Hospital services depend on foreign aid [1]
Friday, January 23, 2009 - 18:01. Updated on Monday, January 19, 2015 - 16:21.
Reports from Tonga's newspapers, January 15-22, 2009. An English translation summary by Tevita Fonua.
The Kalonikali on January 15 reports that 36% of the operational cost of running Vaiola Hospital is borne by foreign countries; and hospital official Tu'akoi 'Ahio does not know what would happen, if China and the others were to withdraw their assistance.
The Kele'a on January 21 reported that the government was selling its eight tractors and plough implements that were stationed at Tokomololo and formerly hired out to farmers. There was a petition by farmers against the action, which was passed by parliament, but the government went ahead with the closure. The workers, except for three, were also laid off. Farmers had vented their anger, including verbal abuse, at the three remaining employees. It was thought that private tractors could cater for the farmers' needs; but the farmers disagreed, arguing that the government tractors offered a superior service.
The Talaki on January 21 reports that Montfort Technical Institute will this year admit female students to its automotive engineering and carpentry programs.
The Talaki also suggests that 76-year old Halisi Tongia literally came back from the dead, courtesy of divine intervention through faith healer Lusiola. Halisi's children were already grieving over his body when Lusiola pronounced him healed. It was almost a minute before Halisi revived. Halisi Tongia who had flown from New Zealand, was suffering from stomach cancer and his children took him to see the faith healer.
The Kalonikali on January 22 reports that 'Eseta Fusitu'a, who was Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet to the government has retired.