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ʻAkilisi Pōhiva to run for Parliament again, king’s dissolution decision divides nation

By
Kalino Latu
-

ʻAkilisi Pōhiva has announced his plan to run for Parliament again in the November election, his son and personal assistant Poʻoi Pōhiva has confirmed to Kaniva News this morning.

The former Prime Minister was dismissed yesterday after His Majesty King Tupou VI had dissolved the Legislative Assembly.

As Kaniva News reported, His Majesty also announced a new election for all Members of Parliament to be held no later than November 16.

The dissolution of the Parliament came after the king was advised by His Privy Council and the Speaker of Parliament.

In an interview with ‘Akilisi three years ago the long-time democratic veteran campaigner said he would stand for election one last time in the 2014 general election.

The revelation of Pohiva’s plan could give his great number of supporters in the kingdom and abroad a sense of relief, after many of them were devastated by his dismissal.

Po’oi did not give further details about his father’s plan but most of ‘Akilisi’s supporters had called on him to stand again for Parliament since the declaration of his dismissal yesterday.

His supporters did not believe there were solid reasons for the king to dismiss the people’s first elected Prime Minister.

The Privy Council has yet to give any reasons why it made the surprising royal command.

ʻAkilisi’s supporters had questioned the Privy Council and the Speaker of the House over their advice to dissolve Parliament given they were only elected to their positions by the king and the only 33 members of the nobility.

‘Akilisi always maintained that members of the Privy Council who were tasked with giving advice to the king were mostly people who dislike him

“The King is behaving like Kim Jong Un (dictator) of North Korea should he decided to dismiss the people’s PM. Tonga is going to revert back to chaos and democracy is no more. I don’t support the King in this move. The King should respect the will of the people, not his advisers and inner-circle. Tonga doesn’t need another riot”, a supporter of ‘Akilisi wrote on Kaniva website.

Supporters of the king stood by His decision and wrote on Facebook things like:

“Long live your Majesty”.

“The king love Tonga more than anybody else”

“The king made the decision to save the country”.

Disappointment and fears of violence in wake of  king’s dismissal of PM Pohiva

By
Philip Cass
-

There was disappointment and fears of violence tonight in the aftermath of King Tupou IV’s dismissal of Tongan Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee said the possibility of civil unrest was a concern.

And a leading Tongan academic said tonight there was “a very real fear of violence” following the dismissal of Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva.

Dr Malakai Koloamatangi, Pasifika Director at Massey University, said Hon. Pohiva had a lot of support among the people of Tonga.

Dr Koloamatangi told TVNZ this evening that  while  the kingdom has been moving towards a more democratic government, King Tupou IV’s dismissal of the Prime Minister was”highly unusual.”

Radio New Zealand described the move as the downfall of Pohiva and noted that his government has been marred by controversy and allegations of incompetence.

As Kaniva News reported this afternoon, the dismissal followed an approach by the Speaker of Parliament to King Tupou VI and a decision made by the Privy Council.

According to the  government gazette, fresh elections have to be held by November 16.

Former parliamentarian Dr. Sitiveni Halapua said the people had high hopes for Hon. Pohiva’s government, but had not seen any real fruits from the democratic change.

“It’s a great disappointment all round,” Dr Halapua said.

Tongan publisher Kalafai Moala said the King’s decision was a setback for democracy, but told Agence France Presse the dismissal had support.

“Pohiva has a core of supporters and they’re out there on social media expressing disappointment,” he said.

“But I think most people are happy and felt like this had been coming for some time.”

Meanwhile, Hon. Brownlee said New Zealand SAS troops who were in the kingdom were confined to barracks.

He said it was a complete coincidence the troops were in the kingdom.

Brownlee told the New Zealand Herald the Government had had no indication the move was coming.

“We will be trying to work out over the next couple of days what it is going to mean for democracy in Tonga and what the implications will be for New Zealand,” he said.

The main points

  • There was disappointment and fears of violence tonight in the aftermath of King Tupou IV’s dismissal of Tongan Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva.
  • New Zealand Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee said the possibility of civil unrest was a concern.
  • And a leading Tongan academic said tonight there was “a very real fear of violence” following the dismissal of Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva.
  • Radio New Zealand described the move as the downfall of Pohiva and noted that his government has been marred by controversy and allegations of incompetence.

