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Chief clerk denies allegations of payment as treasury investigates

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Tongan Parliament’s Chief Clerk has dismissed allegations that her husband’s construction company did not do maintenance works it had been paid to do by Parliament.

The Treasury said it was investigating the allegations after Kaniva News asked the Minister of Finance if he could confirm money was paid for the work.

Finance Minister Hon. Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa asked his CEO and another senior officer to look at the allegations and report to him.

He said in e-mails seen  by Kaniva News that  a report about what actually had happened would help the Treasury in the way how it dealt with such circumstances and in the future.

Chief Clerk Gloria Pōle‘o did not respond to request for a comment from Kaniva News.

However, she said in a statement published on the Parliament’s website last week that she was not involved in the alleged illegal activities in the office of the Legislative Assembly.

Pōle’o said there were allegations of passport dealings, money laundering and others against Parliament which led to a search warrant being issued in 2015.

Because she valued justice and the rule of law she allowed authorities to search Parliament, she said.

Pōle’o did not say anything about the outcome of the search.

She also did not reject claims that she had a conflict of interests with the Speaker of the House after claims were made that a restaurant owned by the Speaker and operated by her mother and sister was regularly used for parliamentary functions.

The allegations were raised in a resignation letter by former parliamentary legal advisor, Seinimili Tu’ionetoa Fonua, who is now working as a legal advisor for the Ministry of Public Enterprises.

Fonua claimed Parliament paid money for the construction but it did not do the work for several years.

She said it was recently realised some minor works were implemented in the House by the construction company which she believed were made to cover work the company was paid for but did not do.

Fonua has questioned the conditions of the work done.

As Kaniva News reported last week, Fonua, 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.

The Speaker has denied Fonua’s claims.

The main points

  • The Tongan Parliament’s Chief Clerk has dismissed allegation that her husband’s construction company did not do maintenance work it had been paid to do by Parliament.
  • The Treasury said it was investigating the allegations after Kaniva News asked the Minister of Finance if he could confirm money was paid for the work.
  • Finance Minister Hon. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa asked his CEO and another senior officer to look at the allegation and report to him.
  • Chief Clerk Gloria Pole‘o said last week that she was not involved in the alleged illegal activities in the office of the Legislative Assembly.

Voters should vote in MPs who could be elected Ministers, says candidate Bloomfield

By
Kalino Latu
-

Vava’u 15 voters must make sure they elected a candidate to Parliament who could be elected as a minister, independent candidate Kulufeinga ‘Anisi Bloomfield said today.

He believed the results of this Thursday’s election could follow the pattern of 2014 general election results in which the people’s elected MPs were a mixture of independent and democratic candidates.

The elected government of ‘Akilisi Pohiva was made up of some independent, democratic MPs and one member of the nobility.

Voters should elect MPs who could bring the three party leaders to power through the exercise of their political influence, Bloomfield said.

Tonga has three unofficial parties in the last two general elections. They were the democratic party, the independents and a party led by nine noble MPs.

Bloomfield, who is Vava’u 15 candidate number 1, said that from past experience, only electorates whose MPs were elected Ministers gained benefits for their constituents through various government development projects.

Since the government of ‘Akilisi Pōhiva was elected in 2014, Vava’u 14 had received significant amounts of development aid projects.

Vava’u 15 and Vava’u 16 did not receive such benefits, Bloomfield said.

“Vava’u 14 received those benefits because their MP, Dr Siosaia Piukala, was Minister of Health,” Bloomfield said.

“If Vava’u 15 and Vava’u 16 MPs were in cabinet they would get the same advantages.”

Bloomfield said Vava’u 14 constituents received two vehicles for Ta’anea and Tefisi health centres, the first time the centres had received vehicles since its establishment.

They also had solar panels installed through a project facilitated by government.

Growers in Vava’u 14 received tractors through a project which came through cabinet.

“I do not say the government only helped Vava’u 14 and ignored the other two constituencies,” Bloomfield said.

“No. My point is the Minister facilitated the aid for his electorate because he was there in government and had the power to facilitate those development projects to happen.”

Negotiation

Bloomfield said a Vava’u MP who wanted to become a Minister must be able to negotiate with all parties after this week’s snap election.

Bloomfield believed some potential MPs from Vava’u especially Vava’u 15 could not be able to cross the floor of the House from the nobility to join other independents or the Democrats.

Vava’u voters should not elect those candidates because they could put an adverse effect on the constituents during the next four parliamentary terms, the former government CEO said.

