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Waterspout spotted in southern Tongatapu

By
Kaniva Pacific
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A large water funnel resembling a tornado was seen in the south-western sea of Tonga from the Blow Holes coastline at the village of Houma yesterday.

Amateur footages  captured by Dr Sayri Kawamura, a project manager of the Malimali Dental project in Tonga, shows a whirling column of air and water formed in the ocean. 

The images were uploaded this morning to Facebook and below was one of the captions:

“15th Feb 2014–Picture taken by Dr Sayuri Kawamura of the SPMT(Japan) AT THE SEA NEAR THE BLOW HOLES–saw this funnel cloud rotating cone-shaped column extending downward from the base of the cloud touching the sea creating this oval shaped waterspouts—"

Sesilia Fifita was at the scene and she said it, “was a shock seeing this tiny tornado”.

Experts said water spouts could cause winds averaging between 120 – 200km/h.

About waterspout:

[Retrieved from oceanservice.noaa.gov] Waterspouts fall into two categories: fair weather waterspouts and tornadic waterspouts.

Tornadic waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water, or move from land to water. They have the same characteristics as a land tornado. They are associated with severe thunderstorms, and are often accompanied by high winds and seas, large hail, and frequent dangerous lightning.

Fair weather waterspouts usually form along the dark flat base of a line of developing cumulus clouds. This type of waterspout is generally not associated with thunderstorms. While tornadic waterspouts develop downward in a thunderstorm, a fair weather waterspout develops on the surface of the water and works its way upward. By the time the funnel is visible, a fair weather waterspout is near maturity. Fair weather waterspouts form in light wind conditions so they normally move very little.

If a waterspout moves onshore, the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning, as some of them can cause significant damage and injuries to people. Typically, fair weather waterspouts dissipate rapidly when they make landfall, and rarely penetrate far inland.

Time to audit Pulela’ā church’s accounts, says Wesleyan General Secretary

By
Kalino Latu
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The accounts of the failed Pulela’a church in Sydney should be audited, the General Secretary of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, Dr Tevita Havea, told Kaniva News.

The Pulela’a church has been mired in controversy for years over its building in Glendenning in Sydney.

The church sank into financial chaos and began dealing with people who could best be described as operating outside the mainstream of the finance industry.

The church building was eventually sold to an Indian mission for an undisclosed sum.

The church lost five other properties in Australia as a result.

Dr Havea blasted the situation at the church, saying it was  time to free church members at Pulela’a from works of “arrogance.”

However, the General Secretary said it would be difficult for the church to take action against the Pulela’a leadership because, under church rules, the Pulela’a leadership  were the only ones empowered to call the quarterly or district meetings at which they could be impeached.

Ruin

Many members of the congregation who were persuaded to guarantee large debts faced ruin.

The Pulela’a church leader, Reverend Sione Pinomi, has become notorious for promises of miraculous financial salvation that never happen.

In the latest incident his congregation were told in December 2013 they would have their Christmas and New Year at Pulela’a. It did not happen.

A source told Kaniva News that members of the congregation had been told that the church property would be bought back.

Pulela’a lawyers have told the church’s headquarter in Tonga they will get millions of dollars and buy back the church’s  lost properties. 

Untrue

Dr Havea said that in the past promises that money would be obtained were untrue.

The General Secretary said the church believes what the Pulela’a lawyers have told them.

“The reverends at Pulela’a communicate with the church through their lawyers,” Dr Havea said.

“The lawyers wrote and said they are still working to fulfil legal actions and when that is completed the church’s properties would be returned to the church.

“The lawyers wrote to us many times and repeated this and that is why the church is still waiting.

“I think it is reasonable enough for the church to still wait because that is what it was told.

