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

By
Kalino Latu
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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
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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
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(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.

Report of praise for Police Commissioner fuels speculation contract could be extended

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Speculation is growing that Police Commissioner Steven Caldwell’s contract may be extended.

His current contract expires in April 2021.

Sources inside the New Zealand Government have told Kaniva News that Commissioner Caldwell’s contract could be extended by as much as another two years.

Caldwell was at the centre of a controversy in the kingdom last year when the Police  Minister and Cabinet said they did not want to renew his contract because of complaints about his handling of disciplinary cases against local officers.

At the time, Police Minister Māteni Tapueluelu said the government believed Caldwell was no longer fit for the job.

A spokesperson for Mr. Caldwell told Kaniva News earlier this year the Commissioner was restricted by his contract in what he could say to the public.

However, his contract was renewed for two years by the Privy Council and approved by King Tupou VI in April.

Caldwell is a New Zealander and his salary is mostly paid for by the  New Zealand government.

He was appointed Tonga’s Police commissioner in 2015 on a three-year contract.

Improved

It appears the relationship between the Police Minister and Commissioner Caldwell has improved.

Our source said Hon Tapueluelu and Commissioner Caldwell were in New Zealand last month.

Hon. Tapueluelu is said to have complimented the Commissioner on his work.

It appears the Minister was referring to the Commissioner’s part in Tonga’s fighting against illicit drug dealings.

Under Commissioner Caldwell, police have launched a major campaign against drugs in the kingdom, with multiple arrests over Christmas and the new year.

Police have arrested 263 people and 28 police officers have been suspended.

New Zealand has contributed NZ$9 million to the costs of the anti-drugs campaign.

More than 30kgs of methamphetamine with a street value of NZ$26 million has been seized.

For more information

Minister of Police threatens to stop Commissioner Caldwell’s pay today
Cabinet seeks legal advice after king extends Police Commissioner’s contract

Tonga steps up war on meth trade with multiple arrests, over 30kg of drug seized

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

By
Kalino Latu
-

Vicious allegations of a sexual nature against the king and his daughter Princess Angelika have triggered a move by government to shut down Facebook in Tonga.

Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva said he was seriously concerned at the allegations and the possibility of a Tongan or Tongans publicly making such a serious accusation against the royal family.

He said the government had been long concerned about people abusing Facebook using royal family members.

Hon. Pōhiva said it could take about two weeks before the government reached a final decision about the temporary closure.

Hon. Pōhiva told Television Tonga he believed if nothing was done there could be an unrest in the country.

He said the decision has not been confirmed as the government had to  consider other people who used Facebook wisely.

He said the government was working closely with Tonga Cable on its plan.

Hon. Pōhiva denied claims the move by government to close down Facebook was made because of criticism of his government. He said since he became involved in politics criticism has become part of his life.

He said he believed his critics had no other way to try to bring down his government and now they had made serious allegations against the king to agitate him against his government.

Police Minister Māteni Tapueluelu said in a separate interview with Television Tonga this week that the Ministry of Police, the Office of the Attorney General and the Ministry of Information (MEIDECC) were working together to resolve the problem.

Facebook had been formally contacted about the allegations.

The Minister had to act on the allegations because they compromised national security.

He said the problem with contacting Facebook it took too long for the government to  receive a response.

Hon. Tapueluelu described the allegations against the royals as disrespectful and vicious.

The Facebook group

The allegations were posted on what appears to be a fake Facebook group account by the name Mo’oni mo Totonu or Truth and Right.

The post has sparked a public outcry this week with many calling on authorities to investigate and bring those responsible to justice as it has breached the cultural taboo of respect for royals.

The closed Facebook group, which has more than a thousand members, appears to be a political page supporting democrat supporters. The list of administrators of the group included what appeared to be fake names, including Temokalati Ma’a Tonga or Democracy for Tonga and Liukava He Taimi ni or Stage a Coup-d’etat now.

Democrats supporters have accused royal supporters of creating the Facebook group to infuriate the king against the liberal supporters and the Pōhiva government.

