Tongan national strike continues

Turn from wicked ways - Evaloni T. Puniani:
The answer to this turmoil is found in scripture: “Righteousness exalts a nation but SIN is a reproach or disgrace to any people (Proverbs 14:34); and “when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice but when the wicked rules, the people groan or mourn” (Proverbs 29:2).

Hence, the biblical diagnosis of this problem is summed up in one word: SIN. But praise God the cure for SIN is readily available in Christ’s blood sacrifice on the cross (Ephesians 1:7). It is time for us Tongans to “RECEIVE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST” because we are not sinners because we sin, but we sin because we’re sinners, think about that!!! There is nothing in us that can save us from our depravity but the SAVIOUR.

I want to appeal to the friends of God in Tonga and overseas to be vigilant and pray on behalf of this generation (and the generations to come), for the restoration of righteousness and scriptural leadership

in Tonga; standing tall on God’s promises knowing that if my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and forgive their sins and HEAL THEIR LANDS Yes, it is still, not by power, nor by might, but by my Spirit says the Lord of Hosts” (Zechariah 4:6).

With the passion to see Tonga being propelled into its divine destiny, - Evaloni Puniani

PSA strike - Mele Payne Lynch:
It is interesting to read the verbal jousting and the energy that is being dedicated to such egotistical behavior. It is good to blow our own horn at times, but common sense dictates that we choose our own battle.

I do not follow politics in Tonga, though it is not difficult to deduce the discontentment of the people with the existing system. While there is a strike in the government employees, it is unclear as to the extent of what professions that are joining forces with the PSA. Is there an organized teacher's association to speak on their own skills, professions and basis for compensation? How about the nurses, doctors, engineers, architects, technicians, drivers, administrative staff, etc.? Each profession must have their own representative to better represent their own skills, profession, needs and interests rather than a single source in order to best serve the individual and the public.

To be effective and successful, and as the Crown Prince pointed out, it requires diligence, brains and a high order of organisational skills. - Mele Payne Lynch

Civil Servants expect a raise rather than revision - Sailosi Finau:
I do find with much sadness that after Mrs Lomu's explanation, posted on GoT website on 17 July, of the process by which the salary revision has been conducted and how grievances will be addressed, this strike is still going ahead. I have noted the following:

1. The exercise is a salary revision and not a pay rise

It is claimed that this could be the root cause of the misunderstanding as most of the civil servants are expecting a raise rather than a revision of one's salary based on one's updated job description, expertise and a comparison to other positions in the civil service, etc. In this case, it appears like a consultation problem. It would be interesting to know how many heads of departments have actually brought his/her staff together and really explained to them what the exercise is all about? Perhaps, to take a step backwards, did the Civil Service Commission explain the exercise to the HoDs and urge them to carry out the appropriate consultation with their respective staff?

2. There are people out there who really want to be heroes

The seeds of hatred towards the government, the royal family, the nobility and people in leadership roles like church presidents, etc has sadly grown and grown well in Tonga. This must not be taken very lightly and one need only look at the suicide bombers of today and how the world lightly treated the Muslim extremists of yesteryears. As such, there are many people out there who are just waiting for an event to trigger their jumping in and claiming themselves to be heroes of the people and the disadvantaged despite their earlier failures and public disgrace. The beached whale is one of these, the former broadcaster is another and regrettably the Shoreline whistleblower is in this camp too. For while they have all spent years sucking (by hook or crook) the cream of the country they are now saying that their change of hearts is because of their love for the people (but still not acknowledging that it is because the honey pot has been removed from their lips).

3. The strikers

I have all the respect for the strikers in exercising their rights but let's face it:

About 40% of the civil servants were recruited through the “lalo uaea” thanks to the kato 'ufi and the fact that one's uncle knows the HoD's or the minister's aunty, etc.

About 50% of the civil servants work productively for 50% or less of the time.

