pose problems

Tonga

Pumpkins

As Tonga’s lucrative squash pumpkin season draws to an end, some growers are facing a crisis because they have not been able to sell any of their crops.

One of the major exporters, MBM, is reported to have filled its quota of 3500 tonnes for this season with the departure of their fourth shipment for Japan on November 16.

Media reports said they still have a num ber of member growers who have yet to sell their crops. They are now negotiat ing with other exporters who still have not filled their quota to take their crops.

But Radio Tonga says a survey shows that of the 13 exporting companies, most have completed or are close to completing their quotas. At the same time most exporters have member grow ers who have still not been able to sell their crops to packing sheds.

The government set the ceiling for this year’s crop at 17,000 tonnes and has refused two petitions for the extra crops to be exported. a a a

For King

and country

More than 400 Tongan women have

signed a petition urging parliament to

take action to free them from “pain, anguish and misery” caused by despectful and untrue remarks about the King and the country published in the Wall Street Journal.

The remarks were made by commoner MR Akilisi Rohiva who criticised the King’s kingdom and his lifestyle.