Editor,

In response to Katalin Baranyi: Your argument is well taken. That is if the Government of Tonga can really afford to continue funding these overseas or off-island offices. It is not a question of the usefulness and necessity of these offices, but rather it is a decision precipitated by the downward spiral of the economy of which these "needed office" can Tonga afford to finance. It will have to be a decision based of priority, expenses versus rewards and affordability.

I work for the American Samoa Government as the Petroleum Manager under the Office of the Governor. My office managed the Oil Companies that are doing business here in American Samoa. My responsibilities requires meetings with off-island managers, owners regulators and others in the industries.

Before the Internet, I was somewhere in the world 40 weeks out of the year at a cost of up to $100,000 in travel and per diem to the government. There was a plan to locate me in Washington DC, Hawaii or California but that would cost the government up to $200,000 a year in rent and other expenses.

With the Internet, my travel budget is down to $30,000 per year. There is very little that we cannot accomplish on the internet and much cheaper. I just approved and signed a multi million dollar contract on line. It is saving the government money and is saving my marriage and family because I spend more time at home. Over the years, I have grown to hate meetings. I think that most meetings are a waste of time and money. It is called by people who have nothing better to do but to justify a vacation or a feast or other ulterior motives at the expense of the company or the government. Oh, yes, I am guilty of every so often arranging or agreeing to a meeting just to get out of here. I rationalized that it is good for my health to take a break. And there are meetings that my attendance is crucial or my absence will be noted and have negative impact on a responsibility. I make sure I make these meetings. But these meetings comes twice or three times a year at a cost of $10,000. I do not need to be located at the source at a cost of $200,000 or more to the government.

The US has closed down and consolidate Military Bases all over the world, because it can't afford it at this time. I have a son that was accepted to a prestigious university in the United States but I cannot afford the extra cost even though he was on a full scholarship.

It is irresponsible for Tonga to continue funding all these off-island offices at this time. I think that the EU and other lending institution will find Tonga financially responsible if it cuts down on its expenses.

Hope all is well with you.

Sione Lousiale Kava

slkava [at] hotmail [dot] com