Home Blog Page 858

Police hunt for stabber after woman hospitalised in Vaiola

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

Police in Tonga are hunting for a man after a woman was taken to hospital with stabbed wounds last night Monday 20.

Superintendent Tevita Fifita from Nuku’alofa Central police station said they are very keen to find the man as soon as they can.

He said the incident occured in one of the motels in Maʻufanga.

He declined to give further comment on the injury or what might have caused it as well as the details of those involved.

Fifita said Police will release official statements once they arrest the suspect.

The woman was taken to Vaiola hospital for treatment but was released last night, Fifita said.

Promises over Pulelaʻā church ‘make-believe,’ FWC conference tells members

By
Kalino Latu
-
Pulelaʻā Church was sold by Westpac Bank to the Sant Nirankari Mission (SNM) following the collapse of a disastrous venture masterminded by Rev Sione Pinomi, Rev Matafonua Fotofili and Rev Viliami Tuʻakoi leaving the church owing Westpac and a local loan company Aus$21 million. Photo/KanivaPacific News

The Free Wesleyan Church in Tonga has told members of the Pulela’ā community in New South Wales to give up any idea of getting their multi-million dollar Sydney properties back.

The FWC has described claims that the properties could be recovered as ‘untrue,’ ‘thoughtless’ and ‘make-believe.’

The properties were seized by Westpac and resold after the community was engulfed in a financial scandal.

Three leading figures at the ʻchurch who were at the centre of the controversy have been suspended. They were Rev Sione Mataele Pinomi, Rev Matafonua Fotofili and Rev Viliami Tuʻakoi.

The announcement by the FWC at its conference this week has ended years of controversy and dispute, during which church members were dragged into religious conflicts and financial ruin.

The FWC said it would take legal action against the agents used by church ministers at Pulela’ā to fabricate documents used to mislead FWC headquarter in Tonga.

The church said it would also lodge complaints with the Australian Securities Investment Commission and the New South Wales Law Society about the situation.

According to minute number 92 of the Free Wesleyan Church conference for July 13, the property that formerly belonged to the Pulela’ā Church at 166 Glendening Road in NSW cannot be reclaimed.

READ MORE:

The minutes said the current owners had confirmed they did not want to resell it.

The document said Westpac had liquidated the property and met all legal requirements before it was sold. Claims that the Pulela’ā church was working to sue the bank to recover the property were impossible.

The document said claims by Pulela’ā ministers and their legal team that they were taking legal action to recover the church’s properties were “thoughtless” and “make believe.”

The FWC said the Pulela’ā ministers had promised miraculous financial salvation and presented fake investors to church members and claimed they were millionaires who would pay for their loans. All these claims had proved to be  “untrue” and “unreliable”.

The minutes said the organisation which owned the Pulela’ā church and property had confirmed there had never been any contact whatsoever with authorities at Pulela’ā about them buying back the property.

Celebrations had been held at the Pulela’ā  to announce that millions of dollars would be donated to the church. The latest was a promise of a $12 million donation to be paid to the church in April 2015. All these claims were fictitious, the minutes said.

The record of the FWC meeting said even if these claims proved to be true some time in the future there was no way such funding  could be accepted because it would go against the church’s religious principles.

The document said the conference would like to stop its church members from having any further hope that Pulela’ā or the five properties that had been used as securities would ever be recovered.

The conference also wanted church members to give up any hope that a financial investor would donate millions to the Pulela’ā church.

The document said the church appealed to its followers to use their remaining energy to bring back church members who had broken away because of the scandal.

It said the church should review its religious positions and to design a new pathway for the Pulela’ā church to follow.

It said the church should put God as priority and avoid living to worldly concerns.

The conference passed the following resolutions:

  1. To upgrade its moral care and act as a shepherd to the Pulela’ā church community and those who had broken away from the church.
  2. To work out how the church could assist those at Pulela’ā who had been affected emotionally and psychologically as well as the church ministers because of what they had experienced.
  3. To lodge complaints with Australian Security Investment Commission (ASIC) regarding the problem at Pulela’ā. Also to complain to the NSW Law Society about the two lawyers used by the church ministers at Pulela’ā. Another complaint would be lodged against the auditors in NSW who were used by Pulela’ā authorities.
  4. To review the memorandum of understanding between the FWC conference and the Tongan congregation in Australia and check the deed used for the registration of the church in Australia.
  5. That the church pay for all legal costs of the work involved in dealing with the situation at Pulela’ā.

The main points

  • The Free Wesleyan Church in Tonga has told members of the Pulelala’a community in New South Wales to give up any idea of getting their multi-million dollar Sydney properties back.
  • The FWC has described claims that the properties could be recovered as ‘untrue,’ ‘unkind’ and ‘make believe.’
  • The properties were seized by Westpac and resold after the community was engulfed in a financial scandal.
  • Three leading figures at the Pulela’ā’ church who were at the centre of the controversy were suspended by the conference last week. They were Rev Sione Pinomi, Rev Matafonua and Rev Viliami Tu’akoi.

