights ongoing concerns about drug activity in communities and underscores law enforcement efforts to address the issue through targeted enforcement actions.

Both cases are now before the courts as investigations continue.

Teen spared jail after knife attack on cousin in Matahau

By
Kalino Latu
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A teenager who stabbed his cousin during an alcohol-fuelled confrontation in Matahau has avoided prison after the Supreme Court suspended his sentence, citing his youth and strong prospects for rehabilitation.

Justice Tupou KC sentenced Sekope Talikitonga Tavo, 19, to two years and eight months’ imprisonment but ordered the term to be fully suspended for three years.

The suspension is subject to strict conditions, including that Tavo commit no further offences, report regularly to probation, abstain from alcohol and drugs, avoid known offenders, complete an alcohol treatment programme, and undertake 80 hours of community service.

Any breach could see the prison term activated.

The offending arose from an incident in August 2024 in which Tavo stabbed the victim in the abdomen with a knife, causing a serious injury that required surgery.

The court heard the altercation followed drinking among a group of youth, during which the victim initially punched the defendant.

Justice Tupou said the use of a knife in such circumstances was unacceptable and ordinarily warranted imprisonment to reflect the seriousness of the offending and society’s denunciation of violence.

However, the judge ultimately suspended the sentence, noting Tavo was 17 at the time, had no prior convictions, and had shown genuine remorse, including apologising to the victim, who has since recovered and accepted the apology.

Tavo was also convicted of possessing 1.5 grams of cannabis while on bail for the earlier charge, with two months added to the overall sentence.

The judge used the case to highlight ongoing concerns about alcohol-related offending among young people, warning that alcohol and drugs impair judgment and contribute to violence.

In deciding against immediate imprisonment, the court placed weight on Tavo’s family support, ongoing counselling, and plans to undertake church mission service.

Justice Tupou said Tavo should consider himself fortunate and take the opportunity to reform, warning that continued substance use would likely lead to further offending.

BG Wealth: US freezes $41m in crypto Ponzi collapse as Tonga, NZ, US warnings echo

By
Kalino Latu
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U.S. authorities have frozen more than $41 million in cryptocurrency and seized the website of BG Wealth Sharing, a suspected $150 million Ponzi scheme, in a move that reinforces earlier warnings issued to Pacific communities, including Tongans in New Zealand and the United States.

U.S. law enforcement seizure notice displayed on the BG Wealth Sharing website after authorities took control of the domain as part of a cryptocurrency fraud investigation.

The enforcement action follows attempts by individuals linked to the platform to move over $92 million in crypto assets in late April, according to blockchain investigator ZachXBT, who assisted in tracing and halting the transfers.

ZachXBT has also analysed BG Wealth Sharing, linking it to the DSJ Exchange Ponzi scheme and estimating losses exceeding US$150 million.

His findings, which contributed to the freezing of tens of millions in crypto assets, further allege that the scheme operated using fabricated executive identities.

He noted that many victims were recruited through social media and were unaware they had been defrauded.

The website bgwealthsharing.com now displays a seizure notice after being taken over by U.S. authorities in a joint operation involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Justice, and the U.S. Secret Service.

Anyone visiting the BG Wealth Sharing website is now met with a prominent notice stating, “THIS SITE HAS BEEN SEIZED.”

The banner identifies the action as a U.S. law enforcement operation, adding:

“This domain has been seized in accordance with a seizure warrant issued pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 981(a)(1)(A), 18 U.S.C. § 982(a)(1), and 28 U.S.C. § 2461(c) by the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.”

Kaniva News has sought comment from U.S. authorities and is awaiting a response.

Tonga, NZ Issue Warning

The development follows earlier warnings issued to Tongan communities, including a joint alert by authorities in Tonga and New Zealand, cautioning that BG Wealth Sharing showed signs of an investment scam and was operating without proper licensing.

The platform had gained traction among Pacific diaspora networks, particularly through online recruitment channels.

Despite these warnings, the company continued to attract investors by promoting itself as a crypto trading platform offering daily returns of up to 2.6 percent, along with referral commissions and bonus structures.

