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Business Council mulls impact of decision to abandon 2019 Games on investors

By
Philip Cass
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Chairman of the New Zealand Tonga Business Council, Sione Taufa, said today it was too early to assess the impact of the government’s decision to abandon the 2019 Games on its members.

“Some of our members will be disappointed, but others will be relieved that government has now made its position clear,” Taufa told Kaniva News this afternoon.

A Business Council delegation visited Nuku’alofa in February.

At the time they believed the upgrading of facilities for the Games offered potential opportunities for investors.

Various development agencies in Tonga told the delegates the kingdom was expected to experience three to four percent economic growth due to the economic activity generated by the games.

This included infrastructure, tourism, hospitality and food and beverages.

Some Council members had gone back to Tonga to firm up business relationships  in the kingdom.

“Information from the past few weeks has been confusing, to say the least” Mr Taufa said.

“I think the news this week gives a much clearer picture of the Government’s direction on this.

“We will continue to monitor this closely as more information come to light.”

Investment

At its recent annual general meeting, Business Council delegates were told renewable energy and energy storage, tourism and agriculture were potential targets for investors in the Kingdom of Tonga.

Taufa told the meeting 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 current renewable energy sources are around 12 percent, so there is a lot of potential for such ambitious targets,” he said.

The main points

  • Chairman of the New Zealand Tonga Business Council, Sione Taufa, said today it was too early to assess the impact of the government’s decision to abandon the 2019 Games on its members.
  • Some Council members would be disappointed, Taufa said.
  • A Business Council delegation visited Nuku’alofa in February.
  • At the time they believed the upgrading of facilities for the Games offered potential opportunities for investors.

For more information

Forward Focus in Tonga (Pacific Co-operation Foundation)

Memorial service for Sione Fifita today

By
Philip Cass
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The Tongan government will host a memorial service today for Sione Vakameilalo Fifita who died in Queensland.

Fifita, from Kolovai,  was working in the Australian state on the seasonal workers’ programme.

He died in the Royal Brisbane Hospital after falling into a coma.

His body is expected to be flown back to Tonga today. It is being accompanied  by his father Luisi.

It is understood his airfare was paid for by his son’s employer.

A family service was held in Brisbane on Tuesday.

It was conducted by Reverend Sione Maile Molitika.

Family spokesman Kennedy Maeakafa Fakana’ana’a-ki-Fualu said  he would call a meeting after the burial service to avoid “irreversible legal actions.”

For more information

Tongan SWP worker left in coma dies in Australia

Supreme Court ordered Tonga Investment to be re-registered

By
Philip Cass
-

The Supreme Court has ordered that Tonga Investments Ltd be restored to the company register.

The restoration was sought by Sione Moehau and Epic International Ltd so they can pursue legal action against the company.

They argued that unless TIL was restored its legal obligations could not be  assessed or enforced.

The motion was opposed by the Registrar of Companies and the Crown.

In his report on the hearing, Lord Chief Justice Paulsen said TIL was a registered company and wholly owned by the Government  of Tonga.

In 2007 TIL began disposing of its assets, including leases of land. It put the leases up for public tender and in June 2007 Mr. Moehau successfully bid for three leases. He nominated Epic to complete the purchase.

In October that year TIL and Epic entered into a written agreement for the transfer of the lease for TP$725,000. Epic paid a 10 percent deposit of TP$72,500.  A further  30 per  cent of the transfer price amounting to TP$217,500 was paid on August 24, 2007.

The balance of TP$435,000 was payable within 14 days of Epic being advised in writing that the lease transfer documentation had been completed by the Lands Department and that the transaction has been approved by Cabinet.

On November 30, 2007, TIL told Epic the documentation in respect of all three leases was complete and called  for settlement in terms of the agreement.  However, on December  6, December 2007 TIL wrote to Epic and Mr. Moehau, stating the Ministry of Lands and Survey was still processing the transfer of the leases.

For reasons that are not clear Cabinet did not approve the transfer of the lease until February 8, February 2013.

