Home Blog Page 652

Superyacht sails from Tonga to compete in Bay of Islands regatta

By
Philip Cass
-

Superyacht Ammonite has sailed from Tonga to take part in this week’s New Zealand Millennium Cup.

Ammonite is a member of the Royal Nomuka Yacht Club in Tonga.

Racing gets underway in the Bay of Islands this morning, Wednesday 24.

Ammonite owner Marcus Blackmore said the yacht would compete with a crack crew.

“We are still learning about the yacht after only three regattas and we are keen to do well and really look forward to being in the Bay of Islands,” he said.

This is the 10th time the Cup has been run.

The Cup is raced under the auspices of Russell Boating Club, Matauwhi Bay.

The Club has been organizing a Tall Ships Regatta in January each year for 42 years.

The Royal Nomuka Yacht Club is seeking sponsors to help funds its project to re-introduce traditional sailing skills to Tonga.

Club founder Don McIntyre said he wanted to work with local youth, teaching them to swim and use dinghies and to form a Tongan Sailing Federation.

Plans also include building five 6.5 metre twin hulled traditional canoes and to hold a formal sailing school in using using vakas for 15-25 year olds.

The Kaniva Tonga Band has been invited to perform  during the regatta to help promote the Tongan Nomuka Royal Club.

The  main points

  • Superyacht Ammonite has sailed from Tonga to take part in is week’s New Zealand Millennium Cup.
  • Ammonite is a member of the Royal Namuka Yacht Club in Tonga.
  • The Royal Nomuka Yacht Club is seeking sponsors to help funds its project to re-introduce traditional sailing skills to Tonga.

For more information 

New Zealand Millennium Cup

Prime Minister cleared of prostate cancer, gov’t denies newspaper report

By
Philip Cass
-

Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva has been cleared of prostrate cancer.

A report from the Ministry of Health released to Kaniva News said a tissue sample removed from Hon. Pōhiva’s prostate was benign and showed no sign of cancer.

“Various reports in the media, stating that the Honourable Prime Minister is suffering from cancer, are untrue,” a government press release said.

“The Prime Minister and his family would like to thank all who have visited and offered prayers during this very difficult time.”

The release said Hon. Pohiva had been discharged from hospital over the weekend.

He had been in the Intensive Care Unit at Vaiola Hospital for observation and monitoring.

On Saturday his daughter Lautala posted a photograph online showing him and his wife Neomai and a friend spending time at a park in Popua.

His eldest son Siaosi said his father went to the Popua park after he arrived home.

As we reported yesterday, the Ministry of Health denied a report by Kakalu ‘o Tonga newspaper last week claiming Prime Minster ‘Akilisi Pōhiva has prostate cancer.

“The news is absolutely wrong and I do not know where they got their information from,” Dr. Sione Lātū from Vaiola hospital told Kaniva News last night.

Kakalu ‘o Tonga editor ‘Ulu’alofa Po’uhila told Kaniva News he had been subject to personal attacks on social media after he published the story last week.

Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva left last week’s swearing-in ceremony in Parliament early to return to hospital.

It is understood his doctor accompanied him to Parliament.

Hon. Pohiva missed the first sitting of Parliament because he was in intensive care.

The main points

  • Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva has been cleared of prostrate cancer.
  • A report from the Ministry of Health released to Kaniva News said a tissue sample removed from Hon. Pohiva’s prostate was benign and showed no sign of cancer.
  • “Various reports in the media, stating that the Honourable Prime Minister is suffering from cancer, are untrue,” a government press release said.
  • “The Prime Minister and his family would like to thank all who have visited and offered prayers during this very difficult time.”

For more information

MOH denies report PM has cancer as family threatens to sue Kakalu newspaper

MOH denies report PM has “prostate cancer” as family threatens to sue Kakalu newspaper

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Ministry of Health has denied a report by Kakalu ‘o Tonga newspaper claiming Prime Minster ‘Akilisi Pōhiva has prostate cancer.

“‘Oku kanisā ‘a e Palēmia” (The Prime Minister has cancer), was the front page headline in Kakalu ‘o Tonga on Thursday, January 18.

“The news is absolutely wrong and I do not know where they got their information from,” Dr. Sione Lātū from Vaiola hospital told Kaniva News last night.

