Tonga

Matangi Tonga reported Mr Fletcher had asked for a stay of extradition possibly on humanitarian grounds.

Mr Fletcher, who is an American citizen, escaped police custody in Vava'u last year and fled to American Samoa on his yacht the Sea Oak.

Tonga's Acting Attorney General 'Aminiasi Kefu told Matangi Tonga that Fletcher had made submissions to the US Secretary of State before the deadline of April 1st.

He said Tonga's prosecutors would have to wait until the US Secretary of State made the final decision on whether or not to extradite Mr Fletcher back to Tonga.

“We will continue to support the Police in its work in this area and we will continue to work with the Chinese community to deal with this problem,” Pohiva said.

The issue was discussed behind closed doors during a tripartite meeting involving the Chinese Embassy, Tonga Police and Chinese Community last Thursday.

Prime Minister Pohiva, Ambassador Huang Huaguang, Minister of Police and Fire Services Mateni Tapueluelu, Police Commissioner Stephen Caldwell and representatives from the Chinese community attended the meeting.

He was feeling unwell when he left Nuku'alofa and was rushed to Auckland's Middlemore Hospital after he collapsed.

RNZ reports on Monday night, the Counties Manukau District Health Board said Cardinal Mafi's condition was stable.

His Vatican trip had been called off.

'Akilisi Pohiva is in New Zealand visiting workers and companies involved in the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme.

At a reception in Hawkes Bay Monday night, Mr Pohiva declared there would be no room for casinos in Tonga, according to Kaniva News.

The statement comes after the developers behind plans to build a gaming resort and shopping mall said they were on the verge of fulfilling requirements to move on to the next phase.

The Finance Minister Tevita Lavemaau had also said he was open to looking at the proposals.

They will join a call for Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pohiva to stop any move by his government to allow a casino to be built in Tonga.

In a strongly worded letter, the protestors have told the government it has welcomed the devil into Tonga.

But there is confusion about whether the devil really is coming to the island kingdom, with different reports saying the casino has been approved, is pending or has been rejected.

Requests for confirmation from the government have gone unanswered.

This is the first time Mr Pohiva is visiting New Zealand’s largest viticulture and horticulture industries.

Tonga Now Online reports about 500 Tongan workers are employed by the Hawke Bays’ employers.

The Prime Minister will meet with five employers as part of his attempt to strengthen their relationship with his government.

The Tongan community in Napier along with staff from the RSE employers will host a welcoming lunch to welcome Mr Pohiva and his entourage.

A deal hasn't yet been agreed but the Weekend Herald understands there is growing confidence among all parties that on Friday, June 16, the All Blacks will play Samoa in Auckland - with Tonga versus Wales as the curtain raiser.

The All Blacks are keen to play a meaningful contest before the first test against the Lions on June 24. They are conscious the Lions will have had six tough tour games before that first test, while the All Blacks will have had two weeks of training, but no opportunity to play.

Radio Tonga reports other seafood are exempted from the limitation.

Dr. Tuikolongahau Halafihi, the CEO of the Fisheries Department says passengers can take up to 20 kilograms of seafood, but they must be prepared to face the risk.

He adds the department and other related sectors will confirm the specific requirement on the issue.

Some members of the public are still confused over the requirements of fish and seafood taken by passengers to Australia.

Members of the public have sought help from the hospital with symptoms of conjunctivitis.

Savelina Veamatahau said this contagious disease is due to a bacteria being transferred from person to person.

Radio Tonga reports health officials are urging the public keep their eyes clean and avoid close contact with people diagnosed with conjunctivitis.

Preventative measures include avoid sharing items at home such as towels, while there’s an active case of conjunctivitis.

In a statement, Elena Loukoianova said growth during FY16 (fiscal year ending June 30) is estimated at 3.5 percent and is projected to continue at a rate between 3 and 4 percent over the coming years, boosted by construction and activities related to the 2019 Pacific Games (PG).

“Although the current account deficit is projected to widen on the back of PG related imports, the external balance remains stable with continued strong inflow of remittances and a solid level of international reserves,” Loukoianova said.  

The statement was issued at the end the visit this week.