On February 18, 2013 TIL gave Mr. Moehau notice that the lease transfer documentation had been completed and that Cabinet approval had been obtained for the transfer of  the lease. Epic was given 14 days to pay the balance of the transfer price or Epic would forfeit its deposit.

On February 25, 201,3 TIL again wrote to Mr. Moehau, reminding him that Epic had seven days to  pay  the  balance  of TP$435,000  on the transfer  of the lease and  again stating that failure to pay would result in Epic forfeiting its deposit.

The following month Mr. Moehau  wrote  to  TIL  explaining  that after TIL’s lengthy delay a decision had been made to utilise its funds on other projects.  He  proposed  that  the  parties  enter into an instalment  plan to pay the  outstanding   balance.

This was put to TIL’s board on April 11, 2013, but the board refused the request and approved the forfeiture of the deposits and decided to re-tender the lease. It is not clear whether the board’s decisions were  communicated  to  Epic  or Mr. Moehau.

TIL  did  not, in fact,  re-tender  the  lease and transferred it to TAMA, another company  owned  by the  Government  of  Tonga.  Cabinet  approved  the  transfer on 1 July 2013.

On June 28, 2013, the Registrar was told that TIL had ceased trading and  requesting that it be removed from the register. The letter contained nothing to  substantiate the assertion that TIL had ceased trading. There was no public notice of the decision to deregister TIL.

In June 2015 that the Minister of Public Enterprises, purporting to act on behalf of TIL, signed an assignment of the lease to TAMA.

Lord Chief Justice Paulsen said that if it was found that TIL had wrongfully purported to terminate (or in fact failed to do so) Mr. Moehau and Epic may seek to enforce performance of the agreement or damages.

He said the plaintiffs had paid 40 per cent of the total purchase price, amounting to TP$290,000 which TIL claimed was forfeited.

“It is arguable this was an unlawful penalty and that the plaintiffs may recover all or some portion of the amounts they have paid on that basis,” the judge said.

Lord Chief Justice Paulsen said he was satisfied the plaintiffs had an undischarged claim against TIL which was sufficient grounds to restore the company to the Registry.

The main points

  • The Supreme Court has ordered that Tonga Investments Ltd be restored to the company register.
  • The restoration was sought by Sione Moehau and Epic International Ltd so they can pursue legal action against the company.
  • The motion was opposed by the Registrar of Companies and the Crown.
  • Lord Chief Justice Paulsen said he was satisfied the plaintiffs had an undischarged claim against TIL which was sufficient grounds to restore the company to the Registry.

House engulfed in flames when firefighters arrive in Havelu Loto

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Tongan Fire crew battled a house fire in Havelu Loto yesterday afternoon, Thursday 18.

The house was already engulfed in flames when the crew arrived at 12.01pm, a fire spokesperson said.

He said a “strategy” and “tactic” process was immediately carried out to protect a neighbouring house at the side.

It is understood no one was injured as a result of the blaze.

“It is true fire crew from the Nukuʻalofa Fire Service attended a fire on 18.05.2017 at 1201hrs”, the spokesperson wrote in Tongan.

Tongan man in US jailed for 50 years over wife’s killing

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Tongan Hauati (Howard) Fa’anunu has been sentenced to 50 years to life in prison for fatally shooting his wife Mary Fa’anunu in a family home in the United States last year.

Fa’anunu was sentenced on Wednesday and he will also spend 36 months in prison for a misdemeanor child endangerment.

That includes six months for every child present in the home at the time their mother was killed.

“By committing such a cruel and violent act, he has broken the hearts and lives of hundreds of people including his own children,” said Sara Wright, Mary’s sister, according to San Diego 7 news.

Mary Fa’anunu was 34 when she died in the family’s home on Melrose Lane in unincorporated El Cajon.

She was blindsided in her El Cajon home and shot by the husband she tried to leave after enduring years of mistreatment.

“For 14 years I worried about her — I was scared for her and her children since the day she said I do,” said Heidi Koffman, a friend of the victim.

At the sentencing hearing Wednesday, Mary Fa’anunu’s sister, Heidi Wright, said the shooting has torn her family apart.

It was 12:35 a.m. when the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Lakeside Substation received a call from Fa’anunu who claimed he had shot his wife.

