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Anti-freeze rather than coconut oil for Taufatofua’s next Olympic competition

By
Philip Cass
-

Pita Taufatofua has qualified for the Olympics again, but if he is planning to lather up this time, it will be with anti-freeze rather than coconut oil.

Against the odds, Taufatofua, 34, has qualified as a skier for the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang. South Korea.

He had until today to qualify after missing out on his last qualifying races.

In his last attempt he ended up stuck in Istanbul airport, having missed his plane after driving through six countries to make a connecting flight.

The former Rio Olympian managed to raise about $10,000 for his qualifying campaign, used borrowed skis  and learned how to ski on roller skis because there isn’t much snow in Brisbane.

The Royal Tonga Ski Federation announced that he had accumulated the points  needed in a cross country race in Iceland.

The Winter Olympics will be contested between February 9 and February 25.

There is no saying how he will do in PyeongChang.

He lost his first and only bout in taekwondo, but garnered an enormous amount of publicity for himself and Tonga when he entered the arena slathered in oil.

Along with his lack of experience, Taufatofua is also carrying more weight than the average skier.

“My body is over 40lbs heavier than most of the other skiers,” he posted on Facebook.

“They need more taro.”

The main points

  • Pita Taufatofua has qualified for the Olympics again, but if he is planning to lather up this time, it will be with anti-freeze rather than coconut oil.
  • Against the odds, Taufatofua, 34, has qualified as a skier for the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang. South Koa.
  • He had until today to qualify after missing out on his last qualifying races.

For more information 

Tongan flagbearer Pita Taufatofua qualifies for Winter Olympics 

‘Oily Tongan’ flagbearer Pita Nikolas Taufatofua qualifies for Winter Olympics

PM Pōhiva confirmed Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lord Ma’afu for Defence after meeting with king

By
Kalino Latu
-

The king has appointed Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Lord Ma’afu as Minister of His Majesty’s Armed Forces, with effect from yesterday Friday 19.

The confirmation came after the Prime Minister had an audience with His Majesty King Tupou VI on Wednesday January 17.

The Prime Minister “recommended” him to the king to be appointed as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Lord Ma’afu to become Minister of His Majesty’s Armed Forces.

The meeting was called after what appeared to be a clash between the power of the Prime Minister to nominate “all his cabinet ministers” and the power of the king as Commander-in-Chief of the forces on land and sea to appoint “all officers” at His Majesty’s Armed Forces, emerged.

As we reported earlier this week, Hon Pōhiva met with the King at 2 o’clock on Wednesday.

“The Prime Minister had an audience with His Majesty, King Tupou VI, on 17th January, 2018,” the Prime Minister’s office said this morning in a statement.

“Subsequently, His Majesty approved the recommendations from the Prime Minister to appoint the Prime Minister, the Hon. Samuela ‘Akilisi Pōhiva as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Lord Ma’afu Tukui’aulahi as Minister of His Majesty’s Armed Forces, with effect from 19th January, 2018,” the statement said.

As Kaniva News reported earlier this month the lineup list submitted to His Majesty on January 3 showed the Prime Minister was proposed to become the Minister of His Majesty’s Armed Forces and also the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The king appointed Hon Pōhiva’s ministerial lineup on January 2, but he wanted further discussion with the Prime Minister before making any appointments for His Majesty’s Armed Forces and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A government spokesperson said Hon Pōhiva was “happy” after their meeting with the king.

The constitution

The Tongan constitution says the King is the Commander-in-Chief of the forces on land and sea.

It says His Majesty shall appoint all officers and make such regulations for the training and control of the forces as he may think best for the welfare of the country but it shall not be lawful for the King to make war without the consent of the Legislative Assembly.

Clause 51 section two of the constitution which deals with function, constitution and powers of Cabinet says:  “The Cabinet shall consist of the Prime Minister and such other Ministers who are nominated by the Prime Minister and appointed by the King.”

“The Hon. Prime Minister, Samuela ‘Akilisi Pōhiva and the Hon. Cabinet Ministers will serve their second term in office from 2018-2021,” the Prime Minister’s office said.

