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Commentary: Stranded Tongans want more details on costs of getting home and ask why there is no government subsidy for quarantine in New Zealand

By
Kaniva Staff
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Commentary: Tongans stranded overseas say they need more information from the government about the costs of getting back to the kingdom.

They want to know especially about why the government was not subsiding quarantine in New Zealand, whether New Zealand would still pay for Covid tests and how money from donor organisations and countries was being used.

Tongans who wanted to return to the kingdom were also anxious to find out whether Hon. Tu’i’onetoa’s statement in June last year that New Zealand would pay for Covid-19 testing still stood.

Tonga  budgeted TP$60 million for its fight against Covid-19.

Kaniva News believes the government has a responsibility to give Tongans stranded overseas for months the full picture and show that it is accountable to its own citizens.

Part of that explanation may be to detail the restrictions and rules around how donor money can be spent.

Yesterday Prime Minister Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa’s government announced that Tongans stranded in countries other than New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific had to pay for quarantine fees in New Zealand out of their own pocket.

Passengers stranded in New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Samoa and the kingdom’s neighbouring countries will travel to Tonga before continuing to go through the 14-day quarantine process there. These people will enjoy their time at these isolation facilities free.

We believe there is an issue here for the government to look at in regard to fair distribution of the country’s budget being set aside to help fight against the Covid pandemic.

In the past 24 hours Kaniva News has spoken to people who say they want more details about the government’s announcement and the payments they have to make.

Tongans stranded in the US, Europe and elsewhere can travel to New Zealand and complete the 14-day stay in Covid-19 managed isolation there before being repatriated to Tonga.

This is part of a plan for more repatriation flights to Tonga which is expected to run from February until June this year.

Flights from Australia will be chartered and paid for by fruit pickers’ employers and will be used to repatriate fruit pickers, as well as other passengers.

Only Tongans from Brisbane and Canberra will be repatriated, due to the status of Covid-19 in other Australian states.

Tonga remains Covid-19 free, but has repatriated less than 30 percent of the more than 7000 people overseas. It has been very slow in comparison with other Pacific countries.

Some people told Kaniva News they wanted the Tongan government to explain why they did not subsidise the quarantine fees in New Zealand because most of them were not working and had no source of income.

In New Zealand, the quarantine payment is quoted as “NZ$3100 for the first or only person in the room (whether that is an adult or a child) with NZ$950 for each additional adult and NZ$475 for each additional child (3-17 years old, inclusive) sharing that room, all GST inclusive. There will be no charge for children under the age of three if they are staying in a room with another person.”

Donor money

Some people have also asked how the money supplied by donor organisations like the World Bank and outside countries to fight Covid-19 in Tonga has been spent. They have also asked why it has not been used to help bring people home.

The reality is that most donor money is very specifically targeted

In May 2020 the World Bank gave US$2.9 million to support health-sector preparedness for Covid-19 and to buy critical health equipment, including ventilators, monitors and personal protection.

The IMF has just approved a US$9.95 million under its Rapid Credit Facility, to help meet Tonga’s urgent balance of payments and fiscal needs arising from the Covid-19 pandemic and Cyclone Harold.

In December the World Bank approved a $30 million package to help Tongan businesses, workers and vulnerable households.

Repatriation flights

Repatriation flights are scheduled to depart every three weeks from New Zealand, Australia and Fiji.

Date of Repatriation to Tonga From Country
4 February New Zealand, Fiji
11 February Australia
25 February New Zealand, Fiji
18 March New Zealand, Australia
8 April New Zealand, Australia
29 April New Zealand, Australia
20 May New Zealand, Australia
3 June New Zealand, Australia

