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New Zealand  Foreign Affairs Minister visits Tonga

By
Kaniva Staff
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Newly appointed New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Gerry Brownlee, is due to arrive in Tonga today on his first visit to a Pacific Island country in his new role.

Minister Brownlee’s visit reflects the importance he places on New Zealand’s relationship with Tonga and the Pacific.

“New Zealand values its close relationship with Tonga.

“My visit provides an early opportunity to meet counterparts in Tonga and reaffirm our relationship” says Minister Brownlee.

While in Tonga, Minister Brownlee will meet with Prime Minster ‘Akilisi Pohiva, senior Tongan officials and Tongan business leaders.

Minister Brownlee will also visit Tonga Police Headquarters, His Majesty’s Armed Forces Taliai Military Camp, some of Tonga’s agriculture exporters to New Zealand and a rural village in Tongatapu to observe the New Zealand Aid Programme’s support to Tonga’s energy sector.

Tropical cyclone warning for Niuas, heavy swells, rough seas predicted for coastal regions

By
Philip Cass
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A tropical cyclone warning remains in force for the Niuas.

The Fua’amotu tropical cyclone warning centre issued the warning at 7pm today (6pm New Zealand time)

A strong wind warning remains in force for the rest of Tonga.

A heavy rain and flash flood warning for Vava’u has  been cancelled.

At 4pm Tropical Cyclone Ella was located about 150km north east of Niuatoputapu and 317km east-northeast of  Niuafo’ou at near latitude 15. 1 south, longitude 172.7 west.

The system was moving west-northwest at about 5 knots (10km/hr).

Ella is expected to lie about 90km north of Niuatoputapu at midnight.

Kiliki heni ke ke lau he ongoongo faka-Tonga. Fakatokanga Saikolone ki he Ongo Niua

The warning centre said this evening there was a chance of winds on Niuatoputapu rising to gale force winds developing, with a speed of 35-40 knots (65-75km/hr) this evening.

The forecast for tomorrow is for cloud with periods of rain, heavy at times with squally thunderstorms, and possible flash flooding.

For Niuafo’ou, the forecast is for east to southeast winds 25-30 knots(45-55km/h), with gusts up to damaging gale force winds 35-40 knots tonight.

There will be occasional heavy showers with squally thunderstorms.

A gale warning remains in force for the Niuas and Vava’u coastal areas.

A heavy damaging swell warning remains inforce for all Tonga coastal waters.

A strong wind warning remains inforce for Ha’apai, Tongatapu and ‘Eua coastal waters, with rough seas.

There is a possibility of damaging gale force winds in Niuatoputapu coastal waters:

Damaging gales are also forecast for Niuafo’ou and Vava’u coastal waters tomorrow.

The main points

  • A tropical cyclone warning remains in force for the Niuas.
  • The Fua’amotu tropical cyclone warning centre issued the warning at 7pm today (6pm New Zealand time)
  • A strong wind warning remains in force for the rest of Tonga.
  • A heavy rain and flash flood warning for Vava’u has been cancelled.

 

Tonga lifeboat crews save 72 lives since 2015

By
Kalino Latu
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Tonga’s lifeboat crews had launched 22 rescue and search operations since 2015 saving 72 lives, Police Commissioner Steve Caldwell said.

However, four lives are still missing at sea and three bodies were recovered since the launch of the three new police SAR boats two years ago, he said.

Caldwell reminded the public it was important to get familiar with Tonga’s Boating Safety Code, no matter what kind of boat they use.

“Although we cannot put a dollar sign on a life saved, every time a Marine SAR is carried out, especially with assistance from NZ (NZ Airforce Orion), it may run to hundreds of thousands of dollars, all because of the selfish, irresponsible and reckless actions of individuals who should know better”, Caldwell said.

He said mariners and seafarers have to make sure that they have a life jacket, emergency flares, a beacon, a radio and a backup engine and sufficient fuel for the return voyage and a fully charged cell phone.