He said he had been asked whether he could work together with Pohiva’s party if he could be elected.

Bloomfield said the most important thing for him was to make sure the Vava’u 15 MP must have a ministerial post.

Vava’u 15 MP Samiu Vaipulu was a fierce rival of Prime Minister Pohiva.

He was defeated by Pohiva in the contest for premiership in 2014.

Political stance

Bloomfield said he had supported Pōhiva and his Democratic Party in the 2014 elections.

However, in this election he told the Party he would run as an independent candidate.

“That’s after I got feedback from my constituents. They wanted me to become an independent candidate,” he said.

As part of his election campaigns at the Makave electorate last weekend, Bloomfield told constituents in a kava session the Pohiva government was formed with the help of five independent candidates.

Those candidates were all given ministerial posts.

Elections crucial, Commonwealth head says as observer team readies for Thursday’s poll

By
Philip Cass
-

Thursday’s election is crucial for the people of Tonga, according to Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland.

Baroness Scotland said the elections would strengthen the democratic process in Tonga.

A Commonwealth Observer Group is in Tonga to monitor this Thursday’s election.

The team was invited to observe the elections by the Tongan government.

The group is being led by former New Zealand Attorney General Margaret Wilson.

Other members of the commonwealth team include Nauru’s Electoral Commissioner Joseph Cain, Fiji’s Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem and a human rights lawyer from Swaziland, Lomcebo Dlamini.

It will remain in country until November 20.

Observers from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and the US Embassy in Suva will also be watching the election.

Meanwhile, the kingdom’s supervisor of elections, Pita Vuki has told Radio New Zealand he hoped the election results would be announced on Thursday night.

Polling booths will open at 9am and close at 4pm.

Polling officials from  ‘Eua, Tongatapu, Vava’u, Ha’apai and the Niua have been trained on what to do on election day and election matertials have been sent to the outer islands.

Vuki said the final electoral roll containing about 59,000 names, had been printed.

At the last election voter turnout was 79 percent.

Thursday’s elections were called after King Tupou VI dissolved Parliament in August.

The main points

  • Thursday’s election is crucial for the people of Tonga, according to Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland.
  • A Commonwealth Observer Group is in Tonga to monitor this Thursday’s election.
  • Observers from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and the US Embassy in Suva will also be watching the election.
  • Voting begins at 9am on Thursday.

For more information

Commonwealth to observe general elections in Tonga

Tonga ready for next week’s vote – Election Supervisor

Blizzard of tries in second half secures victory over New Zealand for Tonga

By
Philip Cass
-

Tonga took another step towards seizing the Rugby League World Cup in Hamilton this afternoon by defeating New Zealand 28-22.

It was the first time Mate Mea Tonga had beaten New Zealand, a loss the Waikato Times called “embarrassing.”

In a closely contested game marked by a flurry of penalties, New Zealand was leading 16-2 at half time.

Tonga did not score until the second half, but then unleashed a blizzard of tries that secured victory.

Dallin Zalezniak scored the first try of the match for New Zealand in the 19th minute.

Jordan Rapana followed with a try in the 27th minute.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck followed over the line 11 minutes later.

However, Tonga came back with a vengeance, with David Fusitua scoring two tries in the 47th and 58th minute.

Four minutes later, Tuimoala Lolohea scored for Tonga again, followed two minutes later by Will Hopoate.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck scored for New Zealand in the 71st minute, but David Fusitua scored his third try – and the last of the game – in the 76th minute to cement Tonga’s victory.

Tonga had already qualified for the quarter finals before today’s game, with wins over Scotland and Samoa.

Mate Ma’a Tonga beat Samoa 32-18 in Hamilton last Saturday.

Kaniva News editor Kalino Latu, who is in Tonga to cover the national elections, reports scenes of jubilation in Vava’u, with huge celebrations in Neiafu.

“People are going crazy after the match,” he reported.

“Neighbours are yelling at each other to show their jubilation.”

He said cars were blowing their horns in Kameli.

Kameli resident Naulima Bloomfield, 92, who listened to the match on the radio, said she was happy with Tonga’s victory.

Other matches scheduled for today include Samoa vs Scotland in Cairns at 4.10pm Queensland time, and Australia vs the United States in Sydney at 8pm local time.

The main points

• Tonga took another step towards seizing the Rugby League World Cup in Hamilton this afternoon by defeating New Zealand 28-22.

• It was the first time Mate Mea Tonga had beaten New Zealand, a loss the Waikato Times called “embarrassing.”

