Kele'a interviews Shoreline whistle-blower, March 18-23

Poor Tongans paying gigantic salaries - Edgar Cocker:
I refer to the extract from Piveni Piukala'’s interview by the Editor of Kele'a regarding the luxurious and lavish life style of the Shoreline CEOs (the “Indian Princes”).

Whether or not the information provided is factual, and perhaps the two brothers have yet to say their piece, but all of the people will rush to the conclusion that we have been used and abused financially and emotionally. Some of us from the outer islands (Ha'apai, 'Eua, Vava'u, and the Niua's) and the villages have earned a monthly income of T$300 or less. They suffer every day. With the current electricity rate, these poor Tongans have spent up to 30% on electricity, 5% for water, 35% on school fees and 30% on food and shelter. There is no saving.

By reading Piveni's interview, two things that came to my mind: a self-centered human being(s) and a colourful parasite that must be stopped.

Since the rise in the price of electricity, Shoreline was collecting pa'anga $2 million a month, that is $24 million a year, which is almost 50% of the Government…’s expenditure budget. I have no doubt that 80-85% of the $2 million a month of electricity revenue comes from all of us Tongans who are working overseas to help our families and extended relatives in Tonga. Some of us are working in jobs that are high risky, working in areas that are hot and sunny, cold and freezing, and in odd hours. There is no easy way to earn enough money to feed our families here and to spare 30-45% of our salary for Tonga to cover loans, electricity, communication, and school fees.

If Soane Ramanlal is paid $12,615.38 in every 2 weeks, that is $328,000 a year, and then add on the consultancy fee of $40,000 plus other benefits: he is making more or the same level as the Prime Minsters of Fiji and New Zealand. Is this ethical and justifiable? And what is the basis of justification?

I strongly urge all of the Tongan people to collectively file a petition to HRH regarding this uncontrollable, and demonised lavish life style of the CEOs. We, the people are paying for their gigantic salaries, as well as, their own power supply at home. This must be stopped. This should be the first submission to the parliament session by the People's Representatives.

I also suggest that the MPs should request the government to build its own Petrol …– Fuel storage tank in Tonga and have it managed by the Ministry of Labour, Commerce and Industries …– SIC. This is one of the ways to lower the price of petroleum gas. Mobil and Shell oil prices are skyrocketing, because of the steep rise in the world oil price, the transport cost, and the storage cost of their own tanks in Tonga. Tonga can source its own petroleum gas from Singapore and manage it properly. American Samoa, Saipan, and many other Pacific Island Countries have managed to build their own storage tanks and subsequently keep the oil price reasonably low.

Finally, I strongly urge the MPs to do something about the lavish life style, the oil storage tank, and fulfil the wishes of the people. - Edgar Cocker

Shoreline has more than just a public relations challenge - Sione A. Taufa:
One of the concerns raised is the seemingly exorbitant compensation packages availed to Shoreline's executives.

If the major shareholder for Shoreline and its associated companies (Group) is HRH Tupouto'a he may share his thoughts on this matter, in this column, as he had with other matters in the past.

In fact, we had gained some insights to HRH, as an employer, based on paragraph 9, of his letter of January 25, 2005 to Matangi Tonga Online - Media Bills Had Become A Cause Celebre.

He stated, “The old practice of paying low salaries to Senior Management on the grounds they are Tongan is no longer tenable.” This statement demonstrates a forward thinking employer, who understands diversity and inclusion. One who understands and takes care of his most important asset - employees. This is confirmed in the compensations he provides to his lieutenants, the empowerment he allows, delegating diurnal duties to them.

These incentives should extract the highest performance from his senior management team.

HRH continues, “Today, in our economic environment, if you pay peanuts you will only get monkeys.” One can go several ways with this statement, but as far as the Shoreline Group is concerned, the jury is probably still out. Meaning, we do not know whether obscene salaries were paid for monkey-type performances and results; or, the Group got its money's worth.

It is however evident that the Group has more than just a public relations challenge.

A viable solution is to evaluate the current management team; maybe it is time for change. One resource that we have plenty of in Tonga is people - capable people. Candidates with practical business skills cum college degrees. Or successful business men and women in Tonga who attended the University of Hardnocks, and understand the value of the almighty Pa'anga, and what it takes to earn it.

Maybe it is time to go back to basics. Restore the Group's image, do what is right, and give others an opportunity to learn business acumen while sharing the wealth. And after every four years…

If it pleases Your Highness. Respectfully - Sione A. Taufa