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PM Fakafanua admits illegal vessels went undetected as Tonga introduces new tracking systems

By
Kalino Latu
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Prime Minister Fakafanua says it is likely that illegal vessels have entered Tonga’s waters undetected in the past due to limited monitoring capacity, as the government rolls out new maritime tracking technology aimed at strengthening surveillance of the kingdom’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

His comments come amid ongoing concerns over Tonga’s illicit drug crisis, which has fuelled persistent questions about how drugs are entering the country and whether weaknesses in maritime monitoring may have enabled unauthorised vessels to operate undetected.

The revelation also coincides with repeated detections of vessels suspected of illegal fishing activity in and around Tonga’s EEZ by regional surveillance operations and fisheries authorities.

Reports from the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) have identified multiple vessels of interest during monitoring operations across the region, highlighting the challenges Pacific nations face in policing their maritime boundaries.


Limited Maritime Surveillance Capacity

Speaking at a press briefing last week, Lord Fakafanua indicated that Tonga’s limited maritime surveillance capacity may have previously allowed illicit vessel movements within its waters to go undetected.

“I will not provide details, but let’s just say that illegal vessels may have entered our waters in the past and we were unable to detect them,” he said.

He said newly deployed technologies now being used by Police, Customs and Fisheries authorities have significantly strengthened Tonga’s surveillance capabilities, enabling authorities to detect vessels entering the kingdom’s waters and monitor maritime activity more effectively.

He said the new surveillance systems can now detect vessels entering Tonga’s waters, making it far more difficult for those involved in illicit drug trafficking or illegal fishing to operate undetected.

Although Prime Minister Fakafanua did not disclose the specific technologies being deployed, media reports indicate that maritime agencies across the Pacific are increasingly using advanced surveillance tools to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and transnational smuggling.

These include artificial intelligence-powered satellite monitoring, radio frequency (RF) detection systems, and autonomous maritime drones capable of tracking vessel movements across vast ocean areas.

The technologies can help authorities identify and monitor vessels even when they attempt to evade detection by switching off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders and effectively “going dark”.

Fake ‘Professor’ frontman signals end of BG Wealth Sharing in farewell message

By
Kalino Latu
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The alleged operator of the collapsed BG Wealth Sharing scheme—linked by authorities to a fabricated “Professor” persona—has appeared to acknowledge its demise for the first time, posting a series of farewell messages before communication channels fell silent.

A supposed image of “Professor Stephen Beard,” now believed by authorities to be a fabricated persona used to promote the BG Wealth Sharing scheme.

Regulators have not confirmed a total recovery figure, but on‑chain analysis indicates the scheme may have involved around $150 million, with at least $41.5 million seized as it collapsed.

Driven by multilevel marketing tactics, the scheme stripped victims of significant sums, culminating in a final “12% tax” on fictitious account balances—an advance‑fee trap that left users locked out entirely.

Despite prior warnings from authorities and international media coverage, including Kaniva News, some Tongan participants continued promoting the BG scheme on social media, firmly rejecting concerns it was a Ponzi-style cryptocurrency scam.

Even days after US authorities announced the seizure of BG’s website domain, some Tongan promoters continued to circulate a purported registration document on social media, claiming it proved the scheme’s legitimacy in Colorado. The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions had previously discredited the document.

Farewell Message Signals Collapse

In a screenshot of messages allegedly posted via BonChat, Professor Stephen Beard shared a pinned message stating, “This isn’t the end of the meeting. It’s goodbye.”

The remark signalled a stark shift in tone, coming after months of assurances that the platform was legitimate and not a scam.

A BG Wealth Sharing participant and promoter who shared the screenshot with Kaniva News said this was the first time Mr Beard admitted the scheme was a scam.

“It is over—no more,” the participant, who we chose not to name, said.

In earlier posts shared in the same group chat, Beard suggested the separation was final, writing: “Although I’m very reluctant to part with everyone, this is where we are going. If fate allows, we will meet again.”

