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Tonga cerebrates arrival of Fibre-optic connection

By
Kaniva Staff
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A formal ceremony was this morning held at Sopu-‘o-Taufa’ahau village to mark the arrival of the fibre-optic cable that connects Tonga to Fiji providing the Friendly Islanders with high speed broadband services.

The  soft launch was attended by the Prime Minister, Lord Tu'ivakano and his cabinet as well as some 200 guests.  

The 20Gbs connection is provided by the Fiji International Telecommunications Limited (FINTEL) and its communications manager Laisiasa Nakacea reportedly said, “FINTEL will be the gateway for communication between the two countries. For Tonga they will witness the introduction of high speed broadband … and a lot of other new services that will be introduced to Tonga on the high speed cable that we will be putting in today”.

Featured image by Friends Cafe and Friends Tourist Center

Miss Murphy says her "Tonga's only wealth" saying

By
Kaniva Staff
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“Tonga’s only wealth is a word of thank-you” (Ko e koloa ‘a Tonga ko e fakamālō) a Tongan saying given to express importance of supporters to competitors and for competitors to specially say it as a way of giving them their deepest gratitude.

Miss Murphy, the Tongan performer who became top in one of the Australian biggest entertainment show, The Voice 2013,  thanked her fans for their on-going supports and encouragement despite being out of the competition to night.

“I would like to thank everyone for the love and support you have given me. This has been a life changing time for me and your love and support has given me so much. Thankyou for sharing with me and letting me sing to you. Thankyou to the voice and to Ricky. I am so fortunate to be a part of this show! XOXOX,” she posted on twitter.

Miss Murphy (31)  lastly took to the stage for Team Ricky with the song 'You've Really Got A Hold On me' by Smokey Robinson.

Her real name is Karen Andrews and her mother is Tongan. Ms Andrews drew her inspiration from her “big Polynesian family where music was everywhere and I've just always loved to sing,” she told Illawarra Mercury website

"My parents worked hard to provide for me and my three brothers, and they saw singing was important to me and made sure they gave me every chance to pursue it," she said.

"From the age of 14 to 16 I had the opportunity to be part of the Wollongong Conservatorium's youth choir and I learnt a lot there and it was great to be among other students who loved to sing too," she told the website.

Ms Andrews followed 16-year-old Tongan Fatai Veamatahau, known as Fatai V who contested The Voice 2012.

Poems reveal Tongan king’s struggle

By
Kalino Latu
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Poems by King Tupou II reflect his struggle to prevent Tonga being annexed, according to a Tongan scholar.

King Tupou II ruled Tonga from 1893-1918.

University of Canterbury doctoral candidate Paula Onoafe Latu is studying two of the king’s anthems, ‘Sikaiona’ and ‘‘Alamoti,’ as part of his thesis.

Sikaiona is a Tongan translation of “scion” – a piece of a plant, cut to make a new plant and ‘alamoti is a translation of “alamoth” – meaning a maiden.

King Tupou II, an 18 year old single ‘eiki lahi or high chief  became king of Tonga in 1893 after the death of his great grandfather King Siaosi I died.

The early years of the young king’s reign was marked by upheavals. After the death of his first wife, his decision to marry Queen Lavinia rather than Lady Ofa-ki-Vava’u, the choice of the majority of chiefs, nearly led to civil war.

Tonga was proclaimed a British protectorate in 1900. This followed attempts by his chiefly rivals and European settlers to overthrow him because of alleged mismanagement and corruption.

Mr Latu said it was worth exploring an inside experience of the situation in Tonga during this period.

“These difficulties almost led to the political demise of the Tu’i-dom during his reign,”  he said.

“I am particularly interested in studying how life experiences are reflected in poetic forms from an appreciative but alternative researcher’s viewpoint.”

Mr Latu said his majesty’s two compositions reflected his “personal and spiritual life experiences and difficulties faced in His attempt to safeguard Tonga from the threat of annexation.”

He told Kaniva News some metaphorical terms used in the poem ‘Scion’  like ‘levaiatani’ (leviathan) and “talakoni” (dragon) were references to tragedies the king experienced during his ruling. 

Correction: We have removed from this article what we reported as Paula Latu saying that the anthem "‘Alamoti was composed by the king after the daughter of the first principal of Tonga College, John Hardley Robert’s daughter was drowned off the island of ‘Eua. That was not correct and Mr Latu did not say that.   

Featured image by wikipedia.com

Ikale Tahi fans' spirits high, despite loss

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tonga National Rugby team are to return to United States and get ready to take on US Eagles Rugby team on Friday, June 14 at Rio Tinto Stadium, Salt Lake City, after being defeated by Canada 36-27.

The spirit of supports by the Tongan fans in US around the social media and abroad is still high and strong despite the loss as many call on the team to leave the game with Canada behind and get prepared for the next game.

