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Lord Fusitu’a’s illness unites PTOA and Royal supporters; claims the noble is on ‘dialysis’

By
Kalino Latu
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There has been a lull in the ongoing political clash on social media between the royal and democrat supporters  on Saturday 17 after PTOA Party supporters in New Zealand visited the Auckland hospital where Lord Fusitu’a is staying.

The president of the New Zealand supporters of the Pohiva government and democrats, said in Tongan politics should be put aside.

As Kaniva news reported recently, Lord Fusitu’a was hospitalised after his health deteriorated.

He was put on the ventilator at Vaiola’s intensive care unit before the government hired an air ambulance from New Zealand which airlifted him into Auckland’s Middlemore hospital.  

According to various sources, the king’s noble’s health condition has improved since his admission.  

The Kakalu ‘O Tonga this week claimed on its front page that the noble had been put on dialysis. Kaniva news has been unable to contact Lord Fusitu’a’s medical team from Tonga or Middlemore authorities.

PTOA members who visited the hospital were led by the group’s president, Sione Fifita, and secretary Sitimi Taukolo.

While they were  not allowed to see Lord Fusitu’a directly, they were welcomed at the hospital’s reception by a cousin of Lord Fusitu’a. They said a prayer, gave the cousin an envelope of money and left, a source within the PTOA supporters said.

Fifita was heard on a livestreamed video as saying that after Lord Fusitu’a arrived in Auckland he thought they should visit him.

The cousin told the visitors, according to the video, they ” are now working together.”

Kolio Tapueluelu, one of the royal supporters who were at Middlemore when the PTOA visitors arrived,  told them he had learned from them and how they resolved to leave their political differences aside and visited noble Fusitu’a.

Political clash

Lord Fusitu’a has been one of the key figures from opposition bench instrumental in rejecting the government’s six new bills which are pending in Parliament.

In Parliament he has regularly questioned Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva’s health and his regular medical travel to New Zealand.

It is understood Hon. Pohiva visited Lord Fusitu’a in Vaiola before he was sent to New Zealand.

The Minister of Police reportedly said he signed the document authorising the air ambulance to land in Tonga on Sunday because “life was important.”

The Minister of Health is also understood to have signed hospital documents authorising the sending of Lord Fusitu’a to New Zealand.

The main points

  • There has been a lull in the ongoing political clash on social media between the royal and democrat supporters  after PTOA Party supporters in New Zealand visited the Auckland hospital where Lord Fusitu’a is staying.
  • The president of the New Zealand supporters of the Pohiva government and democrats, said that when it came to someone who was struggling with his life they had to help no matter what their political stances were.

For more information

Gov’t payment for Lord Fusitu‘a’s air ambulance sparks fierce online debate

Gov’t payment for Lord Fusitu‘a’s air ambulance sparks fierce online debate

New Zealand-born Tongan contestant crowned 2019 Miss Universe NZ in Auckland

By
Philip Cass
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Tongan contestant Diamond Langi has won this year’s Miss Universe New Zealand contest.

Langi holds a master’s degree in styling and is studying for a bachelor’s in acting and performing arts.

The finals for the event were held last night at Auckland Girls’ Grammar School.

Events included a live performance, an elimination process and an onstage question and answer segment.

The winner is decided by 50 percent vote from the judges and 50 percent from public votes.

Runner-up this year was Blenheim police officer Hannah McCabe, with  Wellington-based administrator Jayda Ormsby-Northcott third.

Langi, whose family comes from Vaini, is a Sydney-based model.

Finalists in this year’s competition visited the Ihumātao protest site on Wednesday.

As a New Zealand-born Tongan she said she understood the land was sacred.

She would have come to Ihumātao regardless of the competition, because she supported the cause.

During the competition, Langi set up a fund raising page to collect money for a children’s charity. She raised $184.63 out of a goal of $5000.

In 2013, Langi was crowned  Face of Beauty International 2013 in Thailand.

The main points

  • Tongan contestant Diamond Langi has won this year’s Miss Universe New Zealand contest.
  • Langi, whose family comes from Vaini, is a Sydney-based model.

For more information

A Blenheim police officer just missed out on Miss Universe NZ title

Diamond Langi of Tonga Crowned Face of Beauty International 2013

Ihumātao: Miss Universe New Zealand beauty queens visit protest site ahead of Auckland final

https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/beauty/115005809/ihumtao-miss-universe-new-zealand-beauty-queens-visit-protest-site-ahead-of-auckland-final?rm=a

Government must not run the risk of exposing itself to criticism over Facebook response

By
Philip Cass
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In 2009 Tongan publisher Kalafi Moala warned that the country’s  democratic politicians were turning into the very people they had opposed.