Deputies found Mary alone inside the house.

“A wise man once said regarding fatherhood, the best thing a man can do for his children is to love their mother,” said Elisabeth Newbold, the mother of the victim. “We can deduce from this, the worst thing a man can to for his children, is to murder their mother.”

Prosecutors said Fa’anunu will not be eligible for parole for 40 years.

Tongan believed to be among three died in Hawaiʻi crash

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Three men have died and a woman was in critical condition in a two-car crash in Hawai’i today Wednesday 17 (US Time Zone).

Reports said the fatal accident happened on Queen Kaahumanu Highway, north of Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport.

Kaniva News has seen tributes and condolences by Tongans on Facebook which posted along with news of the accident. One post said: “R.I.P Hailame Lavaka so sad”.

We are awaiting confirmation.

The crash occurred at 6:26 a.m. at mile marker 92 when a Toyota 4Runner occupied by two men traveling north collided with a Nissan Titan, occupied by a man and woman traveling south, according to Hawaii police.

Both vehicles subsequently burst into flames, Hawai’i media reported.

“Queen Kaahumanu Highway was closed between Waikoloa Road and Kaiminani Drive until shortly before noon causing track backups and delays of more than an hour.

“The Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation. Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to call Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua at 326-4646 ext. 229”.

Facebook: Police warn of fraudulent online sales

By
Kaniva Staff
-

New Zealand Police in Christchurch are reminding members of the public that if a Facebook deal sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t worth the risk.

Police is currently investigating a case involving a man who has potentially scammed at least 11 people by selling goods on social media pages.

Area Prevention Manager Senior Sergeant Paul Reeves says the man has allegedly been offering items, such as bikes, for sale throughout Canterbury.

“He is accepting payment and then not delivering the goods,” he says.

“Too many people have lost hundreds of dollars by handing over money to individuals behaving in this way.”

Mr Reeves says anyone who has been a victim of fraud should contact Police.

“Keeping us informed helps us build our intelligence on this form of criminal activity which is very useful during our investigations.”

Police will investigate any reports of fraud but it is particularly difficult to trace false social media accounts.

“Often, those selling these goods are using false accounts, appearing as honest and legitimate people,” says Mr Reeves.

“Prevention is our number one priority.

If we can prevent people ever handing over money to these offenders, there will be less incentive for them to continue.

“Buy goods in person or through reputable sites, where you can verify that you are going to get what you are paying for.”

The investigation into this case is ongoing.

Anyone with any information which may assist Police with their ongoing enquiries into fraudulent online sales is asked to contact Christchurch Police on 03 363 7400.

Alternatively, information may be shared anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Further advice on keeping yourself safe online can be found at consumerprotection.govt.nz/get-guidance

Contract to host Games was between government and Pacific Games council not TASANOC

By
Kalino Latu
-

Deputy Director of the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Sports Division ‘Onetoto ‘Anisi said the contract for Tonga to host the Games was signed between the Tongan government and the Pacific Games council not TASANOC.

The CEO of the 2019 Pacific Games Organising Committee Lord Sevele earlier said it was his TASANOC committee only that has the prerogative to cancel hosting the Games.

The Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pohiva told Kaniva News on Monday Tonga will not host 2019 Pacific Games.

His Office has officially announced and confirmed it this afternoon in Nukuʻalofa.

Hon. Pohiva said he decided to pull out from hosting the Games because Tonga could not afford maintaining the sporting facilities after the Games.

Meanwhile the President of the Pacific Games Council, Vidya Lakhan reportedly said his council “will look to refute Prime Minister Akilisi Pohiva’s claims that Tonga can’t afford to stage the event”.

He said Tonga’s bid was thoroughly scrutinised before hosting rights were awarded, and he’s disappointed by Mr Pohiva’s behaviour

The government of Papua New Guinea said it has pulled the plug on supporting Tonga in its preparation for the Games.

PNG Sports and APEC minister, Justin Tkatchenko said: “Our commitment and assessment that we did for Tonga to host the 2019 is now basically stalled and will remain that way.

“We did not pay anything but we did offer assistance through our own personal staff to go to Tonga to train their staff in that regard”.

