16/11 is a day of shame. It caused 8 deaths and brought destruction to many businesses in and around Nuku'alofa. It is a day which we would rather erase from our memory. The events of the afternoon, evening and night of 16/11 brought scenes we thought would not occur in Tonga. The dark and evil side of humanity as exhibited on 16/11 was frightening. For a while it overwhelmed goodness and godly character and attitudes.

Why did it happen? The perpetrators of 16/11 blamed the Government for not listening and accepting the political reforms they demanded. The people were incited to take matters into their own hands. Unaware that they were being used, the people could not be controlled and lawlessness ensued which resulted in loss of lives, emotional trauma for many people, destruction of property, stealing and loss of goods, incomes and livelihood. The really sad aspect of all this is that no one would take responsibility and we have blames and counter blames.

The question we must now ask is whether the costs were worth the cause? In assessing the situation there can only be one conclusion. The costs were expended for nothing. Too much loss, nothing gained.

The aftermath of 16/11 is taking up too much time and resources that could be used for other more productive purposes. We are, after one year, still trying to understand why it happened. Why did we allow evil to triumph over us, even if briefly. We are still paying the price of 16/11 and will continue for many more years to come.

This is not the kind of event we should be commemorating. However, we should learn from it to ensure it will never occur in future. While law and order must take its course, and reconstruction is taking place, healing in human lives and reconciliation within the nation must be encouraged. Unless we are renewed through the grace of the Almighty, every effort will be in vain. Department of Information, 15/11/07.