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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.

Tongan students face new hurdles as US requires social media access for visa applications 

By
Kalino Latu
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Tongan students hoping to study in the United States face stricter visa requirements after the Trump Administration announced that all applicants must now allow U.S. officials to review their social media accounts.  

The new rule, announced Wednesday by the U.S. State Department, comes as Tongans reel from recent reports that the U.S. may impose a travel ban on Tongan citizens unless the Tongan government meets undisclosed demands.  

Tonga was among 36 countries the Trump Administration wanted to convince with a proposal that they were taking genuine steps to improve their passport vetting process, prevent ‘widespread government fraud,’ accept deportees from other countries, and reduce overstays in the U.S.

While there are no specific statistics on how many Tongan students travel to the U.S. to study each year, a significant number of Tongan members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) attend Brigham Young University (BYU) in Hawai’i annually.

The LDS Church is the second-largest denomination in Tonga and was responsible for the first large-scale migration of Tongans to the United States in the early 1950s.

US Tightens Social Media Vetting

World media reported that the order applies to all “international student visas”, with no exceptions mentioned.

New applicants will now have to make their social media accounts public for enhanced vetting, the BBC reported.   

It said the student visa appointments halted in late May as it worked to step up measures to restrict applicants deemed hostile to the US. 

“As part of last week’s announcement, they said scheduling would now resume, and they would now be asking all applicants to make their social media accounts public for enhanced screening”, the BBC reported. 

A spokesperson for the US State Department told the BBC that those who keep their social media accounts private may be deemed to be trying to hide their activity. 

They said officials had been instructed to expand the social media vetting of applicants and search for “any indications of hostility toward the citizens, culture, government, institutions or founding principles of the United States”. 

“It is an expectation from American citizens that their government will make every effort to make our country safer, and that is exactly what the Trump administration is doing every single day,” a senior State Department official said. 

Who will be affected? 

The new guidelines will affect all applicants who apply for F visas, which students primarily use. 

Applicants for the M visas, used for vocational students and those applying for J visas, used by exchange students, will also be affected, a State Department spokesperson told the BBC. 

International cyber experts rush to Tonga as Health Database remains locked by hackers

By
Kalino Latu
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Tonga’s Ministry of Health has confirmed that critical patient records remain inaccessible two weeks after a devastating cyberattack crippled the National Health Database.

Despite efforts by local and Australian cybersecurity teams, officials admit that retrieving data from 2020 onward, when the new system was installed, has proven extremely difficult.

Health Minister Dr ‘Ana ’Akau’ola reportedly revealed that while administrative records are secure, hackers continue to hold patient information hostage.

The Ministry of Health has now urged patients to bring their medical ID when visiting the hospital.

This could help identify them and assist doctors who may still remember their conditions for treatment, even though hackers have stolen their actual records.

Global Assistance Mobilised

Additional cybersecurity specialists are expected to arrive in Tonga soon to reinforce the team of Australian experts already on the ground.

The joint task force, collaborating with Vaiola Hospital’s ICT team and CERT Tonga (Computer Emergency Response Team), is racing against time to restore access without capitulating to the hackers’ ransom demands.

Though the ransom remains undisclosed, sources suggest it could be in the millions of dollars.

The Tongan government has not confirmed whether it will negotiate with the attackers.

Impact on Healthcare Services

The prolonged outage has forced healthcare providers to rely on manual record-keeping, causing delays and disruptions.

Patients with critical conditions are prioritised, but officials warn that full system recovery could take weeks or longer if the data cannot be decrypted.

‘Chair-wharf in Action’ Tonga locals create makeshift pathway with chairs for boat passengers

By
Kalino Latu
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Residents of Hā’ano in Tonga’s Ha’apai islands crafted a temporary “chair-wharf” to help passengers board boats from the sea.

