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Couple remanded in big Vanuatu human trafficking, slavery case

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Richard M. Nanua and Royson Willie in Port Vila, Vanuatu Daily Post

Vanuatu’s Magistrates Court has remanded a Bangladeshi couple over what is alleged to be the biggest human trafficking and slavery case in Vanuatu and the region.

Sekdah Somon and Buxoo Nabilah Bibi – the owners of the “Mr Price” home and furniture store in Vanuatu – were arrested and charged with 12 counts of human trafficking.

Somon and Bibi are also facing 12 counts each of slavery, contrary to section 102 (a) and 11 additional counts of money laundering against section 11 (3) (a) of the Penal Code.

The Vanuatu Daily Post was reliably informed that between September 21, 2018 and November 2018 Somon and Bibi allegedly brought in 12 people from Bangladesh illegally to find jobs in Vanuatu.

Reliable sources confirmed that complainants have filed complaints within the Vanuatu Police Force (VPF) and the proceedings commenced after the arrest of the accused in Port Vila.

They said 92 people had been allegedly illegally brought to Vanuatu by the couple and their cases are yet to be dealt with and brought before the court.

The Daily Post was also informed the couple were from Bangladesh but the husband had a Zimbabwe passport while his wife was using a Mauritius passport.

Other passports
The couple were denied bail in the Magistrates Court on Wednesday amid concerns the couple may have other passports in their possession that made them a possible flight risk as they are originally from one country but evidence indicated they are using passports from different countries.

The Magistrates Court said that any bail should be obtained at the higher court after considering the seriousness of the offending is of public importance.

The couple were rejected bail because they might interfere with the witnesses.

The victims were placed in various locations in Port Vila.

Sources confirmed while the case was still under investigation there might also be some breaches in Vanuatu immigration laws, labour laws and Vanuatu Financial Service Commission (VFSC) laws.

They said it was likely that more people would be charged depending on the findings of the investigation.

The Daily Post was told the couple allegedly arranged and facilitated their entry in Vanuatu using deception, denial of their freedom of movement, coercion or threat of violence exploited and placed them in servitude.

Bangladeshi workers
They said after the 12 Bangladeshi workers came to Vanuatu, the couple allegedly subjected them to slavery by engaging them in work under oppressive terms and conditions, under menace of penalty and without freedom to leave at any time.

There were allegations these workers were promised good money for jobs in Vanuatu but they have to pay them some money in return for the offer.

The sources said that some of them allegedly paid $US2000 to the couple, some paid $US3900, $US4000, $US5000, $US6000 and $US8000.

They said the couple were alleged to have directly and indirectly made arrangements that involved property that they knew or ought to have known to be proceeds of crime when they procured those amounts from the victims.

The Minister of Internal Affairs, Andrew Napuat, has confirmed the arrest of the investor behind “Mr Price” in relation to alleged money laundering and human trafficking.

While the couple are known as owners of Mr Price, sources said the investigation was still underway to check whether or not the company had a link with the global Mr Price.

This is not the first time that Mr Price Asian Junction has been in the spotlight in Vanuatu as in June this year 21 work permits were revoked for workers brought in from overseas by the company.

Buzz 96FM interview
“We didn’t want to come out in the media to talk about the case because of the sensitivity of it,” Minister Napuat told Buzz 96FM’s Kizzy Kalsakau.

“But since people are already talking about, I felt that it’s good that we come out and provide initial clarifications.”

After the revocation of work permits, the investors appealed to the minister and the revocations were reversed but with conditions to employ ni-Vanuatu and for imported workers to do work they came to do.

The minister said the investigation would take a while.

He said appropriate authorities such as the Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority (VIPA) and Customs Department and Ministry of Finance that are responsible for business licenses will have to be consulted.

Napuat said those brought to work under Mr Price would be treated as witnesses in the case against the investor behind Mr Price.

He denied rumours that people were brought in from overseas in containers.

False information
Minister Napuat is appealing for members of the public not to spread false information about the issue.

Meanwhile, Acting CEO of Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority Kalpen Silas said due diligence was carried out before Mr Price’s application was forwarded to the VIPA board for approval.

However, Silas said one of the requirements under the VIPA Act was that any investor who breaks any Vanuatu law through provision of false information would be penalised.

