Making it happen [1]
Thursday, June 23, 2005 - 00:03. Updated on Thursday, August 14, 2014 - 15:42.
Dear Editor,
When I worked for a firm in New Zealand they came up with an idea called "Let's Make It Happen". The whole concept of this was for employees to come up with ideas on how to save the company money. If the idea was feasible and then implemented the employee was given a bonus.
Driving along Vuna Road the other night a couple of ideas came to mind, which made me think that we could take the same approach to help our country. Obviously we are in a huge economical slump and need to generate or save money that benefits both the country and its people. Considering the total population of Tonga is similar to a mere township in either New Zealand or Australia I think it is too much to expect the people to foot the bill for the "trappings" of this country. This also highlights how we need to account for whatever reserves we do have.
My first idea came from trying to practise defensive driving while most of the vehicles on the road were swaying from side to side after leaving their respective drinking establishments. I thought if the police gave instant hefty fines to all the drunk drivers, the government could consider throwing consumption tax and all other duties out the window.
The hospital would save money from the decrease in all the alcohol related accidents which have been happening a lot lately and the MOW would save money from all the repairs to public property and so it spirals.
My second idea was from noticing all the rubbish still being dumped around the island despite the "threat" of a fine and advertising. The money generated and saved if the fines were actually given would be huge.
The easy thing with both these ideas is that they are already implemented - they just need to be actioned.
Some of you might think that compared to the over all big picture this is peanuts but as they say "If you look after the seniti the pa'anga will look after themselves!"
So help come up with ideas and hopefully if implemented "our economy" (translated - people struggling to clothe, feed and provide the basic fundamentals of life for their families) might improve!
Yours faithfully
Struggling Mother (name supplied)
palmtour [at] kalianet [dot] to