Limu has been consumed by the people of Tonga for over 3000 years and is credited for their exceptional health and vitality. Limu has played an important part in the ancient Hawaiian diet. It is still enjoyed by Modern Hawaiians but has become increasingly difficult to find because of over-picking, pollution, commercial development of the plant, and construction in watersheds.

Seaweed

Limu is the Hawaiian word for seaweed. Limu Moui is a sea vegetable in the brown seaweed family that is harvested from the pristine waters of Tongan Islands in the South Pacific. Limu Moui is a seaweed and contains 70+ nutrients, and one very important nutrient called fucoidan.

The Health benefits

Limu is the type of health supplement that people are crazy about. In addition to being packed with the vitamins, minerals and other life-giving substances that have made kelp such a health food staple, limu moui is particularly rich in Fucoidan, which according to research may lend extraordinary support to the body’s immune functions. This is the type of health supplement that scares pharmaceutical companies big time.

With today’s toxic world and nutrient depleted soil, our bodies are in desperate need of nutrients to maintain good health. Due to soil depletion from modern farming techniques, the use of artificial fertilizers, and fast turnaround harvesting, our vegetables today are not providing our bodies with the nutrients we need to live a healthy life. While your body may experience amazing positive health responses when you feed it the right nutritional building blocks, and there is indeed reliable scientific evidence supporting the beneficial effects that limu’s ingredients have on the immune system and numerous other biological functions, there is insufficient scientific evidence to support some of the specific therapeutic results reported by users of the product. The “Miracle Key” of health is backed by thousands of personal eye opening testimonials.

Miracle Fucoidan

Fucoidan is what sets Limu apart from any other nutritional drink, as it is not found in any land-based plants. Reportedly a polysaccharide known as “Fucoidan” is the key, essential nutrient naturally occurring within Limu Moui Extract. Fucoidan which is a glyconutrient with over 700 scientific studies, is compared to human breast milk with its immune building properties. Fucoidan stimulates Natural Killer cells- many studies with reducing cancer cells. Fucoidan is also shown to be beneficial in regeneration of cartilage in arthritic joints. Recognizing the potential of limu moui, we ask the question, what would happen if we reinforced this traditional Tongan source of Fucoidan with a complex of advanced adaptogens.

Amazing Added Adaptogens

Adaptogens are a rare class of plant first identified by Russian scientists in their quest for the key to improved human performance. As more people in the West learn about this exciting science, the interest in advanced adaptogens increases.

A unique group of plants referred to as “adaptogens” were discovered growing in an area of eastern Russia called the Primorye.

The Discovery Channel produced a special on the total devastation created by a meteor in 1908 in the same area of the Primorye Forest to which adaptogens are native. These “adaptable” plants-adaptogens-grew back to create one of the most botanically active regions in the world. According to researchers, adaptogens help restore the body’s overall capacity for exertion and resistance to stress. (In other words, adaptogens help the body adapt to internal and external environmental stressors).

Limu Plus contains a specialized blend of these Russian Adaptogens that have a unique impact on Cortisol (what some call the stress hormone) which enables the body to better adapt to life’s stress causing events. Limu Plus contains Russian Adaptogens that have been attributed to assisting Russian Olympians and other athletes with their performance capabilities. Therefore application of adaptogens in general and in sports in particular, is connected mainly to the fast increase in the level of physiological adaptation (level of a training) due to acceleration of the slowest enzymatic reactions in the anabolic (regenerative) processes and thus an increase in energy and plastic maintenance of specific protective systems. These adaptogens have been studied for decades for their unique ability to help the body address life’s stressors. Thus, essence of action of adaptogens in rendering finally a positive effect on a function shape of an organism, without dependence from a direction of function alteration, optimizing physiological processes inherent to the organism, providing augmentation of a natural general nonspecific resistance.

Cancer

The Polyphenols found in Limu moui act as superb cell protectors that help prevent: Malignant growths Degenerative diseases Toxic accumulation in tissues Tissue damage Skin deterioration Fucans & Fucoidan: Complex polysaccharides with Cancer-Protective and immune-stimulant properties, which also raise HGF (hepatic growth factor) for better overall health. Fucoidan stimulates Natural Killer cells. It’s hailed in such reputable medical journals as: Anticancer Research Infection and Immunity The British Journal of Pharmacology Nutrition and Cancer Developmental Biology The Journal of Molecular Immunology Journal of Neuroimmunology Antibiotics and Chemotherapy Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research Working on both a cellular and sub-cellular level, Fucoidan boasts an almost endless list of health benefits. These included statements that limu causes cancer cells to self destruct and eliminates arthritis pain by lubricating joints. Apparently, Limu causes cancer cells to die within 72 hours.