He said VIPA was aware of investigations currently being carried out on Mr Price.

The case is expected to resume within two weeks.

Human trafficking has been defined as the action or practice of illegally transporting people from one country or area to another, typically for the purposes of forced labour or commercial sexual exploitation.

The maximum penalty for this in Vanuatu as set out in section 102 (b) of the Penal Code Act [CAP 135] is 20 years behind bars.

This article appears on Pacific Media Centre website. Kaniva news has a sharing content arrangement with PMC

Beale and Ashley-Cooper stood down for England Test after breaking team protocol

By
Kaniva Staff
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The Sydney Morning Herald, London 

Wallabies stars Kurtley Beale and Adam Ashley-Cooper were not eligible for selection in Saturday’s Test against England after breaking team protocol following the Wales match in Cardiff a fortnight ago.

A Wallabies spokesperson confirmed Beale and Ashley-Cooper, two of senior figures in the team, were not considered for selection because they invited three women back to their hotel in Newport, just out of Cardiff, on the night of Australia’s 9-6 loss to Wales.

It has emerged one of the women was Ashley-Cooper’s sister-in-law. The others are believed to be her friends.

The women were out of the hotel by 10.30pm but Wallabies team rules state guests are not allowed in players’ rooms.

Initially Cheika wanted to keep the issue under wraps, and that was no more evident than his confusing explanation as to why Beale was not included in Wallabies’ matchday 23 to take on England.

Cheika became aware of the issue on Monday, some nine days after the women were brought back to the hotel.

The pair were sanctioned after the leadership group involving Michael Hooper, David Pocock, Allan Alaalatoa, Samu Kerevi and Nick Phipps decided to alert the Wallabies coach about what had happened.

Beale was not even called up as a replacement player after David Pocock was ruled out. Pete Samu will now slot into the No.8 position, with Marika Koroibete to join spare backs Nick Phipps and Sefa Naivalu on a 5-3 bench.

Body of newborn baby found dumped in a bush area in Hihifo

By
Kalino Latu
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A body of a newborn baby was found in a bush area in Nukunuku on Tuesday November 20.

The incident was first reported on social media and a photo purported to be that of the dead infant had since been shared online.

One share received 396 reactions and 93 comments.

The shocking photo appeared to show the baby may have been left to die with part of their umbilical cord still attached. There were also signs some parts of the body had been damaged.

Kaniva news contacted Police for a comment but to no avail.

However, local news media have reported Police have confirmed the report yesterday.

Facebook users reacted following the “horrific” discovery.

“This is very sad,” a commenter wrote.

“We pray for the little angel,” another wrote.

However, many were outraged and wanted to give the mother the strictest punishment she could be given.

Tonga and China sign TP$32 million projects agreement after signing Belt and Road initiative

By
Kalino Latu
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China and Tonga have signed a contract for projects worth TP$32 million (RMB 100,000,000).

The Prime Minister’s Office said yesterday the projects are “yet to be finalised by both parties.”

This comes after the Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva and Chinese Ambassador in Tonga have signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Belt and Road Initiative with the approval of Cabinet.

“The signing of the MOU was done in Nuku’alofa before the Hon Prime Minister and delegation departed for Port Moresby on 13 November,” the Prime Minister’s spokesperson Lōpeti Senituli told Kaniva news.

Senituli has confirmed reports that the signing was made after a reprieve from Beijing on the timing of Tonga’s debt repayments shortly before an onerous schedule to repay loans was due to start.

The concessional loan had been deferred for five years.

Senituli also recounted how Tonga would benefit under the Belt and Road initiative.

“We are already exporting squash to China,” he said.

“We are working on adding seaweed and sea cucumber as well as other agricultural and marine products to that list of exports.

“There has been an increase in the number of Chinese investors in Tonga especially in the tourism sector and an increase in the actual numbers of Chinese tourists.

“On top of that a further agreement was signed between Tonga and China prior to the APEC meetings for a further grant aid of RMB 100,000,000 for projects yet to be finalised by both parties.

He said the aim of the initiative is: “To promote the exchange of goods, technology, capital and people through mutual connectivity and mutual learning between the participating countries through promoting coordinated development and common progress in economy, society, environment and culture and the building of a community of a shared future for mankind”.