The cabinet lineup:

  1. Hon. Semisi Kioa Lafu Sika, People’s Representative of Tongatapu 2 is appointed as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Tourism.
  2. Lord Ma’afu Tukui’aulahi, Noble’s Representative, is appointed as Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.
  3. Hon. Dr. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa, People’s Representative of Tongatapu 10 is appointed as Minister for Finance and National Planning.
  4. Hon. Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, People’s Representative of Tongatapu 14, is appointed as Minister for Health and Minister for Public Enterprises.
  5. Hon. Penisimani ‘Epenisa Fifita, People’s Representative of Tongatapu 9, is appointed as Minister for Education and Training.
  6. Hon. Semisi Tauelangi Fakahau, People’s Representative of Tongatapu 8, is appointed as Minister for Agriculture, Food, Forests and Fisheries.
  7. Hon. Sione Vuna Fa’otusia, People’s Representative of Tongatapu 7, is appointed as Minister for Justice and Minister for Prisons.
  8. Hon. Mateni Tapueluelu, People’s Representative of Tongatapu 4, is appointed as Minister for Revenue and Customs and Minister for Police and Fire Services.
  9. Hon. Poasi Mataele Tei, People’s Representative of Tongatapu 6, is appointed as Minister for Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Communications and Climate Change.
  10. Hon. ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu, People’s Representative of Tongatapu 16, is appointed as Minister for Internal Affairs.
  11. Hon. Dr. Tevita Tu’i Uata of Vaini is appointed as Minister of Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation and Labour.

Economic outlook good, with GDP set to grow in 2018, says IMF

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tonga’s economic outlook is good, according to the International Monetary Fund.

In its latest report, the IMF said the kingdom’s GDP was projected to grow by 3.4 percent in the 2018 fiscal year, driven by construction, agriculture and tourism.

Inflation was expected to decline.

However, there was expected to be a large deficit in the current account balance in 2018.

This would be caused by capital imports for construction, which would be financed through donor account and capital account expenditure.

Public debt was expected to rise as a percentage of GDP.

Money sent to Tonga from Tongans working overseas was expected to increase currency reserves.

The IMF has advised the government to focus on self-funded projects that are more likely to deliver long term returns, such as education, health, and roads, and building resilience to natural disasters.

The Foreign exchange levy imposed in 2016 should be replaced by a non-distortionary tax and be phased out no later than 2020.

Tonga has enjoyed robust economic growth in recent years.

Growth was 2.7 percent in the 2017 fiscal year, following 3.4 percent in FY2016, supported by construction, agriculture, tourism, strong remittances, and strong private credit growth.

Inflation spiked in 2017 because of a new import tax and higher local food prices.

The main points

  • Tonga’s economic outlook is good, according to the International Monetary Fund.
  • In its latest report, the IMF said the kingdom’s GDP was projected to grow by 3.4 percent in the 2018 fiscal year, driven by construction, agriculture and tourism.
  • Inflation was expected to decline.

For more information

IMF Executive Board Concludes 2017 Article IV Consultation with Tonga

UK urges Tonga to sign human rights treaties as it undergoes Geneva review

By
Philip Cass
-

The United Kingdom Mission to the United Nations has urged Tonga to sign core human rights conventions.

In a statement issued to coincided with the United Nations’ review of Tonga’s human rights record, the UK encouraged Tonga to establish a National Human Rights Institution in compliance with the Paris Principles.

It said Tonga should take the following steps:

Ratify key International Labour Organisation conventions

Ratify the International Labour Organization’s Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999.

Ratify and implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Adopt an open, merit-based process when selecting national candidates for UN Treaty Body elections.

“The UK welcomes the positive steps taken by Tonga since the last review, particularly the implementation of reforms to advance democracy,” the statement said.

“We also welcome Tonga’s national efforts to promote female candidates in national elections and subsequent increase in female MPs. However, female participation in Tongan politics remains low and we encourage Tonga to further promote the inclusion of women in politics.