The Limu Plus Drink

When you buy Limu Plus from Vitamark, you get more. We want you to be certain that with Limu Plus , you’re experiencing the best of nature and science combined. The primary active phytochemical in Limu Moui is Fucoidan, and with Limu Plus you get the finest pure Tongan Limu Moui in the world. Ivan Danhoff of the North Texas Research Laboratory conducted a side-by-side comparative analysis of Limu Plus, the leading liquid dietary supplement on the market, and a competing limu moui supplement. The obvious conclusion: Limu Plus delivers a lot more Fucoidan.

In addition, Limu Plus also includes advanced Russian adaptogens, green tea and aloe vera, making it the obvious choice when you’re looking for the best liquid dietary supplement on the market today.

We’re happy to help whether you just have a few questions, want to know how to begin receiving Limu Drink at home, or want to discuss this business opportunity open to you to help others along the way.

Welcome to Dominica – Land of the Sisserou Parrot!

Eco-tourism

Did you know- One of the most attractive natural wonders for visitors to the Island is the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Apart from being home to abundant rainforests and wildlife, this park boasts the second-largest boiling lake on Earth. However, the Island has other amazing landscapes: for example amazing beaches, waterfalls, rivers, old towns, and spectacular mountains. The coastline of Dominica is also rich in marine life. Finally, about 70 percent of the Island consists of protected rainforests, one the highest of the world’s developing countries, along with Suriname and Gabon.

Democracy

Did you know- The Island has had more than 30 years of democratic governance, a great example in the Third World, where there are few democratic states. In the meantime, it also has one of the most peaceful societies in the Western Hemisphere.

Geography

Did you know- The Island of Dominica, shaped like a tobacco leaf, is located in eastern Caribbean (Americas). The Commonwealth of Dominica, has an area of 300 square miles ( 754 km2),making it the 188th -largest country on the planet (between the Netherlands Antilles and the Kingdom of Tonga).This English-speaking country is made up mainly of mountains and rainforests, while much of the rest of the Island is covered by spectacular beaches. There are many lakes and rivers. Finally, Dominica should not be confused with the Dominican Republic, a Spanish-speaking country in the Caribbean.

Rosseau

Did you know- Rosseau is the capital city of the Caribbean Island. Most of Dominica’s population lives in the capital.

Wild Birds

Did you know- The Island is home to one of the continent’s greatest varieties of birds, including bananaquits, grey kingbirds, red-neckeds, frigatebirds, siffleurs, barn owls, brown pelicans, yellow warblers and plumbeous warblers. The Sisserou Parrot – Dominica’s national bird– is one of the several species of exotic birds that can be found in the tiny island of Dominica. This exotic bird is one of largest parrots on the planet.

Human Development

Did you know- The year 1997 was a great year for Dominica. Why? Because of its exemplary democratic system and its education and social welfare this English-speaking Island ranked 41 of 175 countries and territories in the United Nations Human Development Index. Since then, it was a great victory for the developing countries, especially those in the Caribbean.

Jerome Romain- A National Hero

Did you know- By the mid-1990s, surprisingly, Dominica’s athlete Jerome Romain won the bronze medal in the triple jump -with a fantastic jump of 17,59 metres- at the IAFF World Championships in Sweden (Goteborg). He also earned a silver medal at the 1995 Pan American Games in Mar del Plata, Argentina.

International Organizations

Did you know- At the end of 1978, the Island joined the United Nations. In addition, Dominica is one of the 53 Commonwealth countries. On the other hand, it also belongs to the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Population

Did you know- The Commonwealth of Dominica has an estimated total population of 72,660 people (as of July, 2009).

The Margaret Thatcher of the Caribbean!

