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Tonga still ranked 95th among world’s most corrupt countries since 2011; Revealed after U.S. warns of possible ‘widespread fraud’

By
Kalino Latu
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Tonga remains ranked 95th out of 183 countries on the global corruption index, a position it has held since 2011 due to the failure of previous governments to respond to information requests from Transparency International, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Taniela Fusimālohi has revealed.

Seputy Prime Minister Dr Taniela Fusimalohi

Speaking at yesterday’s press conference, Dr Fusimālohi said the international anti-corruption watchdog had repeatedly sought data from Tonga to assess its transparency and governance standards.

However, successive administrations reportedly ignored or declined to provide the necessary information, resulting in the country’s stagnant and damaging position on the index, Fusimālohi said in Tongan.

The Corruption Index Measures

Tonga received a score of 3.1 on a scale ranging from 0, which represents highly corrupt, to 10, which represents very clean. Its neighbouring country, Samoa, was ranked 69th with a score of 3.9.

New Zealand topped the list, ranking number one with a score of 9.5, indicating a very clean public sector.

The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), compiled by Transparency International, evaluates public sector corruption across countries using expert assessments and opinion surveys.

Key indicators include bribery, misuse of public funds, abuse of office for personal gain, and the government’s ability to prevent corruption.

It also considers excessive bureaucracy, nepotism in civil service appointments, financial disclosure laws for officials, whistleblower protections, influence by vested interests, and public access to government information.

Transparency International, which operates in over 100 countries, describes itself as a global movement working to end the injustice of corruption.

Its annual rankings are based on perceived levels of public sector corruption, informed by expert assessments and opinion surveys.

The revelation comes amid growing international scrutiny.

Trump Administration Warning

The United States recently included Tonga in a list of 36 countries that could face travel restrictions if they fail to meet specific governance and transparency benchmarks.

The U.S. government has alleged that some of these countries are involved in “widespread fraud.”

Tonga is currently working on a formal response to the U.S. warning, with a deadline set for next month.

Three ministers allegedly pocketed $5m, $2m, and $1m amid former Tonga gov’t’s controversial $21m travel budget hike

By
Kalino Latu
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Allegations of excessive travel spending have rocked Tonga’s political landscape, with claims that three former Cabinet Ministers received a combined total of up to $8 million in travel allowances—$5 million, $2 million, and $1 million, respectively, during the tenure of the former Hu’akavameiliku administration. 

Former PM Hu’akavameiliku

Concerns raised during yesterday’s government press conference highlighted the large amount allegedly received by three former ministers, while 25 per cent of Tonga’s population continues to struggle below the poverty line.

The revelation adds a dramatic twist to the already contentious increase in the government’s travel budget, which rose more than 60 per cent from $13 million to $21 million under former Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku’s leadership.

Budget Boost for Diplomacy

The budget hike was previously defended in Parliament by then-Minister of Infrastructure, Seventini Toumoʻua, who claimed the increase was necessary due to the extensive overseas duties required of Cabinet Ministers.

Hu’akavameiliku could not be reached for comment.

However, he had previously justified the spending by stating that international travel was essential for negotiating foreign aid and grants on behalf of Tonga.

More than 50 percent of Tonga’s annual budget relies on foreign donors.

Kaniva News understands that some government travel from Tonga was funded by overseas partners who hosted the meetings for which the travel was intended.

However, critics, including current Minister of Police Piveni Piukala—who was in Opposition at the time—challenged the legitimacy of the increase, alleging that it was not properly brought before Parliament for approval.

Piukala and others also expressed concern over the disproportionate allocation, especially when only $1 million was budgeted to address poverty, which affects approximately 25 per cent of the population.

Former Cabinet Minister ‘Etuate Lavulavu

The controversy intensified when the former Minister of Lands was seen arriving in Australia with his wife and a delegation, claiming the trip was to address land issues for Tongans living abroad.

While some Tongans overseas were pleased with the opportunity to address their land needs, the online community criticised the trip as an unnecessary expense borne by taxpayers.

Millions Spent, Poverty Ignored

The allegations were raised with Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimālohi during a press conference yesterday in Nukuʻalofa.

