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A collection of news-briefs from The Tonga Chronicle, Ko e Kele'a, Taimi 'o Tonga, Radio Tonga. For more details of these stories, feel invited to buy a paper from one of the locations mentioned in our Tonga Media pages

After accepting his apology, the Legislative Assembly voided on Sept. 18 by a 12-6 vote a resolution of Sept. 24, 1996 to impeach the Minister of Justice and Attorney General. In an interview with The Tonga Chronicle, the Minister explained that he was advised to apologize to the House to end the impeachment proceedings, "To continue pursuing the charges would bring unforeseen implications and unnecessary expenses to Government.

The Minister is still solid with his convictions that there was no guild on his part, nor wrongdoing. "…I am not admitting guilt regarding the charges made against me. I apologized for the fact that the members thought I was wrong, but I did not admit to any guild."

According to the Minister he was incorrectly accused of fraudulently converting or embezzling approximately T$2,900. The Minister has paid in to the House funds totalling T$3,130.82 and according to the Minister the funds originally given to him were legally received. The Minister stated that there were no intentions on his part to either fraudulently convert or embezzle funds and wages given to him by the House Wages Clerk were on authority from the Speaker, including the overtime pay which he never requested.

The Minister said in his statement of apology to the House that it was not easy to express after many months under pressure from the issue. But he said that he had sought advice and assistance and had come to the conclusion that he should do so to reflect solidarity, peace, and cooperation with Government leaders. He also said he would not pursue further any rights in the matter he might have "for the sake and reputation of this country."

The House voted 12-2 to withhold the resolution of impeachment and discuss the Minister's apology in the Whole Committee and receiving vocal support and sentiment from the Ministers of the Crown, the People's representatives requested and received a 15-minute special meeting.

When House resumed, Mr. Mahe'uli'uli Tupouniua, No. 2 People's Representative for Tongatapu informed the committee that the People's Representatives wanted the Minister to resign. The Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Crown Prince Tupouto'a, said he was amazed pointing out to Mr. Tupouniua that he was in a similar situation whilst a Minister and it was the Nobles who saved him.

Mr. Teisina Fuko, No. 2 People's Representative for Ha'apai, stressed that Mr. Tupouniua had earlier moved a motion for the Minister to resign and said that accepting the apology was not related to the House resolution to impeach the Minister, adding that even if the resolution was voided it would provide no final resolution to the case.

Mr. Uili Fukofuka, No. 3 People's Representative for Tongatapu, stated that he weighed the apology in legal, ethical, and political terms. He said that the Minister had disobeyed the Speaker, not the Constitution and that the monies in question had been given to him at the direction of the Speaker.

But he said it was unethical of the Minister not to return home when he received a facsimile message from the Speaker telling him to do so. He suggested that there could be other political implications caused by this issue so he thought it wise to judge the Minister under the rule of Law

The motion from the People's Representatives for the Minister to resign was defeated by a vote of 11-6. The committee voted 12-6 in favour of accepting the apology and voiding the resolution to impeach. A second identical vote was taken to confirm the decision.

 Fungaveita a 24 hour convenience store, Blue Banana a clothing retailer, and PATCO an office equipment and computer retailer were burned to the ground early Sunday morning in a blaze. Embers were still glowing and lighting up on Wednesday.

Although police have no information to the beginnings of the fire, nor its cause, it is presumed that the fire began from the South Side of the building. The building is owned by Mr. Lisiate Maka Siteli of Kolofo'ou and insured for T$20,000 an inadequate some for replacing the former building. PATCO's stock was insured for T$80,000 and Blue Banana was insured for T$9,000.

All three organisations continue their businesses on temporary premises.

 Vanilla and kava growers in Vava'u met together in meetings organised by the Tonga Development Bank and Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry . No details of specific have been provided but it seems to have been related to funding and utilisation which seems to have had the effect that many growers have started planting.

 Tonga Missionary Heroes, a book by Vaka and Esmie Mila has begun distribution in Tonga with historical interviews and information from Tongan Missionaries beginning from 1829.

 Talafo'ou Middle School hosted parents, teachers and friends of the school to celebrate and raise funds for the school's continuing efforts to bring up the young. Talafo'ou Middle School, originally a Free Wesleyan middle school has since 1987 been a joint project between government and church where the church's property and facilities are still being used while the teaching staff are being resourced and supported by the Government Ministry of Education.

• Local photographer offers photographs of the Tungi Arcade storage fire at an unprecedented price of $500 per photo after being paid $200 for earlier photographic works at the MC International Fire.
• Mounu Island, Vava'u, opened a new Island Resort. The resort has six rooms, a kitchen and dining area, and a bar with all electrical appliances run from solar collectors.

• Economist-Economic Sectors Investment Programme, Central Planning Department, T$6,348-9,570
• Population Planner (Gender in Development), Central Planning Department, T$6,348-9,570
• Economist-Regional Policies and Planning, Central Planning Department, T$6,348-9,570
• Economic Secretary, Central Planning Department, T$6,348-9,570
• Computer Assistant, Central Planning Department, T$2,480
• Assistant Development Project Officer, Central Planning-Ha'apai, T$1,800
• Senior Executive Officer (General Administration Telecommunication and Satellite Unit), Prime Minister's Office, T$5,274-7,064
• Senior Executive Officer (Women & Development Centre), Prime Minister's Office, T$5,274-7,064
• Business Advisory Officer, Tonga Development Bank-Vava'u, n/a
• Graduate Assistant in Management and Public Administration, USP, http://www.usp.ac.fj
• Satellite Systems Engineer, Tongasat, n/a
• Information Systems Division Technical Officer, Tonga Development Bank, n/a
• Marketing Officer, Royal Tongan Airlines, n/a
• Assistant Editor, Tonga Chronicle, T$6,348-9,570
• Senior Training Officer, Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry, T$9,21-11,324

Matangi Tonga - July/Sept.

 Life on the fast track, mass mobility. Is Tonga becoming a dumping ground for used Japanese cars? Vehicle registrations, price war ahead as more used cars arrive, cars and roads-the energy driving the economy, safety awareness-working towards a solution to traffic problems.

The Budget-government cuts spending and increases charges.

Featured Shipping Schedule

Forgot to send something you were going to send to Tonga?  Afraid that its going to be a little heavy for air-cargo, let alone the postal service?  Try one of the shipping companies that regular route materials back and forth between Tonga and other international ports.  Below is a sample of shipping schedules available to you when you want something sent to Tonga by the cheapest means, or something rather large sent to you.

Mark Shipping Ltd
Fakafanua Building, Vuna Road

Australia - Fiji - Tonga

Agent

[ref: http://www.tongatapu.net.to]
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