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Tongan teen killed in shooting in California, younger brother injured

By
Kaniva Staff
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A Tongan teenage boy was killed and his younger brother was left injured after police say at least two men began shooting at them outside their East Oakland home in California, United States.

Soane Mausia, 18, was identified as the teen killed while his 16-year-old brother’s name was not released.

A relative of the victims, who did not want to be identified, told Kaniva News her son was friend with the teens.

She claimed the injured boy was in critical condition in hospital.

“The shooting happened about 2:55 a.m. Sunday in the 1700 block of 78th Avenue, a residential area not far from Arroyo Viejo Park,” East Bay Times has reported.

The paper has quoted Sgt. Omar Daza-Quiroz as saying “the two were standing with other relatives outside their home socializing when at least two men ran up to the group and began shooting at them.”

“Mausia and his brother were the only ones hit by the gunfire. Mausia died at the scene. His brother was taken to a hospital, but his condition was not released. Daza-Quiroz said police don’t have a motive yet for the attack and that no arrests have been made.

“Police and Crime Stoppers of Oakland are offering up to $15,000 in reward money for information leading to the arrest of the suspects.

Anyone with information can call police at 510-238-3821 or Crime Stoppers at 510-777-8572.”

Vava‘u taxpayers need actions on economic development plans

By
Kalino Latu
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Advertorial

Ki he kau laukonga faka-Tonga, kiliki heni ke ke lau ai e kemipeini fili Fale Alea ‘a Kulufeinga ‘Anisi Bloomfield

Taxpayers in Vava’u 15 electorate wanted immediate actions on government’s promised development programmes for their villages and towns, Vava’u 15 Independent Candidate Kulufeinga ‘Anisi Bloomfield said.

The government had plan to assist the electorate in education, fishing and agriculture and the money was said to have been paid out through Tonga Development Bank.

Bloomfield said the people were still waiting for it.

The constituents also wanted to put projects that had been discussed and planned for the electorate into effects.

Bloomfield said while he was campaigning for next week’s snap election people raised with him these projects describing them as of “utmost significance.”

They wanted the Tongan government to help fund various local groups which had initiatives for the community, he said.

The constituents wanted to have an inter-island ferry of their own and said they expected their new MP to help make it happen.

Bloomfield said the constituents wanted to relocate Liviela Primary School from its current location by the beach to another place to protect it from any natural disasters such as tsumnami.

They also wanted to reinstate the plan to construct a new wharf for Vava’u.

The constituents also wanted to bring back the Ministry of Forestry’s tractors supply to assist local agricultural needs.

They wanted to put more emphasis on building fishing industry and also they needed a marketplace for selling of homemade goods and women’s handicrafts.

Baha’is celebrate spiritual founder’s birthday

By
Tevita Katoa
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Tongan members of the Baha’i Faith in New Zealand celebrated the 200th anniversary of the birth of Baha’u’llah on October 28.

Baha’is around the world also celebrated the birth on October 21-22.

Bahá’u’lláh, regarded as the founder of the Bahai’i faith, was born in Tehran, the capital of Iran,  in 1817.

At the same time devotees celebrate  the birthday of his predecessor, Al Bab (The Gate), who was born in 1819.

Keynote speakers at the Tongan celebrations included Sione Tu’itahi, Dr Viliami Tūtone, and Mēlini Taufalele.

The celebrations featured ‘The Life of Baha’u’llah, Religion Renewed, The Revelation of Baha’u’llah, and Baha’u’llah’s Teaching in Action.’

People attending the function were told that all religions are one, God is One and that mankind is one family.

The need for a vibrant, peaceful and harmony society was emphasised.

Tau’olunga (group dancing) and Sōkē ( the version of sailing expedition) were performed during the celebratory meal.

The Baha’i faith was first established in Tonga in the 1950s.

It has been estimated that its adherants make up 3.5% of the population.

The main points

  • Baha’is in Tonga celebrated the 200th anniversary of the birth of Baha’u’llah on October 28.
  • Keynote speakers at the Tongan celebrations included Sione Tu’itahi, Dr Viliami Tūtone, and Mēlini Taufalele.
  • The Baha’i faith was first established in Tonga in the 1950s.

For more information

The Bahá’í Community of Tonga

Claims of money transfers, secret meetings and misuse of staff ‘degrading’ says Speaker

By
Kalino Latu
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Lord Sialeʻataongo Tuʻivakanō has hit back at allegations made against him by a former parliamentary employee, saying they had “degraded” him.