The Prime Minister is currently out of the country in a meeting in Bangkok.

Editor’s note: We said earlier the Tongan government has the right to make a decision to withdraw from hosting the Pacific Games 2019 quoting the Deputy Director of the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Sports Division Onetoto ‘Anisi as saying. We have updated the story to reflect a correction to what ‘Onetoto has said. 

Decision to abandon Games was “bizarre” says Lord Vaea

By
Philip Cass
-

Lord Vaea has described the Tongan government’s decision to cancel the 2019 Pacific Games as “bizarre.”

Lord Vaea was instrumental in bringing the Games to Tonga when he was the Minister of Internal Affairs and Sports.

He was part of the bid team led by Prince Ata to Wallis and Futuna in 2012.

“The cabinet does not have power to stop it,” Lord Vaea told Kaniva News today.

“I believe it is important for Tonga to still host the Games.

“The various reasons given for the withdrawal were very unusual.

“Why did they stop it and at the same time still build the stadium?”

The government has defended its decision, saying attempts to raise the money necessary to fund preparations for the Games had been an enormous challenge.

A government statement said it was concerned that hosting the Games would jeopardize the Tongan economy and derail Tonga’s macroeconomic stability and its ability to deliver its national priorities.

While the Government would not host the Games, it remained committed to strengthening the kingdom’s sporting infrastructure and development.

The statement said Tonga would continue to work with donor partners and the people of Tonga to contribute to the success of the 2019 Pacific Games.

Prime Minister ‘Akilisa Pohiva told Radio New Zealand the decision to not host the 2019 Games was a blow that could not be averted.

“It may look embarrassing but as far as Tonga is concerned, the economic and financial situation of the country at the moment, there is no other option but to cancel the sports,” Hon. Pohiva said.

“We are being forced by circumstance, by financial and economic circumstance of the day, to do the right thing and the right thing is to cancel.”

The main points

  • Lord Vaea has described the Tongan government’s decision to cancel the 2019 Pacific Games as “bizarre.”
  • Lord Vaea was instrumental in bringing the Games to Tonga when he was the Minister of Internal Affairs and Sports.
  • He said it was important for Tonga to still host the Games.
  • He described the reasons given for withdrawing from the Games as very unusual.

For more information

Tonga games withdrawal ’embarrassing, but necessary’

Levies imposed to build Games will be stopped; money collected will be diverted to sport trainings, PM says

Suspect in double-stabbing in US arrested

By
Kaniva Staff
-

ST. GEORGE, Utah (ABC4 Utah) -A Police chase Monday in St. George led to the arrest of a man police called armed and dangerous—a suspect in a double-stabbing.

The arrest happened near Fossil Ridge Intermediate School and police contacted the school to keep the students safe.

“The minute the suspect was seen leaving the area, and the pursuit began, we did notify Fossil Ridge Intermediate School and they were put on a lockout for the safety of the students,” said Captain Mike Giles with St. George City Police Department.

Twenty-six-year-old Sione Vaitai was taken into custody after St. George Police stopped his truck with a PIT Maneuver Monday morning.

“PIT maneuver was employed on two separate occasions, once by the Utah Highway Patrol and once by an officer from our agency. His vehicle was disabled, and he did comply with officers and was taken into custody,” said Giles.

Police say Vaitai was arguing with family Friday night in Sandy when the stabbing happened.

“During that incident he apparently grabbed some type of large knife and attacked his father and juvenile sister,” said Sgt. Jason Nielsen with the Sandy Police Department.

Both his sister and father were taken to the hospital in critical condition. Sandy Police say Vaitai took off. Then, they got the tip they needed.

“We received a tip early [Monday], or [Sunday night], that Sione Vaitai was in the St. George area,” said Nielsen.

Sandy Police let St. George Police know.

“Been communicating with Sandy City to try to determine what course of action we needed to take,” said Giles.

Police say Vaitai faces multiple charges—the investigation still ongoing.

“Just thankful that somebody was able to provide the tip, which led to the capture of Sione. Without that, we’d still be looking for him,” said Nielsen.

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