Niuas PR calls for reliable transport and better harbour [1]
Monday, May 26, 2008 - 18:15. Updated on Tuesday, July 28, 2015 - 15:12.
Highlights from Tonga's newspapers, May 5-22, 2008. An English translation summary by Tevita Fonua.
Week: May 19-22.
The Taimi on May 22 reports that after being served the usual fare of change, unity in pursuing political reform, and lending his support; Sione Feinga 'Iloa, People's Representative for the Niuas, told 'Akilisi and company that political matters are not that meaningful to his constituents. But they do want a good harbour, good roads, frequent and reliable sea and air transport, and market for their produce.
The Taimi on May 19 revealed that pleas to process visa applications to the US here in Tonga, were channelled through visiting generals who came to thank the deployment of Tongan marines to Iraq; this, after previous efforts via the American ambassador in Fiji were in vain.
The Kele'a on May 21 reports that the Tonga Broadcasting Commission spent over $8,000 on the Prime Minister's team of censors, who were active before the election.
The Kalonikali on May 22 reports that Tongan nationals who are living in China are fine after the earthquake.
The Taimi on May 22 reports that according to a report written by Massey University economist Greg Clydesdale, the Pacific Islanders residing in New Zealand are least likely to contribute to the economy; they have the highest unemployment rate; very few of them operate businesses; a substantial percentage of them commit crimes; they are more likely to be victims of serious crimes; and they rely heavily on state housing and unemployment benefits. Greg warned that the Pacific Islanders' high birth rate and the ease with which Polynesians are entering New Zealand under the present immigration regulations, the population of this ethnic group would rise significantly but with marginal contribution to the country's economy.
Week: May 12-15.
According to 'Akilisi Pohiva, as reported in the Kele'a on May 14, the US Ambassador had informed him in Fiji that he had told Prime Minister Feleti Sevele that the recently held election will count as a referendum on the form of government the people want and PM Sevele agreed.
The Talaki on May 14 was concerned that the People's Committee on Political Reform might again derail political reform by playing dirty politics, as they did in 2006.
The Taimi on May 15 reported that the finance committee of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga had rejected a plea from education president Rev. 'Alifeleti 'Atiola to increase his sector's share of the annual collection to 60%. Many of the church's teachers left last year, primarily because of the poor salaries.
The Kalonikali on May 15 reported that the service station at Fanga was robbed by three men armed with a shotgun early Friday morning. The men chased and then beat one employee before they could get their hands on the moneybag with over $2,000 inside.
The recount of votes at Vava'u has seen Samiu Vaipulu, who came second, extend his lead over Dr. Viliami Latu from 51 to 59 votes.
Week: May 5-8.
The Taimi on May 5 reports that the Chief Justice has ruled in favour of Fund Management Ltd. and Tourist Services Ha'apai Ltd. in the lawsuit filed against them by Dr. Wong. The plaintiff denied sub-leasing the Finefekai Estate to the defendants; and sought the return of the property plus a compensation package worth US$1,500,000 But after comparing the alleged forgeries with a sample signature provided by Dr. Wong, the Chief Justice was convinced that the disputed signatures were Dr. Wong's, and subsequently ordered him to pay the respondents' costs.
The Kele'a on May 7 reported that the Tonga Development Bank is denying claims by Prime Minister Feleti Sevele that the bank had asked for $4 million from the government. According to the TDB, it is the government that owes them money.
The Talaki on May 7 quotes the Vava'u No. 1 People's Representative 'Etuate Sungalu Lavulavu as saying that his constituents favour a separate government for Vava'u, and will pursue that cause in parliament.
The Taimi on May 8 reported that police had arrested two men in connection with the production of counterfeit money. A colour photocopier was also seized.
The Kalonikali on May 8 reported that 30-year old Tevita Makasini will be a soccer linesman at this year's Olympics; the first Tongan to do so.