Father’s death prompted son to succeed and places him with NZ Warriors

By
Tevita Katoa
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‘Eliesa Kātoa has attributed his success in rugby to a sense of courage he developed after his father died while he was 12 years old.

He said he vowed to do something to help his mother and his siblings.

Kātoa has an ambition of making a fortune in rugby and he always wanted to have an opportunity to play rugby in New Zealand.

After three national rugby trips from Tonga to New Zealand, Kātoa finally signed a contract with New Zealand Warriors on November 1.

He was also awarded the Sport Person of the Year 2018 and graduated with honour from Tamaki College.

Kātoa was first chosen to play in Tonga’s Under 14 team in 2014 and the Under 15s in 2015 for their New Zealand tours.

However, he returned to the kingdom without any opportunity to stay and play in New Zealand.

He was selected in 2016 to represent Tonga’s Under 16 team for another New Zealand rugby tournament.

It was on this tour that Kātoa was awarded a scholarship to study and play rugby for the Tamaki College First XV on January 1, 2017.

Kātoa went back to Tonga briefly after the tournament before returning for his scholarship.

The New Zealand Warriors

In his last games of the 2018 rugby season, Katoa did not know that he was under the New Zealand Warrior’s radar.

A report on Warriors website earlier this month said “Eliesa Katoa, a much sought-after, athletic rugby union No 8 from the Tamaki College First XV” had been confirmed on a development contract.

“I came to New Zealand alone, but in my heart and mind, I always carry around my family wherever I go and every game I play,” he told Kaniva news.

“This was because I know my father has died.”

He grew up in Ha’apai before he relocated to Tongatapu and studied at Tupou College in 2016.

Kātoa was born in March 11, 2000 and grew up in the village of Koulo. He is the son of ‘Asaeli and ‘Akanesi Talanoa Kātoa.

The main points

  • ‘Eliesa Kātoa has attributed his success in rugby to a sense of courage he developed after his father died while he was young.
  • He has now been signed for a development contract with the New Zealand Warriors.

Two men and 18-year-old girl arrested with illicit drugs in Nuku‘alofa

By
Kalino Latu
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Police have arrested three people with illicit drugs in Nuku’alofa on Wednesday.

A 31-year-old and a 22-year-old man both from Ngele’ia, and an 18-year-old woman from Fahefa were arrested with 75.44 grams already packed in 100 packets of cannabis.

Police said the drugs had been prepared for sale.

The Police Drugs Enforcement Taskforce executed a search warrant at a residence in the early morning Wednesday before they arrested the trio.

Police sniffer dogs were used during the search.

“Police will continue to work with the community to prevent the harm illicit drugs cause and the ongoing criminal activity associated with their use,” said Acting Chief Superintendent Tevita Vailea.

“We encourage anyone who may have information about drug related offending to contact their nearest Police station, or ring 23417 or 922.”

All three suspects are in police custody to appear at the Fasi magistrate Court on Tuesday 27 November 2018.

Four prisoners caught with illicit drugs and homebrew at Vava‘u prison

By
Kalino Latu
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Vava‘u Police have arrested four inmates of Ha’alefo Prison after a crop of cannabis plants was found growing in flower pots within the prison compound, Police said.

Two were charged in relation to possession of illicit drugs and two faced charges of manufacturing prohibited alcohol.

The arrest on Tuesday November 20 came as a result of a Police investigation.

Two prisoners, a 26-year-old man from Ha’alaufuli was arrested and charged with the possession of six cannabis pot plants.

A 29-year-old man from Tatakamotonga, Tongatapu was arrested and charged with possession of five cannabis pot plants.

The two other inmates, a 27-year-old man from Vaini, Tongatapu and a 20-year-old- man from Mataika, Tongatapu were arrested and charged with manufacturing of four litres of homebrew.

Police acknowledge the assistance by prison officers of Ha’alefo Prison which led to the arrest of the 4 suspects.

Police Investigation continues.

Fiji exports $176k worth of livestock to Tonga

By
Kaniva Staff
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The Fiji Times – Fiji sent a livestock shipment worth $176,000 to Tonga recently enhancing existing cooperation between the two Pacific island countries and developing an export market.

Director Animal Health and Production Avinesh Dayal said local livestock farmers benefited from the export.