Did you know- By the early 1980s, Mary Eugenia Charles made international headlines when she became the first woman to be elected Head of Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, at a time when women could not expect to win a democratic election in the Third World. During this period of time, only had four female leaders on Earth: Iceland ( Vigdis Finnbogadottir), India (Indira Gandhi), Margaret Thatcher (Britain) and Dominica. At the same time, she was the first black female to win a democratic election in the world (by the mid-1970s, Madame Elisabeth Domitien had been named Prime Minister by Centroafrica’s dictator Jean-Bedell Bokassa). Under her leadership, Dominica became a democratic state on the Caribbean, a region which has been plagued by dictatorships. Throughout most of the next decade, she was a campaigner for the environment on Dominica. Historically, the Island’s Prime Minister Charles was one of the Caribbean’s most influential leaders. After Charles became a leader, more than five women have been elected leaders on the Caribbean: Barbados (Nita Barrow, 1991-95), Bermuda (Jennifer Smith, 1998-2003), Haiti (Ertha Pascal Trouillot, 1990-91), Jamaica ( Portia Simpson-Miller, 2006-07), Netherlands Antilles (Maria Liberia Peters,1984-86 & 1988-94), and Puerto Rico (Sila Calderón, 2001- 2005).

Have you ever dreamt about sailing away to adventure in your own sailboat and exploring the oceans of this beautiful planet of ours? The excitement, the freedom, the sheer joy of sailing and visiting the myriad exotic places along the way? Hawaii, The Caribbean, San Blas Islands, South America, The Galapagos Islands, Marquesas, French Polynesia, Tonga, and on to New Zealand and Australia. These are but a few and the list is endless.

Can you feel the excitement, following months of planning, of finally setting sail on your first passage? The exultation of leaving port for the first time on the first leg of your adventure of a lifetime? Believe me it is a wonderful feeling setting off, knowing that you have months ahead of you to sail the oceans with absolutely no restrictions, free to sail where your fancy takes you.

And, as you leave behind you, all those limitations of land living – work, the day to day affairs, traffic congestion, city living, pollution and more – a weight will lift away from you and it will be replaced, slowly at first, by a growing and wonderful sense of freedom. As you take the first drafts of fresh air deep into your lungs, filling them to the bottom, you will come to realize there is no substitute in this world for it.

My reasons, and I have two of them, for getting you started are much more important and personal. Having made the trip myself over four years and experiencing the whole gamut of emotions from the highs and the lows, the excitement and exultation and the pure pleasure and self fulfilment of the achievement, I want to encourage you to get started sooner rather than later. You know, you could dream about making a trip to the Antarctic, or climb Mt. Everest, or even take a trip into space, but we know that for most of us this will never happen as it is beyond our budget.

But, you can sail around the world on a modest budget and enjoy the most fantastic experiences that will remain everlasting in your memory. Once completed you will have these treasured memories forever. Wouldn’t it be sad to miss all of these wonderful lifetime experiences just because you couldn’t get over that first mental hurdle of beginning? My job is to get you over that hurdle.

My second reason, and this is tied into Global Warming and Climate Change. There may be a time coming in the future when a trip like this may be more restricted. We have little control over this in the short term, but we do know right now that we can set sail knowing the weather is still our friend, and are able to visit all of these wonderful destinations.

So now is the time to begin and start your planning – remember the great Nike tag line? ‘Do it Now’, don’t put it off – you will never regret beginning and then you will wonder why you never started sooner.

You may be wondering exactly what this mysterious Limu is. Well, it’s not actually a juice, but you do drink it. It is an extract of Fucoidan from Tongan seaweed called limu moui, and some are calling it a “super food”. With original limu or limu plus you will get no added sugar, no artificial sweeteners, no colors or artificial flavors.

The hype here is all about fucoidan, a marine bioactive mainly found in various species of brown seaweed, including limu moui. Tonga is the greatest, richest source of fucoidan on the planet, and its people have enjoyed the health benefits of fucoidan for over 3,000 years. Widely used as a medicinal staple, limu moui also contains over 70 essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids.

The Science of Fucoidan – As the subject of more than 600 scientific studies, research has shown that fucoidan dissipates cancer cells within 72 hours of administration. Alginate, a derivative of seaweed, absorbs radioactive elements, heavy metals and free radicals in the body, and Laminarin acts as an anticoagulant in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Benefits of Fucoidan – Fucoidan improves gastrointestinal function, aids in digestion and weight loss; helps decrease high blood sugar and cholesterol levels; improves structure of hair and nails, and speeds their growth; boosts the immune system; can help protect against thyroid and other cancers; and can assist in detoxification of smokers, removing strontium and cadmium from the body.

