Results for Government

Tonga's Minister of Finance, Hon. Lisiate 'Akolo presented a tight national budget of $332.2 million to the Prime Minister, Lord Tu'ivakano on Friday morning, June 8, at the Cabinet Room, and gave the public an opportunity to see an overview before it is tabled into parliament this week.

The Maritime Monument Design competition launched this week is a sad attempt at reparation that is far too little and comes way too late. The memorial wall was a selfless gift to the families of the victims in the hope that it would go some way towards appeasing their grief.- Tanya Edwards.

Mr Lopeti Senituli must know that the present system of which he speaks (The King appoints the judges . . . 03 May 2010) makes King George Tupou V an "Absolute Monarch" instead of Tonga being a "Constitutional Monarchy." Inquiring minds are asking: With the King appointing judges, doesn't it subject the Judiciary to the will of the King and Cabinet? With due respect, Mr. Senituli knows very well that the days of the status quo are numbered - six months. This is why the "democratic transformation" is taking place: to follow the mandate of the Constitution. - Sione Akemeihakau Mokofisi.

I can think of a few things in my dealing with the Government of Tonga over the years that has been recorded into my Most Ridiculous Stupid List. The recent Government of Tonga's dealing with the Pacific Island's Mission Work (PIMW) donation to the tsunami victims of Niuatoputapu tops that list. -Mafi 'o Amerika Samoa.

Ms. Mallaney's letter hits it on the nail. The PM says it is 'individuals' faults and weakness rather than a system that is getting corrupt year by year. -William Mariner

The PM's Office and Ms. Mallaney of Global Integrity are busy ridiculing each other. (PM's Advisor . . . 05 Mar 2010). They have not stated any useful purpose for arguing in this forum.

Norah Mallaney's letter, "Major weaknesses in Tonga's procurement system" (3 Mar 10) is full of contradictions.

Finally, we have a public apology from PM Dr. Feleti Sevele for the government's egregious carelessness that led to the Princess Ashika disaster (Ashika Inquiry...24 Feb. 2010). In our custom, his humility finally invokes one of the most important cultural protocols that binds us all as "Tongans"; no matter what class in society we were born to. -Sione Akemeihakau Mokofisi

It has been said that , "if it looks like a duck, walk like a duck and quack like a duck, more than likely, it is a duck". Incompetence in any language and form is still incompetence.