He also urged members to “keep warm, and don’t catch a cold,” in what many have interpreted as a parting message to followers.

The comments have been taken by victims as a clear acknowledgement that the scheme has come to an end, contradicting his repeated denials amid growing scrutiny before its collapse.

The participant estimated that around 900,000 people worldwide may have been involved in the scam.

Fabricated Professor Claim Exposed

One of the key claims used by Tongan promoters to attract participants was that the scheme was legitimate because it was supposedly overseen by a professor.

However, authorities have stated that “Professor Stephen Beard” is a fabricated persona used as the face of a large international cryptocurrency Ponzi and pyramid scheme.

Some regulators have described him as a “fake CEO” and a self‑proclaimed professor with no verified identity or credentials

The character is believed to have been created using AI or portrayed by an actor following scripts.

Multiple regulators, including the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), issued cease‑and‑desist orders against the operation after the platform ultimately collapsed.

On this day in Britain: Queen Sālote’s enduring legacy at the 1953 coronation remembered

By
Kalino Latu
-

Seventy-three years ago, Her Majesty Queen Sālote Tupou III stood with grace and dignity at the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, marking a moment that forever linked the Kingdom of Tonga with the United Kingdom.

Queen Sālote Tupou III

Her presence on 2 June 1953 remains one of the most memorable highlights of the historic ceremony, a statement by the Bristish High Commission in Tonga said.

Queen Sālote had been in London for two weeks before the coronation day arrived. Dressed in a long gown, adorned with a named fine mat—Lālanga-‘a-‘Ulukilupetea—and wearing her mantle and British honours, she also carried symbols of her chiefly rank with a comb of Lave‘i Tavake feathers in her hair. She travelled to Buckingham Palace before transferring to a carriage shared with the Sultan of Kelantan.

Seated prominently in a gallery overlooking the coronation chair, Queen Sālote was among the first to arrive and observed dignitaries as they gathered. Reflecting on the ceremony later, she described her heart as “deeply touched” by the dignity, rituals, and religious significance of the occasion. She was especially moved when the Archbishop proclaimed Queen Elizabeth II as the rightful sovereign and when the young Queen made her vows.

She also recalled the solemn moment when the Queen’s crown was removed during the Sacrament, noting the “inner glow” that radiated from her face despite exhaustion. For Queen Sālote, the ceremony revealed the unity of nation, land, and church in support of the Crown, leaving an impression that extended beyond its grandeur and beauty.

After the service, Queen Sālote was served tea, sandwiches, and cake in an annexe at Westminster Abbey. As rain began to fall, she chose to keep the carriage hood down during the return procession, determined not to miss any part of the day. Though both she and the Sultan of Kelantan were soaked, she later said the experience brought happiness and was “a treasure.”

Images of Queen Sālote smiling in the pouring rain captured the admiration of the British public and greatly boosted her popularity. Upon returning to her residence, she changed from her wet clothes but remained grateful for the warmth shown by the people, emphasising that her joy came from the occasion itself rather than the attention it drew.

“The coronation was a great occasion, and the memory of it will never die,” she later said, despite having been drenched. Journalists gathered that night and the following morning to ensure she had not fallen ill, while that evening she attended a grand coronation dinner alongside Sir Winston Churchill, whom she greatly admired.

Her schedule continued with official engagements, including laying a wreath at the cenotaph, attending the Coronation Thanksgiving Service at St Paul’s Cathedral, witnessing Trooping the Colour, and joining garden parties at Blenheim Palace and Lambeth Palace.

Today, Queen Sālote’s unforgettable presence at the 1953 Coronation remains a treasured chapter in Tonga’s history. Her actions that day symbolised humility, pride, and the enduring place of Tonga on the world stage, proving that even the smallest nations can shine with extraordinary light.

