Tongasat civil case awaits judgment [1]
Wednesday, July 4, 2018 - 23:04
Civil proceedings alleging unlawful payment of around USD$25.4 million to Tongasat by the Government of Tonga in 2011 for the use of its orbital slots by a Chinese company, are now awaiting judgment. Lord Chief Justice O. G. Paulsen who presided over the the week-long proceedings which, started on June 19, has not yet confirmed a date to deliver his judgment.
The proceedings were brought by the Public Service Association Inc. and Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva against the Kingdom of Tonga (Government) and Friendly Islands Satellite Communications Ltd, trading as Tongasat.
The essential allegation is that this payment to Tongasat was unlawful and was in breach of a Public Finance Management Act 2002, which is being disputed by the defendants.
Witnesses called included former Prime Ministers Lord Sevele, Lord Tu’ivakano, former Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet ‘Eseta Fusitu’a, among others.
Dr Rodney Harrison represented the plaintiffs, William Edwards Jr. for Tongasat and the Acting Attorney General ‘Aminiasi Kefu for Government