Seinimili Tu’i’onetoa Fonua, who described herself as a legal adviser to parliament, said she had resigned from the Legislative Assembly over what she claimed was a lack of independence in parliament and allegations of financial and other irregularities involving Lord Tuʻivakanō, who is the Speaker of the House and a former Prime Minister.

Fonua also claimed that:

  • The plan to dissolve parliament was arranged by Lord Tuʻivakanō through a number of secret meetings with Chief Clerk Gloria Pole’o and others.
  • There were cultures of favouritism and nepotism in the House in which staff had been treated as pro-nobility and pro-government.
  • Lord Tuʻivakanō had improperly used parliamentary staff and resources to support Chinese business associates.
  • Lord Tuʻivakanō and parliamentary staff were involved in improperly sending money overseas. Sums of up to TP$20,000 at a time were involved.
  • A restaurant owned by the Speaker and operated by the Chief Clerk’s mother and sister was regularly used for parliamentary functions.
  • Staff were being paid for overtime they did not do.
  • The Speaker had abused his power by using parliamentary staff to do personal work for him

Her letter of resignation, dated October 26,  was leaked to the media and has since been read on a Tongan radio station.

Kaniva News was made aware of the letter on Friday, but for the sake of balance decided to delay publishing the story until we had a response from the king’s noble.

In a letter to Fonua seen by Kaniva News, Lord Tuʻivakanō said her “negative suspicion and misinformation” showed she had a political agenda.

He claimed she had admitted that she could not perform her role independently because she was related to a government minister.

“You were disappointed after you were not informed of the decision to advise the king to dissolve the parliament,” Lord Tuʻivakanō said.

“You have then claimed I worked secretly with the Chief Clerk on that matter. I would like to make it clear that neither the Chief Clerk nor anyone in the House was involved in my plan to advise the king to dissolve the House.

“It was in my discretion to seek advice from any of the staff at parliament. There was no need for me to seek advice from you.”

Lord Tuʻivakanō claimed Fonua had really resigned because she had been appointed by Cabinet as a Commissioner with the Electricity Commission.

“The Chief Clerk advised you to let me know about it. It is understood the parliament’s guideline does not say anything about staff having two jobs,” he said.

“You were selfish to hold two jobs at one time.”

The Speaker denied Fonua’s claims that there was conflict between him and the Chief Clerk.

He dismissed accusations that money had been improperly transferred overseas.

“If that was illegal you know which place to take it up with. Anyone in the office of the Parliament is free to do the same thing,” he said.

The Speaker of Parliament said he had copied his letter to Fonua to the Election Commission, Public Enterprises and Public Service Commission.

The main points

  • Lord Sialeʻataongo Tuʻivakanō has hit back at allegations made against by a former Parliamentary employee, saying they had “degraded” him.
  • Seinimili Tu’i’onetoa Fonua, who described herself as a legal adviser to parliament, said she had resigned from Parliament over what she claimed was a lack of independence in Parliament and allegations of financial and other irregularities involving Lord Tuʻivakanō, who is the Acting Speaker of the House and a former Prime Minister.
  • In her resignation letter, Fonua made a number of allegations against the Speaker, including claims of improper use of parliamentary staff and resources.
  • She also claimed that he had worked with the Chief Clerk on the plan to dismiss parliament.

For more information

Speaker Lord Tuʻivakanō finally speaks out after king dissolved Parliament

Minister says Lord Dalgety should not stay in other posts after leaving Commission

By
Philip Cass
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Lord Dalgety should resign from all his responsibilities, Tongan Justice Minister Vuna Fa’otusia said today.

As Kaniva News reported recently, Lord Dalgety has  tendered his resignation to Electricity Commission Chair,  Rev. ‘Alifeleti ‘Atiola, citing his age and health conditions.

Hon. Fa’otusia was responding to questions from Kaniva News about Lord Dalgety’s roles with Privy Council and Election commission.

The Minister said  if Lord Dalgety was resigning from the Electricity Commission  because of his age and health, then he should step down from his other positions as well.

“I do not see any reason why he is to continue with his other responsibilities,” the Minister said.

“His health is not limited to his responsibilities as CEO of the Electricity Commission.

“It would be laughable indeed if he is to continue as if his age and health do not have anything to do with those other responsibilities.”

Lord Dalgety has been at the centre of a probe into claims that money is missing from the Electricity Commission’s pension funds.

Commissioner Paula Tupou, who has been  leading the investigation, has been appointed as acting CEO of the organisation until December 2017.

Tupou said one of the reasons why the commission took this step was because of “the realisation of the urgency required to recover from the Dalgety disaster.”