When the ocean doesn’t give you a dock, you build one—out of chairs! 🪑💡 Ha’ano’s brilliant temporary fix for boat boarding. #TonganIngenuity

This event coincides with significant gatherings in Tonga, where Methodist churches are holding their annual conferences in Vava’u and Ha’apai.

Their Majesties, King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u Tuku’aho, are currently attending the Free Wesleyan Church’s 101st annual conference in Pangai, Ha’apai.

The church’s event also celebrated the 50th anniversary of a cross that appeared on the ground outside the Pulela’ā Free Wesleyan Church in Pangai in 1975.

A common saying in Ha’apai is “Ha’apai maheni faingata’a”—meaning “Ha’apai is accustomed to hardships”, reflecting their resilience despite scarce resources like wharves and safe boats. For years, they have endured and mastered the challenges of island life.

The makeshift “chair-wharf” was set up when church officials and youth attendees arrived in Ha’ano for the 2025 Free Wesleyan Church Youth Conference.

A video posted to Facebook yesterday shows people arranging chairs in a line from the sandy shore through shallow seawater, creating a stable pathway for travellers to walk and embark onto waiting boats.

The makeshift method highlights the resourcefulness of island communities in areas lacking formal port infrastructure.

The caption, “Chair-wharf in action,” has since sparked reactions online, with many viewers amused and impressed by the improvised system.

Overseas Ha’apaians sharing and commenting on the video expressed nostalgia, reflecting on their lives in the islands before emigrating.

“Stand up Hā’ano and take the lead”, a commenter wrote in Tongan.

“Love you Hā’ano”, another wrote.

However, some commenters inquired about a wharf that was planned.

PM Eke government scraps ATR 72 purchase as deadline looms for Lulutai Airlines sale 

By
Kalino Latu
-

Nuku’alofa, Tonga—The Eke government has announced it will not purchase the ATR 72 aircraft, marking a clear shift away from direct state involvement in the financially troubled Lulutai Airlines.  

It follows the government’s announcement that the national airline’s three small aircraft fleet is fully functional and breaking even as part of their promised review since taking power from the former Hu’akavameiliku government in December.

The revelation comes as the deadline to bid for Lulutai Airlines shares is just one week away, with submissions closing next Monday

The government has issued an open call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from potential buyers, emphasising financial stability, aviation expertise, and alignment with Tonga’s national interests.  

Prospective buyers must meet stringent requirements to qualify for the acquisition of Lulutai Airlines. These include demonstrating financial strength by submitting audited financial statements as proof of stability, as well as having relevant industry experience in aviation operations, aircraft maintenance, or tourism and logistics.

Additionally, investors must show a commitment to safety and operational efficiency, with a proven track record of improving airline performance. Finally, bids will be evaluated based on strategic value, ensuring alignment with Tonga’s long-term economic and transportation objectives.

The government has emphasised that only serious investors with the capacity to sustain and grow the airline will be considered. 

Fleet Expansion Abandoned 

The purchase price for a new ATR 72-600 aircraft is typically around US$26 million (TOP$63 million).

However, the purchase faced heavy scrutiny after the Parliament was not officially informed about the 2023 Twin Otter acquisition, which only came to light through a Kaniva News report.  

Prime Minister Eke’s administration has now halted the ATR 72 deal entirely, opting instead to restructure Lulutai Airlines and seek private investment.  

Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimalohi confirmed the cancellation after former PM Huʻakavameiliku pressed him on whether the budget included funding for Lulutai.

“No,” Fusimalohi responded, before announcing the government’s decision to abandon the ATR-72 acquisition. In Tongan, he said: “‘… ko e tu’u ia ki he kaha’ú, ia ‘ikai ke ‘i ai ha ATR 72.”  

The Deputy Prime Minister did not elaborate on why he mentioned the cancellation of the ATR-72 purchase when responding to Hu’akavameiliku’s question to clarify whether it had been part of the previous government’s plans to acquire the aircraft.

