Home Blog Page 695

Tongan RSE workers already have health checks says gov’t in wake of Samoan death

By
Philip Cass
-

All Tongan Regional Seasonal Employee workers undergo a routine health check every year, Tongan government liaison officer  Sefita Hao’uli said this evening.

Hao’uli was responding to a report that a Samoan RSE worker had died in Australia.

Samoa Prime Minister Tuila’epa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi said the dead man collapsed on the dance floor.

A seasonal worker died in New Zealand last month of a suspected heart attack while playing rugby.

Radio New Zealand said the death of the Samoan worker was expected to lead to the launch of a fitness programme and tests for potential participants in the scheme.

Hao’uli said health checks were part of the visa application process for New Zealand and Australia.

They were done so the workers could be insured for health and travel which was required under the RSE policy.

The checks sometimes brought up threats such as heart and blood pressure issues and if they were serious enough, the visa application could be declined, he said.

Where these conditions were manageable, a visa could be issued provided there was insurance cover.

In cases like these, the worker might be required to pay a higher than normal insurance premium.

“We do have workers who play rugby and other sport while they’re in New Zealand and in the event of an injury or death, the provisions of our Accident Compensation Commission (ACC) will cover the costs of these contingencies as well as provisions under the insurance policies,” Hao’uli said.

Medical checks became mandatory for Tongan workers after the death of an RSE worker in 2013.

The main points

  • All Tongan Regional Seasonal Employee workers undergo a routine health check every year, Tongan government liaison officer Sefita Hao’uli said tonight.
  • Hao’uli was responding to a report that a Samoan RSE worker had died in Australia.
  • Radio New Zealand said the death of the Samoan worker was expected to lead to the launch of a fitness programme and tests for potential participants in the scheme.
  • However, Hao’uli said health checks were part of the visa application process for Tongan workers New Zealand and Australia.

For more information

Spotlight on health of Samoan RSE workers

RSE deaths revive Tonga insurance debate

Reports say minister has sacked Tonga Broadcasting Commission boss Nanisē Fifita

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Minister of Public Enterprise Hon. Poasi Tei has fired the Tonga Broadcasting Commission’s general manager Nanisē Fifita, reliable reports said today.

Kaniva News has been reliably informed that the Minister ordered Fifita’s contract with Radio and Television Tonga to be terminated today (May 1).

Our source said the government “apparently have legal reasons in regards to the renewal of her contract. So, based on that they have gone ahead and made the dismissal.”

It is understood that the TBC board has been restructured, with ‘Ahongalu Fusimalohi replacing Tapu Panuve as chair.

This is the latest twist in the Prime Minister’s feud with the Tongan national broadcaster, which he has accused of reporting unfairly on his government.

It comes on the eve of the World Press Freedom Day on which journalists and media around the world celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom and to defend the media from attacks on their independence.

The Pacific Islands Media Association secretary Jason Brown said it is undemocratic for the Tongan government to make vague claims of bias to justify extraordinary threats against news media that belong to the public, not government.

Mr Brown said the government needed to detail specific allegations of when the public broadcaster acted unethically.

Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pohiva told Kaniva News in a recent interview he was not happy when he discovered Fifita’s contract was renewed while his government made a move to review the national broadcaster.

He said the government was investigating the legal implications of the review.

He claimed TBC senior staffers, including Fifita, had unethical, malicious and unprofessional attitudes towards him and his government.

As we reported last week, Tonga’s press freedom rating has sunk on this year’s rating report, released by Reporters Sans Frontiers which was based on an Index ranks of 180 countries.

Tonga was placed 37th in 2016 a rise from 43rd position in 2015.

It now ranks 49th, just above Papua New Guinea (51st) and well ahead of Fiji (67th) but behind Samoa at 21st.

The report cited Prime Minister Akilisi Pohiva’s fractious relationship with Tonga’s national  broadcaster as some of the factors that tarnished the kingdom’s good record.