• In a closely contested game marked by a flurry of penalties, New Zealand was leading 16-2 at half time.

• Tonga did not score until the second half, but then unleashed a blizzard of tries that secured victory.

For more information

Kiwis fall to Tonga in embarrassing World Cup loss
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/98791932/kiwis-fall-to-tonga-in-embarrassing-world-cup-loss

Rugby League World Cup
http://www.rlwc2017.com

New bilingual book educates artists and traditional upholders of Tongan culture

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A new bilingual book on Tongan education, theology and performing arts has been launched in New Zealand.

Titled “A Parent’s Dream: A Son Inspired,” the book is a collection of the works of Tongan artist, educator and theologian, Rev Dr Tevita Tonga Mohenoa Puloka.

First launched in Tonga last July by Her Majesty Queen Nanasipau’u Tuku’aho, the author spoke about his work at the Auckland launch at the Mangere Arts Centre on November 4, where he also autographed launch day copies.

Queen Nanasipau’u praised the book as a priceless resource for the education of all Tongan children, ministers, artists, nation-builders and traditional upholders of Tongan culture and society.

Fellow Tongan theologian Archbishop Winston Halapua commended Dr Puloka’s artistic and linguistic skills.

“He enables the reader also to join a joyful dance to the glory of God. The content of this valuable collection speaks to our changing and challenging contexts today. The collection is a precious gift for future generations. Puloka’s passion and love of God is mānava (breath) encountered through his courageous and creative writings,” Bishop Halapua said.

Book editors Sione Tu’itahi and Viliami Puloka regard the book as a rich repository of Tongan Indigenous knowledge for Tongan and non-Tongan scholars and researchers.

Awards recognise business leaders who make a difference to Tongan-New Zealand trade

By
Philip Cass
-

Tongan business people were recognised at the first Tonga Business Excellence Dinner on November 2 with awards in six categories.

Women in Business awards went to  Emeline Afeaki-Mafileo (Affirming Works, Fofola Consultancy, Tupu’anga Coffee); Eithne Curran (Eithne Curran); Kimberley Ramsay-Reid and Jennifer Boggiss (Heilala Vanilla).

The Business Executive awards went to Jack Bourke (Digicel International); Rachel Skudder (BEST Training); Debbie Sorrenson (Pacific Futures) and Saia Latu (Trow Group).

The Exporter from Tonga awards went to Heilala Vanilla (Jennifer Boggiss); Nishi Trading (Minoru Nishi); Tinopai (Pousima Afeaki); Tupu’anga Coffee (Albert Mafileo).

The award for New Zealand  Mainstream Business selling  into Tonga went to Alrite Steel and Service Ltd (Bhaskar Sharma); Pacific Direct Line (Alan Foote); Fonterra (Eun Hee Park) and Scenic Hotel (Leigh Lewis).

The Businessmen Entrepreneurs’s award went to Butch Riechelmann (BR and Associates Ltd); Vaine Niuhulu (Coin Total Upgrade); Maka Pailate and Matt Bourke (Th1nk Project Ltd).

The Social Enterprise award went to the Langimalie Clinic (Dr Glen Doherty); Affirming Works (Emeline Afeaki—Mafileo) and Dr Simione Lolohea (Surgeons on Clarence).

Special Recognition awards were made to Lopi Faleafa (Faleafa Investments Consultancy Ltd) for best Business Entrepreneur Navigator and Leopino Foliaki (PWC) as a Business Leadership Navigator.

Guest speakers at the function included New Zealand’s first Tongan-born member of Cabinet, Jenny Salesa, who is Minister of Building and Construction and Ethnic Communities.

She was joined by Minister of Pacific Peoples Aupito Sua William Sio.

New Zealand Tonga Business Council (NZTBC) Vice Chairperson Rachel Afeaki-Taumoepeau said it was important to identify and celebrate business excellence and the impact these recipients had on trade relations between the two countries.

The main points

  • Tongan business people were recognised at the first Tonga Business Excellence Dinner on November 2 with awards in six categories.
  • The awards recognised people who had had an impact on trade between Tonga and New Zealand.
  • Guest speakers at the function included New Zealand’s first Tongan-born member of Cabinet, Jenny Salesa, who is Minister of Building and Construction and Ethnic Communities.
  • She was joined by Minister of Pacific Peoples Aupito Sua William Sio.

For more information 

Tongan teen killed in shooting in California, younger brother injured

By
Kaniva Staff
-

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
-

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
-

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
-

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

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