“The exportation of livestock to Tonga will benefit farmers and exports since a new pathway has been developed with our Pacific island neighbours. A total of 10 pigs, 50 sheep and 100 goats from eight farms were sold and farmers benefitted by receiving attractive prices for their animals, which they can reinvest back into their respective farms,” Mr Dayal was quoted saying in a Government statement.

“For Government, we have gained invaluable experience in facilitating the exports through the negotiation of protocols and in the future, more farmers can benefit from this exercise seeing as a pathway or protocol for Tongan export of livestock has been developed.”

Mr Dayal said Fiji had previously exported livestock to Tonga once before, and this recent request by the Tongan government paved an opportunity for local livestock farmers to benefit directly from this venture.

Mate Ma’a Tonga star Tevita Pangai given sobering reality check by Broncos teammate

By
Kaniva Staff
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AAP -Andrew McCullough has issued a reality check to Brisbane teammate Tevita Pangai as the search to replace departed lock Josh McGuire heats up.

The Queensland and Australian No.13’s sudden shift to North Queensland has left a gaping hole of quality and experience in a Broncos side also without the retired Sam Thaiday next year.

Hooker McCullough isn’t sure who will fill the void in the middle but knows that Pangai, despite his game-breaking ability, had some work to do if it is to be him.

“He might have to work on his fitness a bit,” McCullough said of the Tongan star after returning to fitness training on Thursday.

“He’s a naturally powerful guy, but playing in the middle requires big minutes, back-to-back efforts and he’s got a lot work to do on that.”

Pangai has committed to the Broncos for 2019 but would be free to follow current coach Wayne Bennett to South Sydney next year.

Unfazed by reports Brisbane are targeting NSW hooking rival Damien Cook, McCullough will remain at Red Hill until 2021.

But he can’t speak for his teammates.

“You’ll have to ask those guys; I don’t know the deals or protocols of any of those sort of guys,” he said.

Jack Bird, returning for a second season in Brisbane, is another option after an injury-marred introduction to Red Hill ended with him on the sidelines this year.

He has returned in good shape and has the backing of teammates to deliver on his promise in 2019, but there is no underselling what they’ll miss from McGuire’s exit.

“He competed very hard; he’s a very aggressive sort of guy and that’s partially the reason why they got him up there in Townsville,” the No.9 said.

This story appears on PACNEWS. Kaniva news has a sharing content arrangement with PACNEWS.

Show of appreciation; Henderson offers flight ticket as Xmas season starts

By
Kalino Latu
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Henderson Cars in South Auckland has received a signed Mate Ma’a Tonga jersey from one of its major sponsored parties  – the Hakulā ‘O Aotearoa rugby league team.

Mate Ma’a Tonga player David Fusitu’a presented the gift to Henderson Cars owner Muliagatele Shiu Singh.

Fusitu’a’s father, Edwin Fusitu’a, who made a short speech before the jersey was presented, said the Hakulā wanted to give Henderson Cars a token of appreciation because of their financial support for their players.

Tongan Sales Manager Vaima’ala’ala Tu’akalau said they had more than 1000 cars in their yard for their customers to choose from.

She said a campaign on social media which promised any person who could bring a customer to buy a vehicle at Henderson Cars would be offered a $1000 cash went really well.

Henderson Cars also gave customers who bought vehicles from them tickets to Tonga, shopping and cash for Christmas.

This also included offering their customers a grace period to start paying back their loan in 2019.

“Come and talk to me,” Tu’akalau said.

You can follow this link to see Henderson Cars’ Facebook page

The company has been closely involved in financially supporting the Tongan community around New Zealand.

In August it sponsored Miss Tongan Tau’olunga 2018, the first competition of its kind to be held in New Zealand.

As Kaniva news reported in August, Henderson Cars has continued to boost its cultural connection with the Tongan community by providing a free meal and a sponsorship of a major Tongan dancing competition.

The car dealership at 24 Great South Road, Takanini has offered a Nissan Veneta van for Kaniva Tonga news as part of a new collaboration to boost the company’s public relation.

The main points

  • Henderson Cars in South Auckland has received a signed Mate Ma’a Tonga jersey from one of its major sponsored parties – the Hakula ‘O Aotearoa rugby league team.
  • Mate Ma’a Tonga player David Fusitu’a presented the gift to Henderson Cars owner Muliagatele Shiu Singh.
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