For more information

Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga’s property gets new owner (Kaniva News)

Free Wesleyan Church in Sydney lose their premises (Tagata Pasifika)

Soldiers farewell: Fīnau’s coffin carried by comrades

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

It was a fitting send off for a soldier who had promised to give his life for Tonga and continue to defend the country.

His coffin was surrounded by military officials led by the Commander of His Majesty’s Armed Forces Lord Fielakepa, along with HSH Prince Tuʻipelehake and hundreds of mourners who gathered to pay their respects  to Sioeli ʻAholelei Finau at the church where his funeral was held today.

The former Royal Marine Cadet Officer’s coffin was carried by his comrades and loaded it onto a military truck before it was taken to its resting place at Maluamapa Cemetery.

Fīnau, 24, was stabbed to death during a street brawl in Nukuʻalofa on July 11. A 25-year-old suspect from Kolofoʻou was arrested and was in Police custody in relation to Fīnau’s death.

Mourners stood in silent as the military truck carrying their loved one passed while relatives wept as they followed the coffin into the cemetary, and supported each other as they walked along.

His family described his funeral and farewell as full of military honours in emotional but dignified services.

Tragic Veitongo drowning victims laid to rest

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

The bodies of ʻEmeline Ngalu Pousini, from Maʻufanga  and Vili Foekina-ʻI he-Langi Jagroop of Fasimoeafi in Tonga, were laid to rest at the Kalevalio Cemetery today Saturday 18 after family and friends had gathered for a requiem mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of Mary  in Maʻufanga.

The 25-year-old Jagroop drowned when he was swept into the water at Veitongo  Saturday 11.

His friend 23-year-old  Pousini jumped into the water in an attempt to rescue him but was also swept away by the strong currents.

The double tragedy struck as the couple were having a picnic at the Veitongo beach along with teachers and classmates from ʻAhopanilolo Technical Institute (ATI).

Jagroop was a teacher ‘a ATI while Pousini was an ex-student.

The victims were described as “soul mates who radiated happiness when they were together”.

The body of Jagroop was found on Sunday this week one day after the body of Pousini was recovered from the water.

A fur seal found on Tonga beach

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

A fur seal is being nursed back to health this week after being rescued from ‘One Island in Tonga.

Photos uploaded to Facebook showed a man carrying the sea mammal with comments saying it  has been handed over to Tongan Fisheries authority.

For the seal to be found in the kingdom is an unusual occurrence since the mammals tend to stay off shore and in cold water areas.

The rare occassion happened after two sea lions were spotted at the Fu’amotu beach in 1990s.

Tonga’s Ministry of Fisheries did n0t immediately response to our request for comments.

 

 

Prime Minister seeks people’s opinion on CEDAW, ignores Privy Council warning

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tongan Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva said this week he would go to the people over the CEDAW controversy, despite a warning from the Privy Council.

The Prime Minister’s comments were made after the Privy Council wrote to him saying that according to the kingdom’s constitution, only His Majesty could sign documents ratifying the United Nations’ Convention on Eliminations of All Forms of Discriminations Against Women (CEDAW) .

Hon. Pohiva  told Tongan television program Tnews Focus this week he had received a letter from His Majesty’s Privy Council which suggested the king agreed with those who did not want Tonga to sign CEDAW.

About 500 protesters marched to the palace recently with petitions asking him to intervene with government’s move to ratify CEDAW.

The protesters, who also gathered about 14,000 signature of petitioners, told the king CEDAW could open the door to legalise abortion and same sex marriage.

The Prime Minister said the government would ask the public for its opinion about CEDAW and the cabinet would submit the outcome to the king.

Hon. Pohiva said the United Nations’ Convention was good for Tonga, but ratifying it would depend on what the majority of the people said.

He said more than 180 United Nations member countries had ratified CEDAW, leaving only Tonga and six other nations not to have signed it.

Hon. Pohiva said Tonga should sign CEDAW because most of the countries that had ratified the convention had mature civilisations and religions, Tnews reported.

He strongly believed CEDAW was right for Tonga because the countries that had signed up for it had tested and scrutinised the economic, political and social ideologies human beings struggled with in their environment.

Hon. Pohiva said Tonga was a democratic country and when the public was divided on issues like CEDAW the best thing to do was to seek the will of the majority and not a decision made by the Privy Council.

He said the king had already relinquished part of his powers to allow the Tongan people to run the government.

The Prime Minister also responded to complaints by those who supported CEDAW and said he had defected from the people.

Hon. Pohiva told Tnews if he listened to those who did not like CEDAW, those who supported the convention would complain that he was not listening to them either.