The Police commissioner also said: “I praise the expertise and the courage of my staff in performing these rescues.

“I would like to acknowledge the assistance from His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF) Regional Coordination Centre NZ (RCCNZ), Royal New Zealand Airforce, local fishermen as well as the coastal radio for all their assistance every time there is a Search and Rescue Operation.”

Eight suspects in drug bust remain in custody

By
Kalino Latu
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The eight suspects arrested in a drug bust in Tongatapu last week appeared at the Magistrate Court this morning and the defendants have been remanded in Police custody.

They will reappear at the magistrate court on Monday 15.

The men, aged between 16 – 42, have been charged with possession of cannabis for supply, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

As reported in Kaniva News last week the men were arrested after Police raided various locations in Fanga, Fo’ui, Matahau and Sopu seizing 3,222 cannabis plants, more than 20,000 cannabis seeds and six cannabis pot plants.

Police also confiscated two .22 rifles, ammunition, cash and electronic devices.

Tonga calls for tougher import controls of asbestos

By
Kalino Latu
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Deputy Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni told a conference in Geneva the Tongan government wanted more action against the importation of chrysotile asbestos to the islands.

He also expressed his concerns over lack of support for Tonga’s move to make sure the hazardous chemical is controlled when it comes to the island countries.

Experts from overseas removed the chemical from some government buildings in Tonga since 2016 after it was discovered some building materials used for the construction of hospitals and schools in Tongatapu, Ha’apai and Vava’u contained asbestos.

In February this year Ngu hospital was the last to have its asbestos building materials removed.

Asbestos is a chemical that can create a health risk if the materials it contained were disturbed or broken up and fibres it made up with were released into the air.

“It is very pleasing to see Tonga taking a lead role in the Pacific push to prevent dangerous asbestos from being imported into our islands without our knowledge or consent”, the Deputy Prime Minister told the conference.

“It is however, very disappointing to note that this move has – for the sixth consecutive time – been blocked by a small number of Parties despite support from the majority.”

Hon. Sovaleni was speaking at the Rotterdam Convention in Switzerland last week.

“The two week-long Triple Conferences of the Parties (COPs) to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions aims to strengthen the three international treaties contributing to the global management of hazardous chemicals and waste”.

It was attended by 1,500 participants, 180 countries, 3 conventions and it ran for two weeks with a goal, “A Future Detoxified”.

Smuggler Corby could leave Indonesia on 27th

By
Philip Cass
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Australian drug smuggler Schapelle Corby is set to leave Indonesia on May 27.

Corby was released on parole in 2014 after serving nine years of a two decade sentence for smuggling 4.1kg marijuana into Bali.

The trial provoked a media frenzy in Australia, with television stations vying for access to her.

There were accusations of bribery during the trial and years of colourful and contradictory claims and counter claims.

She has been required to report to parole officers monthly, avoid drugs and not commit any crimes.

She will be permitted to leave if she meets the requirements of the Bali parole board.

When released she was expected to live with her sister Mercedes, who is married to a Balinese man, who was her chief sponsor.

Her sister has since returned to Australia.

Corby’s step-father, James Kisina, was from Tonga.

For more information

Scharbelle Corby: the Tongan connection

Tonga judo team claims six medals, King encourages youth in sports

By
Kalino Latu
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His Majesty King Tupou VI told senior and junior judo fighters in Tonga recently that their involvement in the sport teaches them to know how to lead, work with others, how to build perseverance and respect the rules.

The king was speaking to open the 2017 Oceania Continental Judo Championships at the Atele Indoor Stadium in Tonga.

Tonga won two gold medals, three silvers and one bronze.

His Majesty said those who were participating in sports were learning health practices something that could help reduced the rapid growth of non-communicable diseases among Tongans.

“Educating good health practices and exercise at an early age will mitigate against these problems”, he said.

“Sports and Judo has all of these fine beneficial qualities. Qualities that Pacific youth and especially Tongan youth may learn from.