FAKAMATALA FAKA-TONGA

‘Oku ‘i ai e faka’amu ke fakamahino pe ‘oku kei tu’u pe fanongonongo ‘a e ‘Eiki Palēmia’ he ta’u kuo ‘osi’ ‘o pehē kuo fakahā ‘e he palēmia ‘o Nu’u Sila’ ‘e totongi ‘e Nu’u Sila ‘a e sivi Koviti 19 ‘a e tokotaha kotoa ‘oku ‘amanaki folau ki Tonga’. ‘Oku NZ$300 tupu ki he toko taha ‘a e sivi ko ‘eni. Ko e kau Tonga tu’u vakā ‘i ‘Amelika mo ‘Iulope ‘e pau ke nau feinga mai ki Nu’u Sila ‘o kolonitini ai pea te nau fua pe ‘a e fakamole ko ia’. ‘Oku ‘i he NZ$3000 tupu ‘a e toko taha ki he kolonitini ko ‘eni’. Faka’amu e tokolahi ‘e kolonitini ‘i Nu’u Sila na’a lava fakamahino ko e hā ‘uhinga ‘oku ‘ikai lava ai e pule’anga’ ‘o sapusitaisi pe totongi ha konga ‘o ‘enau fakamole’ he ko e tokolahi heni ‘ikai ke nau ngāue. ‘E ta’etotongi kinautolu ia mei Nu’u Sila mo ‘Aositelēlia mo e Pasifiki ‘e kolonitini ‘i Tonga’. Kuo ‘i ai foki mo e tokanga he ‘oku ‘ikai ngata he lahi e ngaahi tokoni lau miliona kuo ‘o hake ki Tonga ke tokoni ki he Koviti 19 ka ne ‘osi ‘i ai ‘a e patiseti ‘a Tonga $60 miliona ke tau’i’aki ‘a e vailasi’ ni. ‘Oku ‘i ai e faka’amu ke ‘ata ki tu’a ‘a e ngaahi fakamatala fekau’aki mo e ‘ū tokoni ko ‘eni’.

His Majesty’s Armed Forces soldier arrested with cannabis at quarantine facility

By
Kalino Latu
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Tongan cops have arrested a 23-year-old soldier from Holonga with illicit drugs on Monday 25 January 2021.

His Majestyʻs Armed Forces base in Senē, Kolomotuʻa. Photo/Kalino Lātū

Police were acting upon a request from His Majesty’s Armed Forces to conduct a search of the Taliai Military Camp.

“The Drug Enforcement Taskforce conducted a search of the Compound and found drug utensils which led to the arrest of the on duty officer at Makeke Quarantine Facility at Vaini,” Police said.

Police seized 1.91 grams of cannabis and drug utensils during the arrest.

The accused has been charged with possession of illicit drugs and utensils.

He is remanded in police custody to appear at the Magistrate Court at a later date.

Judge blames Noble for confusion over rental agreement, but still orders tenant to move out

By
Philip Cass
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Lord Chief Justice Whitten has blamed Lord Lasike for creating a situation in which he sub-let a building to tenants without telling the ANZ Bank, from which he held a mortgage.

Lord Lasike. Photo/Youtube

He said the Noble’s failure to adhere to his obligations had led to a situation in which one of his tenants believed that she still held a tenancy in the building on terms set by Lord Lasike, even after the bank had reclaimed it and re-sold it.

Junior Leata McCarthy sought to argue that her tenancy agreement with Lord Lasike was valid and that she believed that the building’s new owners and the bank, had by their actions and failure to directly indicate otherwise, accepted the arrangement and would let her stay in the building for many years to come.

The case had its origins in October 2004 when Lord Lasike borrowed TP$170,000 from the ANZ. As security for the loan, Lord Lasike executed a land and chattel mortgage over the land.

The property on Taufa’ahau Road is between the premises of EM Jones and Sioeli Tuita’s property in Nuku’alofa.

As part of the mortgage, Lord Lasike, a former Speaker of Parliament, had to agree to not lease or sublease the property without the previous consent in writing of the bank.

Lord Lasike went on to establish on the property what became known as the Sandyboyz Motel, which was a commecial failure.

He therefore decided to rent out rooms within the buildings to be used by tenants for shops.  On March 1, 2014, Lord Lasike entered into a rental agreement with McCarthy, who opened the Le-Ata Fashion Boutique & Giftshop.

The agreement was for 15 years at TP$1000 a month.

She agreed to renovate and upgrade the premises at her own expense.