Concerns escalated in the days before the collapse when the platform required investors to pay a 12 percent “tax” on their account balances, claiming it was part of preparations for a public listing.

Soon after, users reported being unable to withdraw funds, raising fears that the platform had executed a “rug pull” — a scam in which operators abruptly drain all funds and disappear, leaving investors with worthless assets.

Regulators later warned that such demands for additional payments to access funds are a key indicator of advance-fee fraud.

Investigations into BG Wealth Sharing are continuing as U.S. authorities work to trace remaining assets and identify those responsible.

Tongan Promoters Remain Silent

Since the seizure of the BG Wealth Sharing website and the disclosure that U.S. authorities had frozen funds, leading Tongan promoters of the scheme have gone quiet and have yet to respond publicly.

The development follows a joint warning issued in February 2026 by New Zealand’s Financial Markets Authority and the National Reserve Bank of Tonga, which identified the BG Wealth/DSJ EX scheme as a Ponzi-style, multi-level marketing fraud targeting Tongan communities in both countries.

Authorities in Utah and Washington also issued warnings against BG Wealth Sharing and rejected its registration claims in Colorado.

The Washington warning in early April specifically noted that BG Wealth clients had complained they were unable to withdraw funds, despite earlier promises of profit returns.

Police continue probe into gunpoint threat against Kele‘a journalist, no arrests yet

By
Kalino Latu
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Nuku’alofa, Tonga – Tonga Police are investigating an alleged gunpoint threat involving a female journalist from Kele’a Publications, with their latest public statement making no mention of any arrests in connection with the case.

The police confirmed in a statement this afternoon that the matter remains under active investigation, following a complaint linked to an incident said to have occurred at the organisation’s office in Nuku’alofa on 23 April 2026 and was reported to police the following day.

It described the matter as a “life-threatening incident involving media staff”, but did not provide further specifics on suspects or enforcement action.

Police said the alleged threat is understood to have occurred in the context of recent media activity, including a news report and a talkback radio programme aired on Kele’a Voice FM91.5.

The programme reportedly discussed a member of the Comancheros motorcycle gang, who is serving a life sentence, and featured an interview with a foreign correspondent.

The extent to which that coverage may be connected to the alleged incident remains part of the ongoing investigation.

Public Appeal

“Tonga Police take this matter seriously and are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement said.

Members of the public with relevant information are urged to contact Tonga Police on 922 or report to the nearest police station.

The alleged gunman is believed to have been angered by the radio news item aired earlier that morning about prisoner Eneasi Taumoefolau, who has links to the outlaw Comancheros motorcycle gang.

Comancheros Figure Jailed for Meth

Taumoefolau was sentenced to life imprisonment in Tonga in early 2026 for importing more than two kilograms of methamphetamine. He was also accused of attempting to establish a “Kingdom Chapter” of the gang in the kingdom.

No one was injured, and police are investigating the incident, according to Kele’a Media.

It said the unidentified individual reportedly entered the premises and confronted the staff member while armed with a handgun.

The suspect, described as wearing a black hooded cardigan, allegedly approached the journalist who was alone at the time and threatened them with the firearm.

It is alleged that the suspect warned the journalist not to broadcast any further reports related to Taumoefolau or the gang before leaving the office. The individual then exited in a waiting vehicle.

ABC Documentary Sparks Coverage

The news item in question reportedly drew on information from an ABC Foreign Correspondent documentary released on April 22, 2026, via ABC Pacific’s social media platforms. The documentary examined drug trafficking routes from South America to Australia through the South Pacific and the impact of such operations on island nations, including Tonga.

The programme included an interview with Taumoefolau, during which he discussed his alleged connections to the Comancheros and a reported failed attempt to establish a local chapter in Tonga.

In its statement, the publication expressed serious concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists operating in Tonga, particularly when covering sensitive or controversial issues.

“This unfortunate incident highlights the risks our local journalists face in carrying out their duties,” the statement said.

