Home Blog Page 75

Tonga Dialysis Centre set to open in November, offering hope to kidney patients

By
Kalino Latu
-

The long-awaited Siaosi Brown Dialysis Centre in Veitongo is expected to begin operations in November 2025, according to Tonga’s Minister of Health, Dr ʻAna ʻAkauʻola, who made the announcement during a press conference held in Nukuʻalofa this afternoon.

Conceptual design of the centre

This marks a major milestone for Tonga’s healthcare system, as the country has never had a dialysis facility before.

Patients suffering from chronic kidney disease have long been forced to seek treatment overseas, often in New Zealand, Australia, or the United States.

Dr ʻAkauʻola said the new centre will allow many of these patients to return home and receive life-saving dialysis treatment locally.

The dialysis centre, named after Siaosi Brown, a Tongan man who passed away in the U.S. in 2017, was funded and supported by the Siaosi Brown Dialysis Board based in Utah.

The centre will initially operate with five dialysis machines located near Vaiola Hospital in Tongatapu, with services expected to be free of charge for qualifying patients.

During the press conference, Dr ʻAkauʻola also clarified the vetting process used by the Ministry of Health to determine which patients are eligible for government-funded medical evacuation overseas.

She emphasised that the Health Committee, composed of doctors from various departments, maintains a high standard in its assessments.

Even when Ministers or the Prime Minister refer patients to her, she said she still forwards them to the Committee, whose decisions are final.

While the centre is expected to offer free dialysis services, it remains unclear whether any fees will be introduced in the future.

According to Tonga’s Health Services Regulations, the Minister of Health has the authority to waive or exempt fees on humanitarian grounds.

The opening of the dialysis centre is seen as a beacon of hope for hundreds of Tongans suffering from chronic kidney disease, and a significant step toward improving healthcare access in the Kingdom.

Civil Aviation praised for grounding Lulutai over safety concerns dating back to airline’s inception: Minister

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Minister of Public Enterprises, Piveni Piukala, has delivered a scathing assessment of Lulutai Airlines, revealing that deep-rooted engineering workforce issues have plagued the national carrier since its inception.

Minister of Public Enterprises Piveni Piukala

Speaking after Civil Aviation suspended the airline’s operations over maintenance concerns, Piukala said the move was long overdue, citing years of non-compliance, understaffing, and a revolving door of temporary engineers that compromised safety and reliability.

The suspension on Saturday, which disrupted domestic flights for four days, marks a critical turning point in the government’s oversight of Tonga’s aviation sector.

Piukala has publicly thanked the Civil Aviation Authority this afternoon for suspending Lulutai Airlines’ operations, citing long-standing maintenance issues and repeated non-compliance with aviation safety regulations.

“This is not a sudden issue,” Piukala said in Tongan. “The problems that led to last week’s suspension have existed since Lulutai’s inception.”

He revealed that Lulutai’s financial struggles have severely impacted its operational capacity, including its ability to maintain a stable and qualified engineering workforce.

“Engineers were hired just like on a temporary basis, often leaving for better opportunities overseas” he said.

He described the situation in Tonga as a lack of continuity that has compromised safety.

The Minister also linked the December crash of the Saab 340 aircraft to the airline’s history of non-compliance, describing it as part of a troubling pattern.

He confirmed that the last formal warning from Civil Aviation was issued in April, and one of the key reasons for the recent suspension was the understaffing of Lulutai’s mechanical department.

Piukala emphasised the need for structural reform and strategic planning within the airline, including better incentives for staff appointments and long-term retention.

He said the government is committed to ensuring that national air services meet international safety standards and serve the public reliably.

The government has advertised the sale of shares and the operation of Lulutai, with the deadline for bidders extended until next week.

Organised crime suspected after shipping container vanishes in Tonga – Minister points to ‘in-depth corruption’

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tonga’s Minister of Police, Piveni Piukala, has raised alarms over suspected organised crime involvement after a shipping container mysteriously disappeared from the wharf.

Minister of Police Piveni Piukala

The investigation was launched following a complaint from a customer who alleged his container was lost while in port.

Minister Piukala revealed that the case was serious enough for him to personally engage the Head of the National Security and Intelligence Unit.

“I believe this is part of an organised crime,” he stated, emphasising that Tonga is battling a deeply entrenched criminal network exacerbated by systemic corruption.

Expressing his disbelief at the incident, the Minister highlighted the stringent protocols required for releasing a container from the wharf.

“It’s not just one person who signs it out—it involves multiple authorities, including the shipping agency, Customs Ministry, Port Authority, and Stevedores,” he said in Tongan.

“For someone to remove a container without leaving a trace through this entire process is beyond reason.”