Tonga name first ‘Ikale Tahi squad for Nations Cup

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tonga Rugby Union has selected its first ‘Ikale Tahi squad for the 2026 World Rugby Nations Cup campaign.

The new Nations Cup is a biennial international competition starting this year, involving 12 teams from six continents. Matches will be played across the July and November international windows, with each team scheduled to play six games.

The tournament will begin on 4 July 2026 in Montevideo, Uruguay, where the host nation will face Georgia in the opening fixture.

The July matches will be staged across the Americas.

Under the competition format, teams will compete in pools, with the top-ranked side in each pool crowned champions.

The Nations Cup is designed to provide more consistent international competition for emerging rugby nations as they prepare for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Which unions will be competing?

A total of 12 unions will compete, all of whom have qualified for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.

Samoa were the final team to qualify following their 13-13 draw against Belgium in the Final Qualification Tournament in Dubai last November.

Pool A (Americas and Pacific)

  • Canada
  • Chile
  • Samoa
  • Tonga
  • Uruguay
  • USA

Pool B (Europe, Africa and Asia)

  • Georgia
  • Hong Kong China
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Spain
  • Zimbabwe

The competition follows a round-robin format across two windows, with each team playing six matches – three in July and three in November – against opposition from the opposite pool.

All results feed into the standings, with the highest-ranked team in each pool crowned champions at the end of the tournament.

Unlike the Nations Championship 2026, there will be no finals day. Instead, the format guarantees regular, competitive fixtures for all participating teams, supporting development and consistency ahead of Australia 2027.

The Team: Representing Villages, Islands, and Heritage

Backs

Augustine Pulu
Leimatu‘a, Mataika, Neiafu (Vv) & Hofoa (Tt)

Siaosi Nginiginji
Tu‘atakilangi, Kolofou (Tt)

Sonatane Takulua
Lapaha, Ma‘ufanga (Tt) & Niuafo‘ou

Otumaka Mausia
Ha‘ateiho & Longomapu (Vv)

Patrick Pellegrini
Mu‘a, Takatakamotonga (Tt)

William Havili
Kolomotu‘a & Sopu (Tt)

Fetuli Paea
Ha‘asini, Hamula (Tt) & Ta‘anea (Vv)

Pita Ahki
Sapa‘ata (‘Eua), Ma‘ufanga (Tt) & Saleimoa (Upolu)

Solomone Kata
Niuafo‘ou & Leimatu‘a (Vv)

Anzelo Tuitavuki
Kolomotu‘a, Angaha (‘Eua), Niuafo‘ou

Fine Inisi
Longoteme, Folaha (Tt), Feletoa (Vv), Ta‘akimoeaka, Futu (‘Eua), Fangale‘ounga (Hp) & Falelatai Upolu (Samoa)

Taniela Filimone
Koulo, ‘Oua (Hp)

Telusa Veainu
Matahau (Tt) & Longolongo (Tt)

Forwards

  • Fatongia Paea
    • Pahu (Tt)
  • Siegfried Fisi‘ihoi
    • Falaleu & ‘Utui (Vv)
  • Jay Fonokalafi
    • Haveluoto, Hoi (Tt)
  • Samiuela Moli
    • Leimatua (Vv) & Te‘ekiu (Tt)
  • Sekope Lopeti Moli
    • Leimatua, Holonga (Vv)
    • Pea, Te‘ekiu (Tt)
    • Ha‘ano (Hp)
  • Atu Moli
    • Leimatua (Vv) & Te‘ekiu (Tt)
  • Paula Latu
    • Mataika, Tu‘anuku (Vv) & Uiha (Hp)
  • Phillip Kite
    • Kolomotu‘a & Puke (Tt)
  • Adam Coleman
    • Ha‘atou, Ha‘apai
  • Halaleva Fifita
  • Veikoso Poloniati
    • Fua‘amotu (Tt)
  • Jimmy Tupou
    • Kolomotu‘a (Tt)
  • Lotu Inisi
    • Longoteme, Folaha (Tt)
    • Feletoa (Vv)
    • Ta‘akimoeaka, Futuna (‘Eua)
    • Fangale‘ounga (Hp)
    • Falelatai, Upolu (Samoa)
  • Otunuku Pauta
    • Fua‘amotu, Ha‘asini (Tt)
  • Samuel Tuitupou
    • Makave (Vv)
    • Sopu, Kolomotu‘a (Tt)
  • Semisi Paea
    • Falaleu (Vv)
  • Sione Tu‘ipulotu
    • Longolongo, Kolofou, Talafo‘ou & ‘Oua (Hp)