Tongan communities warn of similar incidents after shocking Sydney construction site brawl – all workers fired, police probe underway

By
Kalino Latu
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A violent early-morning brawl involving at least 20 tradies at a Sydney construction site has gone viral, prompting Tongan communities to speak out about similar incidents they’ve encountered before.

A wild all-in brawl has erupted at a worksite in Sydney’s northwest as a large group of tradies squared off

The chaotic fight, captured in footage circulating on social media, shows workers in high-vis gear throwing punches, kicks, and even using hard hats as weapons outside Meriton’s Castle Grange construction site in Crest Hill.

One worker was repeatedly struck in the head with a hard hat as onlookers filmed the clash.

The construction company has confirmed that every worker involved in the brawl has been fired.

NSW Police were called to Sexton Ave around 7am on Tuesday, but said most of the brawlers had dispersed by the time officers arrived.

“Officers have been informed that the brawl involved two apparent groups wearing hi-vis clothing and construction attire,” police said in a statement.

A 43-year-old man and a 55-year-old man were treated by paramedics for minor injuries before being taken to Westmead Hospital.

Tongan Communities React: “We’ve Seen This Before”
As the footage spread online, members of Tongan online communities expressed concern, sharing stories of similar violent incidents they’ve witnessed or experienced in the past.

Some warned that tensions among workers, particularly in labour-intensive industries, can escalate quickly if not addressed.

“It’s not the first time we’ve seen fights like this,” a commenter wrote in Tongan. “Sometimes it’s over work disputes, sometimes cultural misunderstandings—but it always ends badly.”

Authorities have not confirmed whether cultural tensions played a role in this incident, but investigations are ongoing.

What Sparked the Violence?
The exact cause of the brawl remains unclear, with witnesses giving conflicting accounts.

Some claim it was a personal dispute, while others suggest it may have been work-related.

Workplace safety advocates have called for better conflict resolution measures on construction sites to prevent such outbreaks.

Police are urging anyone with information or additional footage to come forward as they piece together the events leading up to the brawl.

Gale-force winds rip off MV ‘Onemato’s bow door, forcing emergency return to Tongatapu

By
Kalino Latu
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Nuku‘alofa, Tonga – The MV Onemato was forced to turn back to Tongatapu after powerful waves tore off its bow door while en route to ‘Eua.

Crew members battle flooding after massive waves breach MV Onemato’s deck, ripping off the bow door mid-voyage. The stricken ferry returned to Tongatapu as Tonga MetService issued gale warnings across the islands.

Despite the severe damage, no injuries were reported among passengers or crew.

Shocking footage uploaded to Facebook by Lie Fifita shows the moment violent waves breached the vessel, flooding the deck as crew members rushed to secure the area.

It shows rogue waves crashing onto the deck of MV Onemato, flooding the vehicle hold as crew members scramble to secure the area.

The ferry bound for ‘Eua was forced to return to Tongatapu after encountering the dangerous weather system that had triggered gale warnings across Tonga.

While the trip from Tongatapu to ‘Eua Island typically takes an hour by boat, the crossing is notoriously hazardous and must not be underestimated.

It follows Tonga Meteorological Services issuing urgent weather alerts across the kingdom, upgrading Vava’u’s strong wind warning to a more serious gale warning today.

Met said that the gale warning remains in effect for Ha’apai, while strong wind warnings continue for Tongatapu and ‘Eua. All Tongan land areas remain under heavy rain warnings and flash flood advisories.

Commenters on Facebook offered their best wishes, while others cautioned about the dangers of the notorious route, especially when a weather warning was in place.

Maritime authorities are expected to investigate the incident, which has shaken travellers and prompted calls for stricter safety measures on inter-island vessels.

Trump claims Israel and Iran agree to ‘Complete and Total Ceasefire’

By
Kaniva Staff
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U.S. President Donald Trump announced on social media Monday that Israel and Iran had reached a “complete and total ceasefire,” set to be phased in over the next 24 hours.

