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

Tupou College Arsons - Suspended Sentences.

Unconfirmed. Thursday, the courts handed down their decision on the Tupou College students responsible for the arson and other damages to Tonga College, 'Atele. Some of the students singled out as directly responsible for some of the arson received up to two years prison sentences while others involved received lower sentences. Incarceration was deferred and students released on good behaviour bonds.

As yet, Island Snapshot is unaware of the arrangements to compensate Tonga College for the damages.

Minister of Lands - Hon. Fakafanua, lands in Court

Fakafanua has been accused of eight breaches of law relating to illegal activities relating to land leases in 'Eua and Ha'apai and interfering with police investigations. Independent reports have raised questions about land leases in Vava'u.

The court case has been delayed at the request of the prosecutors (Police) and defendant and set by the courts for April 8th. Prosecutors warned that the release of the defendant allows the defendant to influence the prosecutor's witnesses when the court case has not yet completed. The courts denied the request of prosecutors to retain the defendant on the grounds of insufficient evidence or public danger to hold the defendant. The courts however have bonded the defendant and are holding all travel documents of the defendant and restricting international travel in the interim.

Fakafanua was indicted and found guilty of illegally transferring land in 1987 which cost the government a lot of money and subsequently led to the unsuccessful attempt by People's Representative 'Akilisi Pohiva to block his appointment to the post of Minister for Lands.

Telecom's new DOMSAT already due for an upgrade

Tonga's new Domestic Satellite uplink/downlinks between outer islands and Tongatapu have barely opened for business when it is already due for an upgrade. It seems that the links do not allow for data (facsimile, or computer modem) connections, something supposedly set in the specifications but not tested during the installation.

The data links are of course a major requirement of businesses operating in Ha'apai and Vava'u.

To confirm this problem, Cable & Wireless (http://www.candw.to) the local ISP provider published the following advertisement in the papers:

"Our valued customers in Vava'u and Ha'apai will have noticed that data calls (all computer calls) from Ha'apai and Vava'u have ceased to function.

This is due to the changeover of the Telecommunications Links from the Tropo System to the new Domestic Satellite System (DOMSAT) between Tongatapu, Ha'apai and Vava'u by the Tonga Telecommunications Commission. Although the new system is perfectly adequate for normal telephone conversations the Very Low Rate Encoding (VLRE) used for the transmission inhibits the passing of higher speed data signals. This, we understand, is not deliberate and therefore appears to have been an oversight in the system design by the consultants.

Cable & Wireless regrets to advise our Internet customers that this limitation exists for all national and international data calls, not just those to the Cable & Wireless Kalianet Internet Services, and is beyond our control..."

Shoreline Power Up, down, up, down, up, ....

The current joke doing the rounds in Tongatapu is Shoreline is definitely going to save everyone money (announced price: 27 cents as opposed to the previous 36cents) because the power is not up all the time. Shoreline is saving everyone money by just turning off the electricity for everyone.

It is unknown the true cause of the problems that have caused blackouts for over two days in the week to some areas, but coinciding with the opening of Shoreline's power generation facilities it is giving the organisation some bad publicity.

For computer users, its save save save save.

Hawthorne Machinery of San Diego, open for business

Hawthorne Machinery of San Diego, through the assistance of the government, have opened for business in Tonga at the Small Industries Centre, Ma'ufanga. James T. Hawthorne, Chief Officer for the company was in Tonga for the opening of the new company extension which was attended by the Minister of Works, James Cecil Cocker.

The Ministry of Works previously purchased heavy construction equipment from Hawthorne Machinery and it is understood the same company is supplying the Power Generators being used by the Shoreline company.

The news reports were not clear on specific supplies available from the company in Tonga, but previous reports seems to indicate availability of heavy earth mover machinery, parts etc.

Customs Harmonisation Code - Coming to Tonga?

The Customs Duty department have taken out what seems to be paid advertisement trying to explain the benefits of the Harmonisation code which has by implication been adopted by government. The explanation had sample duty charges which really needs someone from the department to explain over your shoulder.

The explanation also fails to explain whether the 20% Ports-and-Services Duty applied to all imported goods is applied in this Harmonisation schedule or not. The government does not recognise the Ports-and-Services Duty as a tax.

98.5% Literacy

According to analysis from the 1996 Census, 98.5% of of all Tongans are able to read and write. 72.8% are able to read and write in Tongan and a foreign language, predominantly English. 0.6% are able to read and write in only English. The majority of those unable to read/write were the very young (presumably infants) and among the elderly.

Tupou College Sports - A priority?

Tupou College staff and students showed off their new gymnasium equipment from Australia. The gift was donated by the school's ex-students in Australia and included materials for refurbishing one dormitory facility. The gift is valued at approximately $600,000.

Bank of Tonga's Moneygram

Wam Bam Moneygram, or so the advertising goes. The Bank of Tonga in light of the winning money transfer business garnering great profits for the local Western Union operator has jumped into the fray with high profile television advertising, newspaper, radio, and sponsorship programs.