Former Cabinet Minister ʻEtuate Lavulavu, who also operates the Kalonikali Tonga newspaper, claimed he has evidence that one Minister received up to $5 million, another received $2 million, and a third received $1 million from their travel packages.

Lavulavu also claimed that these amounts included a 40 per cent increase added on top of the standard allowance.

Two former Ministers allegedly spent about three months overseas, travelling from country to country, Lavulavu claimed.

He expressed concern not only about the significant spending of taxpayers’ money, but also about the financial struggles many people are currently facing.

He asked Fusimālohi whether the allegations were true.

Responding, Fusimālohi did not answer Lavulavu’s question directly. Instead, he stated that the government’s travel budget has often doubled—or exceeded—the allocated amount, as shown in official budget documents.

He also remarked that it is not advisable for Ministers to seek luxury while carrying out their official duties.

Shincheonji Taekwondo team triumphs again: All members win at international competitions

By
Kaniva Staff
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Sponsored

Shincheonji Taekwondo Team, All Members Win Prizes Again at International Competitions.

‘2025 Park Chung-hee Cup International Open Taekwondo Competition’ 4 Golds, 7 Silvers, 14 Bronzes… A Great Achievement of All Members Winning Prizes.

The Shincheonji Taekwondo team participating in the ‘2025 Park Chung-hee Cup International Open Taekwondo Competition’ is taking a commemorative photo. This competition is an international taekwondo competition held at the Sangju Indoor Gymnasium in Gyeongbuk from the 18th to the 21st.

Following the Kim Un-yong Cup, All Members Win Prizes for Two Consecutive Competition Proving Their Skills on the World Stage.

The Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (Chairman Man-hee Lee, hereinafter referred to as Shincheonji Church of Jesus) Taekwondo Team once again proved their skills on the international stage by winning prizes at the ‘2025 Park Chung-hee Cup International Open Taekwondo Competition’.

The ‘2025 Park Chung-hee Cup International Open Taekwondo Competition’ was hosted by the Park Chung-hee Cup Organizing Committee and co-hosted by the Gyeongbuk Taekwondo Association and the Sangju City Taekwondo Association. Approximately 4,200 athletes from 18 countries around the world, including Korea, the United States, and France, participated in a heated competition at the Sangju Indoor Gymnasium from the 18th to the 21st. The competition consisted of various events such as comprehensive competition, breaking, poomsae, kicking, and actual sparring, and evaluated the participants’ skills in a three-dimensional manner.

The Shincheonji Taekwondo team had a total of 25 athletes participate in the official poomsae individual competition held on the 19th, and despite the short preparation period, they displayed dazzling skills through focused training and persistent effort. As a result, they achieved the feat of winning 4 gold medals, 7 silver medals, and 14 bronze medals, with all of them winning awards.

In particular, this competition was also notable as an opportunity to enhance the cultural and diplomatic status of the Republic of Korea. The performance in the international competition held in Korea, the home of Taekwondo, is evaluated to have left a strong impression on domestic and international participants.

Lee Jun-wi, who won the gold medal, said, “Although we did not have enough training time, we tried to focus as much as possible within the given time,” and added, “I am grateful that our efforts led to good results.”

Coach Kim Deok-hoon of the national team said, “As this is an international competition, many excellent domestic and foreign players participated and competed at a high level,” and added, “I am proud that the players demonstrated their skills without wavering. Based on this competition, we will systematically prepare a training system and strategy so that we can participate with more people and improved skills next year.”

On the 19th, Shincheonji Church of Jesus Taekwondo team player Bae Do-won, who participated in the ‘2025 Park Chung-hee Cup International Open Taekwondo Competition’ held at the Sangju Indoor Gymnasium in Gyeongbuk, is demonstrating his Poomsae in the individual event of the official Poomsae. This competition is an international Taekwondo competition held in Sangju, Gyeongbuk from the 18th to the 21st.