He said that when people were divided he must do his best before making a decision that is fair and reasonable.

The Prime Minister said he and his cabinet were on the same side with those who were anti-CEDAW. They did not want to legalise abortion as well as same sex marriage.  The issue was that they interpreted CEDAW from different perspectives.

He said CEDAW had been brought to the Tongan public more than 12 years ago, but the government recognised it had to take more time to educate and discuss the convention with the people.

Hon. Pohiva said if the outcome of the public consultation showed that the best way forward was to hold a referendum on CEDAW, the government would work to create a legal platform to allow this to be done. At the moment Tonga has no law allowing referenda to be held.

If the majority of the people voted for CEDAW, cabinet would submit the result to his Majesty and ask him to sign the documents ratifying the convention.

Background

The Tongan government announced in March that it would sign the United Nations’ convention banning discrimination against women.

The decision to ratify the United Nations’ Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) came after lengthy debate in cabinet and consultations with community groups during the past four years.

Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva said at the time that the kingdom would reserve the right to maintain its own laws on abortion, same sex marriage and the rules regarding the succession to the throne.

The main points

  • Tongan Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva said this week he would go to the people over the CEDAW controversy, despite a warning from the Privy Council.
  • The Prime Minister’s comments were made after the Privy Council wrote to him saying that according to the kingdom’s constitution, only His Majesty could sign documents ratifying the United Nations’ Convention on Eliminations of All Forms of Discriminations Against Women (CEDAW) .
  • Pohiva said Tonga was a democratic country and when the public was divided on issues like CEDAW the best thing to do was to seek the will of the majority and not a decision made by the Privy Council.
  • Pohiva said if the outcome of the public consultation showed the best way forward was to hold a referendum on CEDAW, the government would work to create a legal platform to allow this to be done.

For more information

CEDAW (United Nations)

Video explaining CEDAW principles (International Women’s Rights Action watch Asia Pacific)

US vice consul to meet visa applicants in Tonga next month

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

The U.S Embassy in Fiji has announced that Vice Consul, Jeremias Dirk will travel to Tongatapu from Tuesday August 4 to Thursday August 6, 2015 to attend to consular affairs for Tongan NIV (Non Immigrant Visa) and U.S. citizens.

It says the mission will bring applications for U.S. citizenship documents; including reports of births and passports, and to notarize documents that will be used in the U.S.

According to a public notice published on its website, Tongan NIV applicants must meet all criteria listed below to qualify for an appointment. NIV appointments will be scheduled for the morning of Tuesday, August 4.

It also says applicants can qualify to apply in Tonga only if they meet the following requirements:

–      You must not have immediate international travel plans.  Given the distances and processing time, passports may not be readily available for international travel.

–      You must be seeking a visa in one of the following categories:

o   Student (F – Must have I-20A or I-20B and paid SEVIS fee)
o   Exchange visitor (J – Must have DS-2019 and paid SEVIS fee)
o   Seaman or Airline Crewmember (C-1/D – Must have agency letter)
o   Religious worker (R – Must have approved petition)
o   A Temporary Visitor for Business or Pleasure (B1 and/or B2)who has had a valid U.S. visa of the same category within the last five years, can present proof of the visa, and has not overstayed in the U.S. or had the visa revoked

–      You must not have been refused a U.S. visa before or been removed from the U.S. or denied entry into the United States at a Port of Entry.  If you have previously been refused a visa, you may re-apply and schedule an appointment online via the embassy website to attend your interview in Suva.

If you meet the aforementioned criteria and want to be considered for an interview in Nuku’alofa, please click here to send an email to the Embassy with your full name and date of birth, and the expiration date and visa class of your last U.S. visa.  Appointments will be confirmed after visits are scheduled and the application material is received and reviewed.

Applicants having immediate travel plans or not meeting the aforementioned criteria must travel to the Embassy in Suva, Fiji to submit their application.

They will not accept petitions for immigrant visas.  All immigrant visa inquiries should be directed to the U.S. Embassy in Suva atconsularsuva@state.gov.

In order to obtain an appointment, please telephone 679-331-4466 ext. 8141 or 8167 from Monday through Thursday 2-4 pm.   You may also email consularsuva@state.gov to request an appointment.

For information about required documents for passports and reports of birth:  Check our Suva/Tonga websites.   In addition to the original documents, you will need to bring photocopies of ALL original documents, IDs, and passports.

When you are given an appointment, a consular employee will review the documents you need to present, and will also advise you the fees you need to pay.  You must come with a certified bank check in the exact amount made payable to the U.S. Embassy, Suva.   For security reasons, cash is not accepted.

Failure to provide required documents or payment at the time of the appointment will result in cancellation of your appointment with the consular officer.

Because of the limited availability, the Vice Consul will meet only with those who have made appointments in advance.  Walk-in appointments are not accepted.