For an organisation that has been sleeping while its own customers requested lower rates on money transfers over seas, and the more lucrative overseas to Tonga transfers, it is good to see someone waking up. The effects, if any, on the local operators from the introduction of a large operator is yet to be seen but at least everyone involved in promotions is getting money from the two big operators taking out big advertisements.

Moneygram: Overseas contact details

The third operator of size in the money transfer game is XPressTrac International Corporation

Government problems are errors, not corruption

The Kele'a refutes reports in the Matangi Tonga in an interview with 'Eseta Fusitu'a that allegations of government scandals, misuse of power, and corruption are simply matters of administrative errors and not corruption. The Kele'a's rebuttal prints extracts of letters from government civil servants filed with the Prime Ministers office expressing concerns with "administrative errors."

Afu'alo Matoto (a former Secretary of Finance in the Ministry of Finance) says in his letter to the Chief Secretary to Cabinet, that government is corrupt from the top to bottom.

Liava'a (a former Accountant General), after his suspension, says in his letter, "Whatever my fate is going to be I will gladly take comfort in the fact that I have done what I think is right to avoid matters slipping away from the known to the unknown due to wrongful exercise of power ... The damage has been done and all I wish for is to die ... should that reality eventuate with honour and dignity."

Tualau Mangisi (a former Chief Establishment Officer in the Prime Minister's Office) says, "...Together we can help to regain its leadership role in the region but only if we allow even the tiniest voice to be heard, progressive concepts to be discussed and viable options to be implemented. Some of the past efforts have failed largely because we allow ourselves to be victimised by this strategic rule: "Divide your enemy from within to best conquer him from outside"

'Ana Taufe'ulungaki (Deputy Director of Education) says, "...As many of my contemporaries do, I have all these years cherished a believe in the integrity of government; that justice, fairness and truth, if not love, were its guiding principles; that the loyalty, dedication and sacrifice of each officers were recognised and valued. I have continued to subscribe to these beliefs inspite of the recent happenings in government, and story evidence to the contrary ... We begin to question the reality we have dedicated our lives to; that in government we serve, there is honour, truth, justice and love; that there is a real meaning behind the pledge that God and Tonga are Mine Heritage... The greatest tragedy for my colleagues and me will not be the shattering of our dreams but the knowledge that we have dedicated the best years of our lives to the living of a lie."

Government Money Problems?

Passage leave and overtime pays delayed due to funding problems in the government.

Passage leave, or the right of Civil Servants for paid passage leave on completion of duty is being witheld from civil servants due to lack of funds in the government.

Medical Officers and workers at the hospitals have not received over-time pay since November of 1997.

Tupou High School - Student Computer Facilities

Tupou High School recently dedicated new computing facilities donated by ex-students from New Zealand including a family gift of four computers. The school, although very late in the school calendar, will begin classes for Form 4 and Form 5 students. Form 5 students sitting the national Tonga School Certificate examinations.

Against the better wishes of staff, the Principal and ex-students are pushing for the inclusion of a Form 6 class, two months after classes should have begun. Select Form 6 students held a meeting with the principal and concerned staff members to outline to students the workload required to compensate for the very late start should they choose to pursue the Form 6 Pacific Senior School Certificate (PSSC) Computer Studies course. The level of commitment from students, staff, and school required for student success in the course and external examinations were discussed.

Although the introduction of the new class seriously impacts equipment availability for students, the Principal is also keen to introduce a Lower 5th program similar to that being run at Queen Salote College.

Meanwhile, computer equipment organised between the Principal, President of Education, President of the FWC with an American supplier is still being installed by the supplier due to unacceptable errors with the equipment preventing its use by students.

Queen Salote College - Introduces Form 6 Computer Studies

Queen Salote College introduced Computer Studies for Form 6 students after a trial Form 5 course in 1997 and intensive staff training during the school break. With a trained staff of three and backup support from the FWC Education Office, Queen Salote College has introduced computer studies for Forms 4, Lower 5th, 5 and Form 6 in 1998. Two staff members attended an intensive two month training program during the school vacation to improve/increase their computing skills, and computer training skills to prepare for the '98 academic year. An additional staff member, dedicated to the computer studies program, was recruited bringing Queen Salote's staff commitment to the program to three teachers.

Form 6 students are preparing to sit the Pacific Senior School Certificate, while the Form 5 students are preparing to sit the national Tonga School Certificate. Lower 5th students are sitting a course introducing computer studies with principles of business organisation and Form 4 students are sitting an introduction course covering Programming, Desktop Publishing and Word Processing.

Queen Salote staff and administration hope to show ex-students a good return on their investment in the computer studies program for girls to ensure continuing support in the following years.

