HM calls on Tongans to work together [1]
Thursday, March 15, 2018 - 19:50. Updated on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 - 11:17.
From the House by Pesi Fonua
HM King Tupou VI today called upon all Tongans to work together in addressing the influence of alcohol and drugs in a recent upsurge of road deaths and homicides. According to police reports, there have been six alleged murders since 4 February and seven road deaths since 13 February.
The King's message was delivered by Lord Vaea to mark the closing of Tonga’s 2017 Parliamentary Session, this morning 15 March at the Tongan Legislative Assembly’s new venue at the Tonga National Centre. Lord Vaea was accompanied by Lord Tu’iha’ateiho and Lord Luani.
King Tupou VI pointed out an irony in that there were no deaths caused by Cyclone Gita, but many deaths resulting from road accidents and homicides. He noted that the living standards and lifestyles of many Tongans were being influenced by alcohol and drug abuse, and called for all sectors of society to address these problems.
He thanked God for guidance and expressed gratitude for the assistance that Tonga had received from foreign countries, international organisations, companies and from the Tongan diaspora to rebuild the country from the devastation inflicted by Cyclone Gita on 12/13 February.
He emphasised the need for the country to work in unity and to support working programs that have been implemented by Government ministries.
Road deaths, murders
According Tonga Police reports, there were seven road deaths from car crashes between 13 February and 5 March; and six alleged murders between 4 February and 4 March.
On 4 February, a man from Pea, Tolifili Tu'alau (27) was found dead with stab wounds near a road in Fatai on a Sunday night.
On 9 February, a young dentist Dr. Sione Lau'i was allegedly severely beaten with a baseball-bat by a security guard in a carpark outside Nauti Ruby’s bar. He was taken to Vaiola Hospital where he died from his injuries.
On the morning of 13 February, after Tonga was struck by Cyclone Gita overnight, an 18-year-old mother, ‘Ailine Finau was attacked with a machete and died on the spot near Hala Vuna.
On 25 February a Chinese couple, Mr and Mrs Wen were found dead with stab wounds at a bush allotment at the village Matafonua.
On 4 March, a 24-year-old man, Tino Tupa was allegedly stabbed to death during a brawl at a drinking party at Fangaloto.
In addition to the murders, the Police also recorded seven deaths from road accidents between 24 February and 5 March.
On 24 February a 5-year-old boy was run over at Tatakamotonga. On the same day, two men died from a road crash at Ha’ateiho.
On 25 February a Chinese man died from a road crash at Ha’ateiho.
On 27 February, two men died from a road crash at Leimatu’a, Vava’u.
On 5 March, a man died after a road crash at Fo’ui.