Describing the case as potentially the “tip of the iceberg,” Piukala suggested that the disappearance may be linked to a broader criminal operation exploiting weaknesses in the system.

Minister Piukala previously stated that the biggest problem authorities face in securing the wharf is the lack of strategic procedures and strict rules controlling entry and exit. He noted that certain areas should be highly restricted but remain accessible to unauthorised individuals.

This case follows last year’s report in which five men were found guilty of theft, abetment to theft, and receiving stolen property after over 300 cartons of meat were stolen from a container belonging to Star Fish Company in Ma’ufanga.

In that case, one of the accused, a security guard, allegedly received payments over several months in 2022 to ignore suspicious activities.

The public has been urged to report any suspicious activity as investigations continue.

Tonga Water Board CEO Sione Tutulu Finau sacked following auditor’s report: Minister

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Tonga Water Board (TWB), Sione Tutulu Finau, has been dismissed from his position, along with two other senior officers.

The decision was reportedly made following the release of an Auditor’s report, according to the Minister for Public Enterprises.

While the details of the report have not been disclosed, Minister Piukala stated that the TWB board of directors acted immediately upon receiving the findings, despite Finau’s contract being set to expire next month.

Minister Piukala also said the post was already being advertised.

The dismissals are part of a broader government review initiated by the Eke administration, which came into power after campaigning on promises of reform and accountability.

The review has already led to significant changes across several government-owned enterprises, including the restructuring of Lulutai Airlines and the termination of former CEO Poasi Tei’s contract.

In addition to leadership changes, the government has implemented reforms to reduce salaries and side benefits across various public board entities, signalling a shift toward cost-efficiency and transparency.

This included the revocation of former board members whose terms had been extended by the former interim government in December, despite their contracts being set to expire in March 2025.

MP Vaipulu files defamation lawsuit against Vava’u town officer

By
Kalino Latu
-

Vavaʻu 15 MP Sāmiu Vaipulu has launched a defamation lawsuit against Toula Town Officer Kavamone Toʻia over allegations made on Facebook that he misused parliamentary district funds.

MP Samiu Vaipulu (L) and Toula Town Officer Kavamone To’ia

Vaipulu is seeking TOP$10,000 in damages.

The legal action, filed in the Lower Court, follows a social media post in which Toʻia accused the deputy prime minister of embezzling public money meant for constituency development.

Vaipulu’s Lawyer, Dr Viliami Uasikē Lātū, argues that the claims are false and have harmed his reputation, according to a court document purportedly presenting the charges, seen by Kaniva News.

Toʻia was commenting on a status posted by the Neiafu Town Officer, Vava Lapota, on July 7.

Dr Latu, stated that Toʻia’s comment was malicious, provocative, and aimed at defaming Vaipulu.

The comment has discredited the MP and caused emotional distress, the legal document shows.

It is alleged that To’ia posted the following comment in Tongan: ‘Kau hoo foii poini mea maulalo mooni… oku ikai teke sio kihe Kai pe he fkfofoga ae paaga vv 15-he-Tau-kihe Tau… koe Ofisa Kolo Toula eni. Tali atu hoo tohi… pea oku ou iloii oku ikai koho hingoa totonu eni… kuo mau fiemau ha Fakafofonga foou ki vv 15… alu kihe lotu keke mau Maama mooni…’ a post accusing the MP of misappropriation of funds and calling for a new MP for Vavaʻu 15 Constituency.

Former LDS missionary charged with sexual abuse of Tongan boys – 14 victims identified in U.S. case

By
Kalino Latu
-

A former missionary and teacher in Tonga has been arrested in the United States on federal charges for sexually abusing multiple minors during his time in the kingdom.

William James Purdy, 28, of West Valley, Utah, was indicted by a U.S. federal grand jury on July 16 and taken into custody today, July 25 (Tongan time) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Purdy, who first arrived in Tonga in 2017 as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), allegedly preyed on young boys for years—grooming them with gifts, money, and electronics in exchange for sexual acts.

Shockingly, he is also accused of secretly recording minors in his bathroom at multiple residences in Tonga.

In October 2022, Tongan police arrested Purdy after an eight-year-old boy disclosed being sexually assaulted during tutoring sessions.

Despite his release on bail, Purdy allegedly continued abusing children before fleeing Tonga in March 2023 under a false identity—just before his scheduled trial.

“The defendant in this case chose to travel abroad under the guise of good intentions and then sexually exploited and abused children who had been trusted to his care,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.

“When foreign authorities sought to hold him accountable, he fled back to the United States. The United States will not export child exploitation. The Justice Department is committed to securing justice for children exploited overseas when these heinous acts are committed by Americans.”

14 Victims and Counting

Investigators have so far identified 14 Tongan boys as victims, some of whom lived with Purdy while he taught at a school in Nuku’alofa.

