Reports from Tonga's newspapers, November 12-20, 2008. An English translation summary by Tevita Fonua.

November 19-20, 2008

The Taimi on November 19 reports that because of the rising fatalities on Tonga's roads, the police will be stricter in the coming Christmas holidays, quoting Deputy Police Commander Taniela Faletau who said that 13 had died on Tongan roads in the year up to November.

A Tongan who owns a motor vehicle dealership attributes the slump in sales to the closures of many small finance companies that used to provide easy credit.

The Kele'a on November 19 reports that the axing of 68 courses at the University of the South Pacific is unlikely to affect students and staff at the USP Tonga campus.

The Talaki on November 19 reports that two hours after leaving port, the inter-island ferry MV Olovaha's bow section leaked and started to sink. It returned to Queen Salote Wharf and hurriedly discharged its passengers and some of its cargo, but departed for Vava'u the same night after the necessary repairs. Transport Minister Paul Karalus, however, was satisfied that "all" the problem parts had been replaced and the ship's hull was still in very good shape.

Catholic Bishop Soane Patita warns his flock here in Tonga that the church does not sanction abortion.

The Kalonikali on November 20 reports that animal and human waste can now be harnessed to provide cheap energy through the usage of biogas digesters.

November 12-13, 2008

The Kele'a on November 12 reports that five People's Representatives had signed a resolution calling for the impeachment of Tourism Minister Fineasi Funaki but then declined to support a motion by 'Akilisi Pohiva to proceed with the impeachment hearing. Ha'apai Representative Teisina Fuko said the minister had already been punished. Even the nobles were ready to lend their support, but they too withdrew. That left 'Akilisi to vote by himself in favour of impeachment. The Kele'a conjectured that judging by Teisina's sudden about turn on the matter, it was probable that "he and the Speaker were massaged by the Prime Minister" with a recent trip to the US.

The Taimi on November 12 reports claims by faith healer Lusiola Misa that she raised a dead person to life; healed over the phone an AIDS sufferer from New Zealand; and healed an American who was bound to a wheelchair for 20 years. The Apostolic Church and healing ministry that is run by Lusiola and husband Kelepi is already attracting quite a following in Tonga. Detractors point, however, at Lusiola's unflattering past but she admits freely that among other things she was once a prolific adulterer but had accepted the Lord and was cleansed.

The Kalonikali on Thursday 13 reports that Uili Falamoe, charged with possession of cannabis, had told magistrate Latu Mohenoa that none of his family members wanted to be related to him, and none would be willing to bail him.

Prime Minister Feleti Sevele is not ruling out the prospect of sending Tongan troops to Afghanistan.