“Life is a series of choices that do not very often come around twice. The choices that one makes in one’s early life either magnify or dim one’s chances latter in life.

“It is said that fortune favours the well prepared. I put it to you that Judo as a sport is an enabling lens that can enrich one’s experiences and enjoyment”, His Majesty said.

The medals

In the senior category Ineti Felemi won gold in Women +78kg, while Fugala’au Mafi won silver.

In men’s category +100 kg Finetu’ui Moala won silver while Sailosi Fua won bronze.

In women junior categories +78 kg Fugala’au Mafi won gold medal while Ineti Felemi won silver

This year’s world championships will be staged in Hungary, which previously hosted the 2014 world junior titles.

Government trying to intimidate state broadcaster, Edwards claims

By
Philip Cass
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The lawyer for sacked Tonga Broadcasting Commission General Manager Nanisē Fifita claims the government is trying to intimidate Tongan Broadcasting Commission staff.

“The message is quite clear,” lawyer Clive Edwards said.

“If you don’t do what we tell and you publish the news that we don’t want you to publish, we are going to sack you.”

Fifita’s contract was recently renewed by the TBC board, but the Minister of Public Enterprises, Hon. Poasi Tei , revoked the decision, saying he had the final say on the matter.

Fifita was forced out of her position amidst claims by Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva that the TBC was hostile to his government.

However, Edwards said Fifita had a right of renewal clause in her contract and if the board carried out the sacking then legal action could follow.

Edwards said the government could not ignore employment contracts.

As Kaniva News reported last night, Fifita’s case is one of only three disputes involving senior media figures and the government.

Concern is mounting about the future of the media in Tonga.

Veteran journalist and vice-president of the Tongan media council Pesi Fonua told radio New Zealand the governments’ moves endangered the future of the state broadcaster.

“Look at the position of Tonga Broadcasting Commission during the past few years which is it has been struggling to keep the service going and this is what is like a final blow,” he said.

“I think it’s becoming clear that the prime minister is trying to control the Tonga Broadcasting Commission.”

Pita Moala, a director of Tonga Broadcasting Commission’s Board, told Radio Tonga News it was crucial that laws were enforced to uphold freedom and independence of the media and journalists.

Moala said the media in the kingdom was free, but there were factors that hindered their role.

The main points

  • The lawyer for sacked Tonga Broadcasting Commission General Manager Nanisē Fifita claims the government is trying to intimidate Tonga Broadcasting Commission staff.
  • “The message is quite clear,” lawyer Clive Edwards said.
  • “If you don’t do what we tell and you publish the news that we don’t want you to publish, we are going to sack you.”
  • Fifita’s contract was recently renewed by the TBC board, but the Minister of Public Enterprises, Hon. Poasi Tei, revoked the decision, saying he had the final say on the matter.

For more information

Turmoil in media industry as three senior leaders dismissed 

Lawyer says Tonga govt intimidating broadcaster

Tonga PM’s overhaul of TBC triggers media concerns

Journalists should dismiss fear from their practice in order to pursue the principles of freedom and ethics of the media

Ministry seeks TP$2 million for export project

By
Kalino Latu
-

Ministry of Labour and Commerce Acting CEO Anisi Bloomfield said this evening his ministry was asking for TP$2 million from the 2017/18 budget to support an export project to New Zealand.

Bloomfield and Head of the Business Support and Facilitation Division, Tevita Lautaha, led a Tongan delegation which struck a deal to export food, fish and handicrafts direct to New Zealand suppliers.

As reported in Kaniva News last month, under the plan, Tonga would export crops including taro, yams, manioke, kape, taro and pele leaves.

A spokesman for J & P Turner Ltd, the parent company of importer Fresh Direct Ltd, said the company had had discussions regarding the receiving and distribution of Tongan produce.

“We have a long and deep connection with Tonga and are certainly keen to be doing all we can to help with Tonga economy which in turn helps the individual growers and farmers in Tonga,” Jeff Turner said.