“The UK remains concerned that Tongan legislation continues to criminalise consensual same sex-conduct. It is encouraging that there have been no recent prosecutions under this legislation, however, we would urge Tonga to repeal all such provisions and ensure anti-discrimination laws also cover sexual orientation.”

As Kaniva News reported recently, Tonga’s human rights record is being examined in Geneva this week.

All UN member states are subject to periodic review.

This will be third time the kingdom’s human rights record has been studied since 2008.

Tonga is being represented at the review by the Solicitor General, Sione Sisifa.

The main points

  • The UK has urged Tonga to sign core human rights conventions.
  • In a statement issued to coincided with the review of Tonga’s human rights record, the UK encouraged Tonga to establish a National Human Rights Institution in compliance with the Paris Principles.
  • The statement said the UK welcomed the positive steps taken by Tonga since the last review, particularly the implementation of reforms to advance democracy.

For more information

Universal Periodic Review 29: Tonga

Amnesty International urges Tonga to sign CEDAW ahead of UN human rights review

Prime Minister leaves Parliament to return to hospital as Cabinet ministers sworn in

By
Philip Cass
-

Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva left this morning’s swearing-in ceremony in Parliament early to return to hospital.

It is understood his doctor accompanied him to Parliament.

Hon. Pōhiva missed the first sitting of Parliament last week because he was in intensive care.

No details about his illness have been released.

During this morning’s sitting Ha’apai MP Veivosa Taka was re-appointed  as the Whole House Committee Chair.

Tongatapu MP Losaline Mā’asi and Noble’s Representative Lord Vaha’i were assigned to submit the House’s response to the King’s message from the throne.

All Parliamentarians were at the ceremony, except for Finance Minister Hon. Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa, who is on medical leave in New Zealand.

During this morning’s ceremony, 10 Cabinet members were sworn in. However, the Defence and Foreign Affairs portfolios were left vacant.

Reports said Lord Fulivai was reappointed as governor of Vava’u.

These are the current Cabinet members:

Hon. SÄ“misi Lafu Kioa Sika returns as Minister of Infrastructure and Tourism and becomes Deputy Prime Minister.

Lord Ma’afu returns as Minister of Land and Natural Resources.

Hon. Penisimani ‘Epenisa Fifita returns as Minister of Education and Training.

Hon. Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala returns as Minister of Health and takes up a new appointment as Minister of Public Enterprises.

Hon. Sione Vuna Fā’otusia is returned as Minister of Justice and Prisons.

Hon. SÄ“misi Tauelangai Fakahau returns as Minister of Agriculture, Food, Forests and Fisheries.

Hon. ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu has been appointed Minister of Internal Affairs and Sports.

Hon. Dr Tevita Tu‘i Uata has been appointed Minister of Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation and Labour. Dr Uata is an unelected Ministerial appointee.

Hon. Poasi Mataele Tei has been appointed as Minister of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications.

Hon. Mateni Tapueluelu has been appointed as Minister of Revenue Collection, Customs, and returns to the Police, Fire and Emergency Services portfolio.

Parliament has been adjourned until Monday.

For more information

Tongan PM and MPs sworn in

Cabinet line up to be announced after King appoints Prime Minister, says PM Pohiva

Body of SWP employee arrives back in Tonga from Australia

By
Kalino Latu
-

The body of the Tongan Seasonal Worker Program employee who died in Australia two weeks ago was expected to arrive in Tonga this morning.

The body of Simione Vaka’uliafa Havea was “due to arrive Thursday 18th Jan at 1:25am by Virgin Australia Flight VA95,” Hon ‘Akosita Lavulavu, Minister for Ministry of Internal Affairs told Kaniva News this morning.

“Myself and staff of the Ministry will await the arrival of the late Mr. Simione Vaka’uliafa Havea at Fua’amotu Airport and will join the cortege to Matalikufisi to pay our respects in prayer service and accordance of other protocol and due assistance,” said Hon Lavulavu whose Ministry was taking care of the Australian Seasonal Worker Program and New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme.