History of Threats and Closure

Kele’a has not been new to threats and attacks from its most outspoken critics over its nearly 40 years of operation.

In 2007, the outlet’s office in Nuku’alofa was entered by members of the Tonga military and shut down on the grounds that it was operating without a licence.

Then editor Tavake Fusimalohi argued the closure was politically motivated, claiming it came in response to the paper’s reporting on alleged government corruption.

Its founder, ‘Akilisi Pōhiva, who rose politically from a vocal critic of government and royal involvement in alleged corruption to become Prime Minister, faced numerous court cases linked to the publication’s pro‑democracy stance.

Kele’a, which now also operates a radio service, has long maintained a strongly pro‑liberal editorial line.

Court finds Tourism Minister Sēmisi Sika guilty of electoral breaches

By
Kalino Latu
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The Supreme Court this morning found the Minister of Tourism, Semisi Sika, guilty of electoral breaches.

The ruling brings to a close an inquiry triggered by a complaint from rival candidate Dr Pingi Fasi, which led to an Electoral Commission investigation into allegations of overspending and undeclared expenses, including a controversial $10,000 sponsorship for the Suliana Dance Academy announced just weeks before polling day.

…………….This is a developing story — more updates to follow shortly.

While we await the court’s detailed decision, here is one of Kaniva News’ earlier reports on the case.

Tonga’s Electoral Commission has been investigating allegations of campaign overspending and concerns over whether all expenses were properly declared, following a formal complaint against Tongatapu 2 MP Semisi Sika.

The dispute centres on a $10,000 sponsorship for Suliana Dance Academy, announced during a recital on November 8, 2025, just weeks before the general election.

Former MP and defeated candidate ‘Uhilamoelangi Fasi, also known by the name Pingi Fasi, raised the concern in a letter to the Supervisor of Elections Pita Vuki, claiming the donation should be classified as campaign expenditure under Section 24 of the Electoral Act.

According to the document, written on December 16, seen by Kaniva News, Fasi argued that the payment, made within six months of the election, amounted to 50 percent of the allowable spending limit of $20,000 and, if unreported, could constitute an electoral offence.

He also questioned whether fireworks celebrating Sika’s victory on election night were itemised in his expense report. Affidavits and video evidence from the recital were submitted to support the claim, including statements from the event’s MC endorsing Sika’s candidacy.

The Electoral Commission has forwarded the complaint to Sika, requesting his response.

Corporate Sponsorship, Not Campaign

In response, Sika categorically denied any wrongdoing, stating the sponsorship was not a personal campaign expense but a corporate contribution from Five Star Finance, a company in which he is a shareholder.

He emphasised that the support was part of the firm’s ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility program and had been provided annually, regardless of his political status.

“This expenditure does not constitute spending on an election campaign by a candidate under Section 24 of the Electoral Act,” Sika wrote in his reply to the Commission.

Bribery and Residency Alleged

Sika further countered with allegations against Fasi, accusing him of breaching residency requirements for candidacy and engaging in illegal campaigning on the day of the poll. 

He alleged that Fasi had been residing in Fangaloto, not in any location within Tongatapu Constituency 2, which includes Havelu, Tofoa, Fanga ‘o Pilolevu, Kolofoou and Mailetaha, during the three months preceding the election as required by law.

Documents addressed to the Election Supervisor seen by Kaniva News show that Sika also alleged Fasi’s secretary sent SMS messages urging voters to “remember Pingi” and accused his rival of bribery through the selective distribution of kumala (sweet potatoes) to households during the campaign period.

Sika urged the Commission to investigate these alleged violations, describing them as “substantial and warranting immediate action.”

Fasi and the Election Commission could not be reached for comment.

This was not the first time Sika and Fasi clashed after a general election. 

In 2022, following Fasi’s victory over Sika, Sika filed a petition alleging electoral bribery. However, the Supreme Court dismissed the claim and ruled in Fasi’s favour.

