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Trump Administration removes US Ambassador covering Tonga in major diplomatic shake-up

By
Kalino Latu
-

The administration of US President Donald Trump has removed the American ambassador responsible for Tonga as part of a sweeping diplomatic overhaul that will see nearly 30 career diplomats reassigned from ambassadorial and senior foreign service positions worldwide.

Marie Damour. Photo/US Embassy

Marie Damour, who was appointed in 2022 as US Ambassador to the Republic of Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga, Nauru, and Tuvalu, is currently based in Suva, Fiji. Although Tonga commissioned its own embassy under the Biden administration in 2023, the ambassador continued to operate from Fiji.

The move is part of a broader effort to align US diplomatic representation with Trump’s “America First” priorities.

According to two State Department officials, chiefs of mission in at least 29 countries were informed last week that their tenures would end in January. The officials reportedly spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss internal personnel changes.

All affected diplomats were appointed during the Biden administration and had survived an earlier purge in Trump’s second term that primarily targeted political appointees.

That changed on Wednesday when notices were issued from Washington, advising ambassadors of their imminent departure.

Ambassadors serve at the pleasure of the president and typically remain in their posts for three to four years.

Those impacted by the shake-up will not lose their foreign service status but will return to Washington for reassignment if they choose, the officials reportedly said.

The announcement follows last week’s partial travel ban affecting citizens from 15 nations, including Tonga.

The moves signal President Trump’s continued push to dismantle or reverse key policies and personnel decisions from the Biden administration.

Since returning to office in January 2025, Trump has relied on executive orders and other mechanisms to roll back his predecessor’s initiatives and replace diplomatic and federal appointees.

Among the changes, he has ended Biden-era policies such as “catch-and-release” and specific parole programs, reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy, deployed the National Guard to bolster border security, and outlined plans for a large-scale deportation operation.

Mr Trump has argued that the broad restrictions are designed to safeguard national security and address concerns about the ability to vet people from the affected nations. But critics of his administration have denounced the policy as discriminatory, since it mainly applies to nations in Africa and Asia.

Hamilton man jailed for killing Sione Leapulu Nusipepa and others in meth-fueled crash

By
Kalino Latu
-

A Hamilton man, high on methamphetamine, ignored flashing warning lights and lowered barrier arms to drive onto a railway crossing, causing a deadly collision with an oncoming train.

Sione Nusipepa. Photo/Supplied via Sfuff

Norton Sowerby, 37, had overtaken another vehicle and ploughed through the controlled crossing on Peachgrove Road in the early hours of November 13 last year, despite pleas from his passengers.

The impact killed three of his friends instantly: Sione Leapulu Nusipepa, 23, Shylin Osborne, 28, and Sowerby’s stepfather-in-law, William Brown, 46. A fourth passenger also survived – albeit with serious injuries to his scalp, chest, spine and cheekbone.

As Kaniva News previously reported, posts on Facebook identified Sione as being Tongan.

“RIP Sione Leapulu Nusipepa kou ofa lahi atu kia koe Tani kou ofa atu kia koe moe toenga fanau”, read a tribute in Tongan, expressing deep love for Sione and his family.

Sione’s sister, Ahi, told Stuff that the tragedy has been compounded by the driver’s conduct after the crash.

She said Norton Sowerby’s initial lie about being behind the wheel and his prolonged refusal to admit guilt — a delay criticised by Justice Downs at sentencing — deepened her family’s pain.

Ahi also alleges that between the accident and the court hearing, Sowerby shouted abuse at her in central Hamilton, declaring he would be a “free man.

According to his sister, Sione was turning his life around after a tough upbringing. He had cut ties with the Mongrel Mob and was focused on being a devoted father to his four children.

The week after the crash, he was scheduled to attend a parenting course — a step his family says showed his commitment to change.

Sowerby’s counsel Nadine Baier reportedly said her client accepted that this was a case involving an “extremely sad and tragic outcome for what was appallingly bad, dangerous, and reckless split-second decision made by Mr Sowerby”.

“That decision was made by his impairment of methamphetamine to a high level, that’s accepted.”

Justice Downs allowed a 25% discount for his guilty plea before sending him to prison for eight years.

He imposed a minimum non-parole period of four years.

Man arrested after impersonating Police in Counties Manukau

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Auckland – Counties Manukau Police have arrested a man following a bizarre incident during routine patrols in an unmarked vehicle last week.

Inspector Kerry Watson said officers noticed a station wagon following them, equipped with a flashing bar of red and blue lights – a signal typically used by Police to instruct a vehicle to pull over.

“Our officers were perplexed and quickly realised the car was not Police-official,” Inspector Watson said.