“It may take up to two or three years now for Pulela’a to complete these legal actions and the church still trusts and believe there would be an opportunity after all these legal endeavours.“

When asked if it was true the Wesleyan Church of Pulela'a would return to their property at Glendenning in the Christmas last year, leader of the Sant Nirankari Mission leader – which now owned Pulela'a responded – What happened to those Pulela'a leaders?

The Tongan Wesleyan Church has been accused of ignoring complaints against the Pulela’a leaders.

After its annual conference last year the Church relocated the Pastor in Charge of Pulela’a, Rev Viliami Tu'akoi to one of the churches in Vava’u, a move seen by some church members as a reward.

Hypocritical

A senior church member who talked to Kaniva News on condition of anonymity said the church was being hypocritical in its handling of the Pulela’a issue.

At it’s annual conference in 2013 the church stripped seven pastors – who had been found  to have embezzled several thousand dollars – of their titles and ordered to attend counselling.

They were also asked to pay back money they misused.

However, Dr Havea said no proceedings had been taken against the Pulela’a leaders.

Dr Havea said if an impeachment against the Pulela’a leaders had come through the fakakuata (church’s quarterly meeting) and the fakavahe fonua (church district meeting)  the church could have taken legal action.  

But he said it was the responsibility of the Pulela’a leaders – the people  who were being accused of misusing their power –  to call such meetings.

Dr Havea said the church needed to elect an independent person to chair the fakakuata and fakavahefonua so that people’s voices could be heard.

He also said it was time the church ordered its auditor to audit Pulela’a accounts and finance.

The Pulela’a leaders said they would raise millions of dollars to buy back the church property, but the church was still waiting to get monies promised by various companies and donors.

However, Dr Havea said there was hope that a miracle might happen.

Rev Pinomi could not be reached for comment.

The main points

  • The General Secretary of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, Dr Tevita Havea, says the accounts of the failed Pulela’a church in Sydney should be audited.
  • Dr Havea blasted the situation at the church, saying it was  time to free church members at Pulela’a from works of “arrogance.”
  • The Pulela’a church has been mired in controversy and financial chaos for years over its building in Glendenning in Sydney.
  • The church building was eventually sold to an Indian mission for an undisclosed sum.
  • The Pulela’a church leader, Reverend Sione Pinomi, has become notorious for promises of miraculous financial salvation  that never happen.
  • In the latest incident his congregation were told they would have their Christmas and New Year at Pulela’a. It did not happen.
  • However, the General Secretary said it would be difficult for the church to take action against the Pulela’a leadership because, under church rules, the Pulela’a leadership  were the only ones empowered to call the quarterly or district meetings at which they could be impeached.

The background

Kaniva News reported last July that the Tongan church of Pulela’a had been sold to the Sant Nirankari Mission in Sydney.

The expenses for the building of the church had been made through secured loans but payments were regularly missed and the debts snowball.

The loan repayments heavily depended on donations by church members.  

Reverend Sione Pinomi of the church reportedly told the members in 2011 that a Trust Fund registered in the Cayman Islands has donated $10 million to help with church’s loans. Later on he told the church its debts had been paid off by the Trust.

At a celebration arranged by church members the chairperson of the Trust, Mr Davendor Deo, also known as David Maharaj said the loans with Westpac had been cleared by the Trust.

According to document produced by the receivership company, Deo obtained more than $50,000 dollars from the church as a "facilitation fees".

However in January 2012, the church went into voluntary administration and then receivership. The church had lost five other properties around Australia.

Isalemi Naikoto, a lay leader with the Uniting Church in Australia, who was part of the Free Wesleyan Church back in Tonga, told Radio Australia it was common for Pacific churches to rely on their members to fund ambitious schemes and it was time they looked after their members.

For more information

Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga’s property in Sydney known as Pulela’ā gets new owner (Kaniva Pacific)

Troubled Tongan church project in Sydney collapses (Radio Australia)

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

Ha’apai Cyclone victims: free tinned fish fiasco

By
Kalino Latu
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Although people said they had received replacements after rancid cans of tinned fish were returned to local authorities  last week they feared  eating them might make them sick.