Bystander, officer among injured in two Auckland stabbings

By
Kalino Latu
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Two people have been arrested after a shocking pair of unrelated stabbings in Auckland’s Rānui left multiple injured, including a bystander and a police officer who was struck as a knife-wielding man lunged at him.

Police said a detective and officer were at a medical centre helping to treat a victim from an earlier stabbing when a second, unrelated attack unfolded outside.

A St John spokesperson said it was notified at 11.59am of an incident on Swanson Rd.

One person in a serious condition was taken to Auckland Hospital, while another person in a moderate condition was taken to North Shore Hospital.

The two separate incidents began with a report to emergency services just before 12pm, according to a police account of events.

Around midday, officers were called to a home on Swanson Rd following “reports of a disorder involving a group of people,” said Detective Inspector Callum McNeill.

Police found a person with “non-life-threatening stab wounds” at the scene.

“A 23-year-old woman was taken into custody over the incident, and the person with injuries was transported to a medical centre on Swanson Road,” he said.

The suspect in the first stabbing was charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and is due in the Waitakere District Court on May 11.

While at the medical centre, a detective and frontline staff were present with the victim when a separate and unrelated stabbing incident began outside, McNeill said.

“Our officers have become aware of a commotion outside, where a person had been running away after being stabbed in the head,” he said.

“Officers have moved outside to ascertain what was taking place, when they have seen the offender that had been chasing the victim.”

The man was allegedly carrying a knife and “lunged at both officers”, knocking one over and striking his body armour, according to police.

He then fled, but not before stabbing a member of the public in the shoulder as they waited for a bus at a nearby stop, McNeill alleged.

“The alleged offender, a 29-year-old man, was swiftly taken into custody by other police colleagues nearby as they were already on scene due to the earlier incident,” he said.

The detective inspector said the victims from the second stabbing were in hospital with “serious, but not life-threatening injuries”.

“Our detective has suffered grazing injuries, and it is extremely fortunate that these were not serious injuries. The other officer was not injured,” he said.

“This was an extremely concerning event, and I can reassure the wider community that our enquiries suggest that we are dealing with two separate and isolated incidents.”

Nearby Rānui Primary School informed the community about the incident in Facebook post at 2.20pm.

“There was an incident at Rānui Medical Centre today,” the post said.

“It is SAFE now but the road has been blocked and there will be traffic.”

A 29-year-old male was due in the Waitākere District Court tomorrow charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and assault with a weapon, according to police.

Four ambulances, one rapid response unit and one operations manager responded to the incidents, a St John spokesperson said.

‘Bye-bye my little son’: Mother’s heartbreak after seven-year-old dies in fall from vehicle in Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
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A grieving mother has shared a heartfelt tribute following the death of her seven-year-old son, Fakaola he Vahanoa ki Emalata Misifane, who died after falling from the back of a moving vehicle in Tongatapu.

Fakaola ki Emalata Misifane. Photo/Supplied

The tribute comes after Police said the child was injured when he fell from the back of a moving vehicle in Popua last month.

In a statement, Police said the child sustained injuries after falling onto the roadway and was taken to Vaiola Hospital for treatment.

A 31-year-old man from Pātangata, residing in Fanga ‘o Piloleva, was arrested and remains in police custody while investigations continue.

Fakaola, who lived in Patangata and attended Popua Primary School, died on April 26.

In a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, Fakaola’s mother spoke of her deep grief and faith as she mourned her son’s passing.

“Rest on, my son Fakaola ki Emalata Misifane Jr… Lord, forgive us, for we have wept over You taking back Your treasure, but Your perfect will is higher still,” she wrote in Tongan, acknowledging the pain of loss while affirming her belief in God’s purpose.

She reflected that life and death ultimately rest in God’s hands, saying, “You are the One who gave, and You are the One who has taken back. May glory and thanks always be Yours.”

In a final farewell, she added, “Bye-bye, my little son, and be at peace, even though we were not ready to part, but we have no power over it,” describing her child as young, kind, and deeply loved.

The grieving mother also made an emotional reference to the boy’s late father, saying her son had now followed to be reunited after being separated since infancy.

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