The other 50% is on thinking (and this can take days and months), polave, going to the bank daily, puke loi, working in the squash plantation, cruising on the government's vehicles, leave to go to a funeral although no one passed away, doing own personal work like some of the MoW architects and mechanics and the doctors, etc.

So what more can our servants ask for? Where is the 'Otua mo Tonga ko hoku Tofi…‚a? and the Ask not what the Tonga government can do for you but what you can do for your king and country!

I must thank you Mr Editor for running the story on the Tongan first regional UNESCO director. Dr Pongi was a former civil servant and it was his proven expertise and dedication to his job in Tonga that earned him his regional and international positions. There are many former highly qualified and experienced civil servants who are doing well like Mr Pongi. The ones who have not been successful in seeking or can…‚t be accepted for a job overseas are the ones who are leading the strike. Perhaps the PM-Pulu exchange will apply in here: “If you don't like our ways in here then find somewhere else.” To any government, no one is indispensable. Tonga has many qualified people without a job and this may be the opportunity to bring in a fresh lot to fill the polave sessions. - Sailosi Finau

We wish to see crisis resolved peacefully - Maliu Mafi:
I was surprised with the above comment which claims that 40% of Tonga's civil servants were recruited through the “lalo uaea.” It continued to say that civil servants are generally unproductive and referred to the Committee who is organizing the strike as “the ones who have not been successful in seeking or can't be accepted for a job overseas.”

I think what we need now is constructive criticism. The above comments are more destructive than constructive. The claim that 40% of the civil service were recruited through the “lalo uaea” is more anecdotal than factual. The negative comments about the civil servants and their Committee (“strike leaders”) is not only insulting and insensitive to those concerned but shows a lack of understanding on the author's part of the reality of what is going on in our civil service. It is convenient for him to be reckless with his comments on the strike because he does not live here and is perhaps living comfortably overseas. There are civil servants who earn less than $50 or $60 a week and it is a struggle for them and their families to live from one pay cheque to the next.

I am sure that those who are on strike have good reasons for doing so and Government has its own reasons. If we wish to see this crisis resolved peacefully, we need to be more careful with what we say and to be more constructive with our comments. Underneath the discontentment of the strikers is the fact that they are peace loving people who have a great love for this country.

Let us pray that both parties will work this out peacefully so that we can all move forward soon. - Maliu Mafi

Cooler heads must have the day - Larry Norton:
I want the people of Tonga to think how very close you are to have letters like this to your loved ones, Cooler heads Must have the day. My dear friends I did not write this letter it was written during the American Civil War. To me it it is the full measure of a man to do what Ballou did. I Pray that there be not one mother in Tonga or wife that ever has to read such a letter. This is my prayer for my beloved island friends May god be with you and keep you safe.

The Civil War Letter of Sullivan Ballou
Paul V. Hartman

On July 14, 1861, Rhode Island volunteer Sullivan Ballou was about to embark with the Union Army on its first maneuver. He penned this letter to his wife Sarah in the expectation he might never have another opportunity. He did not post it, lest it worry her, placing it instead in his trunk, which would eventually find its way to his home and family. The world learned about this letter when it was featured in Ken Burn’s acclaimed public television chronicle of the Civil War - and its presentation lit up the switchboards. What is remarkable about this letter is that, for the times, it was not remarkable, but for our times, with a hundred years of educational ruin in between, it is quite remarkable. Can you imagine a letter such as this being written in the times we now find ourselves? Read it, and be the judge.

“My very dear Sarah:

The indications are very strong that we will move in a few days - perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write you again, I feel impelled to write a few lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more.

Our movement may be one of a few days duration and full of pleasure - or it may be one of sever conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine, O God, be done. If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing - perfectly willing - to lay down all my joys in this life to help maintain this government, and to pay that debt.

But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows - when, after having eaten for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear little children - is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country?