In addition to this Park Chung-hee Cup, the Shincheonji Taekwondo national team also achieved outstanding results in which all participants won awards at the ‘2025 Kim Un-yong Cup International Open Taekwondo Competition’ held in Busan earlier this month. At that time, 12 people participated and 2 won 1st place, 4 won 2nd place, 5 won 3rd place, etc., and the entire team won medals, continuing the record of winning consecutive awards in international competitions.

In addition, at the ‘2024 Mungyeong World Taekwondo Festival’ held last year, 5 out of 18 participants won medals, and the team has been achieving excellent results in domestic and international competitions every year, establishing itself as a national team with both skills and stable team management.

Shincheonji Church of Jesus actively carries out talent development and healthy community activities in various fields such as sports, culture, and arts as well as faith, and plans to continue to realize healthy lives and social contributions through sports in the future.

Tonga Dialysis Centre set to open in November, offering hope to kidney patients

By
Kalino Latu
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The long-awaited Siaosi Brown Dialysis Centre in Veitongo is expected to begin operations in November 2025, according to Tonga’s Minister of Health, Dr ʻAna ʻAkauʻola, who made the announcement during a press conference held in Nukuʻalofa this afternoon.

Conceptual design of the centre

This marks a major milestone for Tonga’s healthcare system, as the country has never had a dialysis facility before.

Patients suffering from chronic kidney disease have long been forced to seek treatment overseas, often in New Zealand, Australia, or the United States.

Dr ʻAkauʻola said the new centre will allow many of these patients to return home and receive life-saving dialysis treatment locally.

The dialysis centre, named after Siaosi Brown, a Tongan man who passed away in the U.S. in 2017, was funded and supported by the Siaosi Brown Dialysis Board based in Utah.

The centre will initially operate with five dialysis machines located near Vaiola Hospital in Tongatapu, with services expected to be free of charge for qualifying patients.

During the press conference, Dr ʻAkauʻola also clarified the vetting process used by the Ministry of Health to determine which patients are eligible for government-funded medical evacuation overseas.

She emphasised that the Health Committee, composed of doctors from various departments, maintains a high standard in its assessments.

Even when Ministers or the Prime Minister refer patients to her, she said she still forwards them to the Committee, whose decisions are final.

While the centre is expected to offer free dialysis services, it remains unclear whether any fees will be introduced in the future.

According to Tonga’s Health Services Regulations, the Minister of Health has the authority to waive or exempt fees on humanitarian grounds.

The opening of the dialysis centre is seen as a beacon of hope for hundreds of Tongans suffering from chronic kidney disease, and a significant step toward improving healthcare access in the Kingdom.

Civil Aviation praised for grounding Lulutai over safety concerns dating back to airline’s inception: Minister

By
Kalino Latu
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The Minister of Public Enterprises, Piveni Piukala, has delivered a scathing assessment of Lulutai Airlines, revealing that deep-rooted engineering workforce issues have plagued the national carrier since its inception.

Minister of Public Enterprises Piveni Piukala

Speaking after Civil Aviation suspended the airline’s operations over maintenance concerns, Piukala said the move was long overdue, citing years of non-compliance, understaffing, and a revolving door of temporary engineers that compromised safety and reliability.

The suspension on Saturday, which disrupted domestic flights for four days, marks a critical turning point in the government’s oversight of Tonga’s aviation sector.

Piukala has publicly thanked the Civil Aviation Authority this afternoon for suspending Lulutai Airlines’ operations, citing long-standing maintenance issues and repeated non-compliance with aviation safety regulations.

“This is not a sudden issue,” Piukala said in Tongan. “The problems that led to last week’s suspension have existed since Lulutai’s inception.”

He revealed that Lulutai’s financial struggles have severely impacted its operational capacity, including its ability to maintain a stable and qualified engineering workforce.

“Engineers were hired just like on a temporary basis, often leaving for better opportunities overseas” he said.

He described the situation in Tonga as a lack of continuity that has compromised safety.

The Minister also linked the December crash of the Saab 340 aircraft to the airline’s history of non-compliance, describing it as part of a troubling pattern.

He confirmed that the last formal warning from Civil Aviation was issued in April, and one of the key reasons for the recent suspension was the understaffing of Lulutai’s mechanical department.