Original Limu provides a daily supplement of this powerful SuperFood in a form promised to be loved by all – even kids and pets. One to four ounces of Limu Original taken twice a day can help get you looking and feeling your best in no time. So let’s look at the difference between Limu Original and Limu Plus.

The best way to improve on the perfect nutritional product would be to improve its bioavailability – the rate and percentage at which your body absorbs it after you consume it. To this end, a few ingredients have been added to Limu Plus.

One of nature’s most effective “conductive vehicles” is aloe vera, a stemless succulent plant. In fact, no other substance is known of that increases bioavailability of both fat and water-soluble vitamins. Aloe vera, having been added to Limu Plus, speeds absorption of its nutrients in the digestive tract. Limu Plus also contains green tea and Taheebo tea, which greatly increase its antioxidant properties.

Limu Plus has additionally added a proprietary blend of Russian Adaptogens which have a unique and positive effect on Cortisol (the stress hormone), enabling the body to cope better with life’s stress. These Adaptogens have been credited with aiding Russian Olympian athletes achieve their performance goals.

As a final plus, Limu is a “green” product. Limu Moui is harvested by hand – ensuring that only the best plants are used, and that the Tongan ecosystem is not damaged. The plants used for the Adaptogens are also harvested selectively at their peak growing point to ensure peak potency.

Are you a fresher looking for some good IT jobs in Bangalore? Before you start your search, it is important to understand the IT sector of the city. Known as the Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore enjoys the presence of the large number of information technology companies. Many top-notch companies, especially software biggies and computer hardware firms, have started their operations in the city. The thriving IT sector is producing a large number of IT jobs in Bangalore and as a result, people from throughout the country prefer to explore the IT jobs in the city.

Employing over 10 million people, the IT sector of Bangalore is the backbone of the country. The IT sector of the city is divided into two main clusters – Electronics City and Whitefield. Various companies have opened their offices in these clusters and in the current scenario, the city is home to over 900 IT companies.

Electronics City – Located in the southern outskirts of Bangalore, Electronics City is an IT park, which is sprawling over 330 acres. Incorporated in 1978, many top-notch companies like 3M, Hewlett Packard, Infosys, Wipro and Siemens are situated in the cluster. Also, the Software Technology Park of India (STPI) was formed in the Electronics City in the year 1991. STPI Bangalore is known as one of the oldest internet service providers (ISP) in India. Nortel Networks is a leading client of the STPI.

Whitefield – Home to the International Tech Park Bangalore, this cluster came into the existence after the joint venture between India and Singapore. The Export Promotion Industrial Park Zone (EPIP), located in Whitefield, is offering campus facilities to TCS, SAP, iGATE, Unisys, Dell, Delphi, Oracle, Huawei and Perot Systems. Also, captive centers of Shell, Tesco, Aviva, Schneider GE, Sapient, Electric, Goodrich / UTC aerospace and DaimlerChrysler, Symphony Teleca Corp and Tonga are situated in the cluster. Flowserve, the subsidiary of Flowserve Corp, is having its manufacturing Plant and R&D center in the EPIP Area.

Other IT parks in Bangalore – The IT park in the Bellandur – Marathahalli – Outer Ring Road cluster houses Accenture, Deloitte, Aricent, Intel, Cadence, Cisco, EMC Corporation, Nokia, National Instruments, Honeywell, ARM, Logica CMG, Business Objects, Freescale Semiconductors, Capgemini, Sony and i2 Technologies.

The Embassy Golf Links Business Park has companies like Dell, IBM, Yahoo, Microsoft, McAfee, NetApp, Fidelity, LG, Synergy, Dendrite, Sasken, BPL Sanyo, Xora and Lenovo. The Bagmane Tech Park in CV Raman Nagar, has companies like Oracle Corporation, Motorola, Texas Instruments, Samsung, Dell, SanDisk, Cognizant and Volvo.

Remuneration

The IT sector of Bangalore pays a good amount to professionals. As a software engineer, you can expect to get anything between Rs 5- 7 lakh / annum; while an associate consultant can fetch an amount of Rs 4-5 lakh / annum. Moreover, companies also offer perks & incentives to their employees apart from the salaries.

