Editor,

I write in response to Tom Fowler's letter (7/12/2010).

It appears there are issues with his letter which outweigh his insinuation of waste and need to be considered carefully:

1. The wine was brought in illegally first and foremost;

2. Had the wine been sold at $10, what are you then saying to the good companies who pay duty and taxes and sell the same product at its proper price;

3. Even if it was sold to distributors in Tonga at a lower price, this affects the supply and as you know, if supply increases, price normally drops;

4. If it was auctioned, the bottles would not fetch what they are sold at shops normally. The last thing we need, if we are concerned about alcohol abuse, is cheap and more alcohol hitting the market;

5. I respect your concern but as a Tongan living here, I would rather respect the law abiding companies than someone who purports to be bringing in something in the guise that it is for Tonga Rugby League;

6. Customs did a good thing by sending out a message that such illegal imports will not be tolerated;

7. Being cash rich should not equate to acceptance of cash by any means;

8. For investors and businesses, there should be more confidence operating in a country where the law is observed.

It is those who try to circumvent the law that is wasting the resources and time of what some may consider a country that is not "cash rich".

Sincerely,

Monalisa Palu

mona [at] professionalprtonga [dot] com