“The oppressed had become the oppressor … doing the very things that the Government had been criticised for,” he said during the launch of his book In Search of the Friendly Islands.

Moala was speaking in the aftermath of the Nuku’alofa riots and was highly critical in particular of ‘Akilisi Pōhiva.

Moala has had a stormy relationship with the Prime Minister and quit as the Prime Minister’s media adviser.

However, his words should hang in the air behind Hon. Pōhiva’s head as his government considers its reaction to the latest Facebook controversy.

The Prime Minister’s reaction to criticism in the media and what he sees as conspiratorial processes in the Tongan Broadcasting Commission have already led people to wonder whether this is the same man who promotes democracy.

Warning

Moala’s experiences under King Tupou IV earlier this century should be a warning to the government about what happens when a determined media is challenged.

In 2003 the Tongan government banned Taimi ‘o Tonga for criticising the government of Prince ‘Ulukalala Lavaka Ata.

The paper had denounced corruption and a decision by King Taufa’āhau Tupou IV to build a cigarette factory.

Supporters of the king circulated a petition in January 2002 calling for the paper to be banned. Moala, who was deported to New Zealand in 1995, was charged with libelling the king.

Ultimately, however, the attempted ban failed and the government was heavily criticised at home, abroad and in the courts.

Tonga’s Supreme Court declared the ban on the bi-weekly paper illegal and a violation of the national constitution.

Lord Chief Justice Ward said the government’s repeated efforts to ban the paper were thinly-veiled attempts to curb press freedom. The judge also suspended the government’s cancellation of the paper’s publishing license.

Ineffective

Kaniva News understands the government’s position on the Facebook posts perfectly well.

They have been described as obscene and have deeply offended many Tongans.

However, as we have pointed out, it would be easy to get around any ban on Facebook with the right software and in any case, the perpetrators of the posts seem to live in Australia and will not be affected.

A wholesale ban on Facebook would be unlikely to succeed and would upset the majority of Tongans who use the site for legitimate purposes.

By trying to impose a ban the government will simply make itself look foolish or ineffective.

The best it is likely to be able to do is to negotiate with Facebook to have the posts removed.

Facebook is in fact vulnerable at the moment, having been lambasted over its failure to stop the live stressing of the Christchurch mosque massacre and its role in running fake news and Russian backed propaganda during the US elections and the UK Brexit vote.

The government should take advantage of Facebook’s own vulnerability and use it to resolve the situation in a way that targets the people responsible without risking the government’s reputation or angering legitimate users.

Nor can it risk, in Moala’s words, doing the very things for which Prince Ata’s government was criticised.

For more information

Ban on Taimi o’Tonga newspaper judged illegal by Supreme Court

Media crusader’s blighted dream

Tongan PM blasts Pacific regionalism ‘myth’ and silence over West Papua

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Makereta Komai
FUNAFUTI, Tuvalu (Pacnews/Pacific Media Watch): Tonga’s Prime Minister, ‘Akilisi Pohiva, has delivered a stinging attack against regionalism and the Pacific Islands Forum’s stance of leaving no one behind, for failing to amicably resolve the issue of West Papua.
 
Pohiva admitted the issue has divided the 18 members of the Forum for many years since it has been on the agenda of the leaders’ meeting.
 
“Is regionalism a myth, is it real or based on reality, he questioned leaders during the dialogue with the regional civil society organisations (CSO) this week in Funafuti.
 
Pohiva called out Indonesia – claiming it has a powerful influence over some members of the group – naming Fiji, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
 
“How can they reconcile the concept of leaving no one behind when they are friends with Indonesia?

“We should not let others control us. We should stand together in solidarity in support of the people of West Papua,” said Pohiva.
 
There was pindrop silence when the Tongan Prime Minister delivered his intervention responding to the regional CSO’s call for a UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit West Papua.
 
Human rights importance
“None of us can speak of an inclusive and peaceful Pacific and remain silent on the serious human rights issues for West Papuans. We call on Pacific Leaders to observe the importance of human rights in all parts of our region.  
 
“We urge that Forum Leaders call on Indonesia to immediately allow access of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and UN special mandate holders to West Papua, said the CSO statement.
 
Civil society organisations also requested Indonesia to immediately restore the access of independent journalists in the region, so that the international community can have better access to the ongoing human rights situation in West Papua.