As Kaniva News reported last week, the Toula and ‘Otea communities in Vava’u, Tonga were “reeling” after the Australian Police found the body of the 35-year-old in an accommodation on Thursday morning, January 4.

His cousin Alex Kaihea told Kaniva News his deceased cousin is survived by his wife and children.

Kaihea, an Australian based Tongan, was currently in Tonga and he said he wished  he was in Brisbane so he could be able to visit Simione’s body.

Simione was the eldest son of his mother Neti from ‘Otea and his father Sinamoni from Toula, Kaihea said.

Simone’s death is the second of a Tongan on the Seasonal Worker Program in the Bundaberg region after Sione Vakameilalo Fifita died in the Royal Brisbane Hospital after falling into a coma in May last year.

According to Australian media, Simione, who is also known as Simi, has become the 14th person to die while working on the controversial scheme.

He had been working on a farm in the Bundaberg region before he died.

The death comes just weeks after a special investigation by The Courier-Mail revealed 13 workers had died on the Seasonal Worker Program, with extreme neglect allegedly contributing to a number of deaths and serious injuries.

In August 2016,  five Tongans, who were working in New Zealand through the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme, were killed after their car was hit by an unladen logging truck as they left work at a Katikati kiwifruit coolstore.

Only four days left for Taufatofua to qualify for Winter Olympics

By
Philip Cass
-

Tongan Olympian Pita Taufatofua has until this Sunday to qualify for the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.

Taufatofua  competed in the Rio Olympics in taekwondo. He was quickly defeated, but gained immense publicity for himself and Tonga by leading his fellow competitors into the arena covered in coconut oil.

Now he has decided to switch sporting careers and has been battling uphill to make his dream of competing in South Korea a reality.

He started skiing a year ago on roller skis, managed to raise only $10,000 to fund his attempt and has been competing on borrowed skis.

His competition in Armenia was a washout because he was comping on skis designed for hard snow on a day when the course was covered in soft snow.

Undaunted, he prepared to compete in another race in Croatia, but missed the flight after driving through five countries to board a flight in Istanbul.

A philosophical Taufatofua posted a message on his Facebook page:

“So here I am sitting at Istanbul airport missing the race that could have possibly gotten me to the Olympics.

“It was always going to be a long shot but I had to give it a shot and I did. Soo many times in life we will get disappointed.

“When this happens I have two options. I can sit on that chair crying about what could have been and how unfair life is…. or I can go and find some good quality chocolate, pull out my notepad and start planning “what’s next”— I always did like chocolate.”

Whether he will be able to find another qualifying race before Sunday, or whether he even has the funds to get to it, is an open question.

However, his determination does not appear to be in question.

As he told the Wall Street Journal: “I don’t fear failure. I fear not trying.”

Tongan skiiers

Other Tongan skiers to aim for the winter Olympics have included Fuahea Semi, also known as Bruno Banani, who represented the Royal Tonga Ski Federation at the Winter Olympics in Sochi in 2014.

Tongan skier Kasete Skeen, whose father’s family are from Vava’u and Tongatapu, quit his job in London last year and moved to Austria last year to prepare for his attempt at qualifying for PyeongChang.

Skeen  is one of several overseas-based Tongans, including Makeleta Piukala, Reinhard Langer and Dyan Wackerbauer, who have  had an eye on winter competitions, with the support of the Royal Tonga Ski Federation.

The main points

  • Tongan Olympian Pita Taufatofua has until this Sunday to qualify for the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.
  • He had almost qualified, but his last two attempts had ended in failure.
  • It is not certain if the self-funded athlete, who has been competing on borrowed skis, will be able to find another race in the four days left to him.
  • Taufatofua competed in the Rio Olympics in taekwondo. He was quickly defeated, but gained immense publicity for himself and Tonga by leading his fellow competitors into the arena covered in coconut oil.