“It took a few moments for the impersonator to realise the vehicle they were signalling to pull over was Police, and they quickly tried to evade the area to avoid being caught.”

Officers intercepted the vehicle a short distance away and arrested the driver without incident.

Police confirmed a 38-year-old man will appear in the Manukau District Court on 24 December, charged with impersonating a Police officer and excess breath alcohol.

“The offender was impersonating Police, and to boot, was over twice the limit for breath alcohol,” Inspector Watson said.
“It’s bad enough that this person thought it was okay to impersonate a Police car. It’s even worse to see impaired and dangerous driving.”

Impersonating Police or representing a vehicle as a Police vehicle is an offence under the Policing Act 2008.

Police remind the public:

  • Call 111 for emergencies.
  • Call 105 for non-emergency reports or incidents after the fact.

Crown Prince renominated as Foreign Minister amid failed bid to block US travel sanctions

By
Kalino Latu
-

Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukālala has been renominated as Tonga’s Foreign Minister, a decision announced just one day after the United States imposed a travel ban on Tongan nationals last week.

Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukālala

In a June advisory to 36 countries including Tonga, the State Department said its concerns included the inability of some governments to produce reliable identity documents due to a lack of competence or cooperation.

It also cited “questionable security” of certain passports and failures to repatriate nationals or accept deportees from the United States, regardless of nationality.

The Trump Administration gave Tonga and these countries 60 days to respond to its demands.

Then Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke confirmed in July that the government had received warnings and demands from the Trump Administration. He described it as “alarming.”

He said the matter had been referred to the Crown Prince and his Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and that they were working closely with the US Embassy in Nuku’alofa on the issue.

Last week’s US announcement indicated that Tonga did not meet the required standards, and the government’s earlier efforts did not achieve the intended outcome.

The development has prompted questions among observers about what actions the Crown Prince and his ministry took that failed to satisfy the Trump administration, leading the United States to proceed with the travel ban.

Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua confirmed the Prince’s renomination to the media last week, although his full Cabinet lineup was not announced until before Christmas.

Under Tonga’s constitution, the Prime Minister nominates Cabinet Ministers, who are then formally appointed by the King.

The US Partial Restrictions

The restricted visas include B-1 and B-2, which are US non-immigrant visas for temporary visits such as business or tourism. F, M, and J visas are non-immigrant categories for students and exchange visitors.

More than 48,000 people identified as Tongan alone in the United States, according to the 2020 US Census.

When including those who reported Tongan heritage in combination with other races or ancestries, the total exceeds 78,000.

Tonga’s ties to the United States are closely linked to the Mormon Church, the kingdom’s second-largest denomination, which is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Church’s Brigham Young University–Hawai‘i enrols about 100 Tongan students each year. In 2011, 78 Tongans were reported to be attending the university.

The administration announced that the visa restrictions will take effect on January 1, 2026, though speculation has emerged that elements of the ban may already be in place.

As Kaniva News reported, Tongan professor Tevita Ka‘ili of Brigham Young University claimed some parents in Tonga were unable to attend the December 12 graduation ceremony because of the travel ban.

Lineup Expected Soon

King Tupou VI of Tonga officially appointed Lord Fakafanua last week as the country’s new head of government.

The appointment of the kingdom’s 20th Prime Minister was confirmed through the presentation of the Royal Warrant at the Royal Palace in Nuku’alofa on the afternoon of December 18, 2025.

Lord Fakafanua secured the premiership with 16 votes, while former Prime Minister Dr ’Aisake Eke received 10.

The Constitution mandates a secret premiership ballot, leaving the public guessing about both the outcome and the allegiances of individual MPs.

The secrecy of the ballot and the absence of public campaigning to identify premiership candidates and what policies they have for the people have long been points of contention.

Lord Fakafanua’s election as premier drew celebration among his supporters, while reports circulated on social media accusing certain People’s Representatives of backing him.

Among those present at the appointment ceremony were People’s MPs, including suspended former Minister of Police MP Piveni Piukala, former Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimalohi (‘Eua 11), former Deputy Prime Minister Semisi Sika (Tt2), MP Mo’ale ‘Otunuku (Vv 14), MP Lata Tangimana (Nu 17)and newly elected MP Fane Fotu Fituafe (Tt 6), the only woman in the current Parliament.

While attendance does not confirm voting patterns and the Prime Minister is expected to announce his Cabinet soon, speculation has intensified that these People’s Representatives were among Lord Fakafanua’s backers in the secret ballot—particularly Fusimālohi and Piukala, who served as ministers in former Prime Minister Eke’s Cabinet.