At one stage the group published information alleging the page was owned by the Prime Minister’s daughter and wife of the Minister of Police, Lautala Tapueluelu. Lautala went public on Facebook this week and denied the claims vehemently.

However, the allegations have also brought the royal and democrat supporters together this week with many saying no matter how different their political beliefs were there was no place for such allegations against the Hau E Fonua or the Victor of the Nation.

Some people have claimed that analysis of the Facebook account showed it originated in Australia.

Complaints

Facebook and its owner Mark Zuckerberg have been widely criticised in several countries for the way the company operates and for failing to stop inflammatory material being posted.

There have also been complaints that Facebook shows contempt for government concerns.

A British House of Commons report on online abuse said: “Companies like Facebook should not be allowed to behave like ‘digital gangsters’ in the online world, considering themselves to be ahead of and beyond the law.”

The main points

  • Vicious allegations of a sexual nature against the king and his daughter Princess Angelika have triggered a move by government to shut down Facebook in Tonga.
  • Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva said he was seriously concerned at the allegation and the possibility for a Tongan or Tongans to publicly make such a serious accusation against the royal family.

For more information

The law is closing in on Facebook and the ‘digital gangsters’

Tonga bounce back to end PNC with win

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Radio New Zealand

Tonga have ended their Pacific Nations Cup rugby campaign on a winning note, defeating Canada 33-23 in Fiji yesterday.

Both sides had lost their previous two PNC matches, but it was the Tongans who held on for victory at Lautoka’s Churchill Park.

Tonga were blown off the park last week 41-7 by a speedy and physical Japan team, and in the opening stages of Friday’s match it seemed they had taken a leaf out of the Brave Blossom’s book, racing away to a 19-8 half-time lead through tries to outside backs David Halaifonua and Viliami Lolohea and new centre Malietoa Hingano.

Replacement prop Latu Talakai extended the Tongans lead early in the second half and they threatened to run away with the match.

Up to this point in the match, Tonga had played with aggression making inroads in the Canadian defence through their hard and straight running, typified by some outstanding bursts by replacement loosie Sione Vailanu.

However the Tongans faded in the last quarter of the match, something that will continue to concern coach Toutai Kefu, allowing Canada to score three tries in that period.

But the ‘Ikale Tahi held on to win the match points and as coach Kefu said, it gave them a lot to work on heading into pre-world cup tests against Fiji and New Zealand.

“We just need to keep chipping away at stuff, as you can see from that game, there is a lot of things we did wrong there tactically so we can definitely get a lot better,” he said.

Kefu cited discipline as a key thing to work on over the next few weeks.

‘Ikale Tahi captain Siale Piutau said his team had worked hard over the past month so the win was well deserved but there were still some lessons to take out of the match.

“We are just trying to get fitter, get stronger, obviously to try and compete with those tier one nations.”


Bankrupt lawyer claims Supreme Court judgement will cause embarrassment in Tonga

By
Philip Cass
-

Tongan lawyer Kahungunu William Barron-Afeaki claims that being declared bankrupt will cause him acute embarrassment in Tonga.

Barron-Afeaki, who is a senior counsel to the Supreme Court of Tonga and provided advice to the king and government, has been declared bankrupt by the New Zealand Supreme Court.

Associate Judge John Mathews Judge Matthews said Barron-Afeaki would have lesser standing within the culture and community of Tonga as a result of the judgement.

“It is fair to record that Mr Barron-Afeaki has entirely brought this upon himself by not meeting his commitments to the Commissioner for the last five years,” the judge said.

The New Zealand Herald reported that this was the second time the Tongan lawyer had been declared bankrupt.

In 2011 the Inland Revenue Department successfully sought a declaration after it said he owed $415,808 in unpaid tax.

This time the IRD won a declaration from the New Zealand Supreme Court after it said he owed $245,430.88.

Despite being declared bankrupt, Barron-Afeaki is allowed to continue working as a lawyer.

