Editor,

I do agree with Fuai'api letter (09/05/2010) on the draining of well educated people from home. Political problems have escalated to the extent where the independence of the judiciary is called into question and the AG resigning from his post. It is sad that even well qualified expatriates are leaving the Kingdom's shores. I really can't blame them. If our own scholars and well educated people are leaving because they are tired of hitting their heads against the brick wall, then don't expect other qualified expatriates to remain long.

At one time, I used to admire how Tonga has the highest number of PhD holders compared to its tiny population. Now that admiration is growing thin. I used to wonder why well educated people are leaving. Now I get the point, not everyone wants to continue working in the dark. Some may call it selfish but I guess it is one that is justified.

I must admit that I couldn't stop laughing at the Minister for Justice when he challenged the former AG to read the Constitution relating to the appointment of judges. If the honorable minister was so well versed with the Provisions of the Constitution, then why hire someone qualified from overseas as AG for the Tongan Government. The Role of the AG is to act as government's legal adviser. The Minister for Justice turned it the other way round by asking the former AG to re-read the Constitutional provisions. This is what some academics call "Thinking Upside Down". Maybe this is what happens when some people have been thinking upside down for too long. People call it a square and he calls it a triangle. Judging by how matters are deliberated on in parliament, I think cabinet should undergo some form of psychiatric review to determine if they are all still fit to discharge the duties of their respective office or to call it a day. Remember the saying

Twice the pride, double the fall, the longer the delay, patience grows thin and history is likely to repeat itself . . .

F. Kavaha'apai

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