Highights from Tonga's newspapers, August 27-30, 2007

An English translation summary by Tevita Fonua.

We are informed this week by the Kele'a that the strategy adopted by New Zealand and Australia to counter the growing influence of China among Pacific nations, is faulty. Critical of the appointment of New Zealand and Australian nationals to administrative posts in Pacific countries' departments of police, immigration and customs, the Kele'a declares that this is neo-colonialism and a wrong approach by these two countries. The Kele'a concludes by invoking its motto, "It will make the people angry".

The Taimi on August 27 quoted the Minister of Finance as saying that Tongasat, a company owned by Princess Pilolevu Tuita, had not paid any money to government since 2001. Minister of Justice 'Alisi Taumoepeau told parliament that lawyers had been assigned to tackle this.

The Talaki reports that a petition tabled in the Legislative Assembly, from the People's Committee for Political Reform, has been handed to police to investigate allegations of forged signatures. There were heated exchanges in the House, as the People's Representatives demanded the petition back, but without success.

The Thursday edition of the Taimi tells of criticisms against Rev. Dr. 'Alifeleti Mone, president of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga (SUTT), after he preached and blessed the new SUTT church in Walnut Creek, California. The new parishioners are drawn from the flock at Concord Methodist Church, which is under the pastoral care of Rev. Punalei Fuapau. Rev. Fuapau described the president's action as very unwise, as there was friction between the SUTT congregation and the Methodist community. But according to Rev. Dr. Taniela Ha'unga from SUTT America, the president did not come and steal the Methodists, he came instead to a disaffected group, who had previously left the Methodist church.