I cannot describe to you my feelings on this calm summer night, when two thousand men are sleeping around me, many of them enjoying the last, perhaps, before that of death - and I, suspicious that Death is creeping behind me with his fatal dart, am communing with God, my country, and thee.

I have sought most closely and diligently, and often in my breast, for a wrong motive in thus hazarding the happiness of those I loved, and I could not find one. A pure love of my country and the principles I have
often advocated before the people and “the name of honor that I love more than I fear death” have called upon me, and I have obeyed.

Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on, with all these chains, to the battlefield.

The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard for me it is to give them up and burn to
ashes the hopes of future years when, God willing, we might still have lived and loved together, and seen our sons grow up to honorable manhood around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine
Providence, but something whispers to me - perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar - that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name.

Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have often times been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more.

But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the garish day and in the darkest night - amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours - always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by.

Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again. As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father’s love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue-eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood. Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters. Tell our mothers I call God’s blessing upon them.

O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children. - Sullivan “

Ballou died one week later at the First Battle of Bull Run. There are several copies of this letter on the Internet, but, curiously, all the others leave off the final two paragraphs. Perhaps they were left off the reading of the letter on the TV special; this is the complete text. - Larry Norton

Respect for strikers - Sailosi Finau:
The reaction to my letter about the strike was to be expected. Thanks for the insulting, insensitive, lack of understanding and the reckless labels.

The usual counter that I live overseas (and maybe comfortably) and don't understand the reality of what is going on in Tonga is laughable. I have just completed 22 years in the civil service. I have therefore seen them all and have done them all and therefore standby what I said. Whether I live comfortably or otherwise is beyond the point but I am still a taxpayer in Tonga.

The claim that people on $50 or $60 a week are struggling to live from payday to payday is equally laughable too. Do you know how much work these people do in the service, how much they give to their misinale, koniseti and in the kalapu? That certainly is not struggling.

Let me reiterate that I have all the respect for the strikers, the need to possibly improve on the consultative mechanisms for matters like this salary revision and the fact that the growing discontentment with the government should be taken very very seriously given its potential law and order and political stability implications. We should also appreciate that govt has put in place a mechanism to deal with the grievances over the revision. One should then be very careful with this culture of petitions, protest marches and now strikes. It is my fervent prayer that this strike will not be a precedent for the PSA to go on strike again in order to remove our Cabinet or even HM since the PSA is claimed to be peace-loving people who have a great love for our country. So much so that they want to bring the government to a halt, make a mockery of our Cabinet and bring suffering to everyone else. I can therefore fully understand Cabinet's position. 'Oku 'i ai e founga 'i he'etau system pea ke fou mai ai PSA! We should also be very careful with those who are exploiting the impasse for political mileage.

One of the strike leaders read out the proverb, “You can fool some people some times but not all the people all of the times.”

Sailosi's original says “Faka 'utumauku ho fatongia he na'a mo Kao mo Tofua he 'ikai tena malava ke tanu ha ngaue lelei 'a ha taha!! Look no further than Dr Tangi, Dr Pongi, Paula Lavulo and 'Ofa Ketu'u, to name just a few.

Tama ngaue fakapule'anga Tonga

Tu'u 'o ngaue'i ho koloa ke fakamonu mei Langi

Lotu ki he 'Eiki ma'u pe kene poupou kiate koe

Pea ke ngaue faka'utumauku ke malu'i ma'u aipe 'a Tupou. - Sailosi Finau

Tama Tonga Tu‘u ‘o Ngaue - George Sica:
Kataki mu’a ka e tu’u atu e fakahoha’a ni ho’o paenga ni. ‘Oku ou kau moe tokolahi ‘oe kau kainga Tonga taka muli ‘i he fakamalo’ia ho’o ngaue mo ho’o kau ngaue ‘i hono ‘omai e ngaahi ongoongo mo’oni mo totonu ‘o ‘ikai fakapalataha fekau’aki moe me’a ‘oku hoko hotau ki’i fonua.

