Climate change, a topic for Tonga Youth Parliament 2008 [1]
Thursday, November 6, 2008 - 12:32. Updated on Wednesday, July 29, 2015 - 15:55.
The fifth session of Tonga's Youth Parliament to be held December 10-12 will focus on Climate Change, HIV and Aids, Political Reform for 2010, and other youth related issues.
The three days of debate will take place in Tonga's Parliament House, Nuku'alofa.
The Tonga National Youth Congress announced yesterday, November 5, that during the first two days of the Youth Parliament members would listen to speeches made by representatives from Government and Non Government organisations.
The Youth Members were elected in 2006 and this is the second time they have assembled.
The youth election was introduced in 2004to give young people an opportunity to participate in and experience the election process.
Candidates learned how to campaign by talking on the TNYC weekly radio program and writing for the TNYC magazine. The experience provided them with the tools and confidence to become more effective parliamentary representatives.
The Youth Parliament program, was initiated by the Tonga National Youth Congress in 2002 when the young people took over the Tongan parliament for a week, and elected their own Speaker, Chairman of the Whole House Committee, Cabinet Ministers, Noble's Representatives and People's Representative.
The Youth Parliament then debated issues that were important to them. A National Youth Parliament Committee was established to implement the plan of action for the 2008 Youth Parliament.
The current Youth Parliamentarians are:
1. Taniela Sila, Speaker of the House
2. Sisi Vaipulu, Prime Minister
3. Siaosi Polovili, Minister of Health
4. Mohutala Mala'efo'ou, Minister of Works
5. Kamilo 'Ali, Minsiter of Agriculture
6. Melesungu Halaholo. Minister of Finance
7. Selui Vetekina, Minister of Police
8. Tonata Taufalele, Minister of Education
9. Tevita Mahe, Minister of Foreign Affairs
10. Sela Finau, Minister of Labour, Commerce and Small Industries
11. Vika ...Ofahulu, Minister of Justice
12. 'Ema Koloamatangi, Miniser of Land, Survey and Natural Resources
13. Manu Samiu, Minister of Youth
14. Maamaloa Mala'efo'ou, Minister of Tourism
15. Sione Faupula Lavemai, Minister of Transportation
16. 'Anoni Tu'a, Governor of Vava'u
17. 'Ailine Taofa, Governor of Ha'apai
18. Mapa Taumalolo, Noble 1 Tongatapu
19. Sione Koloi, Noble 2 Tongatapu
20. Navuso Tuaimei'api, Noble 3 Tongatapu
21. Afu Pangai, Noble 1 Vava'u
22. Ulaiasi Vaisima Nobel 2 Vava'u
23. Taniela Sila, Noble 1 Ha'apai
24. Tukisi Moala Noble 2 Ha'apai
25. Fakama'unga Palelei, Noble 'Eua
26. Sione Pongi, Nobles Rep to Niuas
27. Tevita Tongia, Tongatapu No.1 Representative
28. Tevita Motulalo, Tongatapu No.2 Representative
29. 'Alipate Tu...akalau, Tongatapu No. 3 Representative
30. Makeleta Mikaele, Vava'u No. 1 Representative
31. Taliola BA, Vava'u No. 2 Representative
32. Kepu 'Aholelei, No. 1 Ha'apai Representative
33. Sosefo Mo...ale, No. 2 Ha'apai Representative
34. Mausa Halahala, 'Eua Representative
35. Muli Vaoahi, Representatives for the Niuas