Lord Lasike did not tell the bank about the rental agreement.

During his oral evidence, he said he did not obtain any legal advice before executing the documents or read them before signing them.

 In or about 2016, Lord Lasike defaulted on the loan in 2016, owing TP$1.159 million.

After the Noble defaulted on the mortgage, the bank sold the  building to Edgar Cocker, currently  Tonga’s Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet for TP$750,000.

The Noble then told his tenants to pay their rent to the  bank.

McCarthy said she had the “impression” that her rental agreement with Lord Lasike “was alright.”

Mr Cocker presented the Defendant with a new rental agreement, the key terms of which were an increased rent to $1,500 per month and a period of only one year. 

The Defendant rejected the agreement, claiming she was entitled to remain on the property under her tenancy agreement with Lord Lasike.

Cocker demanded that McCarthy leave the property so that he could demolish the existing buildings and redevelop the site into a shopping mall.

McCarthy refused to move and Cocker sought an eviction order and damages.

Ruling

Lord Chief Justice Whitten ruled that Cocker Enterprises Ltd had given McCarthy more than reasonable notice  of the termination of her tenancy of the shop and the demand for her to vacate it. 

The Defendant’s refusal to vacate the property was unlawful. Therefore, since February 16, 2020, the Defendant has been a trespasser on the property.

McCarthy was ordered to pay TP$11,000, the equivalent of 11 months’ rent.

The judge ruled that McCarthy had to vacate the property and remove her belongings from it within 28 days of the ruling and pay Cocker’s costs.

ONGOONGO’ ‘I HE LEA FAKA-TONGA’

Ne pehē ‘e he ‘Eiki Fakamaau Lahi ne hoko ‘a e tōnounou he ngaahi fatongia ‘o Looti Lasike’ ke kei  kohu pe taha ‘ene kau fakalele pisnisi totongi ‘i he taha hono ngaahi fale’ ‘oku kei mafai lahi pe ‘a e aleapau nofo totongi ne na fefakamo’oni’aki ai ‘o a’u pe ki he hili hono to’o ‘e he pangikee’ mei he nōpele’ ‘o toe fakatau atu ‘a e fale ko ‘eni’ ki ha ‘ouna kehe. Ko e fefine pisinisi ‘eni ko Junior Leata McCarthy pea na’a’ ne hā ‘i he fakamaau’anga lahi hili hano faka’ilo ia ‘e Edgar Cocker mo ‘ene pisinisi Cocker Enterprise Ltd, ‘a ia ko e ‘ouna fo’ou ia ‘o e kelekele mo e fale ko ‘eni ‘oku tu’u he hala Taufa’āhau’ ‘i loto Nuku’alofa. Ko e pisinisi ‘a McCarthy ne ‘iloa ko e Le-ata Boutique & Gift Shop. Ne na aleapau mo Looti Lasike ‘i he 2014 ke pisinisi totongi ‘a McCarthy he fale ‘o e nōpele ‘a ia ne ‘iloa ko e ‘Sandyboyz Motel’ ki he mahu’inga ko e $1,000 he māhina ‘i ha ta’u ‘e 15 toki ‘osi ki he 2029. Ka ne ‘ikai fakahā ‘e Looti Lasike ‘eni ki he pangikee’, ‘o hangē ko e aleapau’, pe  kia McCarthy ‘oku fihia e ‘api’ ‘i ha mōkisi ‘i he pangikē ANZ. ‘I he 2016 ne ‘ikai toe lava ‘e Lasike tā fakafoki ‘ene noo’, ‘a ia ne a’u e mo’ua he taimi ko ia’ ki he 1 miliona tupu’, pea iku ala mai e pangikee’ ‘o fa’ao e fale’ ‘a ia ko e taha ia e koloa malu’i. Ne fakatau leva ia ‘e he pangikee’ ki he ‘ouna fo’ou’ ko Edgar Cocker mo hono hoa’. Ne hoko heni ha palopalema ‘i hono toki ‘ilo ‘e Cocker ‘a e tu’unga ne ‘i ai ‘a McCarthy mo ‘ena aleapau mo Lasike’. Ne kau heni hono hono tu’utu’uni atu ‘e Cocker ke fakafo’ou e aleapau ke $1,500 he māhina. Ne iku foki ‘o ‘ikai lelei e alea ko ‘eni’ pea a’u ki he tu’unga ne liliu ‘e Cocker e loka ki he fale’ ka ne to’o ia ‘e McCarthy.  Ne iku ai ‘o ‘ave ‘e Cocker ‘a McCarthy ki he fakamaau’anga. Na’e tu’utu’uni aofangatuku leva ‘a e fakamaau lahi ke mavahe ‘a McCarthy mei he ‘api’ ni pea ke ne totongi huhu’i ‘a e fakamole ‘a Cocker.

