Results for Nuku'alofa riots

It has been four months now since 16/11 and, as predicted, the consequential effects on Tonga political reform and the economy have been as deadly as sin. We have gone through a period of soul-searching about why it happened, how it happened and who were responsible for this blunder. As a people, I suppose we all feel emotionally gutted - angry and frustrated that our own brothers and sisters at home were actually capable of delivering such evil. Now of course the reality has hit home - the main business area of Nuku'alofa resembled that of an unfinished Hollywood Western film studio. - Senolita Swan

The handicraft section at Nuku'alofa's central Talamahu Market was reopened to the public today, with handicraft sellers returning to their stalls after over three months of displacement following the closure of the market after the November 16 riots.

Tongans choose to respect and love their monarchy not because they are just royal but they represent what God himself has put in place it is the reason we respect them Tonga'’s democracy is built on sacrifice and loyalty, Tongans have always cherished their rights has a free people. - Andrew Fifita

As Mr. Fifita describes there are many significant past achievements that have been accomplished by Queen Salote III and King Taufa'’ahau Tupou IV. Even King George Tupou V has done much to improve Tonga'’s telecommunication infrastructure. The King has a very loyal following. Democratic leaders around the world would give their right arms to have loyal subjects who can'’t even pay their water bills, get down on their hands and knees to crawl up to them with an envelope full of money. - Joe Smith

Borrowing from Shakepeare, "I went, I saw, I am very sad." I was not bothered by the extent of the damages, I saw worse in Lebanon back in 1983 and caused much of the same and more damage in Iraqi Desert Storm. But I was sad at the loss of history and the damage to a place we all call home. Nuku'alofa reminds me of loved ones no longer with us. -Sione Lousiale Kava

If it was not for seeds of hatred and anger that these people had planted in the minds, hearts and life of these people during the rallies and meetings at their villages and Pangai Si'i, the young people would not have had the courage to do what they did on 16/11. It is important that we follow closely and carefully analyse what 'Akilisi and the gang are doing and saying for they represent the iceberg that lurks below the evil actions of the young people on 16/11. -Taasi Holiday

I have one word for the "Kau Demo" - it's not DEMOCRACY (that they are supposedly preaching) it's "DEMOLITION". - Saimone Tupou

What an extraordinary woman Queen Victoria was. According to Venisi Uata (1 January 2007) the grand old lady gave a speech in India on November 24, 1930. emarkable. She had been dead for 29 years by then. Oh, and she never in her life went to India. -Michael J Field

The Governor of the National Reserve Bank of Tonga Joyce Mafi announced that as of today, November 23, all travellers departing the Kingdom of Tonga are allowed to take out of the country local and foreign currency notes, of not more than TOP$10,000, or its equivalent.