Future of the IT Sector

Today, Bangalore has become the second largest IT / ITS cluster in the world. According to the report of the Karnataka ICT Group, by 2020, Bangalore will produce over 20 lakh IT jobs and 60 lakh indirect employment.

As per the data of the Nasscom, out of the 500 Fortune companies, around 105 companies have a direct presence in India for their IT / ITeS / BT Back office operations. As per an estimation, nearly half of these companies are having their presence in Bangalore. Over 1,60,000 employees are working in these companies. It means, the future of the IT sector is glorifying and therefore, you should find an IT job in Bangalore.

The Tonga people of Zambia live in Zambia’s Southern Province. They are an agricultural tribe and herding cattle and crop growing are the two most important aspects of their traditional economy. They have a deep connection to their cattle and land reflecting an ancient spiritual harmony with nature.

The Tonga are considered to be original Zambian inhabitants – sites dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries have been found on the Batoka Plateau as well as ancient village sites near Kalomo and Choma. The oldest site can be found on Sebanzi Hill on Lochinvar Ranch which is on the edge of the Kafue Flats.

Zambian history suggests that 600 years ago a thriving trade centre existed in the Zambezi valley. A site christened Ingombe Ilede was unearthed by Archaeologists and it showed that people lived here and traded with the Arabs, Chinese and India. Copper crosses of about 30cm in length have been found to have been the main currency unit.

The word ‘Tonga’ means ‘independent’ and it confirms the theory that originally the Tonga people did not have a centralised political structure but lived in independent family units. Traditionally chieftainship was not part of the Tonga tradition. Rather, priests and rainmakers were seen to be more important leaders. It was only when the colonial administration was creating its leadership structure that chiefs were assigned to the Tonga people. As a result of the changes brought on by the colonial administration, chieftaincy is now an integral part of Tonga politics.

Rather confusingly, there is reference to a Chief Monze long before the British came to Zambia. Chief Monze was not a Chief as we would know it but a priest, prophet, rainmaker and mediator. The current Chief Monze who is a spiritual and cultural leader who commands significant respect from a extensive community descends from a long lineage dating back from the 17th century when according to traditional tails the first Chief Monze descended from heaven.

The Lwiindi Gonde Ceremony is the main Tonga ceremony and is held in the South West of Monze town on the last Sunday of June. It is a traditional ceremony filled with music, lively dance and prayer. ‘Gonde’ means thick bush and this is the place where the shrines of the Tonga people are. It is the place where the first ever Chief Monze vanished – tradition says that he did not die. Gonde became the burial place for all chiefs although only two are actually buried there. (A detailed article has been written on The Lwiindi Gonde Ceremony and it is entitled Zambian Cultural Heritage – The Lwiindi Gonde Traditional Ceremony).

This article is inspired by the book ‘Ceremony! Celebrating Zambia’s Cultural Heritage’. It’s fabulous and a visually pleasing book which I would encourage you to get. I got mine from ZAIN in Lusaka, Zambia. It is published by Celtel Zambia PLC and Seka. Original photography, Francois d’Elbee. Coordinating author, Tamara Guhrs. Editor, Mulunga Kapwepwe. Contributing authors, Akashambatwa Mbikusita-Lewanika, Prof Mapopa Mtonga, Mulenga Kapwepwe, Isaac Smogy Kapinga, Miranda Guhrs, Msatero Tembo, Matiya Ngalande and Joseph Chikuta.

A favorite drink from Polynesia

Summer is over, but watermelons are still hanging on – why not take it a bit further and make a memorable watermelon drink. I have been living in Polynesia for the past 20 years, and this drink always makes a big hit at gatherings. You will run out of it before the food is even served.

Make sure you use clean surfaces and wash your hands and tools you use. First, choose your watermelon. Look over the watermelons and find one that is symmetrical, firm, and free of bruises, cuts, or dents. Pick it up. It should be heavy for its size, as watermelons are 92% water. The outside of the watermelon should have a dull, healthy sheen. It should not have a bright, shiny surface. Turn it over. The underside should have a tell-tale “ripe spot”, a creamy yellow spot where the watermelon sat on the ground. This spot develops as the melon grows on the soil. If the spot is greenish or white in color, it is not ripe yet. Watermelons do not continue to ripen once they have been picked, so this is an important clue to watch for.

