Home Blog Page 934

Ha’apai Cyclone victims: free tinned fish fiasco

By
Kalino Latu
-

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
-

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
-

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
-

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
-

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
-

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
-

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
-

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.

Royal romance is in the air

By
Kalino Latu
-

HRH Princess Angelika Latūfuipeka Halaevalu Mata'aho Napua-Okalani Tuku'aho, 30, is expected to choose a husband this year.

As the only daughter of King Tupou VI, and number four in succession to the throne, her future partner would have to come from a high chiefly bloodline.

Two potential candidates were reported to be the sons of either Lord Nuku of Kolonga, Tongatapu or Lord Malupo of ‘Uiha, Ha’apai.

Lord Nuku and his kāinga proposed his son Faka'osifono to the Princess on January 17.

However, Lord Malupo and his son Makahokovalu have yet to present their proposal to Her Royal Highness.

The royals' nuptials are always with members of the Tongan nobility to ensure their blue blood is preserved and the King's Chiefs are selectively promoted to the royal line.

Tonga’s constitution stipulates the King has the power to select partners for the royal family after candidates and their families fulfil the traditional demands of courtship.

Recent royal weddings have been highly debated  and have also attracted substantial international media attention.

The Hon Lupepau’u Tuita Taione, number six in line to the throne, together with her young sister Frederica Tuita Filipe, wed commoners ‘Epeli Taione and Johnny Filipe respectively in August last year.

Despite publically criticising royal arranged marriages and choosing love matches of their own, the King did not intervene.

Frederica said the arranged marriage system "was extremely arrogant and only perpetuated the motive behind social climbers."

Royals marrying commoners:

Some royals refuse to accept arranged marriage and instead, marry for love.

Prince Mailefihi (now Prince Tu’ipelehake) married commoner Mele Vikatolia Faletau in 1983. King Tupou IV revoked his rights to the succession as well as his title.

He subsequently married former beauty queen Ma’ata Mo’ungaloa in 1996 and then ‘Ene’io Tatafu, whom he has recently divorced.

He is now married to Fifita Holeva. His princely title was restored by King George V in 2009.

In 1980, the King’s third child, Prince Fatafehi Tuku’aho, married Heimataura Anderson,  daughter of famous Tongan composer and singer  Tu’imala Kaho.

King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV then stripped him of his royal titles. Although he died in 2004 as Noble Ma’atu, King George V restored them to his son Prince Tungi in 2009.  

In 1969, the 13th in line to the throne, Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu, married Tongan commoner Siosiua Tu'iono (Josh) Liava’a, who went on to become an Auckland policeman.

Siu'ilikutapu was dragged back to Nuku’alofa and had her marriage annulled. Although Siu’ilikutapu was not stripped of her title, she was then ordered to marry Hon Kalaniuvalu Fotofili.

Taione denies he conspired to make Halapua Prime Minister

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tongan Parliamentarian Sione Havea Taione has denied claims that he conspired with fellow MP Dr Sitiveni Halapua to make Halapua to Prime Minister in 2012.

Kele’a newspaper’s columnist Viliami Taufa made the claim last week, saying Taione and Halapua’s plot to overturn the party’s decision to campaign for Pohiva to become the Prime Minister was something “very close to a party coup.”

Dr Halapua had already publicly denied the allegation, calling it “false” and ‘”fabricated.”

Taione slammed the newspaper and its editor, Mateni Tapueluelu for publishing serious allegations against him without seeking his side of the story. 

In a letter released to Kaniva News this week, Taione who has been MP for Tongatapu 8 for three years,   said Taufa’s allegations were malicious and malevolent.

Taione asked how Taufa could prove his claims when he was not in Tonga when the party met to choose its candidate for the Prime Ministership.

Taufa, who is based in Hamilton in New Zealand, has confirmed he will seek the nomination to stand for Tonga’s Democratic Party in the Tongatapu 8 constituency.

The newspaper columnist said he respected Taione and hoped he would not regard his view as degrading him as he had no choice but to reveal it .

This was the only reason why he opted to stand for Tongatapu 8.

The allegation was first published by Kele’a in November 2013. Taione said he ignored it at the time because he was busy with his duty as a member of parliament.

When the paper published it for the second time he thought it was time for him to intervene and correct it otherwise what he said was a lie would become the truth.

Pohiva moved for Halapua become PM

Taione conceded he and Dr Halapua were the ones who moved that ‘Akilisi Pohiva become Prime Minister in 2012.

In the same meeting, however, Pohiva moved for Dr Halapua to become Prime Minister in 2012 and the motion was passed.

Dr Halapua’s name was then processed by the party and sent to the then Parliamentary Secretary,  SioneTekiteki, to have it ready for the premiership’s election.

Party members MP ‘Isileli Pulu and MP ‘Uliti Uata however were not in the meeting. They later on met with Pohiva and another party meeting was called. 

At  that meeting Pulu asked members to give the Prime Ministerial candidateship to Pohiva and the motion was passed.

The main points

  • Tongan Parliamentarian Sione Havea Taione has denied claims that he conspired with fellow MP Dr Sitiveni Halapua to make Halapua to Prime Minister in 2012.
  • Kele’a newspaper’s columnist Viliami Taufa made the claim last week.
  • Dr Halapua had already publicly denied the allegation, calling it “false” and ‘”fabricated.”
  • Taione, who is the member for Tongatapu 8,  slammed the newspaper for not seeking his side of the story. 
  • Taione has described the allegations as malevolent.
  • Taufa, who is based in Hamilton in New Zealand, has confirmed he will seek the nomination to stand for Tonga’s Democratic Party in Tongatapu 8.
1...933934935...973Page 934 of 973