Open Letter to the Prime Minister of Tonga

Subject: Tonga’s passport ‘scandal’

Dear Prime Minister

It has been reported on the social media that your Government wants a Royal Commission to investigate Tonga’s passport ‘scandal’; but according to the article, you are waiting for Royal assent before the enquiry goes ahead.  The article indicated that the Minister of Police, Dr Pohiva Tui’onetoa proposed the idea of the enquiry. 

Dr Pohiva Tui’onetoa informed the social media that the passport ‘scandal’ involved the Prime Minister’s office in 2014 and this was one of the two biggest (something) he had come across in the past three years.

The article stated that when the Auditor’s office (where Dr Tui’onetoa worked) urged the Attorney General to charge the people involved, he was told that nothing could be done because there was no law that could be used to launch a prosecution. 

I am somewhat baffled by the Minister of Police’s proposal to run a costly enquiry by a Royal Commission whereas, from his account given to the media (not to a Court of Law), he implied that he had evidence to prove criminal activities had occurred and that he wanted these people charged with these crimes.  Well, in my experience, it is the responsibility of the Police Force to investigate crimes and bring about charges where appropriate. But the Minister of Police does not want to do that – why?  I am sure the Minister of Police has a very good reason for doing so and for that matter, I would like to ask if he could kindly explain to us the benefit of running an enquiry by a Royal Commission rather that his Department. 

But if there was any benefit to be derived from running such a costly enquiry other than point scoring against the previous administrations, may I suggest that your Government also propose a Royal Commission enquiry into the burning of Nuku’alofa in 2006.  A Royal Commission enquiry was completed following the Ashika tragedy where lives were lost due to management failings, but there was never a call for a similar enquiry to be done after the death of those who were caught in the fire of 2006.  Was the riot in Nuku’alofa organised and if so by whom?  Why did police officers stand by and watch while the rally supporters looted stores and burnt them down? 

Those who lost their lives were victims of circumstance.  They were caught up in something ugly and, against their better judgement got involved, sadly, with disastrous consequences.  Now that you are the Prime Minister, an opportunity presents itself for a Royal Commission enquiry to be conducted and bring closure to this tragedy; a mark of respect to the victims who were, I suspect, supporters of the political rally that took place that fatal day.

Faka’apa’apa atu

Senolita Swan