Editor,

I wish to convey my huge round of applause and immense support of Chief Justice, Anthony Ford implementation of the first offenders doing community work by cleaning up the Nuku'alofa waterfront.

I strongly believe that this is indeed a huge leap towards achieving our goal as to keep Nuku'alofa clean, beautiful and attractive to all: the tourists, and the locals alike. Additionally, we are best utilizing one of our very own resources (the "first offenders") for the benefit of all.

Although that this is an idea shared by the new judge from New Zealand, if I recalled correctly it was originally voiced by Mele Payne Lynch in one of her previous articles to this news magazine. However, what's really important is the realization that "rubbish" is a huge issue in Nuku'alofa, and that we are taking a stand and steps towards getting it resolved.

Bravo!

I would also like to suggest for the Ministry of Environment to work together with the Ministry of Education and other related organizations to compile and draft a plan to educate the youths/students and people of Tonga of the idea of keeping the place as a whole (home, church, town/village, which may include the plantation, the beach, the park, the roads etc, etc) clean and beautiful.

I understand that there is the "Environmental Day" once a year (if I remember correctly) where most schools are assigned a designated area to clean. This is one step of getting the job, but it needs to be more vigorously emphasized throughout the year, and not just one day. I also believe the "Civil Servants" should participate in such an "Environment Day" activity where they can help clean-up the city/town. Additionally, each town/village should be engaged as well. There should also be an annual town/village clean up day where each town should be rewarded for an all year round cleanliness. In that way, we not only push for a clean and beautiful Nuku'alofa, but also push for a clean and beautiful Tonga throughout the outer villages.

Again, love the idea.

Sincerely,

Lucia

veiongo [at] stanford [dot] edu