Piukala emphasised the need for structural reform and strategic planning within the airline, including better incentives for staff appointments and long-term retention.

He said the government is committed to ensuring that national air services meet international safety standards and serve the public reliably.

The government has advertised the sale of shares and the operation of Lulutai, with the deadline for bidders extended until next week.

Organised crime suspected after shipping container vanishes in Tonga – Minister points to ‘in-depth corruption’

By
Kalino Latu
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Tonga’s Minister of Police, Piveni Piukala, has raised alarms over suspected organised crime involvement after a shipping container mysteriously disappeared from the wharf.

Minister of Police Piveni Piukala

The investigation was launched following a complaint from a customer who alleged his container was lost while in port.

Minister Piukala revealed that the case was serious enough for him to personally engage the Head of the National Security and Intelligence Unit.

“I believe this is part of an organised crime,” he stated, emphasising that Tonga is battling a deeply entrenched criminal network exacerbated by systemic corruption.

Expressing his disbelief at the incident, the Minister highlighted the stringent protocols required for releasing a container from the wharf.

“It’s not just one person who signs it out—it involves multiple authorities, including the shipping agency, Customs Ministry, Port Authority, and Stevedores,” he said in Tongan.

“For someone to remove a container without leaving a trace through this entire process is beyond reason.”

Describing the case as potentially the “tip of the iceberg,” Piukala suggested that the disappearance may be linked to a broader criminal operation exploiting weaknesses in the system.

Minister Piukala previously stated that the biggest problem authorities face in securing the wharf is the lack of strategic procedures and strict rules controlling entry and exit. He noted that certain areas should be highly restricted but remain accessible to unauthorised individuals.

This case follows last year’s report in which five men were found guilty of theft, abetment to theft, and receiving stolen property after over 300 cartons of meat were stolen from a container belonging to Star Fish Company in Ma’ufanga.

In that case, one of the accused, a security guard, allegedly received payments over several months in 2022 to ignore suspicious activities.

The public has been urged to report any suspicious activity as investigations continue.

Tonga Water Board CEO Sione Tutulu Finau sacked following auditor’s report: Minister

By
Kalino Latu
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The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Tonga Water Board (TWB), Sione Tutulu Finau, has been dismissed from his position, along with two other senior officers.

The decision was reportedly made following the release of an Auditor’s report, according to the Minister for Public Enterprises.

While the details of the report have not been disclosed, Minister Piukala stated that the TWB board of directors acted immediately upon receiving the findings, despite Finau’s contract being set to expire next month.

Minister Piukala also said the post was already being advertised.

The dismissals are part of a broader government review initiated by the Eke administration, which came into power after campaigning on promises of reform and accountability.

The review has already led to significant changes across several government-owned enterprises, including the restructuring of Lulutai Airlines and the termination of former CEO Poasi Tei’s contract.

In addition to leadership changes, the government has implemented reforms to reduce salaries and side benefits across various public board entities, signalling a shift toward cost-efficiency and transparency.

This included the revocation of former board members whose terms had been extended by the former interim government in December, despite their contracts being set to expire in March 2025.

MP Vaipulu files defamation lawsuit against Vava’u town officer

By
Kalino Latu
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Vavaʻu 15 MP Sāmiu Vaipulu has launched a defamation lawsuit against Toula Town Officer Kavamone Toʻia over allegations made on Facebook that he misused parliamentary district funds.

MP Samiu Vaipulu (L) and Toula Town Officer Kavamone To’ia

Vaipulu is seeking TOP$10,000 in damages.

The legal action, filed in the Lower Court, follows a social media post in which Toʻia accused the deputy prime minister of embezzling public money meant for constituency development.

Vaipulu’s Lawyer, Dr Viliami Uasikē Lātū, argues that the claims are false and have harmed his reputation, according to a court document purportedly presenting the charges, seen by Kaniva News.

Toʻia was commenting on a status posted by the Neiafu Town Officer, Vava Lapota, on July 7.

Dr Latu, stated that Toʻia’s comment was malicious, provocative, and aimed at defaming Vaipulu.