Soane Ramanlal wanted by NZ authority over fraud charges

By
Kalino Latu
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An arrest warrant has been issued in New Zealand for 62-year-old Soane Ramanlal.

Roger Pikia. Photo/Teara Wariver Iwi Trust

He hasn’t been seen recently in Auckland where he has his own property in Epsom.

Ramanlal has a warrant out for his arrest after being charged by the Serious Fraud Office but is believed to no longer be in New Zealand, the New Zealand Herald reported.

Ramanlal was Chief Executive Officer of Shoreline Communications, a company co-owned by his elder brother Josef Ramanlal and Late King George V while the king was Crown Prince Tupouto‘a.

The company granted the exclusive right to provide the power to the government electricity company and later the supply of mobile telephone services to the public by its Tonfon division.

In May 2005, the king announced the company was transferred back to the government including all potential partners and the electricity assets owned and managed by the Shoreline Group since 1998. The announcement came after the Tongan government confirmed during the same month it’s suspending an electricity tax after thousands of people took to the streets to protest against it.

The pro-Democracy Movement organised the march, calling for the power supply to be taken from the Shoreline company, Radio New Zealand reported.

Soane’s fraud charges revelation came after the SFO has brought fraud charges against Roger Pikia, the chairman of Te Arawa River Iwi Trust (TARIT) and its investment company THL Limited (THL).

Mr Pikia, 58, did not enter a plea when he appeared in the Auckland District Court last year December 16.

He was charged with ‘Obtaining by deception’, ‘Corrupt acceptance of gift by an agent’, ‘Receiving a secret reward for procuring a contract’, ‘Perverting the course of justice’ and ‘Conspiracy to commit an offence’. The charges are in relation to his role as chairman of TARIT and THL.

Mr Pikia’s co-defendant, who was believed to be the Ramanlal, was charged with ‘Conspiracy to commit an offence’. He was not present during the December hearing.

In 2016 the Maori trust was granted land leases and at least 50 years control over the former public enterprise Tonga Forest Products Limited.

At the time, the Tongan government said the trust, represents two iwi and had agreed to pay just over US$4.4 million in return for management of the company for 50 years, with the option to renew for a further 25 years.

King appoints new Minister for Trade and Economic Development; Ha‘apai has new governor

By
Kalino Latu
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King Tupou VI has appointed Mr. Tatafu Toma Moeaki as new Minister for the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development today, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said.

New Trade Minister Tatafu Moeaki (L), and New Ha’apai Governor Viliami Manuopangai

Moeaki was a former secretary of the Ministry of Finance.

His Majesty has also appointed Mr. Viliami Manuopangai Hingano to the position of Governor of Ha’apai with effect from January 26 2021.

Manuopangai was former MP for Haʻapai 12 constituency.

Hon. Sāmiu Kuita Vaipulu, the former Minister of Trade and Economic Development was appointed as Minister for the Ministry of Justice and Prisons, following recommendations from the Hon. Prime Minister. Hon. Rev. Dr. Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa, as stipulated by the constitution.

Tongan academic calls for discussion about use of flag after it was seen in attack on Capitol building

By
Kalino Latu
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A Tongan flag appears during protest in US Capitol building. Photo/Facebook

A Hawai’i-based Tongan academic has called for a discussion about how the kingdom’s flag should be used after one appeared in photographs of the attack on the Capitol building on January 6.