Kaniva News has contacted the Chief Secretary to Cabinet, the Chair of TBC Board, the Minister of Public Enterprise and Fifita for comments and confirmation and are awaiting a response.

The main points

  • The Minister of Public Enterprise has fired the Tonga Broadcasting Commission’s general manager Nanise Fifita.
  • Kaniva News was reliably informed today that the Minister ordered Fifita’s contract with Radio and Television Tonga to be terminated today (May 1).
  • The source said the government “apparently have legal reasons in regards to the renewal of her contract. So, based on that they have gone ahead and made the dismissal.”
  • This is the latest twist in the Prime Minister’s feud with the Tongan national broadcaster, which he has accused of reporting unfairly on his government.

For more information

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

 

Tongan RSE worker in coma in Australia, family plead for prayers

By
Kalino Latu
-

A Tongan RSE worker was in a coma and fighting for his life today Monday 1 at Brisbane’s Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital after he was sick.

Sione Vakameilalo Fifita of Kolovai was in Brisbane as a Recognised Seasonal Employer worker.

We cannot be able to confirm the details of his medical and health conditions from the hospital.

A spokesperson for the family, Kennedy Tau said: “He was sick and ended up in comma”,

“Please pray for Sione Vakameilalo Fifita”, he wrote on Facebook.

Mother left in tears after plea for more time on son’s $500 or face immediate jail sentence denied

By
Kalino Latu
-

A mother from Kolonga was left in tears after her plea for leniency over her son’s sentence was denied simply because the sentence had already been made.

Mateaki Pulu was ordered to pay TP$500 immediately or he would be jailed for one month for possession of illicit drugs. He pleaded guilty to his charges.

But shortly after the judicial decision was declared, the young offender’s mother tearfully pleaded with Magistrate Mana Kaufusi to be patience until they could find money.

The Magistrate responded and said the court guidelines on judicial decision did not support her plea because he had already sentenced his son.

The age of the offender was not revealed in court but Kakalu ‘o Tonga newspaper said he could be in his 15 or 16.

The court was told Police arrested Pulu for being drunk at the Digicel Square in Nuku’alofa.

When he was processed at the Nuku’alofa Central Police station Police found a packet of illicit drugs in his possession.

Pulu pleaded with the Magistrate to show mercy ahead of his sentence but Magistrate Kaufusi was concerned about his age and compared it to the crimes he committed.

The Magistrate was also concerned at how Pulu, while committing the crimes, managed to come along way down from Kolonga to Nuku’alofa where he was arrested by Police.

Dame Valerie Adams expecting her first child

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Dame Valeries Adams-Price is expecting a baby with her husband Gabriel Price.

News of the 32-year-old’s pregnancy emerged last week when she posted an image of two shot puts accompanied by a third tiny put on social media.

“We have a shot ready for when you arrive in October little one. Love from your Mum and Dad to be!!! #BabyAdamsPrice #NewChallengeAhead#VeryExcited #FamiliesAreForever#ThenThereWere3″

In an exclusive interview with New Zealand Herald Adams said: “We couldn’t be happier,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to be a mum. This is bigger for me than any gold medal”.

“Gabe and I kept it between us for a very long time. I kind of freaked out a little bit because when you find out you start reading loads of things – and your brain naturally registers all the bad stuff.

“For the first time I wasn’t able to control everything in my life and Gabe and I just felt like taking our time in letting people know was the right thing to do.

“But to finally tell people, that’s really fun. We can relax a bit and start enjoying it.”

A clue came earlier this month when Dame Valerie’ name was missing from Athletics New Zealand’s squad for August’s World Championships in London.

While missing a pinnacle event is disappointing, she said the timing of her pregnancy could not be better for her sporting career to continue.

And that includes going for gold at next year’s Commonwealth Games in Australia and a fifth Olympic campaign in Tokyo 2020 – where she could become the first New Zealand athlete to win gold at three different Olympic Games.