Changes needed as Bank’s tough rules stall $30m Gov’t aid for small businesses — PM Fakafanua

By
Kalino Latu
-

Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua says government hardship support programmes and subsidised loan initiatives worth $30 million are facing processing delays and weaker uptake, citing stricter eligibility criteria, extensive documentation requirements, and affordability checks.

Lord Fakafanua

This funding initiative was introduced by former Prime Minister ‘Aisake Eke to stimulate the growth of the private sector and informal businesses, and to promote long-term economic sustainability.

Lord Fakafanua said the first tranche of $10 million was transferred from the Treasury to the Tonga Development Bank (TDB) in March this year, but to date only $3 million has been disbursed in loans.

He said the government had engaged with the bank and made it clear that the funds should be lent out as intended.

The Fakafanua government is now seeking for the bank to relax its strict lending rules and policies.

The Prime Minister said the government will also step in to support applicants who lack sufficient “collateral” — the assets or property typically required by banks to secure loans.

“The reason Parliament allocated this fund is to support the people and ensure the bank’s policies do not hinder access to borrowing,” Lord Fakafanua said in Tongan.

He revealed that one of the factors delaying loan uptake was applicants’ limited ability to prepare the financial statements required to support their applications.

The Prime Minister said the bank had been reminded that it was its responsibility to assist applicants in preparing these financial statements.

He said this responsibility was a key condition of the agreement between the Treasury and the bank.

The loan initiative was introduced after former Minister of Public Enterprises Piveni Piukala accused the bank of misusing earlier government-backed loan schemes, alleging that funds had been directed toward elites while marginalising low-income small-business owners.

Former bank CEO Emeline Tuita denied the allegations at the time in a statement to Kaniva News.

‘I will hold you in my heart’ — Tongan mother’s heartbreak after only son found dead in Samoa

By
Kalino Latu
-

The devastated mother of 41-year-old David Golk has shared a touching tribute after his body was discovered in Samoa, vowing to hold him in her heart “until I can hold you in heaven.”

David Golk

According to Talanei News, six men have been charged in connection with David’s death and appeared in an American Samoa District Court last week.

The accused are Faleulu Faleulu, Togafau Ieremia, El‑Shaniah Segi, Waldie Allen III (also known as Aleki), Wayne Leti, and Cowley Tui Tafea. Two of those arrested in relation to the case are juveniles.

According to Talanei, several of the defendants were allegedly drinking beer at a location in Vaitogi when the victim walked past.

It is alleged that El‑Shaniah Segi approached the victim, lifted him, and slammed him to the ground, with one defendant claiming he saw the victim’s head strike the edge of the sidewalk.

Prosecutors also allege that Togafau Ieremia used a bat to strike the victim, while Faleulu Faleulu is accused of kicking him and stealing personal items, including a chain, rings, a bracelet, Nike sandals, and a JBL speaker.

Police further allege that when Faleulu was located, he was wearing some of the victim’s belongings.

All six defendants are being held without bail, Talanei reported.

The deceased’s mother, Vea Golk, who is of Tongan origin from Matamaka, Vavaʻu, told Kaniva News that David was her only son.

Describing herself as a “heartbroken mother,” she said she will carry her son in her heart until the day she can “hold [him] in heaven.” She added that she loves and misses him dearly and looks forward to seeing him again.