Professor Tevita Ka’ili, who is Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Culture, Language and Performing Arts at Brigham Young University, said he believed a Tongan Trump supporter took the flag to the Capitol. 

Egged on  by President Trump, hundreds of Trump supporters entered the Capitol building in a bid to overturn his election defeat. They planned to force Congress to postpone a session that would have certified Democratic President-elect Joe Biden’s victory in the November election.

Five people died as a result of the attacks.

Professor Ka’ili said on Facebook the use of the flag by Tongans living overseas should be discussed.

He said such a discussion could be part of the  Tonga Research Association conference at BYU, which was planned for September this year.

Some Tongan commentators on social media lashed out at people who flew the flags during the protest saying it was embarrassing and it did not reflect well on Tonga. Some said people were free to use it. 

Flags from South Korea, Georgia, Israel, Vietnam, Cuba and India were also identified during the attack on the Capitol.

President Trump attracted a certain amount of support among the Tongan community in the United States.

There are at least two ‘Tongans for Trump’ websites, both of which are  still active. One has 1800 followers and the other 500. 

Prof Tevita Ka’ili. Photo/Facebook

Both contain anti-Biden propaganda, links to articles by right wing extremists and commentary. They also contain bizarre conspiracy theories, many of which are strongly anti-Catholic. 

In 2002 the international media reported that Tonga has suspended its international ship registry after Israel seized a vessel flying Tonga’s flag, claiming it was smuggling arms to Palestinians.

The cargo ship Karine A was captured by Israeli commandos in the Red Sea with 45 tonnes of weapons aboard, including rockets, mortars and explosives.

In 2003 the Tongan media reported that democratic supporter and advocate ‘Alani Taione had burnt the Tongan flag in Auckland to protest against King Tupou IV for not supporting the late ‘Akilisi Pohiva’s efforts to approve the democratic reforms for the country. 

Taione’s move angered government supporters, who said his  behaviour was  a disgrace for Tonga.

Three years later, the New Zealand Herald reported that Taione, 40, drove a car into the gates of the royal estate, ‘Atalanga, in Epsom in Auckland and set it on fire.

Tongan Church being investigated over alleged residency for cash scheme

By
Kaniva Staff
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This story originally appeared on RNZ.co.nz and is republished with permission

The Immigration Advisers Authority is investigating an alleged scheme at an Auckland Tongan church, which promises residency for cash.

one hundred new zealand cash money bank note on table with red cover passport book
Photo: 123RF

Meetings have been held at the ‘I Laumalie Mo Mo’oni church in Māngere with claims they are promoting the unauthorised scheme.

Overstayers and those wanting residency are said to have been told if they join the church and pay around $500, a judge will sign off on their residency.

Immigration Advisers Authority spokesman Duncan Connor said they were encouraging anyone who feels they have, or know someone who has, been given unlicensed immigration advice to contact them or police.

Connor said anyone giving immigration advice must be licensed by the authority unless they have been given a special exemption.

The Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio is urging Pasifika families to beware of unofficial residency schemes.

Sio said people who have lost money over passports and citizenships should notify his office, or the police.

“We don’t want to see people being ripped off and we’re seeing more and more of these scams happening online and they are targeting very vulnerable communities and we just need to work together to make sure that our people aren’t being ripped off.”

He said there are community law centres and local MPs who are willing to provide the correct information to people seeking permanent residency.

Leaked e-mails show concerns over alleged failure to pay auditors  who worked to resolve Tongan watermelon exports after fruit fly ban

By
Kalino Latu
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Tonga’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Forests and Fisheries (MAFF) has not paid the team which audited Tonga’s watermelon shipments after New Zealand suspended its export last year, it has been claimed.

MAFF Minister Lord Tu’ilakepa. Photo/ Fale Alea ‘O Tonga

A source told Kaniva News the auditors were told to go ahead and start the auditing last October while their payment was processed. 

It is understood the auditors were told the government would pay them and that the Cabinet had allocated a budget for that.