Some of the cans of Pacific Chief Sardines received after government food aid was distributed in Ha’apai had been punctured and had then leaked into their boxes causing a noticeable smell.

Government authorities have not yet issued any public warnings or recalls. 

The town officer of Pangai, Moimoi Fakahua, confirmed people had returned some of the sardines.

“Yes, there were cans of tinned fish we got back from the people and we have given them replacements,” Fakahua said.

When asked if he could estimate the number of damaged cans, the town officer said “there were many".

Talking to Kaniva over the phone Lesieli Soakai of Ha’ato’u said when her family opened the boxes they smelt terrible.

“We don’t know why they’d gone rancid as the expiry date was 29/06/2014.”

“We returned them to the town officer and got them replaced – but we still opted not to eat any. I heard people used them to feed their dogs.”

“We only eat tinned fish we receive from the distributions made by the Pentecost Evangelical Fellowships, because their expiry dates aren’t until 2016.”

“They are good ones and still fresh.”

According to experts, some canned sardines when storing above 95 F or 35 C could result in rupture or explosion. Failure to store canned sardines correctly can dramatically reduce their shelf life.

$20m to build new hospital in Ha’apai

By
Kaniva Pacific
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The Tongan government has revealed an estimate of TP$20 million funded project by the Australian government to build a new hospital in Ha’apai.

Health minister Lord Tu’i’afitu told an audience in Nuku'alofa yesterday the cabinet has approved the project and his ministry is working on the conceptual plan.

The new hospital is expected to be built in a 24 acre of land at Fiehua in Ha’ato’u, Ha’apai according to the Tonga Broadcasting Commission news.

This means works and all health activities conducted at Niu’ui hospital – which was hugely damaged by the cyclone Ian in January 11 – will move to the new location once the new construction completes.

The Australian government helped fund the master plan for the conceptual design of the refurbishment and development project for the Vaiola hospital’s new health facilities commissioned by the king in 2012.

Hookah diving deaths continue

By
Kaniva Pacific
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Despite repeated police warnings about the dangers of the illegal hookah diving technique, the problem still hasn’t  gone away.

The death of a man in Fonoi in Ha’apai on January 25 was the latest case of fatal hookah diver decompression.

Police have now issued yet another public safety warning.

Hookah diving involves using a boat engine to pump compressed air to a diver below the surface.

Both hookah and scupper diving are prohibited under Tonga’s Fisheries Act as they  require proper training and a high level of skill.

Tonga’s Fisheries Division has broadcast radio and television programmes  highlighting the risks  of these techniques.

Some people continue to use them  as it’s the only way they can maintain their income from fishing.

Japan grants USD$110,895 for 'Eua schools

By
Kaniva Pacific
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Japan gave Tonga a grant of US$110,895.00 (TP$183,327.98) on Tuesday to upgrate Hofangahau College and Tufuvai Government Primary School in ‘Eua.

H.E. Dr. Kazuchika Hamuro, Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Tonga said  education remained one of the priority areas of Japan’s development assistance to the Kingdom of Tonga.

He said, “Education also widens the horizons for students and empowers them to achieve their goals in life.

“The student’s learning experiences in primary and secondary education become the foundation of their life to come,” added Ambassador Hamuro.    

The joint signing ceremony held at Hofangahau College in Petani, ‘Eua, was also attended by Rev. Dr. Mele’ana Puloka, the President of Education of the Free Wesleyan Church, as well as other distinguished guests.

Rev. Dr. Mele’ana Puloka thanked Japanese government for the grant.

“We are most grateful to God and greatly appreciative of the Japanese Ambassador, the Japanese Government, and the Japanese people,” she said. 

Scharbelle Corby: the Tongan connection

By
Kalino Latu
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The story of Schabelle Corby, 37, which has drawn the attention of the Australian mainstream media has a Tongan connection.

