I am relieved to read constructive and variety perceptions among author's of Letters to The Editor of Matangi Tonga (MT) regarding Reform in Tonga. This is vital as evidence for our achievement in life. - Kisione Taufa
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Results for Free Speech
Friday 19 September 2008
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Salt Lake City-Utah, USA
Kele'a publisher/editor Pohiva is obviously blindsiding everyone to believe he has the right to withhold evidence from Police of a conspiracy to commit murder ("Nuku'alofa insecure following Coronation," 15 September, 2008). Thank you for reporting this egregious abuse of our right to free speech as journalists. - Sione A. Mokofisi
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Thursday 24 April 2008
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
In your Online news article of April 21, 2008; "TBC's political censorship extends to press conferences" 'Inoke Huakau, a political candidate, claimed that the TBC was banning the broadcasting of his campaigning materials because TBC staff were "present" at his press conference. - Siosaia Fatani
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Friday 14 December 2007
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San Francisco, USA
On 06/12/07, the Prime Minister's Office released a news article stating that it would take the Kele'a to court on a defamation charge. In my opinion, this is an attempt to jeopardize the function of the Clause 7 of the Constitution of Tonga - Freedom of Speech and Expression. -Siosaia Fatani.
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Tuesday 20 June 2006
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Auckland, New Zealand
When Prime Minister Sevele was in Auckland recently he took time out - a few minutes only but long enough to make the point - that our news media need to report more accurately particularly on political events from home. I've lifted this very recent piece from one of our more popular internet sources (and it was not the exemplar MatangiTonga) to illustrate why the PM should continue to be concerned....Sefita Hao'uli
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Thursday 24 November 2005
Auckland, New Zealand
PINA Media Freedom Award. Congratulations Pesi on a well-earned honour for your tireless efforts against the odds. My personal acknowledgement of your wife's contribution and on-going support. - Sef Hao'uli & Tapu Misa
Thursday 24 November 2005
UK
Pina Media Freedom Award 2005. thank you once again to a good journalist and for freedom of press you have given Tonga and overseas Tongans around the world. -William Mariner
Thursday 24 November 2005
Queensland, Australia
Hearty congratulations to both Pesi Fonua and John Lamani from (despite our new anti-terrorism laws, suppression orders and contempt charges) the relative safety of Australia. You have both been brave soldiers for press freedom in the face of oppression. -Professor Mark Pearson
Thursday 24 November 2005
Apia, Samoa
Congratulations to Pesi Fonua (editor of Matangi Tonga and chair of the Tonga Media Council) and John Lamani (publisher of the Solomon Star and trustee for Media Association of Solomon Islands). -Peter Lomas
Thursday 24 November 2005
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Anybody who stands up and fights for press freedom and freedom of information deserves to be recognised, respected and honoured though I dare say that press freedom is sometimes abused and becomes a convenient tool. - Neville de Silva
Thursday 24 November 2005
Hamilton, Ontario Canada
Congratulations to Pesi Fonua and John Lamani for an honour that makes other journalism awards pale by comparison: recognition for risking their own wellbeing to defend freedom of expression.
Thursday 24 November 2005
St George, Grenada
I have not had the pleasure of meeting Pesi Fonua, but I did have the privilege of being at the Thomson Foundation together with John Lamani in 1986. I have great pleasure in sending them both by sincerest congratulations on what I am certain are richly deserved awards. Keep up the good work guys! -Leslie Pierre
Wednesday 3 March 2004
Wellington, New Zealand
Oh dear! Tonga is in such a sad state, I can almost hear everyone crying with frustration. - P. Woodward
Tuesday 2 March 2004
Manchester, United Kingdom
It is very interesting how the US Ambassador elaborates the uniqueness of Tonga in his previous ABC radio interview.- A. Tu'i
Friday 13 February 2004
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
A few decades ago, Tonga was looked up to as the leading nation in the Pacific Islands. Its people had the highest standards of living, income and independence. This is no longer the case. Elite privilege has become more concentrated and reactionary; the economy and society stagnated as a result. - Ron Crocombe
Tuesday 30 December 2003
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Nuku‘alofa, Tonga
The Tonga office of the Taimi ‘o Tonga Newspaper has been told by the Business Licence Sector of the Ministry of Labour and Commerce it will not extend its business licence to operate in Tonga when the weekly newspaper’s quarterly business licence expires on December 31. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 18, no. 3, December 2003.
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Tuesday 30 December 2003
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Nuku‘alofa, Tonga
Democratic reform will help to preserve the dignity of the King, and his links with his people, says Taimi ‘o Tonga publisher, Kalafi Moala. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 18, no. 3, December 2003.
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Monday 1 December 2003
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Rev. Simote Vea said that sermons tend to be prophetical and they are worried that with the new draconian law restricting free speech, if government will try to prosecute church ministers who are prophesying things which may sound anti-government. -Matangi Tonga, Vol. 18, No. 3
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