It is easiest to choose a watermelon without seeds, but if you have one with seeds, this will be the most tedious part. Cut watermelon in half and spoon out seeds – the little yellow ones do not count. Then use a fork or potato masher to mash the fruit. You want it to still be fleshy (it is a drink you eat and drink at the same time). Now put half of the mashed watermelon into a large bowl and add two quarts of water, one to two cups of sugar or sugar substitute (depending on preference), two cups of half and half (fat free is best) or one can of coconut milk. You can also throw in a handful of grated coconut from a bag – or grate a fresh coconut, if you have experience doing so.

Add one can of crushed pineapple or use fresh pineapple, peeled, cored and cut in small pieces. Be sure to mix until the sugar no longer scrapes on the bottom of the container.

Chill before serving or if you are in a hurry, you can add ice. I promise you will not be disappointed. You can add shaved ice but drink soon or it will not be as good. Tongans make this drink out of green mangos, green apples and some other fruits. They also like to break crackers into it. It takes a little getting used to, so at first just try the watermelon/coconut/pineapple mixture.

This is a true story. This story is set back in the days, when Tonga was made up of three dynasties: the Tu’i Tonga, Tu’i Kanokupolu and Tu’i Ha’a Takalaua. They were all fighting each other (civil war) for supremacy, to determine who was the most powerful of them all and consequently become the only king of Tonga.

This civil war went on for years, until there was only two kings left: the reigning Tu’i Tonga (Laufilitonga) from Tongatapu and the Taufa’ahau, the Tu’i Kanokupolu from Ha’apai. Tonga is made up of five main islands, namely Tongatapu, Ha’apai, Vava’u, Niua and ‘Eua. The Tu’i Tonga of Tongatapu whose name was Laufilitonga sailed to Ha’apai with his warriors in their wooden war canoes primed for battle to fight the Tu’i Kanokupolu of Ha’apai whose name was Taufa’ahau.

In those days, the best and bravest warriors were from ‘Eua and notably amongst the best from ‘Eua were the fierce ‘Eua warriors who were two brothers, Kaufana and Puakatau. Taufa’ahau knew of them so he went to ‘Eua to ask for their assistance in his war against Laufilitonga. Taufa’ahau went straight to Ha’aluma beach where Kaufana and his brother Puakatau lived. As when two great warriors meet, they started off by “getting to know each other”, engaging in a wrestling match on the beach of Ha’aluma, where they soon realised that they were both no ordinary Tongans due to their strength and fighting abilities.

Kaufana now realising that the man he had confronted was Taufa’ahau the Tu’i Kanokupolu, paid his respects, and getting that out of the way, they rested and introduced themselves properly and Taufa’ahau discussed with Kaufana why he came to ‘Eua. Taufa’ahau wanted Kaufana and his brother Puakatau, to come to his aid in his battle with Laufilitonga the Tu’i Tonga. Kaufana accommodated the Taufa’ahau informing him that there was no need for both himself and his brother to go to battle as he believed Puakatau would be more than enough to defeat Laufilitonga and his warriors. Kaufana also owned some guns and firearms, so along with his brother Puakatau, he gave them as well to Taufa’ahau, but under one condition. He made Taufa’ahau promise him that whatever happens to Puakatau in the war, Taufa’ahau was to bring him back to ‘Eua, even if he died, Kaufana would like to see his brother’s body as he wanted to bury him in their homeland, ‘Eua with their ancestors. Taufa’ahau sailed off to Ha’apai with Puakatau and his warriors from Tongatapu and the firearms Kaufana gave him.

When they arrived in Ha’apai the battle was well under way. This war was called the “Tau ‘o Velata” or “The War of Velata”. As the war progressed, it was obvious Taufa’ahau and his warriors from Tongatapu were winning over Ha’apai and Puakatau the ‘Eua warrior was easily leading the battle. As time went on and the battle was drawing to an end, Puakatau was so fierce and unstoppable. He was so powerful and impressive with his leadership in the battle that the people and the warriors were looking at Puakatau as a potential king of Tonga. This of course caused a disturbance in the ranks and jealousy in the king.

