From the House by Pesi Fonua

A letter seeking the approval of the House for the impeachment of the Minister of Infrastructure and Tourism, Hon. ‘Etuate Lavulavu was tabled into parliament this morning, 17 August by the Vava’u No. 2 Nobles’ Representative, Lord Tu’ilakepa.

The letter accuses the Cabinet Minister of nepotism and fraudulent practices in his management of government equipment, human resources and the financing of the construction of roads and foreshore in Vava’u.

It is alleged that a bulk of the government money for these projects was paid to the Minister’s son, Paea Lavulavu and his company, the Shining Turtle Construction. It is claimed that the cost was exhorbitant.It also claimed that the equipment, and trucks used at the quarry, owned by Hon. 'Etuate Lavulavu were government properties and the labourers worked for government.

Hon. ‘Etuate Lavulavu, is the No. 2 People’s Representative for Vava’u constituent No. 16.

After the letter was read, the Speaker, Lord Tu’ivakano moved for the letter to be handed over to the Parliamentary Privileges Standing Committee, to look through all the documents and the claims before it can be presented to the House to make a decision on whether to proceed with an impeachment or not.

Hon. ‘Etuate Lavulavu, who was agitated by the proposition for his impeachment and wanted to speak out and defend himself, was told by the speaker, Lord Tu’ivakano to sit down. He was reminded that the House had yet to approve for an impeachment to go ahead.

Hon. ‘Etuate Lavulavu in fury screamed at the Speaker that the Speaker was not elected by the people and that he would impeach him.

When the House resumed after lunch the Speaker reminded the House that a member could be suspended from the House for bad behaviour.

‘Etuate apologised for his over-reaction to the Speaker, but there was no response from the Speaker.

The Standing Committee on Privileges is to meet after the House closed today and will make a decision on the letter of motion to impeach Hon. ‘Etuate Lavulavu.

The committee is made up of the chairman Samiu Vaipulu, and members, The Speaker Lord Tu'ivakano, Lord Tu'i'afitu, Lord Tu'iha'angana, Minister of Justice Hon. Vuna Fa'otusia, Lord Fusitu'a and Mateni Tapueluelu.