Mr Cauchi: A captain abandoning ship [1]
Tuesday, May 11, 2010 - 11:48. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
Editor,
DESPITE the high praises for Mr. Cauchi by many people, I see his departure as a captain abandoning ship when the seas get too rough. In my opinion, if Mr. Cauchi really wanted to make a difference in Tonga and in the lives of the survivors of the Ashika tragedy, he should have stayed and completed his task despite the many obstacles from Government.
He knows, if not, should have known that regardless of what the constitution says, traditionally, the Tongan Judiciary Branch of Government has always served at the pleasure of the King, this has been the practice from Taufa'ahau Tupou I. For him to come in and think it was going to be any different is beyond me. It is extremely troubling to see him leave and now what are the people really left with? Nothing!
The least he could have done was voice the seriousness of his concerns, but stay and see justice prevails somehow, by continuing to stay focus on his task as an independent prosecutor. So, now he is back in Australia in the comfort of his own home while injustice continues in Tonga's Judiciary. And what of the Ashika victims? They will continue live on with the memories of their loss without any real hope for justice.
Regards,
Thomas M. (Soni) Uata