Tonga

Tongan games head says economy can cope with hosting

Lord Sevele said while the prime minister met with his committee last week and brought the 2013 World Bank report, there was evidence Tonga could host the games successfully.

According to RNZI, he cited an International Monetary Fund statement which said economic activity is expanding and likely to remain relatively strong with growth projected at a rate between 3 and 4 percent, boosted by construction and activities related to the Pacific Games.

Tonga games withdrawal 'embarrassing, but necessary'

At a cabinet meeting on Friday the decision was made to withdraw from hosting because of a World Bank report looking at its economic impact.

'Akilisi Pohiva said cabinet decided to withdraw because of the financial implications of hosting the event.

RNZI repots preparations for the games have been beset with controversy, delays, and legal action.

Mr Pohiva said the decision to withdraw is another blow for Tonga but it could not be avoided.

No official withdrawal from Tonga hosting 2019 Pacific Games

Council President Vidhya Lakhan confirmed to Fiji’s Legend FM Sports there has been no notification from the Tongan government about withdrawing.

He says officially Tonga is still hosting the event.

Reports say Tonga has reviewed hosting the games following an analysis of the impact of hosting the event would have on the economy.

Tonga is reportedly processing its withdrawal documents to be submitted to the 2019 Pacific Games Council.

It would require a budget support of around 33 million US dollars by donor partners to host the event.

 

     

MP calls for more info over Tongan Games withdrawal

Cabinet has decided to withdraw from hosting after an analysis of the impact the event would have on the economy.

Tonga was awarded the games in 2012.

But Dr Eke, who was sacked as minister in March after abstaining in a vote of no-confidence in the prime minister, said the games could have been held.

He said with the assistance of donors such as China, Papua New Guinea and Australia, the games would not have been too much of a burden.

Dr Eke said now the government needed to explain what would happen to the assistance committed towards the games.

Tonga review Pacific Games hosting

Reports say the review follows an analysis of the impact of hosting the event would have on the economy.

Preparations for the games have been plagued with controversy since Tonga was awarded the hosting rights in 2012.

There have been construction delays, financial concerns, contractual disputes and an ongoing feud between prime minister 'Akilisi Pohiva and organising committee chair Lord Sevele which culminated in the latter being reinstated by the courts after Mr Pohiva removed him.

     

Tonga PM alleges Chinese pay no tax

'Akilisi Pohiva offered no evidence for the claims made at a news conference on Friday afternoon.

Matangi Tonga said Mr Pohiva gathered the media by a swamp on the Nuku'alofa waterfront, where he told them he had nothing in particular he wanted to talk about.

He then went on to discuss the swamp area - an historic site and former landfill - and how he's ordered canals to be dug to beautify the area.

Mr Pohiva said he was managing the project himself, and there was no working committee or written plans.

12 years imprisonment for “Jekyll and Hyde” criminal

Summing up the case in the Supreme Court, Mr Justice Cato said Tevita Vaka was unrepentant and there was little prospect of him being rehabilitated.

Kaniva News reports Vaka, 28, was taken to the United States by his natural mother when he was young, but returned in 2009.

He almost immediately offended and was sentenced to two years suspended.

Six years later he became involved in a series of violent and pre-meditated attacks and robberies.

Earlier this year he was sentenced to six years for the assault and robbery of a restaurant owner and his wife.

74-year-old man with suspicious injuries dies in hospital in Tonga

A Vaiola Hospital spokesperson has confirmed this to Kaniva News. He said he would get back with more information.

It is believed the deceased inflicted the injuries on himself.

Paramedics were called to the Longolongo home after receiving reports of a man suffering severe injuries.

The identity of the man has not yet been released.

Police could not be reached for comment.

     

Organisers not happy with Tonga PM's golf plans

Last week the prime minister 'Akilisi Pohiva said everything was on track.

However the committee said the government is wasting money by insisting on building a new golf course.

'Akilisi Pohiva has said a new nine hole course will be built at Popua.

But the organising committee CEO Lord Sevele said there is already an existing course which can be upgraded to suit which would cost eight million pa'anga less than the prime minister's plan.

Post enumeration survey underway in Tonga

The two-week survey is to verify the information collected from the population census of 2016.

 Winston Fainga’anuku of the Statistic’s department says the survey is held after every census to ensure no one is left behind or counted twice.

Radio Tonga reports the questions asked are the same as the questionnaires on the population census such as head of the family, marital status, employment, religion to name a few.

Enumerators will conduct the survey in Fasi, Ma’ufanga, Havelu and Houma in Tongatapu, Angahaa in ‘Eua, Faleloa in Ha’apai and Neiafu Vava’u.