After serving nine years in Kerobokan prison, Corby was released on parole last Monday, February 10.

She was reported to have arrived at a luxury resort and spa, Sentosa Luxury Villas, in the fashionable Seminyak district.

She will not be able to return to Australia until May 2017.

Corby travelled to Bali in Indonesia with her half-brother James Kisina, 27, in 2004. Indonesian customs found 4.2kg of marijuana inside her boogie board bag at the Ngurah Rai International Airport.

Kisina was carrying a bodyboard bag before Corby was arrested and had appeared in the media to support his sister.

Indonesia is probably the country with the strictest anti-drug laws in the world.

In January 2013 a British grandmother Lindsay Sandford, 56, was convicted by a district court for smuggling US$1,664,121.56 worth of cocaine in to the Indonesian island.

She is now facing a firing squad after she lost her appeal againts her death sentence in Bali in August last year.

Corby, however maintained that she did not put the marijuana in her boogie bag

Her conviction raised many questions about the Indonesian justice system and many people asked whether she was properly sentenced.

Corby’s mother Rosemarie married for the third time to Tongan-born James Kisina and they produced James Sioeli Kisina, 27,  and Melenae Kisina 24.

Supporters gathered at Corby’s mother’s home in Longanlea south of Brisbane, early this week to celebrate the news that her daughter had been released on parole.

This week Kisina, and friends Alyth Jeffers and Katrina Richards, who travelled to Bali with Corby in 2004, were reported to have come outside to open a bottle of champagne in front of reporters.

Kisina hinted at a lucrative TV deal, saying: “That's an expensive question, man.”

The Brisbane Courier-Mail reported that Corby’s family could be heard cheering and celebrating inside their Loganlea home as more family and friends joined the party.

The newspaper said Kisina left the Loganlea home at midday with two men in a car and was drinking beer.

“I’m excited to see her,” Kisina  said.

“It’s been a very long nine years.”

He returned a short time later with more alcohol and said he was speechless.

“We’re just going to go party,” he said.

Warning

Australian Seven network paid  Corby AU$2 million for a tell-all interview following her release from prison in Bali.

But Bali prison boss Farid Junaedi warned any interview may land her in jail.

Head of Parole Board Ketutsaid, “We'd have to review what exactly has been said, and it will be … not instantly. If she says something [bad] … we’ll advise her, warn her, but if it’s fatal, we’ll definitely review [her parole].”

Ketut reiterated to Fairfax Media that Corby did not need any official permission to do an interview, but said: “We do expect them to advise us,” so they could report back to Jakarta.

“We want to make sure that our [parole] officer is there to guide Corby and then we’ll need to report to our [department’s] director-general to let him know what happened.”

A Law professor at Mahasaraswati University in Bali, Ketut Sukawati Lanang Perbawa, said the prospect of a paid interview was "an insult against Indonesia and against President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono as the symbol of Indonesia.”

Background

Schapelle Corby is an Australian woman convicted of smuggling drugs into  Indonesia.

She was convicted on May 27, 2005 for brining 4.2 kg (9.3 lb) of cannabis into Bali.

Corby was sentenced to 20 years in prison by the Denpasar District Court and imprisoned in Kerobokan Prison.

She maintained the drugs were planted in her body board bag and that she did not know about them.

The main points

  • Convicted Australian drug smuggler Schabelle Corby has a Tongan connection.
  • Corby travelled to Bali with her half-brother James Kisina in 2004 when Indonesian customs found 4.2kg of marijuana in her bag.
  • Kisina is the son of Corby’s mother by her third marriage to Tongan-born James Kisina.
  • After serving nine years in Kerobokan prison, Corby was released on parole last Monday, February 10.
  • The Brisbane Courier-Mail reported that Kisina and other family members had gathered at his mother’s house to celebrate her release.
  • Indonesian prison authorities have reacted angrily at news that Corby has been paid Aus$2 million for a television interview.

