Editor,

TONGA has been wounded by the tragedy of the MV Ashika . . . deeply wounded. The doctor (the Royal Commission of Inquiry) has delivered a diagnosis. Now it's time to take the medicine, and heal the wound.

The Attorney General, wisely and quickly, has already taken the first step, by appointing independent prosecutors to deal with what will no doubt be a number of court cases arising from the Inquiry. Perhaps it would be prudent to also appoint additional judges, or perhaps even a special court, to deal with all of the Ashika-related matters, and those matters alone.

In order to restore confidence and credibility in the government at large, may I suggest the following:
1) Immediately appoint an ombudsman. The framework of law to enable the position is already in place. Clearly, there needs to be "someone to talk to," without fear of reprisal, if further tragedies are to be avoided.

2) Immediately appoint an independent taskforce to review the effectiveness of government, in particular the channels of communication, and recommend any needed improvements for consideration.

3) Leave Parliament out of all this: they already have enough to do, what with the November reforms and elections. Let them concentrate on developing the necessary legislation, in order to facilitate a successful transition to a new structure of government.

4) Let government deal with the current economic situation. There needs to be a plan . . . not merely a reaction . . . to confront the difficulties caused by revenue shortfalls and gloomy economic prospects.

Taking a broad, honest, and integrated approach to these problems is the only sensible thing to do. November is not far away. There's much to be done, and it won't be easy. But a qualified commitment to a course of action, with an indefinite timetable, is surely not good enough. It's time to take the medicine, swallow the bitter pill, and heal the nation.

Sincerely,

P.A. Langi

Ha'apai