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A collection of news-briefs from The Tonga Chronicle, Lao & Hia, Taimi 'o Tonga, Ko e Kele'a, Radio Tonga. For more details of these stories, feel invited to buy a paper from one of the locations mentioned in our media pages http://www.tongatapu.net.to/tonga/news/media/default.htm
Legislative Assembly member, People's Representative Number 1 for Tongatapu Samiuela 'Akilisi Pohiva and the two editors from Taimi Tonga have been sentenced to 30 days imprisonment by Tonga's Legislative Assembly beginning September 19. The imprisonment is a decision by parliament that these individuals have violated Section 70 of the constitution.- The two journalists refused to meet with Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) administrator Ms Nina Ratulele from Fiji who delivered letters of appeal for the journalists to His Majesty's Private Secretary, the Speaker of the House, and Minister of Police.
Mr. Tavake Fusimalohi, general manager, Tonga Broadcasting Commission, has submitted his resignation as executive director of the Pacific Islands News Association over questions on his integrity and that of the Tonga News Association over the gaoling of the two Times of Tonga editors.
In opening the T$65,000 Kolovai Health Centre on Sept. 28, His Majesty King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV stressed the importance of living a clean, healthy life. The project was a joint effort of the Canada Fund, the Nuku'alofa Rotary Club, and Hihifo District.
The 96th Legislative Assembly concluded 10:30am Oct. 03. A prerogrative of the King's, parliament was closed although Privy Council and Legislative Assembly aired concerns that many motions and reports were yet to be reviewed nor approved.
The historic session has been marked by the biggest annual budget and first public bill ever approved; the first contempt conviction (of two journalists and a member of the House) the first approval of a motion to impeach a Government Minister; and the approval of a bill to allow Asians to be nauralised as Tongan citizens.
Island Produce Corp. and Friendly Island Marketing Cooperative have reduced combined estimates of 1,800 tonnes of pumpkins for the first joint shipment to Japan to some 1,300 tonnes. Many growers are said to be holding their supplies to pressure for higher prices.
Malt Trading's first ship should arrive Oct 10 to accept produce from packing centres in Kolonga, Tatakamotonga, Tofoa, Matahau, Kolovai.
Sanele Tu'inukuafe, secretary of the Growers Federation says that exporters are 'reluctant and take too long to announce a price." During a federation meeting on Sept. 27, growers agreed to hold their fruit until exporters announced a price. The federation demands no less than T$1.20 per kilo, noting that the wholesale price in Japan early last week was between USD$3.90-4.60.
Poor Quality were not the major reasons for rejection of product, Konrad Engleberger, Government Chief Quarantine officer. Some had been rejected at Island Produce Group had included 'many rotten fruits.' Bins containing mango leaves, flowers and insects had also been rejected, adding that the pumpkin could still be accepted if repacked cleanly and that repacking would cost the export agency, not the grower.
Principal agricultural officer 'Otenili Tu'ipulotu also reported insects and rubbish inside field-packed containers. Both agreed that the quality of produce has been very good so far. But both expressed disappointment at what they consider false and unfair claims of harshness.
The King & Queen will visit NZ for medical check-ups, followed by unofficial visits to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. The party will return Oct. 29.
The conference jointly funded by the European Union and AusAID brings together 23 delegates from all 12 member countries of the USP university.
Trade deficit of T$6.1 million was recorded for overseas trade during July, a decrease of 33.7% from June.
Leiola Duty Free Profits after tax T$258,216 a 4% growth, higher than the growth of air passengers. $450.000 have been paid in taxes.
[ref: http://www.tongatapu.net.to]
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