As we reported in September, leaked e-mails showed Lord Dalgety had refused to comply with  demands for information about money allegedly missing from the Electricity Pension Fund Trust.

Lord Dalgety 

Ramsay Robertson Dalgety was appointed to the Tongan privy Council by King George Tupou V in 2008 and elevated to the title of Lord Dalgety of Sikotilani Tonga.

Earlier that year he was arrested after giving evidence during the commission of enquiry into the sinking of the ferry MV Princess Ashika.

In 2012 Mr Justice Cato in the Supreme Court discharged a charge of perjury against Lord Dalgety that had been brought as the result of the evidence he gave.

The main points

  • Lord Dalgety should resign from all his responsibilities, Tongan Justice Minister Vuna Fa’otusia said today.
  • As Kaniva News reported recently, Lord Dalgety has tendered his resignation to Electricity Commission Chair,  ‘Alifeleti ‘Atiola, citing his age and health conditions.
  • Fa’otusi was responding to questions from Kaniva News about Lord Dalgety’s roles with Privy Council and Election commission.
  • The Minister said if Lord Dalgety was resigning from the Electricity Commission  because of his age and health, then he should step down from his other positions as well.

5-year-old missing Tongan girl in South Auckland found safe

By
Kalino Latu
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A 5-year-old girl who was reported missing this evening Sunday 5 has been found safe, police said.

“The girl missing from Flatbush as now been found by relatives and is confirmed safe,” it said.

Earlier on Counties Manukau Police said they were concerned for the safety of the 5 year old girl who has been missing since 8:45pm tonight.

She was last seen in Eroni Clarke Close, Flatbush where she was watching fireworks.

The girl is of Tongan descent, aged 5 years and is wearing a Pink check top and black pants.

Tonga will not stop trying to bring American accused to justice says Attorney General

By
Philip Cass
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Tonga will not stop trying to bring an American accused of murdering his Canadian wife to justice, according to Acting Attorney General Aminiasi Kefu.

Kefu was commenting after Dean Jay Fletcher was freed after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson intervened to refuse Tonga’s request to extradite Fletcher for trial from Hawai’i.

As Kaniva News reported at the time, the Tongan government requested Fletcher’s extradition in December last year.

It is understood the US State Department explained its decision to free Fletcher by saying it was worried that Fletcher would have faced a death sentence or life in prison and that he would not have a free lawyer.

The Honolulu Star Advertiser reported that Tillerson’s decision overturned an earlier ruling by a judge in the Hawai’ian capital that Fletcher could be handed over to Tongan authorities.

Attorney General Kefu described the decision as disappointing.

“We have very strong circumstantial evidence,” he told the Associated Press.

“We believe he’s committed a crime here in Tonga, and we won’t stop until we’re able to bring him to justice.”

Tonga could seek Fletcher’s extradition if he travelled to other countries, Kefu said.

Fletcher was charged with murder in Tonga in the July 2016 death of his Canadian wife, Patricia Linne Kearney.

Evidence presented to court in Honolulu said three  diving operators saw Fletcher assaulting his wife on a dinghy in the Vava’u group.

Tongan officials told US prosecutors that Fletcher kicked and punched his wife as they reached a boat called the Sea Oak.

Fletcher was arrested and jailed and escaped in September 2016. He sailed to American Samoa where he was arrested and transferred to Hawai’i.

In February Radio New Zealand reported that the Sea Oak had illegally left Pago Pago. It said  Tonga’s Attorney General had asked the US Government to return the yacht.

A US legal authority described the US Secretary of State’s action in refusing extradition as unusual because the United States had an extradition treaty with Tonga.

The Honolulu Star Advertiser quoted Allen S. Weiner, director of Stanford University’s programme in International and Comparative Law, as saying it was usually other countries that did not want to extradite their citizens to the United States when the death penalty was possible.

Kefu told U.S. officials it was unlikely the death penalty would have been imposed and that nobody in Tonga received free legal representation.

The case against Fletcher was solid, he said.

The main points

  • Tonga will not stop trying to bring an American accused of murdering his Canadian wife to justice, according to Acting Attorney General Aminiasi Kefu.
  • Kefu was commenting after Dean Jay Fletcher was freed after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson intervened to refuse Tonga’s request to extradite Fletcher for trial from Hawai’i.
  • As Kaniva News reported at the time, the Tongan government requested Fletcher’s extradition in December last year.
  • The Honolulu Star Advertiser reported that Tillerson’s decision overturned an earlier ruling by a judge in the Hawai’ian capital that Fletcher could be handed over to Tongan authorities.