Unconfirmed reports on social media suggest that the noble bloc was also divided, with three members—allegedly Lord Tu‘ivakano, Lord Ve‘ehala, and Lord Tu‘ilakepa—appearing to have voted for Dr Eke.

Lord Fakafanua has pledged to unite the 26 MPs, saying he intends to reflect this in his Cabinet lineup by nominating the best candidates regardless of whether those MPs supported him in the premiership election.

Video shows guard choking, slamming woman at Tonga Hou’eiki Church feast

By
Kalino Latu
-

A feast at Tonga Hou’eiki Church, held this afternoon to celebrate the opening of its new hall in Tongatapu, descended into chaos after a woman was allegedly attacked for taking food from the feast tables without permission.

Screenshot from a video circulating online shows the moment a woman is grabbed by the neck and forced to the ground by a security guard during a church feast.

Footage circulating online appears to show a woman being grabbed by the neck and slammed to the ground by what appeared to be a security guard.

In a separate footage, the woman is seen interacting with a different man after an apparent attempt to take food. The man approaches, confronts her, and pulls her from her chair. The woman stands and resists, though the confrontation does not escalate further.

The footage also appears to indicate that she approached what was reported to be a front table reserved for VIP guests and took food from it.

It is reported that the woman took packs of bongo from the table, opened them, and spilled their contents while stating they were expired. The owner has reportedly denied this assertion.

One of the videos reviewed by Kaniva News appears to show the woman attempting to take food, while a girl seems to be assisting her, before a person—wearing a hi-vis jacket and reported to be a security guard—approaches and appears to attack her.

According to the video, the guard grabbed the woman by the neck and threw her to the ground.

The incident occurred while a man was delivering a speech during the celebration.

He was overheard urging calm, advising a response that was religiously consistent with church activities in light of the altercation.

It remains unclear whether police were called to the scene following the incident.

Kaniva News was unable to verify the authenticity of the videos independently.

Witnesses claim the altercation began when the woman attempted to fill a bag with food from one of the feasting tables without permission.

The videos have divided opinion on social media, with many questioning the use of force at a religious event, while others criticised the woman for engaging in kaifa‘o—a traditional practice of eating and taking food from tables to bring home for later meals.

“She was so disrespectful,” one user wrote, criticising the woman’s actions on Facebook.

Another defended her, saying, “She was just following our tradition—there was no need for violence.”

One commenter suggested that security guards should have assessed the woman’s psychological condition before using force against her.

“She should have waited until everyone else had the opportunity to eat before taking food away,” one commenter said.

Trump travel restrictions bar Tongan families from graduations, claims BYU-Hawaiʻi professor

By
Kalino Latu
-

Hawai’i – New U.S. travel restrictions are preventing Tongan families from celebrating major academic milestones with their children in Hawai’i, according to a Brigham Young University–Hawaiʻi professor from Tonga.

As Kaniva News reported earlier this week, the Trump administration has imposed partial travel restrictions on Tongan nationals to the United States, six months after warning the kingdom of possible action if it failed to meet specific U.S. requirements.

The proclamation extends partial travel restrictions and entry limitations to 15 additional countries, including Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

According to the U.S. Overstay Report, Tonga recorded a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 6.45 percent and an F, M, and J student/exchange visa overstay rate of 14.44 percent.

The administration announced that the visa restrictions for Tonga will take effect on January 1, 2026, despite speculation that a form of the ban was already being implemented.

Professor Tevita Kaili, who has taught Tongan students at BYU-Hawaiʻi for 20 years, voiced strong concern about the human impact of the policy.

“I am deeply concerned about the negative impacts of the current travel restrictions on my Tongan students, both those studying now and those in the future,” Kaili stated on Facebook.

While current students on J-1 and F-1 visas can continue their studies, the recently expanded restrictions have blocked their families from obtaining travel visas, the professor said.

Kaili pointed to the university’s December 12 graduation as a recent and painful example of the consequences.

For many Tongan families, attending a graduation is a crowning moment that represents a profound collective sacrifice and immense pride.

“Case in point, at our last BYU Hawaiʻi graduation on December 12th, the parents and relatives of my Tongan students were not granted visas to attend. It was truly disheartening!” Ka’ili said.

The administration cited the need to raise U.S. entry standards and bolster national security, suggesting the expansion was partly in response to the recent arrest of an Afghan national suspected of a shooting attack.

Critics contend the policy is overly broad and unfairly targets individuals from the affected countries.

For educators like Professor Kaili, the effect is direct and deeply personal, creating emotional strain for students and severing a crucial cultural connection at a key moment in their lives.

