We have observed an interesting trend in previous candidates competing for a place in parliament. They are as fierce as lions when campaigning with their out-spokenness, yet as soon as they get into parliament, it almost seems like someone had clipped their tongues like a wet bus ticket on the way in.
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Results for Opinion
Friday 18 February 2005
Auckland, New Zealand
Tuesday 15 February 2005
1 comment
Auckland, New Zealand
Although once touted as the country having the most PhD graduates/tertiary graduates per capita in the world, it remains puzzling how the Kingdom of Tonga has been lagging behind in so many aspects of government, society, law, business, religion and economics etc., for so long now.
Thursday 10 February 2005
6 comments
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The approach by government to appoint four cabinet ministers from the 18 elected members of the House this year has given a new dimension to Tonga's 2005 parliamentary election. Now, in effect, an elected member of the "opposition" may cross the floor to become a member of the cabinet. Editor's Comment, by Pesi Fonua,
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Friday 4 February 2005
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
When I became Minister, Kalafi Moala's little newspaper attacked me weekly for a period of nine years. These attacks have come in the form of nasty, personal letters to the Editor and articles which were all prepared by Kalafi Moala and his staff. ...His obsession for personal revenge is making him a fanatical campaigner. - Clive Edwards.
Wednesday 2 February 2005
London, UK
I have been reading all the discussions with great sadness. Our Crown Prince has all the right to defend himself and Clive has all the right in the world to say what he wants to say. What is missing here is the people, the poor loyal servants of the island Kingdom, the "Paradise of the Pacific". - S. Vaiangina
Monday 31 January 2005
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Kingdom Air Services Limited was a company formed by five local business men (including two former Royal Tongan pilots now both working overseas and myself) in conjunction with a significant offshore investor, to apply for a domestic air services license following the collapse of Royal Tongan Airlines in March 2004. The local shareholders were to hold only a minority interest (25% between them) in the company. -Steve Edwards
Monday 31 January 2005
California, USA
We have just returned from Tonga after two months 'eva and it was one of the most interesting and enjoyable times I've ever had, living a bit far away from the capital at one of the villages, and looking at how people in Tonga handle and are perceiving political and social happenings in our Kingdom. - Fuai'api Sime
Friday 28 January 2005
Saipan, Northern Marianas Islands
Why are we still exporting vanilla beans in its raw form, squash in green form, fish, seaweeds, Kava, and many more? We can easily process them and export to earn higher value (value adding). Why are we importing frozen fruits and vegetables, frozen meat, etc? Processing and preservation of these products can be easily done in Tonga. We need to invest more in applied research and product development.-Edgar Cocker
Tuesday 25 January 2005
3 comments
Saipan, Northern Marinanas Islands
Did Clive Edwards really have power to intimidate commoners? Was it really a power or was it a "Kakala Pe"? That essence has just gradually faded away as time goes by. -Edgar Cocker
Monday 24 January 2005
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
After Government had lost the first set of actions against it by the media, it looked at the Prohibited Publications Act and the Customs Act. I recall what was said and it’s a matter of words whether it was proposed, suggested, implanted or hinted that Government should look at the American situation on the media and adopt it here. After that, Crown Law engaged Senior Counsel from overseas to put in place what would be appropriate legislations. - Clive Edwards
Monday 24 January 2005
1 comment
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Regrettably I must again write to inform you of another of Clive Edwards's lies. He said to you that I had announced that there was a plot for a coup by some ministers. The real story is as follows. - hrh
Tuesday 18 January 2005
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Candidates for Tonga's March 17 parliamentary election, with few exceptions, have one campaign theme, that we hear over and again: "Tonga must change its political system". Editor's Comment by Pesi Fonua.
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Thursday 6 January 2005
1 comment
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
There is an urgent need for Tonga to take a decisive action in 2005 on how to move forward with its economic and political reform programs. Editor's comment by Pesi Fonua.
Monday 13 December 2004
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
When the world, and Tonga, commemorated Human Rights Day on December 10, the USA, the world's only Super Power, in leading its war against terrorism declared that weak and authoritarian states are a threat to the United States. Editor's Comment by Pesi Fonua.
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Monday 6 December 2004
2 comments
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
FROM OUR ARCHIVES December 6, 2004. In this age of globalisation and Free Trade we are told we need to label our precious products. Therefore we should make sure that our "Made in Tonga" stamp sticks as Tongan youth move overseas to pursue their careers. Tonga has to handle its citizenship issue carefully. After years of being relaxed with the dual citizenship issue, why is government now disowning Tongans who have made us proud in the world sporting arena? - Editor's Comment by Pesi Fonua.
Friday 12 November 2004
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
On November 10 King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV and his Prime Minister, Prince 'Ulukalala Lavaka Ata, made a historical decision to appoint four new Cabinet Ministers from the 18 members of parliament who will be elected in the General Election in February 2005. Editor's Comment, by Pesi Fonua.
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Friday 22 October 2004
2 comments
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tonga's process of law making at the moment is a matter of great concern. The recent overturning by Chief Justice Webster of the conflicting media laws, means we have to take a closer look at how laws are made in this country. Editor's Comment, by Pesi Fonua.
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Friday 15 October 2004
5 comments
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
It is nearly one year since November 2003 when Tongans lost their right to Freedom of Speech as a defence. After last year's Constitutional amendment, Tonga went back 128 years to the days when people were allowed to speak or to express an opinion only if it was in line with that of their superiors or chiefs. Editor's Comment, by Pesi Fonua
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Thursday 26 August 2004
London, United Kingdom
Malo e lelei! I worked in Mailefihi/Siuilikutapu College, Neiafu, Vava'u for a year in 2000. I am always keen to keep up to date with what's going on in Tonga and your website is great for me - Malo, Lisiate Best.
Tuesday 1 June 2004
Federal Way-WA, USA
I saw a story in the May 31 edition of the Tacoma News Tribune. The story was headlined "Violent death, no justice for Peace Corps volunteer". The story written by TNT reporter Les Blumenthal revisits the stabbing death of Peace Corps Volunteer Deborah Gardner in 1976 in Tonga. The case has resurfaced in a book "American Taboo,'' written by Philip Weiss. - Mike Lane
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