‘Overturned car’ decked out with Tongan flag spotted; More arrests following Tonga victory

By
Kalino Latu
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An overturned car spotted at Southern Motorway last night was decked out with Tongan flags.

The incident was reported after thousands of Tongan rowdy supporters returned to Auckland after their Mate Ma’a Tonga team beat rivals Toa Samoa in the Rugby League World Cup match at Waikato Stadium.

Kitekei’aho Tu’akalau, Chief Editor of Good Morning Tonga Radio programme, took a photo of the incident near Takanini.

He said ambulances and Police were at the scene when they drove pass.

Tu’akalau said vehicles which appeared to have been occupied by Tongan die hard fans who were returning from the match were in a rush-hour mode.

He said the exultant fans could be seen waving flags, yelling at others’ vehicles while some sat outside their car windows as they were driving down the 100 speed-limit motorway.

“That’s crazy and dangerous man,” he said.

The details of the accident have yet to be officially released.

Police said last night they were pleased with the behaviour of the vast majority of fans during the Rugby League World Cup match.

Waikato District RLWC Operations Commander Inspector Karen Henrikson said the boisterous and vocal crowd created a great atmosphere and there were few incidents of concern to Police.

“It was a really good crowd, with plenty of singing and plenty of colour.”

Arrests

Reports this morning said Police made 29 arrests in South Auckland last night after the match.

Lat night Police said they made four arrests during the match.

Three of these were for pitch invasions – one for a person who was arrested before they could get onto the playing surface and two who went onto the ground after the final whistle.

“Under the Major Events Management Act, going onto the playing surface at Rugby League World Cup matches is an offence punishable by a fine of up to $5000 or imprisonment for up to three months,” said Inspector Henrikson.

A fourth person was arrested for detoxification and 20 people were evicted from the venue by Police and/or security for intoxication or bringing in prohibited items.

Police were also called to an assault on a security guard outside the stadium.

The victim was taken to hospital by ambulance as a precaution, but not seriously injured.

Police are making inquiries to identify the attacker.

In South Auckland

NZ Herald reports this morning Sunday 5 said Police arrested 29 in South Auckland after the game.

“About 3000 Tonga supporters gathered on Atkinson Ave in South Auckland to celebrate the 32-18 win at the Hamilton game – with some failing to heed repeated calls from community leaders and police for good behaviour.

“A police spokeswoman said Counties Manukau police arrested 29 people in relation to the celebrations.

“Video footage taken at the scene shows police appearing to confiscate items including a massive length of wood and a long white pole.

Some shop signage was damaged but overall the night did not get too out of hand,” a Herald photographer said.

Tonga breaks Samoa’s winning streak with 32-18 league victory in Hamilton

By
Philip Cass
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The decision by top players to line up for Tonga rather than Australia or New Zealand paid off tonight when Mate Mea Tonga defeated Toa Samoa 32-18 in their Rugby League World Cup clash.

Before tonight Samoa had won three of the four matches it played against Tonga since 2008.

The Cup’s organisers forecast that Samoa might have an advantage because the combined weight of its forward pack – 665kg – was slightly heavier than their Tongan counterparts, who weighed in at a combined 654kg.

The match in Hamilton kicked off at 7.30pm and after 40 minutes, Tonga was ahead 14-6.

Michael Jennings scored  the first try for the kingdom in the ninth minute, with a conversion by Siosiua Taukei’aho.

Jazz Tevaga landed a try for Samoa seven minutes later, with a conversion by Timoteo Lafai.

Jennings and Taukei’aho repeated their combination of try and conversion in the 28th minute.

Peni Terepo scored for Tonga in the 51st minute, with a conversion by Ata Hingano.

Ben Murdoch-Masila scored for Tonga  seven minutes later, with Ata Hingano converting again.

Just over an hour into the match Samoa fought back, with a try by Ben Roberts and another conversion by Timoteo Lafai, but Tonga still led 26-12  in the 66th minute.

In a nail biting finish Lafai scored in the 72nd minute and then made a successful conversion.

But only moments later Manu Ma’u scored the final try for Tonga, with Taukeiaho converting for the kingdom again.

The day in Hamilton began with a Pasifika Parade in Tristram St and despite the rain, fans gathered at the Fan Fest in Mill St during the afternoon.

Many had travelled from Auckland for the match.

The rain had cleared by late afternoon and the wind had died down by the time the game started.

Extra police were drafted in to keep the peace in Hamilton today, with officers deployed from Auckland.

Police also cracked down on drinking, with police saying they were refusing entry to people who had drunk heavily before the game.

The run up to tonight’s game was marred by violence between  Samoan and Tongan supporters.