As previously reported, Vea said she was deeply distressed and has struggled to sleep as she reflects on the alleged cruelty her son suffered.

She said the last time she saw him was on Friday afternoon, before police arrived at her home early Saturday morning and asked her to accompany them to the hospital to identify a body found behind a store in Vaitogi.

She said she could hardly recognise her son when she saw him, describing his face as severely swollen and discoloured.

Mrs Golk added that while her son would sometimes leave home for one or two days, he would always return.

One in Four: UNICEF report reveals alarming child poverty in Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
-

Nuku’alofa – A new report released by the Government of Tonga in collaboration with UNICEF reveals that 25.3 percent of children in Tonga are living in multidimensional poverty.

Illustrative image generated using artificial intelligence (AI). The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict any actual children, families, locations, or circumstances described in this article.

The report, Multidimensional Child Poverty in Tonga, shows that poverty among children goes beyond income, encompassing lack of access to essential needs such as nutrition, healthcare, education, clean water, and safe housing.

When these needs are unmet at the same time, children face severe and overlapping disadvantages.

The findings are based on data from the 2019 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, highlighting areas where children are being left behind.

Prime Minister Lord Fakafānua said the report underscores Tonga’s commitment to protecting its people and the importance of putting safeguards in place before families reach crisis point.

Minister for Internal Affairs, Fane Fotu Fituafe, described the findings as a significant step forward in efforts to address child poverty and promote inclusion.

Rural Children Most Affected

The report shows that the youngest children are most vulnerable, with 58.7 percent of infants aged 0–23 months and 35.9 percent of children aged 24–59 months deprived of three or more essential needs.

Children in rural areas are also disproportionately affected, with 28.3 percent experiencing multidimensional poverty, compared to 14.8 percent in urban areas.

Geographic disparities are stark, with the highest rates recorded in ʻEua (48.9 percent), followed by Haʻapai (40.8 percent) and Ongo Niua (35 percent). Tongatapu recorded the lowest rate at 21.6 percent.

Deprivation Key Concerns

The report identifies housing as the most widespread form of deprivation, affecting more than half of children across all age groups.

In early childhood, critical gaps were found in health and nutrition, with 76.9 percent of infants facing health-related deprivation and 68.3 percent lacking adequate nutrition.

Children living in poverty often face multiple challenges at once, experiencing an average of 3.4 deprivations simultaneously.

UNICEF Pacific Representative Hamish Young said the data reflects the everyday reality for many children.

“Behind every number in this report is a child whose struggle is not just one challenge, but many, experienced all at once, every day,” he said.

Call for Coordinated Action

The report highlights the urgent need for coordinated, cross-sector action to address overlapping challenges facing children.

Improving access to healthcare, nutrition, housing, clean water, and child protection, alongside supporting vulnerable families, is seen as key to reducing child poverty.

Officials say early intervention and integrated solutions will be critical to ensuring every child in Tonga has the opportunity to survive, thrive, and reach their full potential.

Tonga Police arrest 27 in DUI crackdown as hundreds test positive in May

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Tonga Police arrested 27 people during a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) enforcement operation conducted last Friday, as authorities continue efforts to curb alcohol-related offending on the kingdom’s roads.

Tonga Police officers conduct a nighttime DUI checkpoint on Tongatapu, stopping vehicles as part of ongoing efforts to reduce alcohol-related road offences and improve public safety. Photo/Tonga Police

The arrests included 20 males and seven females, reflecting ongoing concerns about impaired driving across both genders.

Police say the latest operation forms part of a broader campaign aimed at improving road safety and reducing alcohol-related incidents throughout Tonga.

Hundreds Fail Alcohol Tests in May

Figures released by Tonga Police show that during May 2026, officers stopped and tested 3,147 drivers across the country.

Of those tested, 2,899 drivers (92.1 percent) recorded no alcohol in their system, while 248 drivers (7.9 percent) returned positive alcohol readings.