Burial dispute hits Tonga supreme court, deceased’s mother finally withdraws petition

By
Kalino Latu
-

An unprecedented Supreme Court fight over possession of a woman’s body has been finally resolved after her mother withdrew her petition before Lord Chief Justice Owen Paulsen in Nuku’alofa.

The body of Susana Lovely Vunga Lolohea was finally buried in Matahau on Monday, April 17 and not in the United States like her mother’s wish.

The court was told Susana told her husband ‘Iseki Lolohea of Navutoka before she died to bury her at Matahau because her maternal grandparents were buried there.

Susana, a Tongan citizen of the United States died in Tonga while she visited her husband last month. They just married earlier this year and after two weeks of their marriage Susana returned to the United States.

After a week of her recent arrival in the kingdom she was sick and was admitted to hospital.

She later died from a heart disease, the court was told.

The deceased’s mother who was in the United States at the time of Susana’s death contacted ‘Iseki and they agreed for her to come to Tonga and return her daughter’s body.

When she arrived ‘Iseki changed his mind and said he wanted his wife to be buried in Tonga.

The dispute ended in court after attempts by the mother to resolve the issue between her and ‘Iseki were unsuccessful.

Lord Chief Justice Owen Paulsen said there was no burial law in Tongan that govern requirements around how the remains of people’s loved ones are dealt with.

However he said the law that gives husband the right to his wife could be used in this case.

The mother finally withdrew her petition after the two parties were returned to a mediation process and Justice Paulsen ruled that the deceased had to be buried in Tonga.

Legal counsel Fatai Vaihu represented the deceased’s mother while Petunia Tupou acted for ‘Iseki.

Former Tongan-Hong Kong sevens player hospitalised after suffering serious fractured jaw

By
Kalino Latu
-

A high tackle during clash between the Fasi Maʻufanga and Marist rugby league teams last week has left a player who represented Tonga during the Hong Kong Sevens tournament hospitalized with a serious broken jaw.

ʻOfa Teisina, who played centre for the Marist during the game, was concussed and left the field after receiving a high tackle and an alleged punch from an opponent.

He was given first aid treatment by Red Cross staff before he was taken to Vaiola hospital.

We cannot be able to confirm his medical conditions from the hospital but coaches believed the injury will keep him on the sidelines for the remainder of the season.

Local media reports said Teisina will eat soft food for several weeks.

Teisina represented Tonga during the 2017 Hong Kong Sevens.

Driver who caused death of Tongan pregnant mother in Utah charged

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Nine month since a Tongan pregnant woman was killed in a crash in the United States, her driver, who was high on drugs while driving, was charged.

Nephi Adelino Makaya, 26, was charged in 3rd District Court with manslaughter, a second-degree felony, and driving on a revoked license, a class C misdemeanor.

He was cited for not having proof of insurance and not having his vehicle registered, said Deputy Salt Lake County District Attorney Sandi Johnson.

After the July 25 crash, Makaya’s blood tested positive for methamphetamine and marijuana, according to charging documents.

Makaya had driven around lowered safety barriers on 900 South about 8 p.m. when a southbound FrontRunner train slammed into the passenger side of the car, according to charges.

The passenger, 30-year-old Kaipa ʻOfa ki ʻUiha Sateki Kinikini, was eight months pregnant and was transported to University Hospital, where the emergency C-section was performed, charges state. The full-term fetus survived, but Kinikini was pronounced dead.

Makaya was the father of the infant.

Doctors believe there will be long-term medical consequences for the infant, who is with family, according to Johnson.

Makaya was also transported to the hospital with injuries that weren’t serious.

A $500,000 arrest warrant has been issued for Makaya’s arrest.

The train was not in service or carrying passengers at the time of the collision, according to Utah Transit Authority spokesman Remi Barron.

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

By
Philip Cass
-

Tonga has dropped 12 places in this year’s world press freedom rankings.

The ratings, released by Reporters Sans Frontiers, is based on an Index ranks of 180 countries.