The courage of the ‘Ikale Tahi 14 team members and only 12 in the second half  who temporarily struggled in the field to face 15 Canadians after Eddie Aholelei was red-carded and two others later on  sent to the sin-bin was enough to make supporters still proud of the team.

Nili Latu, the captain appreciated the supporters and the community spirit they have for the 'Ikale Tahi but "apologised for the result" and said they "did their best".

“Oku atu ae kole faka mole mole meia teau moe Timi he mau to nounou he vainga oe ahoni ,koe mau Osi Taha e pea nae ikai toe Tuku ha mau ivi,” he said.

Tonga coach Mana ‘Otai believes ‘Ikale Tahi as well as other Pacific Teams are singled out because of their “physical play”

Otai made his comments after reviewing the video tape and said “I had a look at both. I couldn’t really see why (the yellow cards were issued),”

 “It’s almost like, these days you know, when a black man is tackling harder than the other, it seems to be the way.”

 “And I think some of the foreigners that are involved in our team now are starting to see that. It’s just hard to battle or fight that stereotype, I guess. But I’m not taking away the fact that at times we do, I guess, make mistakes in terms of tackling – if I’m talking in general. But in today’s game, I couldn’t justify the two yellow cards,” he told Canadians newspapers.

Shark fins in Vava’u taken down EU to ban shark finning

By
Kaniva Staff
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The anti-shark finning campaigners in Tonga, ‘Aunofo Havea and Tongan US resident ‘Eseta Schaaf posted and shared on Facebook this morning June 9 an image featuring shark fins that recently hanging up to dry in a shelter in Vava’u to have been disappeared.

The shark fins belonged to a Chinese-owner of a Supermarket in Neiafu and a store woman confirmed they “were acquired from local fishermen and divers”.

Kalauni o Tonga Voyaging Society president ‘Aunofo Havea last week called to “stop killing sharks for their fins in Tonga” and asked the Chinese owner to take the fins down.

It was not clear whether the removal of the fins was because of the request from the Voyager’s President or it was for processing purpose.

“Let's make sure they didn't take it to their backyard instead,” Ms Schaaf, President of Keep Vava'u Green Organisation says on Facebook.

The campaign which was believed to have had an impact on the shark finning operater in Vava'u,  has been applauded by anti-shark finning activists and conservationists saying it was “a great and Excellent conservation work”.

There is no law in Tonga to protect finning of sharks, a practice described by many as “unjust” and “inhumane”.

Tonga’s shark finning episode emerged as the European Union agreed on Thursday to tighten an existing ban on "shark finning".

EU says new laws have been in place and they "require fishermen to land all sharks with their fins “naturally attached.”

They will also “forbid shark finning by all vessels in EU waters and by all EU-registered vessels anywhere in the world, a move its supporters believe will put pressure on countries where the practice is common”.

Photo on June 8
Photo on June 8
Photo on May 14
Photo on May 14

 

'Ikale-Tahi squad for Canada named Nili asks for people’s prayer

By
Kalino Latu
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Nili Latu, captain of the ‘Ikale-Tahi Team thanked US Ikale-Tahi fans and all Tongans who donated money, foods and clothing while the team were in San Francisco for their training session. He said they were blessed with all sorts of kindness and the team are well prepared to shock the Canadians on June 8

He asked the people and all Tongan congregations to remember the 'Ikale-Tahi in their prayers . “Faka malo lahi atu kihe kau poupou ,moe nga'ahi hufia kotoa kuo mau lave ai he tour ko eni .Atu ai pe kole kiho tau Kakai moe u nga'ahi fai Anga lotu ke nau Sii manatu'i Mai mua mautolu he nau lotu,” he said.

'Ikale-Tahi team

1. Edmond 'Aholelei (loose head)
2. 'Ilaisa Ma'asi, (hooker)
3. Taione Vea, (tighthead)
4. 'Emosi Kauhenga, (lock)
5. Tukulua Lokotui, (lock)
6. Hale. T Pole, (blindside)
7. Nili Latu, (captain)
8. Viliami Fihaki, (no.8)
9. Taniela Moa, (scrum half)
10. Kurt Morath, (outside half)
11. Will Helu, (wing)
12. Sione Piukala, (centre)
13. Siale Piutau, (centre)
14. Fetu'u Vainikolo, (wing)
15. Viliami Hakalo, (fullback)
16. Elvis Taione, (hooker)
17. Kamaliele Sakalia, (prop)
18. Sila Puafisi, (prop)
19. Joshua Afu, (loose forward)
20. Paula Kaho, (loose forward)
21. Thomas Palu, (scrum hal)f
22. Viliame 'Iongi, (inside back)
23. David Halaifonua, (outside back)

King warns Parliament over “vote of no confidence” clause amendment bill

By
Kaniva Staff
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UPDATED His Majesty King Tupou VI of Tonga in a message read by His Royal Highness Prince Tu'ipelehake during the Parliament’s closing ceremony this morning expressed caution about the  motion tabled in the House to amend the constitution clause 50 B.