'Ikale Tahi captain Pacific Island Player of the Year

By
Kaniva Pacific
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Tongan Flanker Nili Latu has been paid a double compliment by his peers – winning the Pacific Island Players Association (PIPA) 2013 Tongan Players Player of the Year Award and the overall Digicel Pacific Island Players Player of the Year Award.

The award caps off a standout year for the 31 year old openside flanker who lead his country in all of their 7 internationals during 2013.

Following the November test matches , pacific island players voted for players of the year for Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji as well as voting for the overall ‘Pacific Players Player of the Year.’ The players selected Latu as the stand-out Tongan player.

Hurricanes and Samoan flanker Jack Lam was awarded the Samoan Player of the Year award, and Toulouse and Fijian Flanker Akapusi Qera as the Fijian player of the year.
Latu was delighted to win the overall award and receive such recognition from his peers.

Katie Taylor, Digicel Pacific Head of Marketing, congratulated the players and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to support PIPA and the Awards. “We are delighted to be associated with PIPA and endorse individual member’s achievements in 2013 through these awards. On behalf of Digicel I would like to congratulate all the winners and nominees. It can be no greater feeling than to be nominated for such awards by your playing peers and we wish all PIPA members all the best in their playing endeavours in 2014’’.

PIPA founding member and former Flying Fijians captain Deacon Manu paid tribute to the award winners, “there are few greater honours than to receive recognition from your peers for the hard work that goes into consistently performing on the international stage, on behalf of all the Pacific Island Players we congratulate Nili, Akapusi and Jack for their outstanding contribution to pacific island rugby during 2013.”

In recognition of the awards the winners each received a traditional kava bowl.

Samoan International and PIPA founding member Seilala Mapusua emphasized the importance for PIPA to recognise outstanding performances over a year, “all pacific island players cherish every opportunity to represent their country. With these awards we hope to inspire players from Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga to strive for excellence both on and off the field.”

www.allblacks.com

Afā manslaughter accused named

By
Kaniva Pacific
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A  man appeared in a magistrate court  in Nuku'alofa today, charged with reckless driving after his vehicle allegedly hit a man in Hoi last week, was released on bail.

‘Ata’ata Finau, 61, is acccused of matters  in relation to the death of Kosi Tae, a 62-year-old man from Kolonga.

Finau was ordered to reappear in court on February 26.

The court was told the victim was riding his bicycle along Tangikina Road in Hoi on his way to Kolonga when he was hit by a vehicle.

He died on his way to Vaiola hospital.

The incident was the second road fatality for the year and the accused is the CEO of the Nuku’alofa’s Department of Statistics.

China pledges further USD $600,000 relief effort

By
Kaniva Pacific
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The Chinese Government has given Tonga  further relief efforts for the Ha’apai victims which will include a grant of USD $600,000 in cash on Mon 10.

China's ambassador to Tonga, His Excellency Mr Huang Huaguang along  with Tonga's Prime Minister Lord Tu’ivakano will sign the agreement documents  in a  ceremony today, February 12.

The Lord Prime Minister acknowledged the proactive relationship between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga.

“Tonga is extremely thankful for this tremendous assistance that the Government and the People’s Republic of China has always been giving to the people of the Kingdom of Tonga,” remarked the Lord Prime Minister.

“I hope that exchanges and cooperation in various fields between our two countries will continue to deepen the mutual understanding and friendship shared between our two nations,” added the Prime Minister.

Last month, the Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Ian struck the Ha’apai Group, causing vast devastation to the islands, displacing more than 5,000 people and destroying over 800 homes.

Emergency supplies valued at TOP $10,000.00 were immediately dispatched by the Government of the People’s Republic of China to aid the people of Ha’apai.

Donations of constructions materials and other in-kind support were made by local businessmen from the private sector enterprises and the Chinese communities in Tonga.

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