Thursday, April 28, 2011

Catholic priest named in ‘Ikale Tahi’s Churchill Cup Squad



Fr. Tomasi Sili of the Marists Brothers, called to the Ikale Tahi squad for the Churchill Cup
© Tevita Motulalo
It’s been usual practice that men of the cloth accompany national sports teams when they embark on foreign tour. They help in spiritual guidance, and are a central figure of respect that unite the team.
But, sometimes there’s always an exception to the rule.
The selectors of the ‘Ikale Tahi have called on Father Tomasi Sili of the Marists Brothers, not to be the chaplain for the upcoming Churchill Cup tour to the UK, but as a spearhead for the ‘Ikale Tahi backline, playing as outside centre.
Father Sili was only recently ordained in December last year after graduating with a Bachelors of Divinity from Marist College in Bomana,PNG.
Marists Regional Superior in Tonga, Fr. ‘Anaua Finau says he is awaiting approval of Fr. Sili to join the team, from the order’s directors in Fiji.
“But it is highly likely,” he told Tonga Chronicle.
He also said it is also an opportunity for Fr. Sili to extend his missionary work on the international rugby arena.
At 28 years of age, Fr. Sili has a notable rugby record. He played the same position in ‘Api Fo’ou College’s reputable team of 2000, that thrashed rivals with airtight goal line security against formidable foes like Tonga College and Toloa, allowing only one try for the whole inter-college season.
Fr. Sili has also represented Tonga internationally.
“Its great, I think I can take it,” Fr. Sili told Tonga Chronicle.
He is currently recovering from a mild knee injury when the Marists Longoteme recently clashed with the Kolofo’ou Lions the week before last.
During a break from his studies in 2004, Sili was in Tonga and played for the Marists in the Lavengamalie Cup.
He was approached to join the ‘Ikale Tahi squad then, but he couldn’t leave his studies.
According to Ikale Tahi Coach Isitolo Maka, Fr. Sili was the second best option after the expected second five ‘Amanaki Kefu was taken down with injury.
“Tomasi [Sili] still retains his calibre as a top class player,” Maka said.
Fr. Sili is from Haveluliku.
The Churchill squad is also included in the Coach’s full squad for the World Cup in September.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Ambassador to visit Tonga with Israeli Speaker of Parliament


Israel's Ambassador to Tonga, HE Shemi Tzur
By Tevita Motulalo

ISRAEL’S Ambassador accredited to Tonga, HE Mr. Shemi Tzur says he will return to Tonga next week with the Speaker of the Israeli Parliament or Knesset, Reuven Rivlin, on a first official tour of Tonga.

“I am coming back next week with something very, very important with the Speaker of the Israeli Parliament visiting officially Tonga,” revealed Tzur in an exclusive interview with Tonga Chronicle last week.

It will be the first official tour of Tonga by an Israeli Speaker of Parliament, and for Rivlin. He will be the highest official of the Israeli government to ever visit Tonga.

Tonga and Israel are very close friends, according Tzur, and the last King, Taufa’ahau Tupou IV, solidified the relationship, and even the present monarch in their frequent visits to Israel.

Tzur is Israel’s Ambassador to New Zealand, now also accredited to Cook Is, Niue, Samoa, and Tonga.

He arrived Monday last week and presented his credentials to His Majesty, and met senior officials of the Tongan government including the Speaker of Parliament Lord Lasike, Deputy Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu, and Health Minister Hon. ‘Uliti Uata.

Speaking to the Tonga Chronicle, Tzur says Israel and Tonga are natural friends with huge prospects in development cooperation, specifically in the areas of health, agriculture, and energy.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Progress in Police grievances, Commissioner meets petitioners

By Tevita Motulalo

THERE has been progress in addressing grievances voiced by a significant portion of Tonga Police to Cabinet about the leadership of Police Commissioner Chris Kelley, as he has met with some of them to discuss their concerns and a way forward.

Last Tuesday he said it was unfair for members of Police to make accusations of him without revealing their identities.

“Its like dealing with phantoms,” he said to Tonga Chronicle, “I still don’t know who they are. Not one."

Kelley said to Tonga Chronicle it has been helpful that some of the petitioners surface to talk to him directly, last Thursday, yesterday, and another meeting pending for today.