Story and pictures by Linny Folau

The Princess Regent, Princess Salote Pilolevu Tuita brought tears and comfort to civil servants strikers today who applauded her after she delivered a heartfelt speech at Pangai Si'i.

The Princess, who surprised strikers when she made a spur of the moment visit to their rallying point at 10 a.m., said that there had been words of anger, hatred and destruction made from this side and everyone knew what had happened in Auckland, referring to the disturbances caused by protesters outside the royal residence, 'Atalanga, where her father, the king, is staying.

"Who here does not feel when someone curses your father and although you were not a part of it I ask for everyone to remember your mother...’s advice and ask where it is nowadays?" she cried.

Princess Pilolevu, who wept while she spoke, told the strikers that she was not planning to come by but she felt that she could not continue her journey along the road without stopping by to see how they were.

"I am not here to represent the Government, instead I am here as a mother and a Christian."

She said the role of a mother is not to take sides therefore she stands neutral because of her love for them, and with that she appealed for strikers to return to work asking, "who else will work our country but you and me?"

Let children return to school

Princess Pilolevu told strikers to, "let our children return to school and do not drag them into an adult...’s argument, let children be children because soon they will become adults themselves and that will be the right time for them."

Princess Pilolevu asked the strikers to leave the work to the committees. She said she knows they are hurt and she knows that they have not received any wages in a month.

Honour

Fotu Fisi...’iahi, the Spokesperson for the Public Servants Association, humbly thanked the Princess for making such a huge gesture in coming to Pangai Si...’i today, saying, "it is an honour".

He then asked her to give him his temporary 60, 70 and 80% salary rises requested so he can return back to work tomorrow.

Princess Pilolevu responded by saying that she would see what she can do but she could not make any promises.

As the Princess left the park the strikers stood up cheering and clapping because they hoped the Princess Regent might be able to resolve the strike soon.

Princess Pilolevu has become Princess Regent while the king is out of the country.