The motion known as Amendment Act 50B(2) bill was submitted to Parliament in March and its texts are as follows:

“ A vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister

(a)    shall not be moved unless at least 5 working days’ notice of the intention to move such a motion  has been given to the Speaker;

(b)   shall be of no effect if made within 18 months after a general  election has been held, nor within 6 months before the date by which an election shall be held in accordance with clause 77(1), or within 12 months after the date on which the last such motion was voted upon in the Legislative Assembly;

(c)    shall be of no effect unless passed by a majority of at least two thirds of the members voting on the motion.”

As it stands, only 13 members needed to win any Vote of No-Confidence where as the constitution currently requires 17.

The motion was to be discussed in the House during the special session but the government  moved to postpone the discussion. 

King Tupou VI says in his message today he was aware of the motion to amend the constitution particularly the clause for “Vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister” and it was a measure put in place to assess the government and how it works in the new democratic system.

His Majesty also says quality of new and precious commodity tends to change from  time to time but in terms of the constitution any change to be made must be done wholeheartedly, knowledgeably, skillfully, wisely and predictably.  

He expects the House to work on the amendment in a fair and honest manner understanding that any shortfall would affect the government’s responsibility for its people.

Opposition Leader ‘Akilisi Pohiva reportedly said government’s proposed amendment to clause 50B was “self-interested” and intentionally made to prevent the Prime Minister from being easily voted out by the opposition party.

Featured image by www.parliament.gov.to

Tongan and Samoan win Digicel promotion

By
Press Release
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Lucky winners Loga Pauli of Auckland New Zealand and Tohuia Kama of Sydney Australia receive their Home Entertainment Package prizes, this included a plasma TV, surround sound system and a DVD player.  Winners were drawn out of 25 finalists drawn from thousands of eligible entrants. 

Digicel’s promotions and giveaways has not stopped here, Digicel has launched a WIN A TRIP FOR 4 to anywhere in the Pacific promotion to end on the 31st of July.  Customers sending money transfer or Digicel top up worth $20 or more to the Pacific enter the draw for a chance to WIN this fantastic prize.  Four names will be drawn each week to win $100 Top Up each and an automatic entry in to pool of finalists for the ultimate prize.  Promotion ends midnight 31st July 2013.

Tonga-Fiji Fibre-optic installation to begin with “formal ceremony”

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tonga Cable Limited (TCL) is planning a “formal ceremony” to mark the laying out of the fibre optic from Fiji to Tonga when it will arrive in “Nuku'alofa on the 11th of June 2013’.

The Alcatel Lucent’s Ile de Re ship, will roll out the 850km Tonga-Fiji fibre optical submarine cable system and has left Fiji on May 31 heading to Tonga.

The mission will provide the 100,000 Tongan residents with powerful broadband services such as streaming video and high-speed Internet access.

Statement from Tonga Government says “There will be a soft launch to mark the physical arrival in the Kingdom of this long awaited lightning speed telecommunication tool. The government and TCL are planning a formal ceremony to mark the momentous event. This will be led by Prime Minister, Lord Tu'ivakano and his cabinet and some 200 guests are expected to join in the celebration.

“Once the cable arrives, digging of an underground connecting tunnel will begin from its seaside-landing site to its landing station directly across the road (Vuna) at the newly built TCL Headquarter in Sopu.

“On the 13th of June, the ship will be moored at the Vuna Wharf where invited guests can view the ship throughout the day.

“Following, TCL will conduct a lot of connectivity tests before the system will be fully functional by the end of July 2013. There are technical, configuration and link tests to be carried out not only between Fiji and Tonga but also between Tonga and the Southern Cross Cable Network, the Fiji based network company that will connect Tonga to the Global Telecommunications Network. There will also be link tests within the domestic cabling/network system, that is, between TCL and local Internet Service Providers such as TCC, Digicel and others. Local connections will start rolling out progressively from Nuku'alofa immediately after, beginning with selected locations.

The Government of Tonga is grateful to the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank for funding this colossal project, which will haul Tonga into the global era of modern and instant telecommunication. With this high capacity information highway, Tonga can now access high-speed internet at more affordable prices. Broadband offers endless economic opportunities both domestically and internationally”.

Tonga Parliament closes special session 2013

By
Kalino Latu
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UPDATES: Today was a big day for all Tongans in Tonga on the mainland Tongatapu as hundreds headed to Nuku'alofa for the closing ceremony of the nation’s Parliament special session opened on March 7.

The House was urgently called to deliberate on 5 main Bills such as the Pacific Games Organization Bill 2013, the Constitution of Tonga (Amendment) Bill 2013, the Constitution of Tonga (Amendment) No 2 Bill 2013, a Land (Amendment) Bill 2013, and the Legislative Assembly Amendment Bill 2013.

Parliament’s normal session will be opened on June 13

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