2008 election campaigns begin [1]
Thursday, November 8, 2007 - 18:56. Updated on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 - 15:54.
Highlights from Tonga's newspapers, October 29-November 1, 2007. An English translation summary by Tevita Fonua.
The Talaki of October 31 reports that the government announced in the Legislative Assembly last Monday that the Prime Minister and the Minister of Tourism will not contest the 2008 parliamentary elections. The People's Representatives were adamant that this is in breach of a pledge that those appointed as ministers from within their rank will face election again after serving a three-year term. But this is not supported by legislation or any other documents.
According to the Minister of Justice, the duo had resigned as People's Representatives prior to their appointments as ministers at His Majesty's pleasure.
Clive Edwards told the Kele'a that the present King should respect and uphold the reforms introduced by his late father. Commenting on the consternation of his former colleagues, the Minister of Tourism said that it is their hearts that are at fault.
The Kalonikali on November 1 reports that the Tonga College ex-students raised approximately $200,000 during celebrations commemorating the school's 125th anniversary.
There is a report that Tongans Lisiate and Lose Teaupa met and talked briefly with President Bush at the APEC summit and the president remarked on the many young Tongans who play sports in Texas. Lose works for the US consulate in Sydney.
The Taimi on November 1 reports that a Roman Catholic priest has been suspended for seven weeks for impropriety with a female student from Takuilau College. The diocese bishop has apologized to the girl's family, while the priest is undergoing counseling.
And the president of the Tonga Law Society Laki Niu has applied to the Chief Justice for a review of lawyer Christopher Harder's licence to practice here in Tonga. It followed revelations that he was disbarred in New Zealand. Christopher Harder is 'Akilisi Pohiva's lawyer.