Counsel

On his website Barron-Afeaki describes himself as a senior counsel and a commissioner of oaths in the kingdom of Tonga and principal researcher and of the Pacific Island Crime Prevention Strategy for Auckland Region in 2005.

He obtained arts and law degrees from the University of Auckland, but stopped work on a doctorate 14 years ago.

One of his brothers is a member of Tonga’s Privy Council.

He was Legal Counsel for the former Minister of Transport Paul Karalus during the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Sinking of the MV Princess Ashika.

The Royal Commission found the ship was “unquestionably unseaworthy and in an appalling condition”.

It said Karalus “lacked any credibility or plausibility”.

“If Mr Karalus had properly carried out his duties and responsibilities, Ashika should never have been purchased.” 

Following the Commission he was one of a group of lawyers who issued  warnings to the  media about how they reported on the quashing of perjury charges against Lord Dalgety.

The main points

  • Tongan lawyer Kahungunu William Barron-Afeaki claims that being declared bankrupt will cause him acute embarrassment in Tonga.
  • Barron-Afeaki, who is a senior counsel to the Supreme Court of Tonga and provided advice to the king and government, has been declared bankrupt by the New Zealand Supreme Court.

For more information

Inland Revenue claims Tongan King’s lawyer owes $245k, High Court declares him bankrupt

Kiwi guilty of manslaughter in Ashika disaster

Lawyers warn media after Tongan discharged

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

By
Kalino Latu
-

The government’s hiring of an air ambulance which airlifted one of the king’s high profile nobles to a hospital in New Zealand on Sunday has divided social media users.

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

He was put on the ventilator at Vaiola’s intensive care unit before he was airlifted.  

No further details about his condition were available from the authorities.

The Minister of Finance confirmed this morning that the government had paid for the noble’s expenses, but he did not reveal the amount of money paid.

Democrats and royal supporters clashed on Facebook, with many suggesting it was time to review MPs’ and government officials travel and medical entitlements.

Democrat supporters insisted the cost of the air ambulance was too much to be spent on Lord Fusitu’a alone while the government budget relied heavily on overseas donors to buy medication for the country.

Royal supporters insisted Lord Fusitu’a was entitled to have his full costs paid because it had been done for government officials in the past, including the Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva.

Hon. Pōhiva was treated for a liver condition in New Zealand earlier this year

The fact the aircraft arrived in Tonga on a Sunday which required special approval from the Minister of Police revived the debate about Tonga’s Sabbath laws. The government restored the ban on selling bread on Sundays in 2017.

Expenses

The Minister of Finance Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa said the costs were paid from Parliament’s Overseas Medical Treatment budget.

The payment in New Zealand dollars covered the “International Air Ambulance Transfer and ICU Medical Team,” the minister said.

The payment was released according to the parliament’s guideline for any member who was sick, Hon. Tu’i’onetoa said.

However, he said Lord Fusitu’a’s case was different because it involved hiring an air ambulance so the Ministry sought advice from the Attorney General’s office before it processed the payment.

He said the parliament and government leaders were sent overseas for medical treatments in the past and when there were questions about it he just gave a very brief response. He said there had been a number of queries from the public regarding Fusitu’a’s case.

The furore on Facebook has attracted calls by community leaders for online users to keep the peace and be patient.

Professor Siosiua Lafitani warned his Facebook followers and debaters he would unfriend and block anybody who may use foul language either against Lord Fusitu’a or the Prime Minister.

Free Wesleyan church minister Rev Sēmisi Kava has posted religious advices on Facebook which included  Biblical scriptures to help those who swear, use foul and threatening languages and have no respect to others.  

The debate

The royal supporters said the Prime Minister was often taken to New Zealand for medical treatment, but it was time for him to resign because of his medical health.

Democrat supporters said Hon. Pōhiva contributed to his spending by paying for his travel and accommodation expenses in New Zealand with his own money.

