Results for 16/11

Developing an International Airport at Vava'u, is something the Tonga government is now considering, but because of the limitations of the outer island runways, they need to consider all the options.

A $15.5 million pa'anga loan capital at 5% interest will be made available in May to businesses that were destroyed during the riot of 16/11 2006.

The Taimi on February 25 reports that a 16/11 suspect has told some of the Demo bosses that if they will not do something before his trial in March then he will do something. Highlights from Tonga's newspapers, February 25-28, 2008. An English translation summary by Tevita Fonua.

I have observed great turmoil and frustration about the land as families turn against each other and the country as a whole is further torn apart by pro-democracy and pro-monarchy supporters being unable to reconcile their differences. Let there be no doubt, many in Tonga bear some responsibility for what happened on 16 November 2006 and the ongoing legal events that continue to tie up the legal process and stop the country from progressing. In no particular order these persons have responsibility and they do know who they are. - Christopher Harder

The second group of accused who are charged with 16/11 related offences appeared at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court on Monday, November 12.

Jurors today acquitted six of the seven men charged with multiple offences relating to the riots of November 16, 2006, in the first group trial at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court.

The decision by the Tonga Legislative Assembly to select three People's Representatives, Clive Edwards, 'Akilisi Pohiva and 'Uliti Uata to be members of a Tripartite Committee to vet political reform proposals for Tonga is as much a set back in our strive for political reform in Tonga in the 21st century as was the destruction in Nuku'alofa on November 16 last year. Editor's Comment by Pesi Fonua.

The Minister of Finance said that 2007 is a very difficult year because on November 16 about 20% of Tonga's GDP was destroyed in one day and it was difficult to establish the real state of the economy because they have not been able to value all that was lost during 16/11. PR Samiu Vaipulu expressed his concern that it would take many generations to repay government loans.

'Uliti Uata says that since 16/11 the PRs who have been charged with crimes relating to 16/11 have kept quiet. He asks government to stop showing on TV some of the bad things that took place on 16/11. From the House, by Pesi Fonua