Among those who tested positive:

  • 129 drivers were below the legal alcohol limit
  • 37 drivers were issued Traffic Infringement Notices
  • 82 drivers were arrested for exceeding the legal limit

In total, 119 drivers were charged with alcohol-related offences during the month, including 84 males and 35 females.

Police Urge Responsible Driving

Tonga Police commended the majority of drivers who complied with the law but warned that impaired driving remains a serious risk to public safety.

“Police continue to urge drivers to never drive after consuming alcohol,” authorities said.

Officers confirmed that DUI operations will continue across Tongatapu as part of ongoing efforts to reduce preventable road accidents and ensure the safety of all road users.

The enforcement campaign is expected to remain a key focus as police work to change driver behaviour and strengthen road safety across the kingdom.

Five dead in overnight crashes, including three on Desert Road

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By RNZ and is republished with permission

Police are calling it “absolutely gutting” after five people have been killed in accidents overnight.

File photo. Photo: RNZ/ Calvin Samuel

Three people died after a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 1, Waiouru, overnight, while one person remains missing.

Emergency services were called to the scene about 2.55am.

Three people were found dead at the scene, police said. Two further occupants sustained serious injuries.

Another person, who police believe was also in one of the vehicles, has not been accounted for. A search and rescue operation is underway to locate them.

Poice Superintendent Steve Greally, director of road policing, said a total of five people have died in crashes overnight.

One person has died following a crash in Wairakei, north of Taupō.

Another person died in a single-vehicle crash in Waiheke Island overnight. Emergency services were called to Onetangi Road around 1.30am.

“That is absolutely gutting,” Greally said of the road toll .

“We are thinking of their families today, while they deal with the awful reality that their lives will never be the same.”

There were two earlier deaths over King’s Birthday weekend, bringing the provisional number of deaths to seven.

“We say it all the time but we’re going to say it again – there are four main things that contribute to death or serious injury on the roads,” Greally said.

“Those are speeding, not using your seatbelt, driving distracted, or driving impaired, including by tiredness.

“If you’re getting on the road today, please – buckle up, put your phone away, watch your speed, and if you are at all impaired by alcohol, drugs or tiredness, stop – don’t get behind the wheel.

“These things might be the difference between you getting home safely or not.”

The Desert Road has reopened, but police are still working in the area and ask drivers to be cautious.

Deputy Prime Minister Viliami Lātū acquitted by Supreme Court in election bribery case

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister Viliami Latu has been acquitted by the Supreme Court following allegations of electoral bribery brought by his political rival, ʻEtuate Lavulavu.

Deputy Prime Minister Dr Viliami Lātū and ‘Etuate Lavulavu

No detailed reasons for the acquittal were immediately released, but the ruling clears Latu of the case brought against him.

This is a developing story. More details will follow as they become available.

As Kaniva News reported previously, the case included claims that town officer Uele Moala received a substantial sum of money from Latu during the November 2025 election campaign period.

A writ filed in Tongan alleged the payment was made at Moala’s home on 18 November 2025, and was intended for a Free Wesleyan Church minister in Hōleva.

Moala was summoned to appear before the court to give evidence regarding the allegation. However, he had earlier publicly denied any wrongdoing, stating in a Facebook post that the claims were false and that he would contest them in court.

“I have not yet seen how lies are being fabricated to appear as truth, but I am glad we have reached court so the truth can be revealed,” Moala said, adding that the allegations had also affected the reputation of church leaders.

The case marks the latest chapter in a long-running political rivalry between Latu and Lavulavu. In 2016, Lavulavu was convicted of electoral bribery and overspending during his 2014 campaign, in a case initiated by Latu.

Following that conviction, a by-election was held in which Lavulavu’s wife, ʻAkosita Lavulavu, defeated Latu to win the vacant parliamentary seat.

The latest ruling brings a close—for now—to another legal clash between the two figures.

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