The comment has discredited the MP and caused emotional distress, the legal document shows.

It is alleged that To’ia posted the following comment in Tongan: ‘Kau hoo foii poini mea maulalo mooni… oku ikai teke sio kihe Kai pe he fkfofoga ae paaga vv 15-he-Tau-kihe Tau… koe Ofisa Kolo Toula eni. Tali atu hoo tohi… pea oku ou iloii oku ikai koho hingoa totonu eni… kuo mau fiemau ha Fakafofonga foou ki vv 15… alu kihe lotu keke mau Maama mooni…’ a post accusing the MP of misappropriation of funds and calling for a new MP for Vavaʻu 15 Constituency.

Former LDS missionary charged with sexual abuse of Tongan boys – 14 victims identified in U.S. case

By
Kalino Latu
-

A former missionary and teacher in Tonga has been arrested in the United States on federal charges for sexually abusing multiple minors during his time in the kingdom.

William James Purdy, 28, of West Valley, Utah, was indicted by a U.S. federal grand jury on July 16 and taken into custody today, July 25 (Tongan time) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Purdy, who first arrived in Tonga in 2017 as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), allegedly preyed on young boys for years—grooming them with gifts, money, and electronics in exchange for sexual acts.

Shockingly, he is also accused of secretly recording minors in his bathroom at multiple residences in Tonga.

In October 2022, Tongan police arrested Purdy after an eight-year-old boy disclosed being sexually assaulted during tutoring sessions.

Despite his release on bail, Purdy allegedly continued abusing children before fleeing Tonga in March 2023 under a false identity—just before his scheduled trial.

“The defendant in this case chose to travel abroad under the guise of good intentions and then sexually exploited and abused children who had been trusted to his care,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.

“When foreign authorities sought to hold him accountable, he fled back to the United States. The United States will not export child exploitation. The Justice Department is committed to securing justice for children exploited overseas when these heinous acts are committed by Americans.”

14 Victims and Counting

Investigators have so far identified 14 Tongan boys as victims, some of whom lived with Purdy while he taught at a school in Nuku’alofa.

The Tonga Police and Tongan Department of Public Prosecutions worked closely with U.S. agencies, including the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), to build the case.

“This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse,” the US authorities said.

Purdy now faces trial in the U.S., where prosecutors vow to seek the maximum penalty. If convicted, he could spend decades in prison.

Australian-born Tongan Janet Secomb celebrates 100 years of faith, service, and friendship

By
Kalino Latu
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The Tongan and Australian communities are celebrating an extraordinary milestone: the 100th birthday of Mrs Janet Secomb, also known as Seneti Wood, beloved partner of the late Reverend Howard Secomb.

Mrs Janet (Sēneti) Secomb surrounded by loved ones as she celebrates her 100th birthday — a century of faith, friendship, and service remembered across Tonga and Australia.Photo/Australia in Tonga (Facebook)

Her husband Rev Howard, a distinguished Methodist minister and former principal of Tonga’s Tupou College, passed away in March at the age of 102.

Born in Tonga in 1925, Janet is the eldest daughter of Rev Dr Harold Wood and Dr Olive Wood, who served in Tonga until 1937.

In 1950, Janet returned to Tonga with her husband, where the couple played a pivotal role in strengthening ties between Tongans and Australians through faith, music, and community service.

Janet’s compassion and unwavering support of Howard’s ministry left a lasting legacy across the Kingdom.

Her contributions to church life, music, and outreach efforts helped build bridges that continue to unite communities. Many Tongans fondly recall her fluency in the Tongan language, often remarking that “her Tongan is better than ours!”

A photo of Sēneti, surrounded by family and friends, has been posted to the Australia in Tonga Facebook page.

The caption says: “From all of us at the Australian High Commission in Nukuʻalofa – ‘oku mau talamonu atu Janet ke ke ma’u ha mo’ui lelei mo e loto hounga’ia ‘I he ta’u ‘e 100 kuo ke ‘inasi ai ‘a e mo’ui.

Happy birthday, Mrs Secomb – may your century of life continue to inspire generations to come.”

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