The Tonga Police and Tongan Department of Public Prosecutions worked closely with U.S. agencies, including the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), to build the case.

“This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse,” the US authorities said.

Purdy now faces trial in the U.S., where prosecutors vow to seek the maximum penalty. If convicted, he could spend decades in prison.

Australian-born Tongan Janet Secomb celebrates 100 years of faith, service, and friendship

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Tongan and Australian communities are celebrating an extraordinary milestone: the 100th birthday of Mrs Janet Secomb, also known as Seneti Wood, beloved partner of the late Reverend Howard Secomb.

Mrs Janet (Sēneti) Secomb surrounded by loved ones as she celebrates her 100th birthday — a century of faith, friendship, and service remembered across Tonga and Australia.Photo/Australia in Tonga (Facebook)

Her husband Rev Howard, a distinguished Methodist minister and former principal of Tonga’s Tupou College, passed away in March at the age of 102.

Born in Tonga in 1925, Janet is the eldest daughter of Rev Dr Harold Wood and Dr Olive Wood, who served in Tonga until 1937.

In 1950, Janet returned to Tonga with her husband, where the couple played a pivotal role in strengthening ties between Tongans and Australians through faith, music, and community service.

Janet’s compassion and unwavering support of Howard’s ministry left a lasting legacy across the Kingdom.

Her contributions to church life, music, and outreach efforts helped build bridges that continue to unite communities. Many Tongans fondly recall her fluency in the Tongan language, often remarking that “her Tongan is better than ours!”

A photo of Sēneti, surrounded by family and friends, has been posted to the Australia in Tonga Facebook page.

The caption says: “From all of us at the Australian High Commission in Nukuʻalofa – ‘oku mau talamonu atu Janet ke ke ma’u ha mo’ui lelei mo e loto hounga’ia ‘I he ta’u ‘e 100 kuo ke ‘inasi ai ‘a e mo’ui.

Happy birthday, Mrs Secomb – may your century of life continue to inspire generations to come.”

New Zealand cautions Tonga over measles risk as cases rise

By
Kalino Latu
-

New Zealand has issued a caution to Tonga following the confirmation of three new measles cases last week in Aotearoa, bringing the total number of cases to eight, Tonga’s Minister of Health, Dr ‘Ana ‘Akau’ola, has confirmed.

Dr ‘Ana ‘Akau’ola, MInister of Health

The warning comes amid concerns over the potential spread of the highly contagious disease through international travel.

The new cases in New Zealand include one in the Manawatū region and two in the Wairarapa, all linked to earlier cases in the Wairarapa cluster, before quarantine.

All individuals were placed in quarantine as recommended, but one case was found to have been briefly infectious before isolation began.

“Although the case followed all public health advice, they developed symptoms sooner than expected,” said Dr Craig Thornley, Medical Officer of Health for New Zealand’s National Public Health Service.

“We’ve taken a cautious approach by reviewing locations they may have visited prior to quarantine” 

Six new locations of interest in Feilding have been identified, including supermarkets and retail stores visited on July 11 

The public is advised to monitor for symptoms such as high fever, cough, sore eyes, and rash.

New Zealand’s Ministry of Health has emphasised the importance of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination, especially for those planning overseas travel or returning from high-risk countries. Immunisation rates in New Zealand remain below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks 

High Vaccination Saves Tonga

Tonga, which experienced a measles outbreak in 2019, has maintained high vaccination coverage and is expected to respond proactively to the advisory.

The Ministry of Health in Tonga is monitoring the situation closely and encouraging citizens to ensure their immunisations are up to date.

Dr ‘Akau’ola said the latest measles outbreak in Tonga was caused by a case originating from New Zealand.

She noted that while many children died from measles transmission in Samoa, Tonga was spared due to the kingdom’s 99 per cent measles vaccination coverage.

Health authorities in both countries continue to monitor the situation closely, urging the public to stay informed and vaccinated.

Dengue Cases Declining in Tonga

In an update on Tonga’s dengue outbreak, Dr. ‘Akau’ola said dengue cases have been declining significantly in recent weeks.

She attributed the reduction to improved training, noting that previous practices often involved adding water to areas that created breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which spread the disease.

She also suggested that another factor in the decrease may be a reduction in the number of vulnerable individuals.

Dr ‘Akau’ola confirmed that more than 800 patients have suffered from dengue this year.

‘Atalanga residence to expand with education and trades services under new Tonga–Auckland City Council agreement

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Government of Tonga and Auckland City Council have signed a memorandum of cooperation (MOC) to upgrade and renew the ‘Atalanga Royal Residence in Auckland, Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimālohi announced.

