Highlights from Tonga's newspapers, November 26-29, 2007. An English translation summary by Tevita Fonua.

The Taimi on November 26 reports that because Tonga's quarantine requirement demands a health certificate for all air freighted meat imports, the Tongan community in New Zealand now have to endure a lengthier and exhausting process, that is also $130-$150 more expensive. According to the Taimi' s report the meat is purchased on your behalf by a company that is contracted by the New Zealand quarantine department, and at a price you have no control over. You are made to pay $10 for a polystyrene bin, which is available free of charge at major supermarkets. There are also handling and cartage fees. All for the sake of a health certificate for meat, which has already been inspected and cleared at the abattoir. In that case, it would be better to send the money instead to relatives in Tonga where they can buy tinned fish, states the Taimi. They quote Dr Viliami Manu and advise Tongans: "do not stop complaining".



The Talaki on November 28 reports that the Papua New Guinea Prime Minister was so awe-struck by the warm reception that was accorded to Pacific leaders during the Forum summit that his government sent an emissary with a donation of $100,000 towards the cost of hosting the meeting.

The Kele'a on November 28 asks: who is Rob Solomon? Where is he from? Who brought him here? What does he know about Tonga? The article quotes the constitution and questions the legality of the budget from the Prime Minister and Rob Solomon.

The Kalonikali on November 29 reports that the harvesting of sea slugs is set to resume after a ten-year ban imposed in 1997 following a severe depletion of stock. A Department of Fisheries survey found that some species are thriving. Sea slugs are exported mostly to Asia.

The Minister for Land, Survey, and Natural Resources, Hon. Tuita, told the SOPAC conference, as reported in the Taimi on November 29, that the dredging of sand from the seabed is having a detrimental effect on reefs and the structure of Pacific islands. Sand and gravel are key materials in the construction of hotels and homes.