Some democrat extremists said they wished Lord Fusitu’a would die from his illness because he was a fierce opponent of the government in Parliament when it comes to Bills submitted by the people’s government. The noble’s supporters responded and warned these critics to say things they would like in turn to be said for their own parents or family members

Some Facebook users appeared to be foreigners who were working in Tonga joined the debate and said it was not fair for taxpayers to pay for an air ambulance to take one person to be treated overseas while there were hardly any toilet paper in some of the hospitals at the outer islands.

Some said it was morally wrong to have taxpayers pay for these expenses while the commoners could hardly feed their families.

Former MPs medical expenses

Former Prime Minister Lord Tu’ivakanō was regularly sent to New Zealand for checkups after he suffered a minor stroke while in New York attending the United Nations General Assembly in 2013.

His medical expenses and flights were paid from taxpayers’ money.

Kaniva News understands a former Prime Minister, who was wheelchair-bound, died after spending months in an Auckland hospital. While he was in New Zealand all his expenses, including the staff looking after him, were paid from taxpayers’ money.

A former Minister of Police was flown to New Zealand on a medical flight while he was seriously ill, but died during the flight. All expenses were paid from the taxpayers’ coffers.

The main points

  • The government’s hiring of an air ambulance which airlifted one of the king’s high profile nobles to a hospital in New Zealand on Sunday has divided social media users.
  • As Kaniva news reported, Lord Fusitu’a was hospitalised and his health deteriorated.

For more information

Tonga PM resting ahead of Tuvalu trip next week

Mysterious woman at airport who triggered furore with Lord Fusitu’a’s doctor revealed; PM’s son lambasts critics for wrongly blaming daughter

By
Kalino Latu
-

The identity of the young woman who was harshly criticised by supporters of Lord Fusitu’a who accused her of disrespect for allegedly livestreaming the noble can be revealed.

She was an employee of the Ministry of Customs’ intelligence unit who was there to do her job as a camera woman.

A source told Kaniva news this was part of the Ministry’s safety operation at the Fua’amotu International Airport when overseas aircrafts arrived.

The Ministry did not respond to our request for comment.

The incident was caught on video which apparently was not close enough to the aircraft to pick up the audio and sounds from there.

The employee was seen being led by airport security across the tarmac to the aircraft shortly before the hospital ambulance arrived with Lord Fusitu’a and his medical team.

Another woman went out of the ambulance and began talking to the employee. Various sources claimed the woman was Lord Fusitu’a’s doctor or the noble’s in-law, Alamea Fulivai.

It appeared that she was stopping the employee from taking photos or livestreaming.

At one stage, a man, who is understood to be a police officer, intervened and talked to the doctor.  

Various sources claimed the officer was trying to tell the doctor it was the employee’s job to take photos for the Ministry.

It appeared the authority was concerned at the noble’s health and how he was medically dressed because of his illness.

He was brought to the airport on a hospital bed. He was covered with a white blanket and some photos showed his eyes were blindfolded while one of his hands was attached to an intravenous drip. 

Some people who were near the video while it was taken could be heard abusing at the employee. It appeared they thought the employee was a member of the public and they questioned why she was allowed onto the tarmac.

Accusation against PM’s granddaughter

Government supporters alleged some critics of the government created fake Facebook pages pretending to be by the Prime Minister’s children and grandchildren to facilitate their hate campaigns against the government. 

One of these fraudulent Facebook groups claimed the employee at the airport was Neomai Jr Pohiva, a granddaughter of the Prime Minister.

It shared a photo of Neomai and alleged it received evidence it was Neomai who was at the airport to take the photos of Lord Fusitu’a.

Neomai’s  father, Siaosi Pohiva ,denied the claim, saying it was unfortunate campaigners against his father’s government could use her daughter as a weapon to attack the government and the Prime Minister’s family.

The main points

  • The identity of the young woman who was harshly criticised by supporters of Lord Fusitu’a who accused her of disrespect for allegedly livestreaming the noble can be revealed.
  • She was an employee of the Ministry of Customs’ intelligence unit who was there to do her job as a camera woman.
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