On Friday night Police arrested six league fans in South Auckland and three people were arrested for disorderly behaviour in Ōtara after 300 to 400 people gathered near the markets.

Another three people were arrested in Māngere Town Centre after 250 people gathered near the McDonald’s.

WRLC matches

In today’s other match in New Zealand, New Zealand destroyed Scotland 74-6 in the Christchurch stadium.

England was due to play Lebanon in Sydney tonight at 11pm New Zealand time.

Tomorrow’s games include PNG vs Ireland in Port Moresby, and Italy vs the United States and Fiji vs Wales, with matches in Townsville.

The main points

  • The decision by top players to line up for Tonga rather than Australia or New Zealand paid off tonight when Mate Mea Tonga defeated Toa Samoa 32-18 in their Rugby League World Cup clash.
  • Before tonight Samoa had won three of the four matches it played against Tonga since 2008.
  • The match in Hamilton kicked off at 7.30pm and after 40 minutes, Tonga was ahead 14-6.
  • Manu Ma’u scored the final try for Tonga in the 75th minute, with Taukeiaho converting.

For more information 

League dominates in Hamilton ahead of Tonga v Samoa match

Rugby League World Cup

Ulakai clashes with TBC boss in front of PM; Reporters Without Borders blasts restructure

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tonga Broadcasting Commission boss Dr Tu’i Uata clashed with his outgoing news manager Viola Ulakai in front of Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva.

Ulakai defiantly answered back Dr Uata and warned the Prime Minister to be aware that actions by people, who she regarded as Hon. Pōhiva’s advisors like Dr Uata, had tarnished his reputation as leader of the nation.

She said Dr Uata’s decision to restructure the TBC and move her out of the news room was wrong because she has a contract.

Ulakai interrupted Dr Uata while he was talking to the conference about TBC’s monthly financial loss of $46,000 in which he said that money belonged to taxpayers.

The clash was reported by Kakalu ‘o Tonga newspaper to have occurred during a press conference in Nuku’alofa with the Prime Minister and some of the government ministers about two weeks ago.

The Prime Minister corrected Ulakai and told her Dr Uata and people whom she had mentioned were not his advisors. His advisors were his ministers.

As Kaniva News reported earlier, Laumanu Petelō, the editor of TBC’s television and radio, and Ulakai, the news manager, have been moved into a new department under the Commission’s marketing and sales management.

The shake-up was made under the direction of Dr Uata who later said the move was made to save TBC from being closed down due to financial loss.

He said the TBC news was not popular and its unpopularity had caused sponsors to move to other stations.

Dr Uata and Ualakai have been contacted for comment.

Reporters Without Borders

Meanwhile, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has criticised the decision by Dr Uata to move Ulakai and Petelō out of the news room.

In a statement released by RSF yesterday (October 31,) the international organisation described the move as “an apparent government move to seize control of the state media two weeks before a general election.”

Reporters Without Borders, which promotes and defends freedom of information and freedom of the press, said it had joined all those in Tonga who were criticising the shake-up decision.

In its report, the RSF had hyperlinked a story written by Kaniva News editor and published by the Pacific Media Website as well as Kaniva Tonga News site under the heading ‘Journalists who had run-ins with PM out of newsroom in TBC restructure.’

It also hyperlinked another story from Kaniva News headlined ‘Viola Ulakai suspended from Radio and TV Tonga the day after PM questions her integrity. ‘

Another story RSF has embedded in its yesterday’s report, which was written and published by Kaniva was  ‘ “We are not your enemy,” senior TBC journalist tells Pohiva at press conference.’

RSF wrote: “The state media, [Hon. Pōhiva] noted, wanted to have the same freedom as all the other media in Tonga. “But,” he added, “they should understand there is a basic difference between a private media and government media. Their main role, to me, is to facilitate the work of the government.” 

The Kingdom of Tonga is ranked 49th out of 180 countries in RSF’s 2017 World Press Freedom Index, after falling 12 places in the space of a year.

The main points

  • Tonga Broadcasting Commission Boss Dr Tu’i Uata clashed with his outgoing news manager Viola Ulakai in front of Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva.
  • Ulakai defiantly answered back Dr Uata and warned the Prime Minister to be aware that actions by people, who she regarded as Hon. Pōhiva’s advisors like Dr Uata, had tarnished his reputation as leader of the nation.
  • She said Dr Uata’s decision to restructure the TBC and move her out of the news room was wrong because she has a contract.
  • The clash is reported to have occurred during a press conference in Nuku’alofa with the Prime Minister and some of the government ministers about two weeks ago.
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