Koe fie poupou atu ki he tukungaue ‘oku faii.Koe toki mo’oni eni e lau ‘a e Punake, “Tama Tonga tu’u ‘o ngaue ho koloa ke fakamonu”.

Koe koloa ‘a e Tonga ko honau lotoo mo ‘enau totonu. Kuo kehe ‘eni kuonga he kou poto e kakai, ka e kei fai pe ‘a ha’a ma’olunga he tapalasia e totonu ‘a e kakai, pea kuo fe’unga. Koe me’a ‘oku ou fakame’apango’ia ai koe hoko ‘a e me’a ni kae hola e palemia ia ki muli.

Ko mamani koe hoko ha me’a pehe ‘oku nofo mai hono kau taki ‘o feinga’i ke fakalelei’i e me’a ‘oku hoko kae tautautefito ki he loto ‘oe kakaii. Koe kakai eni ‘oku nau fua e kanongatamaki e fuafatongia ‘a e pule’anga.

‘Oku mahino mai koe palemia ia ‘oku ‘ikai ko ha taki lelei ka koe tama folau ‘eve’eva he ‘oku lahi ange ‘ene folau ‘ana he taimi ‘oku ne nofo ai ‘i Tonga.

Ko ia koe poupou pe ki he kau ngaue fakapule’anga ke ‘oua te mou lotosi’i he ‘oku mau ongo’i ho’o mou faingata’a’ia he neu kau ai ka ne si’i ‘ete kataki pea te hola. ‘Ofa ke fakaivia kimoutolu ‘e he ‘Eiki he feinga ‘oku fai.

Faka’osi pe, ‘oku toe ‘i ai pe moe ni’ihi ia ‘oku nua ngaue’aki e laka moe tukungaue koe fieha hange ko Sangster Saulala. Kataki Sengi nofo pe koe ho’o TV mo ho’o pepa ‘o feinga’i ke oli.

Faka‘apa‘apa atu - George Sica

Give the civil servants a raise - Diana Tamale:
I am in full support of the Civil Servants that are on strike. It is about time that they stand up and tell the top officials that enough is enough.

Give the Civil Servants and their families what they deserve - SALARY INCREASE!

It is not right that they give themselves a big increase and they don’t consider the Civil Servants as part of the team. We are not taking it anymore. I am proud of my fellow Tongans, my hat is off to you all. May God be with you. - Concerned Citizen - Diana Tamale

USA support for Workers - Mamahi‘i Fonua:
USA support for Workers…First, Long life and Blessings be to Matangi Tonga for the integrity and fairness in the news reporting from Tonga..

Second….We do take note of those who don’t support the workers…they’re not welcome overseas at least not here in the USA ..for whatever cause..Kumi Pa’anga, Kumi Mo’ui, Lau famili, Kolisi tutuku..Lau hou’eiki etc. ..don’t bother to show your face or cause overseas. Nima hema ‘oku mou to’o e pa’anga meihe kato e kakai, Nima mata’u tapuni ‘aki honau ngutu !!

‘Ofa atu Tonga - Mamahi‘i Fonua

Make a wish! Power to the people - Thomas M. Uata:
As developing events unfold, it is becoming increasingly clear that ordinary men and women of Tonga are no longer content with being passive citizens, but now choose to actively engage in the political process to bring meaningful changes to their Tonga. This is evident in the massive march demonstration against Shoreline, followed by the farmers demonstration against the consumption tax, and now the national strike of civil servants for a pay increase.

Mr. Editor, you would agree sir that more political changes have occurred this year alone than past decades and decades of the status quo. An example of this is the unprecedented unanimous vote of noble MPs (thanks to the courage of the Tu’ipelehake) to side with PRs in support of issuing a RESOLUTION for the government to act on the civil servants demands.

The appointment of ministers from elected members of parliament was a milestone change to our political structure. The underlying initiator of these changes can be credited to ordinary people standing together against political and economic oppression.