It is understood MAFF Minister Lord Tu’ilakepa also confirmed the auditors they would be paid.

However, it appears a contract agreement between MAFF and the auditors was not signed before they took up the jobs. 

READ MORE:

Lord Tu’ilakepa demanded the contract agreement be drafted and signed while the work was underway.

Kaniva News understands that some of the auditors sent their invoices to MAFF and demanded to be paid within two weeks or a late payment fee would be charged. 

 They claimed they were not paid because there was no money.

It has been reported that when contacted about their pay in December, MAFF Acting CEO Mana’ia Halafihi said the Ministry was working on the payments and would “inform you accordingly as it progressed.”

We have contacted Halafihi for comment. 

As we reported previously, shipments of Tongan watermelons were suspended after live fruit fly larvae were detected at the New Zealand border last year.

In early December, New Zealand issued Tongan exporters a temporary approval permit, allowing them to send watermelons to the country under special conditions.

Leaked

Documents leaked to Kaniva News showed that on December 22 last year  Nacanieli Waqa, the Biosecurity Senior Advisor for the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries, e-mailed Metui Falesiva, the MAFF watermelon team-leader and reminded him that the pay for the auditors was confirmed. 

“As discussed on Friday 18 December 2020, I would appreciate receiving confirmation from your office on the status of the above subject considering that it’s over 2 months now since they’ve been engaged,” the e-mail said. 

“The first watermelon export consignment under the ‘Temporary approval’ arrangement has been effectively facilitated last week and the team was very instrumental in achieving the outcome and therefore they should be remunerated accordingly before further engagement of their time and expertise can be secured.

“As you’ve requested, I have provided an official confirmation letter from MPI on the appointment of the members of the Audit team to also facilitate the securing of funds from Tonga Government for payment of their engagement in line with the government’s financial policies.”

The following day, December 23 Halafihi responded, saying: “Regarding your query, please note that we are now working on it and will inform you accordingly as it progressed in due course.”

On the same day  another member of the Audit team responded to the Acting CEO and said: “The Hon. Minister informed me . . . that there is a need for contract to be drawn up – normal requirement of the procurement unit. May I request that a contract – for me at least be drawn up. This is to cover the days worked. My daily rate is the same as . . . but have lesser days (as I took some days off on other national duties) – will submit number of  days when needed.

“Since the audit will be on-going, please provide a clause for future engagements to be agreed upon by all parties involved.”

Two people injured after a shooting at Auckland house

By
Kaniva Staff
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This story originally appeared on RNZ.co.nz and is republished with permission

A man and a woman are in hospital after being shot in West Auckland overnight.

Police generic
Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller

Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Frost said police were called to a house on Glengarry Rd in Glen Eden shortly before midnight.

“Police want to reassure the community that at this stage, we do not believe this is a random incident,” Frost said.

He said police are making a number of enquiries to identify and locate those responsible. An examination of the scene is also being carried out.

This is the third gun incident in the Auckland region under investigation.

Police are looking into an early morning drive-by shooting in Mt Roskill, which is also believed to not be a random event.

A number of shots were also fired at a house on McCullough Ave on Tuesday, causing damage to vehicles and windows but causing no injuries.

And on Monday, a Manurewa dairy owner was shot in the leg during a robbery where cash and cigarettes were stolen.

Police believe at least two offenders were involved, with one in possession of a firearm.

Frost is urging anyone with information to contact Waitematā police.

Live: US inauguration – The swearing in of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris

By
Kalino Latu
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Joe Biden has been sworn in as president of the United States, assuming the helm of a country reeling from deep political divides, a battered economy and a raging coronavirus pandemic.

Biden, 78, is the oldest US president in history at a scaled-back inauguration ceremony in Washington that has been largely stripped of its usual pomp and circumstance, due both to the coronavirus as well as security concerns following the 6 January assault on the US Capitol by Trump supporters.

Trump left the White House with his wife Melania just after 8am (2am NZT) and went by helicopter to a sendoff event at Joint Air Force Base Andrews, where he promised supporters “we’ll be back in some form” and extolled his administration’s successes before flying off to Florida.

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