Kilisitina Moala from Tonga made an impression at the meeting of Commonwealth Youth Parliamentarians held in the Trinidad and Tobago parliament on 23 November, when she delivered “a weeping lament that her homeland was sinking”.

Kilisitina is a member of the Tonga Youth Parliament that was established in 2020, and one of 52 delegates from Commonwealth countries for the three-day event, held by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and hosted by Trinidad and Tobago.

According to the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian [2], the CYP debate on a proposed law for Remote Workplace operations was suspended for several minutes after Kilisitina became overwhelmed by emotion during her contribution.

“There were strong, sincere statements and lamentations for Tonga, which has been severely hit by climate change,” the T&T Guardian reported.

“When the proceedings resumed, Kilisitina began speaking but also continued weeping as she spoke of her beleaguered homeland.

“All CYP speakers rose and applauded Kilisitina after she concluded in tears, saying: ‘To all leaders listening in, be mindful of all decision-making. Always put in mind to small island nations who are suffering the enormous consequences of climate change...our choices today determine the outcome of tomorrow – thank you’.”

Delegates acted as Government and Opposition in an exercise debating proposed law for remote workplace operations.