Highlights from Tonga's newspapers, February 25-28, 2008. An English translation summary by Tevita Fonua.

The Taimi on February 25 reports that a 16/11 suspect has told some of the Demo bosses that if they will not do something before his trial in March then he will do something. A meeting was convened and they decided to hire two lawyers from New Zealand to defend his case and others as well. The lengthy prison sentences handed down in the most recent trial appear to have impacted profoundly the remaining 16/11 defendants.

According to a report in the Taimi the opening of new Free Wesleyan of Tonga churches in the USA is causing distress among United Methodist ministers there, who are blaming the incumbent FWT president, Rev. Dr. 'Alifeleti Mone. The topic was the subject of intense debate at last year's conference. But since then, there has been an escalation in the establishment of new Free Wesleyan parishes, particularly in the San Francisco Bay area, where most Tongans in the States reside. Those joining the new congregations fire off insults at those who stay behind, who also endure abusive phone calls. That has driven one man to brandish a shotgun, demanding expletive-free phone calls for his mum. Methodists are told that Methodism has embraced sodomy. A charge denied by United Methodist ministers, who are themselves barred from officiating at same sex marriage ceremonies.

The Kele'a on February 27 reports that Samuela 'Akilsi Pohiva, the Tongatapu People's Representative, was very pleased at the level of support from the Tongan community in New Zealand towards change in Tonga. 'Akilisi was at a meeting organized by the NZ Society for Democratic Reform in Tonga.

A writ of summons was emailed to Manafatulisi, the mystery character responsible for mailing allegations of corruption against Prime Minister Feleti Sevele, on February 5. The plaintiff is seeking $900,000 in damages.

The Talaki on February 27 reports that both the Minister of Tourism Fineasi Funaki and Director of Tourism Edgar Cocker deny rumors that the Minister carries a gun in his briefcase. Someone has mistaken a toy belonging to the Minister's son for a genuine firearm.

The Kalonikali on February 28 reports that Minister of Finance Siosiua 'Utoikamanu was told personally by King George Tupou V to resign on the afternoon of Monday February 25.

The Indonesian ambassador Amrias Hassan presented 13 hand tractors to the Minister of Transport Paul Karalus on February 22. According to Budi Iskandar from the Indonesian company that manufactures them; these tractors can be used in both wet and dry conditions.

The Taimi on February 28 reports that it now looks like the Ministry of Tourism CEO Edgar Cocker has done the twin of what he accuses the Minister of doing. In a letter on October 1, Edgar recommended the company, Cocker Enterprises Ltd., to clean up the area from Vuna Wharf to the front of Shooter's Bar. He stressed the urgency of the project and the need to approve it immediately. Edgar owns Cocker Enterprises Ltd. The total bill was $2,475. Excessive, says Malu Kafoa, manager of Malu Trimming. According to the report, in December Edgar's left hand gave once more to his right hand. Edgar's brother George, acting on behalf of Edgar's company wrote to Edgar, proposing to carry out the remedial work on the public toilets at Queen Salote Wharf and those near the Dateline Hotel for $4,000. They got the job.