Brigham Young University–Hawaiʻi, owned by the Mormon Church, has long maintained strong ties with Tonga through the church, which is the second-largest denomination in the kingdom. In Fall 2011, enrollment was reported at 2,600 students, including 78 from Tonga.

Fiji woman lured by false job in Tonga; Trafficker sentenced to 7.5 years

By
Kalino Latu
-

Ashok Kumar, 58, of Fangaloto has been convicted and sentenced to seven and a half years’ imprisonment for trafficking a Fijian woman under the false pretence of employment.

The Supreme Court found Kumar guilty of one count of trafficking in persons for organising the entry of Miliana Raluve, 36, from Fiji to Tonga in October 2024.

He had lured her with a fabricated job offer at the Tanoa Hotel, promising a wage of $10 per hour.

A Desperate Search Exploited

According to evidence presented by Crown Counsel, Kumar contacted the complainant, a mother of three, on Facebook in September 2024. Capitalising on her desperation to support her family, he offered her the hotel job, paid for her airfare, and obtained her passport details under the guise of immigration processing.

Upon her arrival on October 4, the reality was starkly different. The court heard that Kumar did not resemble his Facebook profile, his home was not as described, and no employment existed.

Isolated and with no local contacts, the woman testified to feeling terrified when Kumar made three separate attempts to have sex with her, all of which she refused.

“She was misled by the defendant with false promises of employment,” Crown Counsel stated.

“She discovered upon arrival that the living arrangements were not as described and she had no relatives or friends in Tonga.”

Intervention and Arrest

After enduring several days of fear, the victim sought help from a cousin who is a police officer. Kumar was arrested on October 8 after the victim reported feeling unsafe and fearing for her life when he confronted her about her complaints.

In a police interview, Kumar admitted to arranging her travel but denied promising employment before purchasing the ticket—a claim the court rejected based on the evidence.

In a victim impact statement, the woman expressed her relief at Kumar’s arrest, stating she has since moved on with her life.

While she told the court she had forgiven him, she expressed shock that “someone of his age would act in such a manner.”

Sentencing

The Crown had recommended a starting point of 10 years’ imprisonment. In delivering the sentence, Justice Tupou KC considered the predatory nature of the crime, the victim’s vulnerability, and the breach of trust.

Kumar was ultimately sentenced to seven and half years. The final six months of the sentence are suspended for 12 months on condition that he does not commit any offence punishable by imprisonment. He must report to the probation office within 48 hours of his release and will be placed under probation.

The suspended sentence is intended to serve as a strong incentive for his rehabilitation upon release.

The conviction underscores ongoing regional concerns about human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals through false promises of work.

Police close notorious Laulea Beach after tragic drowning of former boxer Semisi Kalu

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tonga Police have announced the temporary closure of Laulea Beach Resort at Fātumu following the death of a Tongan father from New Zealand who drowned while trying to rescue his sons.

The family were enjoying a “beautiful” holiday before tragedy struck. Photo supplied via Stuff

The beach has been designated a Restricted Zone effective from Wednesday, 17 December 2025, at 4pm, under Section 125 of the Tonga Police Act.

Authorities said the closure will allow the Ministry of Police and the Ministry of Lands, Survey, Planning & Natural Resources to install safety signage and clear directional markers.

Anyone who fails to comply with the directive could face a fine of up to $500, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.

Closure Follows Tragic Drowning

The police move comes after a family holiday in Tonga ended in tragedy in November when former heavyweight boxer Semisi Kalu drowned while saving two of his sons from dangerous surf at the infamous Laulea Beach on eastern Tongatapu.

Kalu, a competitor at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, later settled in Auckland, where he ran a drainage business. He had returned to Tonga with his wife and three children to visit his mother.

According to local reports, Kalu’s sons were swept out to sea while swimming on the family’s final day in Tonga. Kalu managed to reach them and bring one son back to shore, but he succumbed to the sea despite resuscitation efforts.

His wife, Alexandria Ma’ilei Kalu, described him as their family’s “hero,” saying he died protecting his children.

Police said the closure is necessary to prevent further tragedies and ensure public safety.

The beach will remain closed until further notice while safety measures are put in place.

Deadly Beach History

As Kaniva News repeatedly reported, Laulea Beach is one of the most dangerous places in Tonga to go swimming due to powerful rip currents and waves known to sweep people out to sea.  

In May 2024 Puli ki Puloti Jr Afu died at Laulea before his body was found.  

In January 2024, Selomiti Tufui, a young policewoman, died at the beach.  

In 2018 Viliami Vaka’uta, 24, was presumed dead after he attempted to save her wife in the water. 