Queen Salote are interested in any assistance available from friends overseas towards their program and inquiries can be made through samt@ nomoa.com or to the school's telephone 22-962, Principal's Office 21-630, Minister's Residence 21-629

Queen Salote's computer lab has been networked with thankful assistance of staff from Moore Electronics, cables supplied at no cost by Tonic, and Windows NT 4.0 Server Networking Software supplied at no cost by Microsoft Australia. The contributions and continuing support of local and international corporations is appreciated by staff and students.

Samples of the course material developed by No-Moa Publishers for use at the school is available to 'netters at http://www.tongatapu.net.to/compstud/index.html

Tonga represented in Rugby's Showcase competition

Although Tonga is not involved in the Southern Hemisphere's great Rugby Tournament, the "Super 12", Tonga is heavily involved with its former residents, and descendants.

15 members in the different competing clubs hail from the Friendly Islands. For New Zealand teams: Douglas Howlett and Finau Maka play for the Wellington Hurricanes; Joe Naufahu with the Waikato Chiefs; Kupu Vaanisi, Pailate Fili, Pita 'Alatini, 'Isitolo Maka, Carl Hoeft in the Otago Highlanders; Jonah Lomu, Salesi Riechelmann for Auckland.

Across the Tasman into Australia: Viliami 'Ofahengaue "Willie-O", Semi Taupeaafe, and Timote Tavalea play with the New South Wales Waratah's; 'Ipolito Fenukitau with the ACT Brumbies; and Toutai Kefu with the Queensland Reds. Other players of yester-year (last year) on the injury list include Dan Manu and Fili Finau.

Cable & Wireless to upgrade Internet Pipeline

Although not formally announced, nor specified, Tonga's International Carrier and Internet Service Provider is working on upgrading the current 64K pipe-line to the USA with a wider band-width connection.

What does this mean? Well, hopefully it means I can afford to upload the web-pages, and so you don't have to sit around all-day if you want to browse the growing number of 'local' web pages.

News Shorts

• Ramkor (Lamee) Narrotam, business woman of Halaleva, died March 8th.
• Inflation rose 0.8% from January to February according to reports and local products rose in price by an average of 1.5% while imported goods lowered in price by an average of 0.2%
• Koka'anga 'i Kenipela. Tongan women in Canberra are showing their wares with many practising the skills of tapa cloth making even in Canberra. 21 women lead by Vaohoi Naufahu and Sioana Faupula placed the designs/imprints on 10 ngatus of the class "launima", each about the length of a tennis court.
• Eizo H. O. Ve'ehala of Niutoua came away as class captain of the graduating class of Army recruits
• Taufa'ahau/Pilolevu College's 52nd anniversary included a service conducted by the Free Wesleyan Church President Rev. Lopeti Taufa on March 10th
• 25 new American Peace Corp volunteers are now in Vava'u recieving a six week introduction training to the moires of Tonga before eventually being assigned to their various responsibilities.
• Uata Shipping Lines have introduced a new boat as part of services to Tonga. The new boat is expected to be used for one weekly service from Tongatapu to Vava'u & Ha'apai, and six weekly services between 'Eua and Tongatapu.
• March 26-28 a Trade Show is to be held at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall with exhibits by local businesses and foreign businesses hoping to garner local buyers.
• Tonga Investments Limited may investigate and seek prosecution of debters to the defunct PPEL squash exporters. There is apparently a sizeable number of people owing significant sums to PPEL at its closure and Tonga Investments Limited would be one of the creditors.
• Security Grand Friendly Island 'Otu Felenite a new security group by former Police Inspector Viliami Sapoi has opened for business and their services include the new security concrerns of the Shoreline facilities.
• http://kalianet.candw.to/rta/ puts Royal Tonga on the 'NET so if you're interested in finding out more/less about the national carrier, drop in and give them recommendations about upgrading their web presence.

Advertised Vacancies

Please do not respond to the advertised vacancies by e-mailing the web page coordinators. If you find a post interesting to you, please contact the appropriate personnel (if we can supply the e-mail address/web site it will be placed with the posting) or first check out the Tonga ISP site http://www.candw.to to confirm whether the organisation you are interested in has Internet access. Island Snapshot is a non-profit, voluntary service of postings for people interested in Tonga and unfortunately we do not have the resources to follow-up employment requests for people, nor do we have funding for the Resumes being posted to our e-mail address. Note: Advertised maximum salary is reported.

• Deputy Director of Tourism, Tonga Visitors Bureau, T$15,00 + 10% COLA, tvb@kalianet.to
• Senior Accountant, Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry, T$11,324 +10% COLA maf-holo@kalianet.to
• Graduate Computer Programmer, Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry, T$9,570 +10% COLA maf-holo@kalianet.to
• Legal Adviser, Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry, T$11,324 +10% COLA maf-holo@kalianet.to
• General Manager, Talamahu Market Authority, T$18,000
• Executive Assistant, Tonga Amateur Sports Association, na

Monthlies

[ref: http://www.tongatapu.net.to]
Tonga on the 'NET

[For a piece of the Kingdom, and Your Own Domain Name,
http://www.tonic.to easily the Tonic.to Domain Name headaches.]