Now when Taufa’ahau was gathering up men to fight on his side, he approached the noble of the island of ‘Uiha in Ha’apai, whose name was Malupo, as they are kinsmen, both coming from the same island of Ha’apai. Malupo had two sons, named Saulala and Haveapava. Malupo’s wife Fatafehi, was Laufilitonga the Tu’i Tonga’s sister, so that Malupo’s sons were nephews of Laufilitonga. Because of their connection, Malupo had no choice but to give his sons to fight for Taufa’ahau against their own uncle, Laufilitonga! Before they left, it was said that their mother cried to her sons, pleading with them to remember who they will be fighting against, their own uncle, and if anything happened, please save him (who is of course her brother).

Now they have come to the last part of the battle, which was to enter the Velata fortress and the final surrenderance of power from the Tu’i Tonga to Taufa’ahau the Tu’i Kanokupolu. But as Puakatau and Taufa’ahau’s warriors entered the fortress which means he will assassinate the Tu’i Tonga, Malupo’s sons remembered what their mother asked of them, to spare her brother the Tu’i Tonga and who was of course their own uncle. They turned around and stabbed Puakatau in the back with three spears killing him instantly! With the fortress in Ha’apai taken over and the battle won, Taufa’ahau the Tu’i Kanokupolu is now proclaimed the King of Tonga. Taufa’ahau returned to Tongatapu victorious and as the kingdom of Tonga’s new King. He was later crowned KingTaufa’ahau Tupou I, the first king to come from the Tu’i Kanokupolu lineage or dynasty. King George V is the fifth Tu’i Kanokupolu.

Back in ‘Eua, Kaufana heard about the victory at Ha’apai and how his brother had been killed by Taufa’ahau’s own warriors. Kaufana was very upset and sailed to Tongatapu to confront the new king. He reminded the king his promise about his dead brother Puakatau, who led and fought the battle so courageously, giving Taufa’ahau the victory over the Tu’i Tonga. Taufa’ahau of course did not live up to his end of the bargain which was to take Puakatau’s body to ‘Eua to his brother Kaufana. Instead, he ordered that Puakatau be buried at the royal tombs in ‘Uiha, Malupo’s island, where only kings are buried. The king of course didn’t know what to say but as Kaufana was escorted out, Kaufana retorted to Taufa’ahau: “Kuo ke Hau pe, pea ke Kui”, meaning, You gave me your word but your victory has blinded you to the promise you made to me. In other words, You got what you want, and you forgot all about our deal!

Kaufana sadly went back to ‘Eua, broken hearted because he will never see his brother Puakatau, the fearless warrior. Taufa’ahau wanted to reward his most outstanding warriors by knighting them with the high rank of “noble” or lord. He posted his nobles throughout the country and even the outer islands, except ‘Eua. Up to this day ‘Eua has never had a noble from its own people. And even to this day, nobles from Tongatapu or from the other islands are appointed to be a stand-in noble for ‘Eua, even though they are not from ‘Eua. This may explain why ‘Eua is the least developed out of the main islands of Tonga. Indeed, this maybe because ‘Eua has not got its own noble representation in the government and Parliament, to stand up and speak and fight for what’s best for ‘Eua and the people of ‘Eua.

The economies of developing countries have been experiencing a downfall for quite some time. In 2014, the growth rate for the least developed countries fell to 5.1%. Recently in 2015, that rate fell to 4.5%. Their economic growth rate will continue to fall for many reasons. Some of those reasons include poor investment growth, poor export demand, military issues and low commodity prices. Another important reason is the lack of accounting controls. Poor accounting controls cause many accounting inaccuracies, which leads to a degrading economy (United Nations).

In these countries, there are a variety of accounting errors that contribute to serious consequences for companies and government organizations. Some of these mistakes include weak internal controls such as auditing errors, inaccurate record keeping, lack of on time account closings and no accounting guidelines for managers. Although these are critical conditions that must be fixed, the most prominent hardships that these countries face are the lack of qualified accounting personnel and the lack of a proper accounting system. Companies, as well as their government organizations, face harsh consequences from these issues.

The absence of qualified accounting personnel is due to the fact that there are almost no accounting programs offered at universities in developing countries. This is partly because there are not enough educators trained in the accounting profession. Also, there are not enough students who are qualified to learn accounting in those countries. The illiteracy rate is high in these countries (Holzer and Chandler). Some developing countries do not even have accounting terminology in their languages. For example, in the country of Tonga, the word "bookkeeping" does have its own word in the Tongan language. However, other simple accounting terms such as "assets" and "liabilities" cannot be found in the Tongan language (Taufui).