It is understood the company is now waiting for further developments in Tonga.

Bloomfield said last month his delegation would call a meeting with prospective suppliers in Tonga.

“The government is trying to put into practice a vision that has been with Tongan growers for many, many years,” Bloomfield said.

The government wanted to help get Tongan growers’ and handicraft makers’ products directly to the market.

The government’s budget has to be approved by Parliament in June.

The main points

  • The Ministry of Labour and Commerce is asking for TP$2 million from the 2017/18 budget to support an export project to New Zealand.
  • As reported in Kaniva News last month, a Tongan delegation struck a deal to export food, fish and handicrafts direct to New Zealand suppliers.
  • Under the export plan, Tonga would export crops including taro, yams, manioke, kape, taro and pele leaves.

For more information

Tongan food exports to be marketed by Turners in New Zealand

 

Turmoil in media industry as three senior leaders dismissed

By
Philip Cass
-

Tonga’s media and communication industry is in turmoil this week, with three senior managers fighting dismissal.

The chair of the Tonga Broadcasting Commission, Lady ‘Eseta Fusitu’a has refused a TP$40,000 offer from the government settle a court case over her dismissal.

The TBC reported  that Acting Attorney General ‘Aminiasi Kefu made the offer on  behalf of the Minister of Public Enterprises, Hon. Poasi Tei .

The TBC reported that she had  been offered the money if she agreed not to be reinstated as chair.

The government also offered to pay 10 percent interest on the money, plus court costs and would discuss further compensation.

Kefu said he was seeking instructions on making an apology.

Fusitu’a ‘s lawyer, Clive Edwards, said the offer had been refused because it would send a message to the public that there was no respect to the rule of law.

As Kaniva News reported earlier this week, Hon. Tei has fired TBC  general manager Nanisē Fifita.

The TBC board has been restructured, with ‘Ahongalu Fusimalohi replacing Tapu Panuve as chair.

Meanwhile, the TBC has reported that the former CEO of Tonga Communication Corporation is suing the company for wrongful dismissal.

Chairman of the Information Communication and Technology Board Tapu Panuve terminated Rizvi Jurangpathy’s employment on the grounds of gross misconduct.

Jurangpathy is claiming a breach of natural justice, breach of mutual trust, confidence and good faith and injurious falsehood and emotional distress.

The turmoil comes on the heels of news that Tonga’s press freedom rating has sunk on this year’s Reporters Sans Frontiers index of 180 countries.

Tonga fell from 37th place in 2016 to 49th.

Minister’s response

Minister of Public Enterprises, Hon. Poasi Tei issued a statement last week in response to  media coverage of the removal of Nanisē Fifita.

The Minister said that under Section 26(1) of the Public Enterprises Act 2002 the board was empowered to appoint a Chief Executive Officer with the approval of the minister.

Hon. Tei said he was not made aware of and did not consent to the renewal of Fifita’s contract.

Because the Minister’s consent was not obtained under section 26(1), the renewal of the contract was deemed void under section 30(1).

“It is a matter for the Tonga Broadcasting Commission’s Board of Directors to consider the letter from the Minister, and decide whether to repudiate the contract of the CEO for TBC,” Hon. Tei said.

The main points

  • Tonga’s media and communication industry is in turmoil this week, with three senior managers fighting dismissal.
  • The chair of the Tonga Broadcasting Commission, Lady ‘Eseta Fusitu’a has refused a TP$40,000 offer from the government settle a court case over her dismissal.
  • As Kaniva News reported earlier this week, Hon. Tei has fired TBC general manager Nanisē Fifita.
  • Meanwhile, the TBC has reported that the former CEO of Tonga Communication Corporation, Rizvi Jurangpathy, is suing the company for wrongful dismissal.

For more information

 

Tonga’s press freedom rating sinks; report cites bad blood between PM and broadcaster

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