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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

Although the Tongan police department has spent a lot of effort over the previous months on pursuing cannibus growers, the bust in Auckland earlier last the week of approx. NZD$1 million dollars of drugs has dampened the success of their efforts. Four Tongans are in prison awaiting trial for importation of cocaine.

The drugs were wrapped in plastic, placed inside a plastic pipe which was inserted into yams imported to New Zealand from Tonga.

A more complete report is likely to be found through New Zealand papers, and Associated Press.

National Telecommunications Services Under Review (again)

Although Tonga Telecom Commission has only recently finished a review of its services, they are at it again. Together with Treasury and the Prime Ministers office, TTC are reviewing the feasibility of creating a single telecommunications body to oversee national, international telecommunications including the management of frequency licenses.

Currently Cable & Wireless Tonga operate the international Telecommunications services for the Kingdom, while TTC operates national services as well as frequency licensing.

The World Bank is expected to be funding the review, analysis with 'experts' arriving soon to do the work.

Transport Infrastructure Project expected to be completed by July.

The US$7 million road refurbishment project, funded by a loan from the Asia Development Project, is well under way and is expected to be completed by July. A large proportion of the work has already been completed before Christmas. The government realises that this project still leaves untouched a long distance of heavily used roads. Assistance will be sought out from other aid organisations.

Paea Wolfgramm signs with Pacific Corned Beef.

Paea has signed an agreement with Pacific Corned Beef as his sponsor in exchange for an undisclosed fee, and boxing scholarships for up and coming Tongans. The terms of the scholarships were not available in the papers.

Viliami 'Ofahengaue back in training

Missing from the Australian Wallaby line up since the 1995 Bledisloe Cup, Willie O hopes to be back in contention after shedding a lot of pounds, and getting back into a heavy training program and a regimented diet. Willie O suffered a blood disorder during the Waratah trip to Great Britain which saw him lose form and leave international competition for 1995 and 1996.

Minister of Police Defends actions against Kalafi Moala

Titled "Minister of Police: Kalafi stopped Kalafi" the minister outlines the laws governing Tonga does not allow duel citizenship. Although the court ruling sided with Kalafi Moala (that he did not willing make false statements), it still stands that under Tongan law once a citizen accepts foreign citizenship then they are no longer Tongan citizens.

Hofangahau College, 'Eua, re-opens

'Opeti Fangupo takes up the post of principal in the re-opened Hofangahau College, 'Eua. The Wesleyan college was merged together with other 'Eua students in creating the new 'Eua High School when classes initially began at the college while the High School premises were under-construction. January 27^th the Free Wesleyan Church will re-open the school doors as a Wesleyan operated college.

Home Gas provides liquid gas distribution

Home Gas began operating January 17^th a 1.5ton truck for transportation of gas specifically for large customers such as hotels. (readers note: there are no piped gas facilities in the Kingdom.) Boral Gas-Tonga director Harvie Probert was in Tonga to review operations and the vehicle. According to Home Gas Manager Helena Tu'iono, over 72% of residents use gas in 1996.

Western Union review gives a green card

Representatives from the Western Union Financial Services visited Tonga from the USA to review local operations. The representatives were pleased with the services even though it has only been in operation for two years. The Tonga based operations is apparently the best operation Western Union has in the Pacific. Western Union's local manager is Robina Nakao and they have offices in 'Ohonua ('Eua), Pangai (Ha'apai), and Neiafu (Vava'u.)  

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