PM to appear before enquiry [1]
Thursday, January 14, 2010 - 14:00. Updated on Friday, May 9, 2014 - 21:55.
Tonga's Prime Minister Hon Dr Feleti Sevele will give evidence on February 12 at the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the MV Princess Ashika in Nuku'alofa.
The inquiry, which resumed on January 12 its first day for the New Year, was told by Assisting Counsel to the Commission Manuel Varitimos that the Prime Minister had been served with a summons to give evidence.
Witnesses giving evidence this week included David Shaw, a Director of Shaw Diesels Limited, who inspected the main engines on the Ashika in Fiji; and James Lewis, a New Zealand ship broker and valuer.
On January 14, the Principal and Deputy Principal of the Maritime College was to give evidence followed by the Commander of the Tonga Police Force Chris Kelly; Commander Burling of the Royal Australian Navy; and Brigadier Tau'aika 'Uta'atu of the Tongan Defence Services on January 15.
Former Minister
The inquiry will adjourn for a week from January 29 due to a conference booked at the Fa'onelua Convention Centre but the enquiry will resume on February 8.
Witnesses next week include John Jonesse and the Shipping Corporation of Polynesia Ltd Board of Directors; Rev Tevita Haukanima and Company Secretary Lord Dalgety.
During the week starting January 25 the former Minister of Transport Paul Karalus will give evidence, as well as the Secretary of the Ministry of Transport 'Eleni Mone.
When the inquiry resumes on February 8 it will hear from the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Finance, the Chief Secretary to Cabinet, the CEO of the Ministry of Public Enterprises and the Minister for Finance and Public Enterprises.