I sense that the Genie is out of the bottle and there is no turning back. It is highly unlikely that the people will stand down, now that they have tasted the real power they possess by standing together against oppression.

Just a little hint for the establishment: Make a wish for the Genie to grant you! You can’t continue to defy the will of the people and think nothing of it. Sometimes if you bite the hand that feeds you, it might hit you back.

Make a wish! Power to the people of Tonga!

PSA stand firm, they can not break your will; you have a lawful resolution from the House ordering government to act on your demand. They’ll find a way to make it happen. - Thomas M. Uata

Confusion over the strike - Sione Lolohea:
I am a little confused here. In regards to the strike, Mr Finau’s first letter digresses over to what he thought was the problem with highly critical opinions of public servants. Even in his latest letter he continues along this line of criticism but then professes respect for the strikers. I wonder, does Mr Finau know that the strikers are actually the public servants whom he has kindly described to us their struggle as “laughable” and that the strike is about unfairness not a question of misunderstanding.

In May/June 2005 Mr Finau wrote and saluted the marchers and protesters concerning the Shoreline issue organized by THRDM, the very group who have being advocating change since its’ inception. Mr Finau even gave a glorious rating of THRDM’s performance thus far and now in his latest letter he advises us to be cautious of things such as marches, protests, petitions and strikes because of its effects on Government, the mockery of cabinet and suffering to everyone else. Furthermore he warns us of individuals of exploitation at a time like this but let’s face it there is only one particular character he is obsessing to, the beached whale (as Mr Finau refers to) the Hon. Clive Edwards.

It’s all very well to sit there, criticize and label but only a “fool” thinks that it is unwarranted when criticism is directed at themselves. Evenmore it is very brave to label/backstab someone publicly, for all to see. What’s really funny is how people generalize people based on what other people say but don’t actually have any clue about that person, so in defense of the Honourable Clive Edwards here is an excerpt from an election pamphlet I received concerning the man during election time - as one prior letter has coined the phrase …”actions speak louder than words”…

“Auckland University Graduate in Law(LLB) 1960. Law clerk for Holmden Horrocks and Co. Barristers and Solicitors, from 1957-58. Managing Clerk for Haddow Chilwell and Pain Barristers and Solicitors in 1959 Auckland. Established own law firm, Clive Edwards and Co Barristers and Solicitors in 1962 to 1992. Lecturer in Commercial Law at ATI for Associated and Chartered Accountants 1962-64. 1993-96 set up Law practice in Tonga Edwards Paasi and Co licensed lawyer. January 1996 to August 2004 Minister of Police Prison and Fire Services for Government of Tonga. January 2005 returned to Law practice.

1967 elected as Ellerslie Borough Councillor - served for 9 years. Chairman of Planning for 6 years, reviewed and re-defined The Ellerslie Borough Council District Scheme. Auckland City Councillor for 12 years 1976-87. Chaired the Community-Development Committee for 9 years, Chairman of the 14 Combined Auckland Community Committees for 9 years, Chaired the Multi-Racial sub-committee, Deputy Chairman of Traffic and Works Committees and Auckland City Council representative on the Auckland University Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Grants Committee.

Secretary of Tongan Society Incorporated 1962-92. Established United Church of Tonga in 1977 and chairman of the Board of Trustees of the United Church of Tonga since 1977. General Counsel for Tongan Community during the “Dawn Raids” on homes of Pacific Islanders in Auckland and random checks on Pacific Islanders during the period of 1976-77.

Awarded the New Zealand Service Medal for services to the New Zealand Communities in 1993. Awarded the O.B.E.(Order of the British Empire) by the Queen of England for services to the Law and Community and special services to the Pacific Islanders. The Tonga Service Medal and Order of Distinction - 1998. Was awarded the Rugby Blues for rugby.

‘Ofa Atu - Sione Lolohea