Responding to the concerns of civil society organisations, Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said that while Fiji heard the CSO’s position “loud and clear” on West Papua, it would be guided by the leaders’ previous decision.
 
“Fiji fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, including Indonesia, and we will always uphold the principles of the UN charter,” said Bainimarama.
 
He said Fiji was concerned with alleged reports of human rights violation and would continue to advocate for the protection of the human rights of all West Papuans.`
 
“This is a matter of life or death to many West Papuans and we must tread boldly – but thoughtfully – as we move forward as a region.

‘War and chaos’
“Territorial disputes have fuelled war and chaos since the beginning of time and we must approach this situation with both caution and hope in finding a solution,” said Bainimarama.
 
The Tongan leader warned that Indonesia was powerful and could challenge anyone in the Forum membership.

“We will never get a solution because Indonesia is so powerful. Our only weapon is to stand together in unity and in solidarity and support the people of West Papua,” said Pohiva.
 
Samoa’s Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, said that despite Forum leaders taking a position over the years, the violations and challenges for the people of West Papua had not reduced.

“It keeps on increasing. We can’t continue to ignore the violations of human rights against the people of West Papua. Its time that we review our position.”
 
Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister reserved his government’s position on the issue.
 
United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) spokesperson Jacob Rumbiak greeted with emotion the strong support from some Pacific leaders – particularly Tonga and Vanuatu.
 
Papuan tribute to Tonga
“We are happy that it has taken the 50th session of the Pacific Forum Leaders meeting to see some positive movement in the leaders of the Pacific. I am deeply appreciative of the great efforts of the CSOs for pushing this issue through their position to the leaders,” Rumbiak said.
 
He paid tribute to Tongan Prime Minister Pohiva for his powerful intervention.
 
“The response from Prime Minister Pohiva was the strongest so far and very powerful, especially when he urged them to unite and stand up to Indonesia.
 
“This issue has been on the regional agenda for 10-15 years and it’s not a domestic issue any more. It’s now a regional issue and leaders should now act on it’,” said Rumbiak.

Makereta Komai is editor of the Fiji-based Pacnews regional news service. This story is published under Kaniva’s content shared agreement with Pacnews.

Police identify missing German woman as search continues

By
Kalino Latu
-

The 40-year-old German woman reported missing after she failed to return from her diving group trip in ‘Eua on Sunday, has been identified by Police.

Her name was Marina Trost from Munich, Germany.

Earlier, police said they were coordinating the search with assistance from local boats, divers and New Zealand and Australian authorities in the area but Trost has not been seen since.

She was part of a whale-watching group that visited a cave on the northern tip of the island.

The location is known to divers as the Cathedral.

Government must strike balance between protecting freedom of expression and reacting to online slur on royal family

By
Kalino Latu and Philip Cass
-

The government must not shut down Facebook.

It is understandable that the government has been outraged  by the comments posted online about members of the royal family.

However, shutting down Facebook in Tonga will not solve the problem.

People with the right software will be able to circumvent the ban and there are dozens of other online forums where people can post anything they like.

No matter what ban the government might impose, Tongans living overseas who are suspected of posting the comments on the royals, could continue to post obscene allegations on Facebook.

According to a report published by Radio FM 87.5 on its Facebook page today, a report from the Attorney General on the issue will be submitted to parliament tomorrow.

The Cabinet is expected to make its final decision based on the report.

The government will make a mistake if it tries to ban Facebook.

The Tonga Chamber of Commerce has objected to the closure.

Ordinary Tongans have also opposed the proposal.

While some supported the move, many said Facebook should not be closed down just because of an act of pure evil by a few unidentified groups or individuals.

They said the best solution was for the government  to investigate and bring those responsible to justice.

They said Tonga must accept the reality of digital world and information age.

Some suggested the king and royal family must learn to face these kind of comments because it was an expression of freedom of speech.

Freedom of speech is guaranteed  under the Tongan constitution,

They said the government must treat the king and the royals  equally with other  people when it comes to social media because that is how social media was meant to be.

Everyone was free to post what they think of their leaders.

Striking a balance

Striking a balance  between freedom of expression and being offensive is not easy, especially when a country ‘s democratic political structures are new.

However, that is what the Tongan government must do.

Earlier this year New Zealand’s Minister of Justice, Andrew Little,  wrote about freedom of speech in New Zealand. His comments raise issues that are pertinent to the situation in Tonga.

