Editor:

Like so many today, I am an educated Tongan. It is only now that He has gone that I look back and realize how much He has done for Tonga and us his peoples. Like thousands of my contemporaries, we were all brought up in a great schooling system (Education). Nowadays at the touch of a few buttons, I can call anywhere in the world at affordable prices (Telecommunications). A trip to see my nephews and nieces in Australia is possible in a few hours time (Civil Aviation). Even my medications from Vaiola Hospital continue to be free (Healthcare) as well as the joy of savoring my Anchor butter each morning (Trade). These are but some of the many aspects of modern Tongan life that His late majesty has brought about: Education, Telecommunications, Civil Aviation, Healthcare, Trade, and so on and sor forth. Tupou I was maker of modern Tonga, Tupou IV made Tonga modern.

Of my 45 years of living, I have never heard him angry or air out against his critics. Or at least mind anyone who opposed his tireless work. He treated everyone alike and he truly loved all his subjects equally, and this was true along religious, tribal, and economic lines. King Tupou IV protracted a father-figure about him. Correct me if I am wrong but not Once have we heard him publicly protested against 'Akilisi or his critics. Despite their endless condemnation of him on the paper, on television and over the internet, King Tupou IV was forever calm and gentle to the very end. He was kingly in his own right and kingly in every way, the very essence of true leadership.

For 41 years, he brought Tonga from a backward to a forward looking country. Who I am today is a by-product of His farsightedness. I can write and speak confidently in English, understand what...’s going on in the world, and enjoy my freedom because of him. If I could have one moment to wish for, it would be to spend it bowing my head and bending my knees in respect of a Kingly King.

Despite the differences we are currently experiencing, Tonga will continue to prosper because of the standards Tupou IV set. The saying for Tonga today would be that some people live in a wheat field but they still cry for bread.

You will always be remembered and never forgotten Tupou IV.

‘‘Amusia pe ‘‘a e longovuka

‘Oku puna he fisi ‘‘o e naua

‘‘O va‘inga ‘i he vaha mo e vunga

Fakafe‘’ao he fanga tapu na

'Ofa atu,

Finau Fonua

fonuafinau [at] yahoo [dot] com