For more information 

 

Shirtless Tongan flag-bearer might not qualify for the Winter Olympics after all

https://sports.yahoo.com/shirtless-tongan-flag-bearer-might-not-qualify-winter-olympics-173341498.html

The shirtless Tongan flag-bearer who became a sensation at the Rio Olympics nearly completed an incredible transition to cross-country skiing and the Winter Olympics

https://www.businessinsider.com.au/pita-taufatofua-cross-country-skiing-pyeongchang-olympics-2018-1?r=US&IR=T

Tongan skier sets sights on 2018 Winter Olympics

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/317015/sport-tongan-skier-sets-sights-on-2018-winter-olympics

Meet the man who quit his job to become Tonga’s first Winter Olympic ski racer http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/ski/articles/meet-the-tongan-skier-want-to-compete-at-the-winter-olympics/

PM Pōhiva meets with king; new government “official” on January 5, says Acting AG

By
Kalino Latu
-

Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva met with His Majesty King Tupou VI this afternoon at 2pm, a government spokesperson has confirmed this to Kaniva News.

The spokesperson declined to give details of the meeting and the Prime Minister’s health condition.

The Prime Minister’s daughter, ‘Ana Pōhiva Koli who goes by the Facebook name Iolani Pōhiva Koli, shared photos of the Prime Minister on her Facebook page this afternoon with a caption saying he was preparing to go to the palace for an audience with the king.

Some commentators said the Prime Minister looked unwell in the photos, but ‘Ana denied it.

“…thanks for (your) concern…he’s recovering well ….., as you think, he’s forcing himself to stand, nope…no further explanation as we all have a father, that we love n adore beside his political career, that’s another story….ofa atu,” ‘Ana wrote.

As we reported yesterday, the Prime Minister has been in Vaiola hospital’s intensive care unit. He was described  as recovering well after being admitted with an undisclosed illness.

Official

Tonga’s Acting Attorney General, ‘Aminiasi Kefu said the new government of Hon. Pōhiva became “official” on January 5, the day the king appointed Hon Pōhiva’s cabinet ministers.

He said the king appointed Hon. Pōhiva on January 2 as Prime Minister of Tonga until 2021.

The appointment meant there was no need for the Prime Minister and his cabinet ministers to be sworn in before they could be regarded as government of the day, Hon. Kefu told Kaniva News.

“The oaths taken in Parliament are just protocol which must be held in the first meeting of the House before the Legislative Assembly can continue its normal duty,” Hon. Kefu said.

The Attorney General’s comments came after some local news media reported the government of  Hon Pōhiva was “unofficial” and referred to his cabinet as “secret.”

Those reports came after Kaniva News reported in the first week of January that the king has appointed Hon. Pōhiva on January 2, his ministers on January 5 and that the cabinet ministers held their first meeting with their staff on January 8.

The constitution

The Acting Attorney General said that according to Clause 50A(1) of the constitution and the table for the constitution as well as clause 51 (2), the government was established on January 2, 2018 and was completed on January 5.

“It was a caretaker government since the House was dissolved in August 24, 2017 up to November 16, 2017 which ended in January 5, 2018, and it was changed from being a caretaker government into the ordinary government,” Hon. Kefu said.

Section 14 of laws regarding Parliament stipulates that the House’s first session should begin within six weeks after the election results were returned to the king on November 30.

“That six weeks ended on January 11, 2018. That was the day Parliament was opened,” Hon. Kefu said.

“The constitution stipulates the Prime Minister must take his oath in the first meeting of Parliament which will be held tomorrow, Thursday, January 18.”

If the Prime Minister cannot attend tomorrow’s meeting then he would be regarded as disobeying the constitution.

However, the Prime Minister could ask the Speaker of Parliament to postpone the first meeting of the House until he was available to attend and take his oath.

“It is up to the Speaker if he would accept this or not,” the Attorney General said.

“The constitution clause 58 says Parliament hold at least one meeting within 12 months (January – December).

According to Clause seven of the constitution, if the Prime Minister is sick and cannot attend Parliament for 12 consecutive months, his premiership would be void.

Australian attacks on China “sad” says Tongan Minister of Justice

By
Philip Cass
-

Tonga’s Minister of Justice has described Australian International Development Minister Concetta Fierravanti-Wells’ attack on China as “sad.”

