Photos by Linny Folau

High school students lined the streets of Nuku'alofa this morning to mark the opening of the 106th session of the Tonga Legislative Assembly by the Princess Regent, HRH Salote Mafile'o Pilolevu Tuita at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall, Nuku'alofa.

The opening was attended by the Prime Minister Hon. Dr Fred Sevele, (who this week returned from attending the Pacific Island Leaders Meeting PALM in Japan), Cabinet Ministers, members of the Diplomatic Corp including the New Zealand High Commissioner Dr Michael McBryde, the Australian High Commissioner Mr Colin Hill, the Chinese Ambassador to Tonga, Mr Hu Yeshun; and the Chief Justice, Mr Justice Robin Webster, and Mr Justice Anthony Ford.

Throne

During the speech from the throne, the Princess Regent addressed many important issues such as the economy, the government's strategic Plan 8, pro-poor Initiatives, good governance initiatives, private sector growth, law and order, political reform and education, youth and training.

The princess said when addressing the issue of education, youth and training that a country...’s most important asset "is its people".

In regards to secondary education, government would increase the student grant by 100 percent, starting the next financial year, doubling it from $100 pa'’anga per head to $200 per head.

This was welcomed by immense clapping from the people who were gathered at the hall during the ceremony.

High school students concluded the day by happily marching through downtown Nuku...’alofa and through the Royal Palace grounds on the seafront.