For more information

King officially dismisses Parliament, new election in November, Crown law website says

Tongan King dissolves parliament, calls fresh elections 

King of Tonga dismisses Prime Minister, as Kiwi SAS troops in country

Fears of violence in Tonga after King Tupou VI dismisses PM Akilisi Pohiva and dissolves Parliament

King officially dissolves Parliament, new election in November, Crown law website says

By
Kalino Latu
-

The king has officially dissolved Tongaʻs Parliament effective from yesterday August 24.

His Majesty also announced a new election for all Members of Parliament to be held no later than November 17.

Acting Attorney General ‘Aminiasi Kefu has confirmed the royal command.

It says King Tupou VI made the decision after he received an advice from the Lord Speaker.

The announcement was made on the Crown Laws website this afternoon August 25.

As Kaniva News reported earlier today, when we contacted the Prime Minister’s Office and some noble MPs for confirmation they said they were unaware of the dissolution decision.

The announcement:

WE,TUPOUVI,BYTHEGRACEOFGOD,OFTONGA,KING:

HAVING CONSIDERED Advice from the Lord Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and

HAVING REGARD to Clauses 38 and 77(2) of The Act of Constitution of Tonga (Cap. 2) DO lawfully dissolve the Legislative Assembly with effect from Thursday24 August2017 at 1700 hours and DO Command that new Representatives of the Nobles and People be elected to enter the Legislative Assembly at Elections to be held no later than 16 November 2017.

DONE by Us at Nuku’alofa, this TwentyFourthdayofAugustinthe Year of Our Lord Two Thousand and Seventeen and in this the Sixth Year of Our Reign.

Here is the link: ʻ

https://crownlaw.gov.to/cms/images/LEGISLATION/GAZETTES/2017/2017-0026/GazetteSupplementExtraordinaryNo.14of2017.pdf

Our earlier report on this topic:

The Members of Parliament were told this morning to return home as the House was closed down for the rest of this term.

The Prime Minister’s Office was unaware of any decision the King has dismissed the Prime Minister, a spokesperson from the Office told Kaniva News.

She said the Office was inquiring and would release a statement soon.

Reports on social media this afternoon cited Tangata Pasifika Correspondent John Pulu as saying the King has “dissolved” Parliament and “dismissed” Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva.

But Pulu told Kaniva News “ I am still waiting on official word from Tonga will keep you posted…”

Lord Tu’iakepa has confirmed they were told this morning to go home but when he was told it has been reported the King has dissolved the Legislative Assembly he said they have yet to receive any official statement about it.

“Ko e tala mai pe ia ke mau foki ki ‘api ‘e tapuni e Fale Alea ki he ta’u ni ko ia pe”, Tu’ilakepa said.

Translated: “We were told to go home the Parliament will be closed down for this year that’s it”.

Lord Tu’ilakepa was unaware of any decision to dismiss Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva.

A lady in Parliament said the Chief clerk and the Speaker were in a meeting.

When she was asked we wanted to talk to one of them she hung up the phone.

Tonga MPs told to go home as PM office is unaware of Prime Minister’s alleged dismissal

By
Kalino Latu
-

We have updated this story. Click here to read the update

https://kanivatonga.co.nz/2017/08/king-officially-dissolves-parliament-new-election-in-november-crown-law-website-says/

The Members of Parliament were told this morning to return home as the House was closed down for the rest of this term.

The Prime Minister’s Office was unaware of any decision the King has dismissed the Prime Minister, a spokesperson from the Office told Kaniva News.

She said the Office was inquiring and would release a statement soon.

Reports on social media this afternoon cited Tangata Pasifika Correspondent John Pulu as saying the King has “dissolved” Parliament and “dismissed” Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva.

But Pulu told Kaniva News “ I am still waiting on official word from Tonga will keep you posted…”

Lord Tu’iakepa has confirmed they were told this morning to go home but when he was told it has been reported the King has dissolved the Legislative Assembly he said they have yet to receive any official statement about it.

