In a very short soft closing of the 2022 session of Tonga’s Legislative Assembly, King Tupou VI extended his hope that work would continue to assist the economic development of the country, while acknowledging the assistance of foreign partners.

Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, accompanied by Lord Ma’afu and Lord Tu’iha’ateiho, delivered the King’s address at Parliament House this morning, 25 May.

The King noted that it had been a difficult parliamentary session due to the culmination of various disasters but parliament's work proceeded together with the new MPs that were elected in.

He said the country’s development goals remain as we strive to ensure the security of our country and in important sectors of education, health and the state of our economy.

On education, the King said some educational institutions had attained international standards, but only a few. He hoped there would be more, for the benefit of all of our future generations.

Although the adverse impacts of COVID-19 had declined there was still lots of work to be done to achieve our healthy lifestyle and part of that depended on our food, which can be limited, depending on the strength of the agriculture and fisheries sectors in our economic development.

The King also spoke of the need to advance the development of the private sector, so it can be strong and generate employment and wealth for our people, so that they could freely choose and not be forced to go abroad but to stay here if they wanted to.

He commended the House for working together, which extended to Cabinet and its Ministries so that the benefits reach the people.

The King particularly extended his gratitude to the Governments of the United States, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, China and Japan for all of their assistance extended to Tonga.

Schools marching

School students from primary and middle schools on Tongatapu lined Taufa’ahau Road to Parliament House, with marching also extended to Royal Palace for the occasion.

A few of the secondary school brass bands also joined in to provide some music to the young children who were happily chanting and marching, supported by their teachers.

This is a happy return to normalcy as schools' marching has been on a hiatus due the pandemic.

A State opening is scheduled for 1 June for the 2023 session of parliament.