The unexpected declaration came amid escalating tensions between the two Middle Eastern powers, but key players quickly cast doubt on the claim.

The ceasefire is set to start in approximately six hours, the president said.

“It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE (in approximately 6 hours from now, when Israel and Iran have wound down and completed their in progress, final missions!), for 12 hours, at which point the War will be considered, ENDED,” the president wrote on social media.

Reuters report said Trump appeared to suggest that Israel and Iran would have some time to complete any missions that are underway, at which point the ceasefire would begin in a staged process.

Earlier, Iran said it launched an attack on U.S. forces at Al Udeid Air Base. Qatar stated that its air defences successfully thwarted the strike on the facility—which had been evacuated—shooting down 18 of the 19 missiles fired.

The BBC noted that it had not received independent confirmation of a ceasefire from Iranian sources.

It comes after Iran says more than 400 people, including 13 children, have been killed and at least 3,056 others wounded since Israel launched its attack on June 13. In Israel, at least 24 people have been killed in Iranian strikes

Defiant Iran strikes U.S. base in Qatar in retaliation for nuclear site bombings; Missiles intercepted, no casualties reported

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Doha, Qatar – In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Iran launched a missile attack on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Monday, targeting U.S. forces in retaliation for American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the strike, stating it was a “proportionate response” to the U.S. bombing of its nuclear sites.

Tehran emphasised that the number of missiles fired matched the number of bombs dropped by the U.S., suggesting an intent to avoid further escalation.

Flares lit up the sky over Doha, and explosions were heard as Qatar’s air defence systems scrambled to intercept the incoming projectiles.

Qatari authorities confirmed that their air defences successfully intercepted the missiles, preventing any damage or casualties at the strategic base, which houses thousands of American troops.

“Qatar’s air defence systems acted swiftly and decisively to neutralise the threat,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari. “No injuries or structural damage have been reported.”

The attack came shortly after Qatar closed its airspace as a precaution amid rising threats from Iran.

The U.S. military acknowledged the strike but confirmed no American or coalition personnel were harmed. Pentagon officials have not announced any further retaliatory measures, though tensions remain high.

Analysts suggest Iran’s decision to strike a military base outside populated areas—rather than civilian targets—may indicate an attempt to balance retaliation with restraint.

However, the attack marks a dangerous new phase in the confrontation between Washington and Tehran, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.

As both sides weigh their next moves, global leaders are urging de-escalation, with the UN Security Council expected to convene an emergency session to address the crisis.

—Reporting by Alsajeera, AP and BBC

PM Eke: Deficit budget necessary as Tonga approves TOP$992.8m spending plan

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tonga’s Parliament has unanimously passed a record-breaking national budget of TOP 992.8 million for the 2025/26 financial year, set to take effect on 1 July 2025.

Finance Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke

The largest budget in the nation’s history includes TOP$748.9 million in direct government spending and TOP$243.9 million in in-kind donor support.

Notably, it also features a projected deficit of TOP$29.1 million, which Finance Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke defended as a necessary measure to address Tonga’s stagnant economy and spur long-term development.

Investing Through Deficit

Dr Eke outlined three possible approaches to budgeting—surplus, balanced, or deficit—and explained that the deficit was chosen to create profitable financial activities and stimulate growth.

According to the Parliamentary Hansard of 16 June 2025, he stated in Tongan: “Ko e me’a ko e patiseti ko e me’a ‘e 3 te ke ala fai: te ke fakapalanisi, pē te ke surplus, pē te ke hanga ‘o fakafe’amokaki.”

To cover the deficit, the government will secure a $43 million bond, with $13 million earmarked for bond repayments in the upcoming fiscal year and the remaining $30 million directed toward the private sector through an emerging domestic bond market.

He previously claimed no government had implemented it as a policy.

Dr Eke said his $30 million market bond policy is a trial initiative aimed at facilitating fish imports from Fiji. He stated that fish from Fiji would be affordable and would help reduce health issues in Tonga caused by meat consumption.