The 1.58-hectare ‘Atalanga Residence at 183 St Andrews Road has seen little renovation since its purchase in 1952, with court proceedings later revealing it may have been funded by the Tongan government.

The property, purchased by Queen Salote in 1952, has long stood as a symbol of Tongan presence in New Zealand and was at the centre of a high-profile legal battle over a decade ago.

The new agreement marks a turning point in the property’s legacy and future use.

Valued at NZ$10 million, the residence will be upgraded to support educational services, trades training, and employment career pathways, Dr Fusimālohi said last week.

He added that the MOC was recently reviewed following a meeting between the two parties in Auckland.

“Boosting development for Tongan residents in New Zealand is at the core of this project,” Fusimālohi said in Tongan.

There are approximately 60,000 Tongans residing in Auckland.

A similar project is expected to be launched at the Tongan embassy in Australia.

Legal Battle Over ‘Atalanga

The news comes more than a decade after a court battle in Auckland, which saw a clash between a group of Tongan activists in New Zealand and the then-King, the late King George Tupou V.

The dispute arose after the King and his business partners attempted to sell the property.

The King was ultimately defeated in the legal battle, and the property—then valued at NZ$8.5 million—remained under the ownership of the Government of Tonga.

At the time, lawyers representing the Tongan residents argued that the King may not have legally owned the residence.

Lawyer Joel Fotu stated that Tongan taxpayers were paying the annual NZ$28,000 bill for the property’s upkeep. He believed the King may have been given incorrect advice regarding the attempted sale.

The 1.58-hectare property at 183 St Andrews Road has not undergone any significant renovations since its purchase, which was revealed during the legal battle to have possibly been funded by the government.

Palau considered for U.S. deportees while Tonga stays quiet on travel ban alert 

By
Kalino Latu
-

Palau has become the latest Pacific Island nation to be approached by the United States after Tonga, Vanuatu, and Tuvalu were asked by President Donald Trump to consider accepting foreign nationals deported from the U.S.  

President Surangel Whipps Jr called a leadership meeting to discuss a US Government request relating to hosting third-country nationals seeking asylum in the United States. 18 July 2025 Photo: Facebook / Office of the President, Republic of Palau

Tonga, Vanuatu, and Tuvalu were reportedly given a set of “established benchmarks and requirements,” with the warning that failure to comply could result in travel bans to the United States.

Global media reports indicated that Palau, which receives substantial financial support from the United States under the Compact of Free Association, may find it difficult to reject Washington’s proposal to host deported foreign nationals.  

Experts warn that accepting such an agreement could place significant strain on the small island nation’s limited resources and infrastructure   

The move is part of a broader push by former President Donald Trump to accelerate deportations and reduce the number of undocumented immigrants within U.S. borders.  

A letter from Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr, seen by The Guardian, indicates that the proposed agreement is still in draft form and subject to further negotiation. The letter also emphasizes that Palau would retain “full discretion” over whether to accept any individuals under the arrangement. 

Doris Meissner, head of the U.S. Immigration Policy Program at the Migration Policy Institute and former commissioner of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalisation Service, noted that the draft agreement with Palau closely resembles similar requests made by the Trump administration to dozens of other countries for the resettlement of deported migrants. 

“Because most of the countries are small, far from the US, and not familiar to most Americans, the reason for such actions is primarily to heighten fear within immigrant communities in the US of being sent to distant places where they have no family or other connections,” Meissner was quoted by the Guardian as saying.  

The deal offers Palau no material benefit and warns that the tiny Pacific island would be agreeing under duress—driven by fear that rejecting the proposal could lead to negative consequences, Pacific analyst Camilla Pohle told The Guardian.

Tonga Warning Response 

While Palau’s leadership is still considering the proposal, Tonga’s response to a similar warning has raised questions among analysts. 

Some commenters expressed concern over why Prime Minister Eke’s office appeared to distance itself from the warning, leaving the matter to the Crown Prince. 

Approximately 80,000 people in the United States identify as being of Tongan descent, according to national statistics. 

The details of the U.S. warning to Tonga have yet to be disclosed, and Tongan authorities appear reluctant to discuss the matter publicly. 

However, as previously reported by Kaniva News and other international media, the U.S. memo outlined benchmarks targeting Tonga and 35 other countries.

These included concerns that some nations lacked a competent or cooperative central government capable of producing reliable identity or civil documents, or were affected by widespread government fraud.

Other cited reasons included high numbers of citizens overstaying U.S. visas, the availability of citizenship through monetary investment without residency requirements, and claims of “antisemitic and anti-American activity in the United States” by individuals from those countries.

The memo also stated that a country’s willingness to accept third-country nationals deported from the U.S., or to enter a “safe third country” agreement, could help mitigate these concerns.

1...747576...973Page 75 of 973