Last year Tonga was placed 37th, a rise from 43rd position in 2015.

Last year RSF said the kingdom’s independent media had progressively assumed their watchdog role since the first democratic elections in 2010.

Tonga now ranks 49th, just above Papua New Guinea (51st) and well ahead of Fiji (67th) but behind Samoa at 21st.

In its report on the rankings, Asia Pacific Report said there had been an increase in tension between the Tongan government and the media since the 2014 election.

APR cited Prime Minister Akilisi Pohiva’s fractious relationship with Tonga’s national  broadcaster, instances of politicians suing journalists and the introduction of the Communications Amendment Act, which allows for the creation of an Internet regulatory agency with the power to block websites without reference to a judge.

In contrast, Fiji has risen considerably on the press freedom index. Last year it was ranked 80th, up 13 places from 2015.

Last year RSF praised Fiji’s performance, saying that despite the threats that the constitution and legislation pose to journalists, the media had asserted their independence, improved the public debate and succumbed less and less to self-censorship.

The RSF report has only limited data for the Pacific. There is no data for Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, the Cook Islands, Niue, other Pacific nations or the French or American territories.

Of the two metropolitan Pacific nations, New Zealand ranked 13th, ahead of Australia in 19th place.

RSF said press freedom was being abused in democracies as well as dictatorships.

“Violations of the freedom to inform are less and less the prerogative of authoritarian regimes and dictatorships,” the RSF said.

“Once taken for granted, media freedom is proving to be increasingly fragile in democracies as well.

“Democratic governments are trampling on a freedom that should, in principle, be one of their leading performance indicators.”

The RSF rankings are based on the level of freedom available to journalists.

The report evaluates pluralism, independence of the media, quality of legislative framework and safety of journalists in each country.

The RSF report is based on responses of experts to a questionnaire devised by RSF.

This qualitative analysis is combined with quantitative data on abuses and acts of violence against journalists during the period evaluated.

The criteria used in the questionnaire are pluralism, media independence, media environment and self-censorship, legislative framework, transparency and the quality of the infrastructure that supports the production of news and information.

The main points

  • Tonga has dropped 12 places in this year’s Reporters Sans Frontiers world press freedom rankings.
  • Last year Tonga was placed 37th, a rise from 43rd position in 2015.
  • Tonga now ranks 49th, just above Papua New Guinea (51st) and well ahead of Fiji (67th) but behind Samoa at 21st.
  • In its report on the rankings, Asia Pacific Report said there had been an increase in tension between the Tongan government and the media since the 2014 election.

For more information

Reporters Sans Frontiers world press freedom rankings 2017

Asia-Pacific holds many ‘worst records’ in media freedom report, says RSF

Japan launches new classroom in Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Japanese government has launched a new classroom in Ha’ateiho as part of its  Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects in Tonga.

The new building for the Upper Room Primary School has four new classrooms.

Japanese ambassador to Tonga, His Excellency Mr. Yukio Numata had studied his Tongan language before making his opening speech.

He compared his country’s assistance to the Tongan saying “Si’i ‘a ‘uha” – The Japanese grant which helped in building the classroom may be small in amount but it has contributed something very significant to the welfare of the villagers.

Upper Room Primary School was a kindergarten in 2007 before it was officially upgraded and became a primary school in 2014.

Spokesperson for the school Mr. Vaisima To’a acknowledged the assistance from the Japanese government.

He said: “We can’t thank you enough for funding this project to enable the future of Upper Room Primary School.”

The ceremony was attended by the estate holder Lord Tu’iha’ateiho and his wife Lady Tu’iha’ateiho, Justice Minister Hon Sione Vuna Fa’otusia, Hon. Rev. Dr. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa, Minister for Revenue and Customs and Minister for Commerce, Consumer, Trade and Innovation and Labour along with MP. ‘Akosita Lavulavu, parents and teachers and the students of the Upper Room Primary School.

1...694695696...951Page 695 of 951