Fierravanti-Wells claimed last week that China was funding “roads to nowhere” and “useless buildings.”

“You’ve got the Pacific full of these useless buildings which nobody maintains, which are basically white elephants,” the Minister told The Australian newspaper.

Hon. Sione Vuna Fā’otusia  said China was filling the gap left by Australia which was not helping the countries of the Pacific.

“It is sad indeed for Australia to start accusing China for helping the poor and needy countries of the Pacific,” Hon. Fā’otusia said.

“What China does by building infrastructure is to assist in the economic development of the Pacific countries.

“China is a huge country with a huge economy. It cannot be measured against Australia in any way whatsoever.

“Their economy is vastly different, and cannot be in anyway whatsoever comparable. China is so huge in every aspects of life!

“It is good for Tonga to work alongside with China as our partner.”

China has described Fierravanti-Wells’s claims as irresponsible.

“The assistance provided by China has significantly fuelled the economic and social development of these countries and delivered tangible benefits to the local people, which has been warmly welcomed by the governments and people of these countries,” China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said.

China has provided an estimated US$1.78 billion (TP$3.9 billion) in aid in the Pacific, including concessional loans and for projects in the past decade.

The main points

  • Tonga’s Minister of Justice has described Australian International Development Minister Concetta Fierravanti-Wells’ attack on China as “sad.”
  • Sione Vuna Fā’otusia said China was filling the gap left by Australia which was not helping the countries of the Pacific.
  • “It is sad indeed for Australia to start accusing China for helping the poor and needy countries of the Pacific,” Hon. Fā’otusia said.

For more information

Beijing complains about Australia’s ‘irresponsible’ attack on China’s Pacific aid program

China lodges protest against Australian ‘white elephant’ remarks

Amazing pictures from inside new St George Palace

Amazing pictures from inside new St George Palace

Judge who gained notoriety over flogging sentence retires

By
Philip Cass
-

A British judge who was once the subject of a motion of impeachment in Tonga has retired.

In 2010 MPs ‘Akilisi Pōhiva and ‘Isileli Pulu, moved in Parliament to impeach Supreme Court judge Robert Shuster on the grounds that he was incompetent.

Judge Shuster gained international notoriety when he sentenced two teenage boys in Tonga to be whipped.

Many of his judgements in Tonga were overturned by the Court of Appeal.

In 2010, two 17-year-old Tongan boys were convicted of theft and escaping from prison. Shuster sentenced each of them to 13 years’ imprisonment and ordered that they be whipped on the buttocks six times with a cat-o-nine-tails.

The sentence was legal under Tongan law, but corporal punishment had not been used as a legal punishment since the 1980s. The flogging portion was overturned on appeal to the Court of Appeal.

Shuster was also criticised for his decision to quash Lord Dalgety’s charge with perjury during an inquiry by a Royal Commission into the sinking of the MV Ashika.

Tonga’s then solicitor general ‘Aminiasi Kefu reportedly said Shuster had no basis in Tongan law for such a decision.

Shuster has been a judge in the Turks and Caicos Islands in March 2015.

His appointment to the bench in the Caribbean nation was met with widespread protest from the legal and civil society.

He has now turned 70, the age limit in the Caribbean nation.

Shuster was commended by Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale for his rigorous approach to his work on the local bench.

“The jurisdiction benefitted from Mr Shuster’s rigorous approach to his work which saw trials dispatched and the avoidance of unnecessary engagement of the court process in matters,” she said.

Shuster also served in Fiji and Sierra Leone.

The main points

  • A British judge who was once the subject of a motion of impeachment in Tonga has retired.
  • In 2010 MPs ‘Akilisi Pōhiva and ‘Isileli Pulu, moved in Parliament to impeach Supreme Court judge Robert Shuster on the grounds that he was incompetent.
  • Judge Shuster gained international notoriety when he sentenced two teenage boys in Tonga to be whipped.
  • Many of his judgements in Tonga were overturned by the Court of Appeal.
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