He had warned that failure in the initiative would lead to its discontinuation and a search for alternatives. His parliamentary remarks revealed the broader goal: to establish a private sector-sustained financial mechanism for economic growth.

His policy is part of a broader strategy to inject vitality into the economy, with key allocations targeting infrastructure upgrades, renewable energy projects, and a newly established Community Road Maintenance Fund.

The latter will provide TOP 100,000 to each of Tonga’s 17 constituencies, ensuring local road maintenance and community development.

Deficit Sparks Debate

The deficit budget, however, has not been without controversy. Last week, the former Minister of Infrastructure raised concerns in Parliament about the legality of the $43 million bond and the decision to run a deficit.

Dr Eke responded by saying that budgets are crafted using economic tools referred to as “macroeconomic management”. Additionally, the National Reserve Bank utilises different tools to regulate activities within the banking sector.

Considering these factors, he ultimately concluded that a deficit budget was the appropriate approach.

With the budget now approved, the government’s next steps include annual constituency visits in July 2025 to engage with communities on budget priorities, followed by a general election in November.

US issues latest warning to Tonga; fix passport system now or face travel ban – PM confirms response is coming

By
Kalino Latu
-

The United States has proposed improvements for Tonga and 35 other countries to comply with the demands of the Trump Administration in order to avoid bans on their citizens’ entry into the U.S.

The update came before news that Senegal, a Western African nation listed alongside Tonga on the potential ban list, has been banned.

It was reported two days after a Trump Administration memo, which reportedly identified various benchmarks these countries did not meet.

The memo said these countries had “no competent or cooperative central government authority to produce reliable identity documents or other civil documents,” or they suffered from “widespread government fraud.” Others had large numbers of citizens who overstayed their visas in the United States.

The latest warning said failure to comply could result in Tongan nationals being barred from US travel until changes are made.

Tongan Prime Minister ‘Aisake Eke expressed deep concern over the threat, stating his government was “seriously alarmed” by the US stance.

He confirmed that the Crown Prince and his Ministry of Foreign Affairs are working with the US Embassy in Tonga to draft a formal response, with updates expected soon.

Tongan Passport Scheme

Tongan passports gained notoriety in the 1980s due to a controversial scheme to sell them illegally in Asia for revenue.

The scandal led to a constitutional amendment legalising the sale of the passports to 426 Chinese nationals.

Although authorities declared an end to passport sales after the unexpected 1991 constitutional change, Kaniva News uncovered cases in the 2010s proving the trade persisted, with Asians among the buyers.

Activists, including the late ‘Akilisi Pōhiva, alleged that Tongan blank passports and immigration stamps were being fraudulently obtained and exploited by some foreign intermediaries.

Despite King Tupou IV announcing that US$26 million had been collected from the scheme, the money was completely lost in the U.S. after the king appointed his court jester—an American entrepreneur—to invest it.

No official documents are available to record the details of the transaction, but critics, including Pohiva, speculated that far more than tens of thousands of passports had been sold.

The passport scandal became an international disgrace after it was revealed that international criminals exploited the national documents for global travel. 

Imelda Marcos, wife of former Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos, got a Tongan passport. The former Hong Kong Stock Exchange chief, Ronald Li, serving a four-year jail term for bribery, and textile billionaire Chen Din-hwa were also reportedly among the now legal passport holders. 

US Passport Concerns

US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce declined to detail the specifics of the issues raised but emphasised that the administration expects nations to enhance their passport vetting systems.

“We’re looking at providing a period of time, (where if countries) don’t get to that point where we can trust them and they’ve got to change the system, update it, do whatever they need to do to convince us that we can trust the process and the information they have,” the Associated Press reported Bruce as saying.

In 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau reported 78,871 people of Tongan descent living in the United States. One of Tonga’s largest religious denominations, the Mormon Church (based in Utah), has a long historical connection with the United States and is affiliated with BYU-Hawaii.

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