“Ko e tala mai pe ia ke mau foki ki ‘api ‘e tapuni e Fale Alea ki he ta’u ni ko ia pe”, Tu’ilakepa said.

Translated: “We were told to go home the Parliament will be closed down for this year that was it”.

Lord Tu’ilakepa was unaware of any decision to dismiss Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva.

A lady in Parliament said the Chief clerk and the Speaker were in a meeting.

When she was asked we wanted to talk to one of them she hung up the phone.

Arrest following Tongan man death in Auckland

By
Kalino Latu
-

Auckland City Police have made an arrest yesterday Thursday 24 following the death of Reginal Sharma in Haughey Avenue, Mt Roskill last weekend.

A 22-year-old man was arrested and will be appearing in Auckland District Court today charged with manslaughter.

“The inquiry team have worked tirelessly since the weekend to understand the circumstances of what happened in the incident.

The arrest today is an important step in the investigation and will hopefully bring some relief for the friends and family of the victim,” said Detective Inspector Aaron Pascoe.

As Kaniva News reported, the 25-year-old Tongan, Fijian-Indian man who grew up in New Zealand was one of a number of separate groups that met up at the Gemini Bar in Otahuhu and then travelled to 19 Haughey Avenue, sometime after 2.30am, to continue socialising, Pascoe said.

Police were called around 3am following reports of a loud party at the address.

Upon Police arrival, Sharma was located on the driveway in a critical condition, said Detective Inspector Pascoe.

Police and ambulance staff attempted to resuscitate him, however he died at the scene.

While an arrest has been made inquiries into the incident are ongoing, Pascoe said last nigjt,

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to call Auckland Police on 09 302 6557.

Tonga to introduce HIV and syphilis 15 minutes diagnosis kit

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A new smartphone app that tests blood samples for HIV and syphilis in just 15 minutes will be piloted in Tonga in September.

The software, developed by biomedical experts at Columbia University, analyses blood samples taken with a finger-prick dongle, Daily Mail reports.

The kit, which attaches to any smartphone or computer, replicates a lab test and can give a diagnosis in the field in just 15 minutes.

“The device is nearly 540 times cheaper than current lab testing machines, and has already been tested on patients in Rwanda during a pilot study”.

“Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist Dr. Ma’ake Tupou is currently facilitating a one-day training at the Tanoa Hotel aiming to train Medical Officers and Nurses on the new kit”, a Ministry of Health statement says.

Dr. Tupou said the kit will be useful in isolated places which have no laboratories, like the Niuas.

”There are four major Hospitals in Tonga, these hospitals have labs but with places like the Niuas who do not have one, this kit will be very useful.”

The test kit will be available for anyone who needs screening for HIV and Syphilis.

“Routine Health Test, like the Antenatal Clinic, Public Servant Health Test, Travel Health Test which normally includes HIV/Syphilis tests, starting next month the new kit will be used, instead of going to the lab and we invite anyone that need screening for HIV and Shyphis to come along,’’ Dr. Tupou said.

Four other Pacific countries which will take part in the pilot programme included Kiribati, Palau, Samoa and Vanuatu.

The project is funded under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through Multi-Country Western Pacific Programme to improve the public health response to sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Four Tongan public servants awarded Japan scholarship

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Four Tongan public servants have left for Japan this week to study on scholarships.

The students were:

  • Malia Hola – Principal Assistant Secretary, Prime Minister’s Office
  • Tracy Aisea – Fisheries Officer, Ministry of Fisheries
  • Tilisa Tohi – Food Auditor, Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Forestry
  • Saimone Manu – Assistant Research Scientist, Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Forestry

Their field of studies will cover areas about Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change; the Environment; Sustainable Development, Oceans, Maritime issues, and Fisheries; Trade, Investment, Tourism; and the Economic Policy, a statement says.

“During the official function for welcoming the Pacific LEADS Participants, His Excellency Mr. Numata congratulated all participants and expressed his gratitude for the continuous collaboration amongst others which indicated another excellent result of four young Tongans selected to participate in the P-LEADS 2nd batch”

The President of JICA Alumni Association Mr. Vaʻinga Palu thanked his Excellency Mr. Numata for the award.