Haveluliku fire that killed boy likely caused by candles

By
Kaniva Pacific
-

A fire that killed a 7 year-old boy on Wednesday night in Haveluliku was likely caused by candles the family used because the house they live in has no power connection.

Police in Tonga said the Lapaha Emergency and Fire Services responded to a blaze at around 8.30pm Wednesday 15, Tongan Radio 87.5 FM reported.

The child, whose identity was not released, was an adopted son of his grandparents who own the house, the radio said.

The grandparents attended a village fundraising concert while the victim was staying in the house.

It was believed the boy was sleeping while the fire happened.

The grandmother was reported as saying they put out the candle before they left for the concert.

Slain young soldier, family and friends mourn the loss of a ‘beautiful soul’

By
Kaniva Pacific
-
Sioeli ʻAholelei Finau was allegely stabbed during a brawl and family and friends said they are devastated by his death (Photo/Facebook)

The heart-broken family and friends of a young soldier with His Majesty’s Armed Forces fatally stabbed in a brutal attack in Nuku’alofa CBD Saturday night  11 say the pain of losing him is unimaginable.

A son of Tonga’s Pelehake community, Sioeli ‘Aholelei Finau, 24, was remembered as a smart, spirited young man.

He treasured his family and held to his Christian faith, his friends on Facebook say.

Finau was allegedly stabbed on the chest during a brawl happened around midnight near E.M. Jones Ltd. building.

His friends and family have described the situation as a loss  of a ”beautiful soul taken too soon”.

“So sad [because] he is so young and he had a bright future ahead but the good memories will forever filled the hearts of his loving families for eternity”, a Facebook user who sympathized with his family wrote.

Police have arrested a 25-year-old accused from Kolofo’ou with the knife allegedly used to kill the deceased.

The accused remains in custody to appear at the Nuku’alofa Magistrate’s Court on July 21.

TASANOC blames netball and athletics federations for debacle of Pacific Games teams at airport

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tonga’s chief sports official has laid the blame for the fiasco involving the kingdom’s netball and athletics teams squarely at the feed of their national federations.

The Tonga Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee’s  Interim General Secretary ‘Ahongalu Fusimalohi said TASANOC was not to blame for the situation in which 56 Tongan sport players arrived at Fu’amotu airport to find they were not booked on the flight to Port Moresby.

As reported by Kaniva News on July 9, the athletes turned up at the airport expecting to fly to Port Moresby to take part in the Pacific Games. They had been led to believe that TASANOC would give them their tickets at the airport.

“There was never a time I or anyone at the TASA office told them to go to the airport and wait there while I bring them their tickets,” the General Secretary said.

“There was never a time have I advised anyone that their tickets were ready.

“This is a fabrication of truth orchestrated by a disgruntled few to relieve them from the pressure of not doing their job.”

He said the National Federation of Athletics and Netball (NFAN) was entirely responsible for the situation at the airport.

He said NFAN had failed in many ways to keep to its agreement with TASANOC and the government to make sure all Tongan sport teams arrived  in PNG on time to take part in the Games.

The government eventually met the cost of flying the athletes to Port Moresby through a TP$250,000 loan to TASANOC.

He said this meant the committee had been left with the cost of paying two thirds of the  expense of competing in the Games.

This was despite the fact that two years ago all national sports federations had agreed to pay one third of travel costs, as well as daily allowances and uniforms.

A schedule for the payment of these costs by instalment was set up.

However, the Netball and Athletic federations paid their share so late that their names had been taken off the official list of participants.

By this time all government funding for the Games had been used up.

He said NFAN had attended few meetings held by the national committee to organise the kingdom’s participation in the Games.

Other sports federations that made no payments included Taekwando, Table Tennis, Cricket, and Beach Volleyball.

He said all federations knew well in advance that payments from the national committee would be made on a first pay, first go basis.

“By last week we were left with Netball and Athletics because they were the last to make payments well outside the deadline,” Fusimalohi said.

“By the deadline, most sports had committed to their travel cost and per diems.”

“Why should TASA make any special arrangements for those who have made very late payments, and for those who have made no payments at all.

“Is it fair to other sports?”

The main points

  • Tonga’s chief sports official has laid the blame for the fiasco involving the kingdom’s netball and athletics teams squarely at the feed of their national federations.
  • The Tonga Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee’s Interim General Secretary ‘Ahongalu Fusimalohi said neither he nor the committee had ever told any athletes to go to the airport and collect their tickets.
  • He blamed the story on misinformation spread by people trying to cover up their failure to do their job.
  • Fusimalohi said the National Federation of Athletics and Netball (NFAN) was entirely responsible for the situation at the airport.

For more information

Tongan athletes dumped at the airport

Pacific Games Port Moresby official site

1...857858859...965Page 858 of 965