In 2017 Soane Tangipa ʻAtaʻata died after he went swimming at the beach. 

In 2015  ‘Inoke Mapaleve Mo’unga, 32,  of Kolonga, drowned at the beach after visiting there with his wife and friends. 

In 2012   Catholic priest, Father Mikaele Mateo , 37, died at Laulea Beach while helping to rescue his five young nephews who were swept out to the open sea by the strong currents. 

Bedridden hockey pioneer Hiko Fungavaka honoured as OHF life member for outstanding service

By
Kalino Latu
-

Hiko Fungavaka was awarded Life Membership of the Oceania Hockey Federation (OHF) in November 2025, recognising his exceptional contribution to the development of hockey in Tonga and across the Pacific.

Photo/https://oceaniahockey.com/

Hiko’s journey with OHF began in 2004 when he facilitated Tonga’s first Olympic Solidarity Hockey Coaching Course, where he met Continental Development Officer Gill Gemming for the first time. His passion for the sport grew steadily, and in 2016, he made history as OHF’s first Pacific Island Hockey Development Officer.

Before taking on the regional role, Hiko served as Sport Development Officer for the Tonga Olympic Committee (TASANOC) and was elected to its Board. His expertise in Olympic Solidarity grants helped Tonga Hockey Federation secure annual funding for equipment, coaching and umpiring workshops, and team travel to OHF events. His leadership extended beyond hockey—Hiko was appointed Chef de Mission for Tonga’s national team at the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands, a role he managed with distinction while still supporting Tonga Hockey from the bench.

In 2015, Hiko expressed his vision to grow hockey beyond its traditional base of girls and women, expanding opportunities for boys, men, and people with disabilities. He became the first Pacific Island Development Officer to work regularly with athletes with disabilities, championing inclusivity in the sport.

Hiko’s grassroots efforts have left a lasting legacy. He introduced hockey to kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, using national players as role models to inspire young athletes and develop leadership skills. As an OSEP Master Educator, he facilitated numerous coaching and umpiring courses and initiated teacher workshops to ensure hockey remained active in schools.

His strong relationships with TASANOC, government ministries, and other agencies elevated hockey from a minority sport to a recognised activity in Tonga’s sporting landscape. Hiko also played a pivotal role in securing funding for Tongan teams to compete in major events, including four Pacific Games, the FIH World League Series, a Youth Olympic Games Qualifier, and three Oceania Cup Hockey 5s tournaments.

Through dedication and persistence, Hiko overcame challenges to ensure Tonga Hockey reached its potential, transforming it into a growing force in Oceania. His Life Membership award is a fitting tribute to a career defined by vision, commitment, and service.

The award comes as Fungavaka battles serious health issues that have left him bedridden.

His son, Pitikeni Fungavaka, told Kaniva News that while awaiting CT scan results from Vaiola Hospital, he suspected his father may be suffering from some form of cancer.

BG Wealth Sharing declared a scam by Tonga’s National Bank

By
Kalino Latu
-

NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga – The National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) has issued a formal warning to the public regarding a fraudulent investment scheme circulating on social media.

The scheme, operating under the names “BG Wealth Sharing” and “DSJEX,” impersonates a legitimate cryptocurrency trading service and is targeting individuals across Tonga and its diaspora communities in New Zealand, Australia, and elsewhere.

Authorities report that the scam involves a fake trading platform designed to deceive investors.

Victims are often promised high returns or free cash to invest in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ether.

These digital currencies, which exist electronically and can be bought through exchanges or apps, carry significant risks in such schemes, as payments are irreversible and lack standard legal protections. The central bank cannot recover funds lost to these scams.

The scam typically follows a pattern. After luring a victim, the fraudulent platform displays fabricated profits to create a false sense of success. Scammers then pressure individuals to invest increasingly larger sums.

When a victim attempts to withdraw their supposed earnings, they are blocked and presented with demands for additional fees or taxes, which never lead to an actual release of funds.

The National Reserve Bank of Tonga urges the public to be vigilant and protect their savings.

It said: “The NRBT urges the public to be vigilant and protect their funds from such scams. The NRBT remains dedicated to protecting financial consumers and maintaining the integrity of Tonga’s financial system.”

Citizens should treat unsolicited investment offers with extreme scepticism, especially those promoted on social media, and verify the legitimacy of any financial service.

The NRBT confirms that “BG Wealth Sharing” or “DSJEX” is not licensed to operate in the Kingdom.

The bank reiterated its commitment to protecting financial consumers and maintaining the integrity of Tonga’s financial system.

The warning in Tonga follows similar alerts issued in the United Kingdom and California regarding the same fraudulent scheme

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