He also urged the participants to study hard, behave themselves and become good ambassadors for Tonga while in Japan.

Baby found dead in bucket of water sparks negligence concern

By
Kalino Latu
-

The death of a 13-month-old baby girl in Maʻufanga on Monday 21 has sparked negligence concern.

Police alleged the cause of death was an apparent drowning after the baby’s body  was found in a bucket of water.

The baby died while she was rushed to hospital, local media report.

An investigation was underway while Police were awaiting medical report.

The incident took its toll on parents who called Radio Tonga Broadcom talkback show on Tuesday.

Some callers wanted to know what the law says about child neglect while others said they wanted to make sure Police would hold those responsible for the incident accountable.

The callers concern became heated after it has been revealed a five-year-old child went missing at the Fāʻonelua park on Monday 14.

It has been alleged the child was told to stay at the park while their parent left for an outlet.

No further details were available regarding that case and it was not immediately clear whether it was referred to Police or not.

Business Council dinner

By
Philip Cass
-

The New Zealand Tonga Business Council will host a Tonga National Day dinner on November 2.

The function will celebrate Tongan business excellence.

The event will be held at Alexandra Park, from 6pm.

The New Zealand Tonga Business Council (NZTBC) was established in 2010 with the aim of developing relations between New Zealand and Tonga.

A Business Council delegation visited Nuku’alofa in February.

Delegates were told renewable energy and energy storage, tourism and agriculture were potential targets for investors in the Kingdom of Tonga.

Business Council Chairman Sione Taufa said renewable energy and energy storage was a potential area for investment because of the government’s plan to generate half Tonga’s energy from renewable sources by 2020.

The  main points

  • The New Zealand Tonga Business Council will host a Tonga National Day dinner on November 2.
  • The event will be held at Alexandra Park, from 6pm.

Tongan missionaries believe change of plan saved them from fatal Taupo crash

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tongan missionaries who drove to Hastings in New Zealand believe a change of plan to refill their vehicle after their Sunday service saved them from a fatal crash near Taupo

Stewart James Niwa Vercoe, 43, of Hastings died in a crash on State Highway 5, Te Haroto, at about 4:20pm on Sunday, Police said.

Emergencies services, including a rescue helicopter, were called to the scene.

“Two other people were also taken to hospital in a critical condition. A further two people have moderate injuries”, Police said.

Nāmoe Sau Vea’ila, her husband Rev. Viliami Sēlupe Vea’ila, Hala’api’api Langoia, the Chief Church Steward of ‘Ōtahuhu Free Wesleyan Church and his wife Senita and the driver, who was also a church steward, travelled from South Auckland to Hastings to lead a prayer service there.

While in Hastings they agreed that Nāmoe and Senita would go to the petrol station and refill their vehicle before the services began, so they could leave for Auckland straight after the service.

However, Nāmoe changed the plan and said they could refill the vehicle on their way back.

On their return to Auckland they watched in horror as an oncoming vehicle was involved in a collision with another vehicle in front of them.

Nāmoe said the crash occurred “about six cars from us”.

She said they prayed and thanked God, believing they were the ones who might have been involved in the collision if they had gone ahead with their plan to refill their vehicle early.

Nāmoe said she was really shocked immediately after the crash.

They tried to call their families in Auckland to inform them that they were safe, but there was no network in the area.

She said they met some Tongan travellers near the scene while they were waiting for the road to be cleared.

Vercoe’s death brought the region’s road toll, from Wairoa to Tararua, up to 16; three more than the total number of fatalities for the region last year.

The main points

  • Tongan missionaries who drove to Hastings in New Zealand believe a change of plan to refill their vehicles after their Sunday service saved them from a fatal crash near Taupo
  • Stewart James Niwa Vercoe, 43, of Hastings died in a crash on State Highway 5, Te Haroto, at about 4:20pm on Sunday Police said.
  • Namoe Vea’ila said the crash occurred “about six cars from us.”
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