As a result, qualified accounting applicants are rare in developing countries. Therefore, there are not enough skilled accountants to carry out proper procedures. As a result, there is a shortage of accounting trainers for new hires. Without skilled accounting professionals, some essential tasks will not be completed. For example, companies may not be able to produce a skilled auditor to thoroughly analyze their financial statements.

The source of the problem comes from the accounting curriculum that is taught to the limited number of students. The accounting curriculum in developing countries teaches the type of accounting that is from developed countries because that is where the training material and most of the limited amount of educators come from. Accounting students are learning how to run an accounting system for the incorrect type of environment. Therefore, they are going into the workforce expecting the accounting system to already be in place. Instead, they find an improper system with many internal control errors. For example, accounting systems lack suitable documentation procedures. There are incorrect invoice forms and no accounting manuals. As a result, annual financial statements are either produced extremely late or not at all.

The consequences of these accounting problems severely affect government organizations and companies in these developing countries. For example, management does not know how to efficiently run their organization in order to be profitable. Without proper auditing procedures, fraud can easily occur. Without accurate financial statements, a company's current financial status cannot be known. This also means that government organizations have no idea of ​​how much they will need to tax or if they are growing at a steady rate. All of these consequences negatively affect the economies of developing countries (Holzer and Chandler).

Fortunately, the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and the UK Department for International Development (DFID) are working together to address these accounting issues in order to improve the economic conditions in developing countries. They plan on providing $ 8 million dollars in funding to strengthen financial and managerial accounting procedures in those countries (Cohn).

It is unfortunate that so many developing countries are experiencing these accounting dilemmas. The impact that these issues have on their economies has a devastating effect not only on the companies and government organizations, but also on the citizens of those countries. Accounting is meant to help businesses and governments be organized and run efficiently, not the other way around. Therefore, solutions, such as the International Federation of Accountants and the UK Department for International Development project, need to be made available so that citizens do not have to suffer from the drastic conditions that improper accounting procedures create.

Works Cited

Cohn, Michael. "Strengthening Accounting Organizations in Developing Countries." Accounting Today. SourceMedia, 3 Oct. 2014. Web.

Holzer, H. Peter, and John S. Chandler. "A Systems Approach to Accounting in Developing Countries". Management International Review 21.4 (1981): 23-32. Web.

Taufui, Sione Leimoni. "The Role of Accounting in the Developing Economy of the Kingdom of Tonga." Doctor of Philosophy Thesis. Department of Accounting and Finance. University of Wollongong, 1996. Web.

United Nations. "World Economic Situation and Prospects". United Nations, 2016. Web.

Wake up San Francisco Giants fans! You haven’t seen the land of the “Giants” until you’ve been to Tonga. The Tongans are known as “gentle giants”, however it is not wise to take ones hospitality for granted anywhere you go. The islanders are kind and generous and have an ever present command of respect an tolerance. Located near the neighboring Fiji islands in the pacific Tonga is a long journey from the U.S. but worthwhile. The Main Island is mostly flat which makes biking convenient. There are local people who may offer bicycle tours of the island. For those who like to dance you may witness a sitting style of dance. There are often colorful dance competitions among the islands which are sometimes performed to settle disputes.

The Word Palange literally means “white father”, newcomers are often referred to as Palange. Cava is the well know traditional drink at gatherings. Cava is a tea made from Cava Root which can be inebriating depending on how it is made. To be invited for Cava is a rare treat for men who indulge. The legend of how Cava Came to be is shared along with other conversation.

The white sandy beaches are surrounded by crystal clear water. If you are fortunate you may be invited to a gathering on the beach where it is customary but not required to bring an offering or contribution. There is usually a time of remembrance and prayer as we have in our customs before meals. After a few rounds of Cava you will need your sea legs to get back home with many stories to tell. If they give you a Tongan nickname that’s really cool!

Some useful Tongan Translations:

For “Hello” or “Goodbye” men say “Malo” and women say “Malo e lelei”

Yes is pronounced “‘Io” and no is pronounced “ikai”

To say thank you is also “Malo”

May you enjoy your trip we bid you Malo!