“Protecting freedom of speech is vital to hold those in authority to account, challenge the socially and culturally dominant, and enable society to progress.

“Freedom of speech can give force to new ideas, but also cause discomfort and offence.

“When speech threatens others, or is abusively discriminatory, then it has the potential to cause harm and encroach on the freedom of others.

“Drawing the line is not simple. Protecting freedom of speech that challenges authority and orthodoxy will inevitably still cause offence to some.”

The decision the Tongan government faces is not an easy one. To simply shut down Facebook would not stop offensive comments being made.

It could also damage the kingdom’s economy and severely inconvenience those ordinary Tongans who use the online forum sensibly.

More importantly, it would, however hard it is to accept, strike a blow against freedom of speech, something that should not come from a democratic government.

For more information

Gov’t may shut down Facebook following ‘disrespectful, obscene’ allegations against king; PM seriously concerned

Gov’t may shut down Facebook following ‘disrespectful, obscene’ allegations against king; PM seriously concerned

Photo of PM Pōhiva and PM Bainimarama in Tuvalu triggers joke about Fijian rebellious colonel Ratu Mara

By
Kalino Latu
-

A photo of Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva and Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has triggered online jokes about the pair discussing the whereabout of Lieutenant-Colonel Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara.

Mara took refuge in Tonga after he was accused of trying to overthrow the Bainimarama government eight years ago.

The photo also featured the PNG Prime Minister James Marape.

It is believed it was taken this week in Tuvalu during the Pacific Islands Forum 2019 and was posted to Facebook.  

The joke has attracted other comments with one saying that Mara not only felt at home in Tonga, but had also come into control of “our lands.”

Lt Colonel Mara, who was  commander of the Third Fiji Infantry Regiment, was accused in 2011 of plotting the overthrow of the Bainimarama government. He was effectively the second most powerful man in Fiji after Bainimarama.

Mara and his colleague Brigadier General Pita Diriti were arrested and accused of mutiny and sedition against  Bainimarama.

Diriti was sentenced in 2013 to five years’ imprisonment.

While on bail, Mara’s family allegedly contacted their royal cousins in Tonga.

In May 2011 the  Tongan Naval boat Savea, secretly picked up Mara   south of Ono-i-Lau and took him to Nuku’alofa.

The rescue plunged the two neighbouring countries into crisis.

At the time, Bainimarama urged the kingdom to return Mara to Fiji.

He accused Tongan authorities of conspiring to snatch Mara away from his country. 

The then Communication Advisor for the Prime Minister, ‘Ahongalu Fusimalohi, said Mara had been granted a Tongan passport.

He is now under the protection of the king of Tonga.

Ratu Mara in Tonga

In 2013 the Fiji Sun reported that Mara had become private secretary to King Tupou VI.

It also said Princess Pilolevu had given him the island of Makaha’a which he was developing for eco-tourism.

Mara later denied the report.

Veteran Pacific affairs reporter Micheal Field said Mara was told to keep a low profile politically.

According to various sources Mara has been employed by the king as his royal real estate agent.

A letter purporting to show a message to a tenant at the king’s estate of Pea, seen by Kaniva news this week, appeared to have been signed by Mara. Kaniva news could not confirm the authenticity of the letter.

It was written in Tongan on 26 April 2018 and was sent on what appeared to be the palace’s official  letterhead.

PM Pōhiva at Pacific leaders’ meeting in Tuvalu

Leaders of Forum member states are meeting in Tuvalu this week, with Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva leading the Tongan delegation.

Radio New Zealand has reported that Indonesia has complained to the Forum secretariat over West Papuan leader Benny Wenda’s participation at the summit.

As the chairman of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, Benny Wenda has been an active lobbyist for greater regional representation for his people.

Vanuatu, the key regional supporter of Papuan aims for independence from Indonesia, has included Mr Wenda and other Liberation Movement representatives in its forum delegation.

Detik News reports a spokesman for Indonesia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry saying it has lodged a protest with the Forum secretariat.

He said that by allowing Mr Wenda, with his separatist aims, to participate in the summit, the Forum was not showing neutrality on the Papua issue.

Eager to grow connections in the Pacific, Jakarta says it has no desire to talk with unfriendly countries, but rather those that seek economic development co-operation.

Last month West Papuan human rights activist Rosa Moiwend has asked Tonga to continue its support for her people’s struggle for independence.

In 2015 Hon. Pōhiva called on the United Nations to help West Papua, whose people have suffered under a brutal Indonesian occupation for nearly 60 years.

