Tonga News
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Law
Karalus regrets telling King and Cabinet that Ashika was in good condition Nuku'alofa, Tonga: The former Minister of Transport, Paul Karalus, told the Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the Princess Ashika on Saturday, February 27, that he was deeply saddened and embarrassed with the discovery that his report to the King, Prime Minister and the Cabinet that the MV Ashika was in good condition was based on incorrect information. 01 Mar 2010, 12:41
The Company Secretary of the Shipping Corporation of Polynesia Ltd Lord Dalgety was under fire at the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the MV Ashika on February 25, after evidence revealed a "scandalous contract" of employment and possible use of public funds to finance personal and first class travels in his other role as Chairman of the Electricity Commission. 26 Feb 2010, 08:37
Tonga News
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Law
Rehydrated, Lord Dalgety expected to continue evidence Nuku'alofa, Tonga: Shipping Corporation Company Secretary Lord Dalgety who has been missing in action at the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the Ashika since January 22 is expected to continue his evidence this week after it was confirmed by a doctor that his medical condition was that of dehydration. 25 Feb 2010, 22:38
Tonga News
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Law
Former Minister of Transport accepts that Cabinet was misled Nuku'alofa, Tonga: In another interesting turn of evidence provided by the former Minister of Transport Paul Karalus on February 25, he accepted a submission that he misled Cabinet in a memorandum regarding due diligence on the Ashika. 25 Feb 2010, 22:15
Tonga News
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Law
Transport Minister had power to detain unseaworthy vessel Nuku'alofa, Tonga: The former Minister of Transport Paul Karalus (61) told the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the MV Ashika today that during his time as Minister his understanding was that the power to detain an unseaworthy ship from sea was of the Director of Marine, and he, on the other hand, would just support it. 24 Feb 2010, 23:13
Tonga's Prime Minister Dr Feleti Sevele was censured this morning for making an "inappropriate" personal remark to counsel assisting, in a closing statement he gave to the Ashika Inquiry, following an intense session of questioning that continued to midnight last night. 24 Feb 2010, 20:28
Tonga News
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Law
John Jonesse charged with forgery Nuku'alofa, Tonga: John Jonesse was arrested and charged with criminal forgery last week, and is not permitted to leave Tonga before a court appearance scheduled on March 17. 24 Feb 2010, 20:20
In talks with SCP Managing Director John Jonesse leading up to the possible purchase of the Ashika ferry, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Public Enterprise 'Inoke Vala, took what Jonesse advised him at face value. 23 Feb 2010, 20:12
Tonga News
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Law
Cabinet took for granted that due diligence would be done Nuku'alofa, Tonga: At the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the MV Ashika the issue of due diligence was again highlighted in the evidence of the Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet Busby Kautoke who adhered that Cabinet had no reason to believe that the vessel was unseaworthy. But he accepted that they took for granted that all Government processes of due diligence extending to that of the Procurement Committee would be followed. 23 Feb 2010, 18:15
A suggestion that the Ashika ferry tragedy had resulted from systematic failure of the Tonga government, was rejected by Tonga's Prime Minister, who stressed that the laws, regulations, policies and procedures are in place; but he accepted that it was the failure of individuals who failed to comply with their responsibilities under laws of the country. 22 Feb 2010, 15:21