Dr. Lātū, a physician specialist and the Vaiola hospital medical ward superintendent, looked after the Prime Minister when he was admitted to hospital on Friday, January 12.

No details about his illness have been released.

Dr. Lātū said the Prime Minster was discharged from hospital on Saturday morning and was in good health.

The paper reported in Tongan:

“Ka ‘oku ma’u ‘e he nusipepa ni ‘a e fakamatala falala’anga ‘aupito ‘oku kanisa e Palemia´ pea na’e ‘osi ‘ilo pe ia ‘i he taha ‘ene ngaahi folau fakafaito’o mai ki Nu’usila ni he teemi na’e toki ‘osi´. Ko e kalasi ‘eni e kanisaa ko e Prostate Cancer ‘aia ko e kanisa pe ia he fakatangata e kakai tangata´ (Hufanga he fakatapu´).

This translates into English as:

“But this newspaper has learned from a very reliable source the Prime Minister suffered from cancer and this was revealed during one of his medical visits to New Zealand during his previous parliamentary term. His cancer was prostate, a cancer which develops on men’s private parts.”

Kakalu ‘o Tonga editor ‘Ulu’alofa Po’uhila told Kaniva News the issue was “pelepelengesi” (sensitive).

He was responding after we asked him to tell us if he obtained any medical reports confirming the Prime Minister had prostate cancer.

He said he did not want to make further comment on the issue.

Threats

Po’uhila said he had received a letter from one of Hon Pōhiva’s children denying the news and threatening to sue him and his paper.

He said he would publish the letter in his next issue.

Hon. Pōhiva’s eldest son, Siaosi Pōhiva, has also denied the paper’s report.

He said he was aware the Prime Minister’s office has considered filing legal action against Kakalu.

Siaosi said this was not the first time Kakalu had printed such allegations about  his father.

He said the problem was that the Prime Minister always preferred not to take legal actions against any defamatory publication against him.

Attacks

Po’uhila said he was a subject of personal attacks on social media after he published the story last week.

The editor said he sent his story to the Minister of Health, Hon. Saia Piukala, before it was published.

He said he also sought legal opinions from a legal counsel.

Hon Piukala said he told Kakalu ‘o Tonga the Prime Minister was recovering well, but the paper was insistent claiming Hon Pōhiva was in a serious condition because he was at the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The Minister said patients who were admitted to Vaiola’s ICU were not all in serious conditions.

Internal Affairs 100-day plan looks good for communities as Ministry fights to improve reputation

By
Kalino Latu
-

Every town in Tonga is expected to hold its own community reunions, have sister cities and town and district officers must for the first time work according to a government handbook.

Minister of Internal Affairs ‘Akosita Lavulavu told Kaniva News her Ministry would help town reunions because the strong participation of members who lived overseas would help generate sources of income for their community development.

Annual sporting tournaments including football and netball were planned for each town and island.

Revealing details of the Ministry’s 100-day plan, Hon. Lavulavu said it included an effort to improve its reputation after it was the subject of the second highest number of public complaints to the Ombudsman.

Those complaints were lodged because the public were dissatisfied with the Ministry’s services, the Minister said.

Hon. Lavulavu, the only female Minister in Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva’s cabinet, said she undertook to hire and employ experts in areas where there were shortfalls in the Ministry in the past five years.

She said these shortfalls led to the Ministry’s failure to create an approved corporate plan, annual report, regulate laws, acts and policies that were necessary for it to function well.

Hon. Lavulavu said she expected laws regarding fono (community meeting) to make sure they could be fixed to suit current circumstances.

She said she planned to also create the Ministry of Internal Affairs Act,  Community Sports and Recreational  Acts, Social Welfare Services Act, Employment Empowerment and Creation Act and Local Government Act.

The Ministry of Sports is also under her control and the 100-day plan included trialling of high school athletes at the end of February.

She expected to visit all districts and meet with the Ministry’s partnerships and stakeholders in Tonga and overseas.

She said she would look for sister cities for Tongan towns in overseas countries including New Zealand, Australia and Korea.

Nuku’alofa is twinned with Whitby in the United Kingdom and Hazleton in the United States.

For more information:

Haʻapai and Dongguan become sister cities

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.

1...651652653...968Page 652 of 968