The main points

  • A photo of Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva and Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has caused a joke with a Tongan poster saying they discussed the whereabout of Bainimarama’s failed mutiny accused Lieutenant-Colonel Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara.
  • Mara was accused in 2011 of plotting the overthrow of the Bainimarama government before he fled to Tonga on a Tongan navy vessel.

For more information

Coup accused given island

Tonga urged to continue its support for West Papua’s struggle for independence at the UN

Noble who was taken to court by bank over massive debt has been appointed ambassador to Gulf state

By
Kalino Latu and Philip Cass
-

A Tongan Noble who was taken to court last year over a million pa’anga debt has been appointed ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

Hon. ‘Akau’ola presented his letter of credentials to UAE Minister of State Zaki Nusseibeh in Abu Dhabi.

In June last year Lord ‘Akau’ola was taken to court by the Bank of South Pacific Tonga Ltd over TP$1 million of unpaid debt.

The bank, formerly known as Westpac,  originally obtained a judgement against Lord ‘Akau’ola on February 2, 2010.

Under the judgement, the bank agreed not to take action if Lord ‘Akau’ola made monthly payments at an agreed rate.

Lord ‘Akau’ola made payments until May 2016, but then fell into default.

As Kaniva News reported at the time, Lord Chief Justice Paulsen said he owed TP$833,287 of the principal debt, along with substantial interest.

The judge gave the bank permission to take action to collect the money. 

Amendment

In 2017 the then Justice Minister, Vuna Fā’otusia, said the government wanted to amend the constitution so the Prime Minister could propose to the king candidates they thought appropriate to become Tongan ambassadors to foreign countries.

Hon. Fā’otusia said this would not remove the king’s power to select the kingdom’s  ambassadors.

It was to allow the Prime Minister and the cabinet to become involved in the selection process because it was important to choose the best Tongans for those roles.

Emirates

The Emirates, is one of the richest of the Arabian Gulf states and has begun to establish a presence in the Pacific through the UAE-Pacific Partnership Fund.

The fund has released US$50 million for renewable energy generation projects in 10 Pacific island countries since 2013.

The La’a Lahi ‘Big Sun’ solar plant in Tonga, commissioned in November 2013, was the first project to receive funding from the UAE.

Since last year UAE passport holders have been exempt from needed a visitor’s visa.

The main points

  • A Tongan Noble who was taken to court last year over a million pa’anga debt has been appointed ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.
  • Hon. ‘Akau’ola presented his letter of credentials to UAE Minister of State Zaki Nusseibeh in Abu Dhabi.

For more information

Court gives bank permission to take action over massive debt owed by Lord ‘Akau’ola

Court gives bank permission to take action over massive debt owed by Lord ‘Akau’ola

UAE Plans Renewable Energy Projects In Five Pacific Nations

UAE Plans Renewable Energy Projects In Five Pacific Nations

King’s judicial committee causes instability in the country, Justice Minister says

King’s judicial committee causes instability in the country, Justice Minister says

NZ and Australian rescue teams join search for missing German woman in Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
-

A search continues for a missing German woman in ‘Eua island since Sunday afternoon.

The 40-year-old tourist was part of a Whale Watching Group that visited the ‘Eua Cave on the North Tip which is known to divers as the Cathedral.

Police were informed of the incident and Police Search and Rescue began, A/Deputy Commissioner ‘Atunaisa Taumoepeau said.

Police are coordinating the search with the help and support from local boats and divers, RCC New Zealand, and HMAF as well as the Australian Navy Boat the HMAS AMIDALE.

No further details of the woman were released.

Sydney-based Tongan ‘love triangle’ murder accused denied bail

By
Kaniva Staff
-

(AAP) A man who allegedly stabbed his girlfriend’s lover in the head with a screwdriver, over an apparent love triangle, has been refused bail in a Sydney court.

Sosiua Tonga, 34, allegedly assaulted another 34-year-old man early on Sunday morning at an Eastern Creek house, resulting in a serious head injury.

The injured man was taken to Westmead Hospital but died shortly after.

Tonga, who was arrested at the scene, was refused bail on murder charges.

On Monday, Tonga made no application for bail and it was formally refused during brief mention in Mount Druitt Local Court.

Tonga allegedly attacked the victim after he caught him at his girlfriend’s home.

According to police, the two men did not know each other, but both knew the woman – named as Astrid Muller – in an apparent love triangle.

It’s also believed Tonga is married, with a wife in Melbourne.

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