Emmanuel Macron’s victory in the French presidential election [May 7] could be mistaken for the plot of a novel that no publisher would accept. And then the one who finally does, finds himself with a runaway bestseller ... a young man, practically unknown a year ago, accedes to the presidency of France. ...Now begins the open combat between those who believe that freedom lives and those who have already buried it. Bernard-Henri Lévy
You are here
Results for Opinion
Friday 5 May 2017
Oxford, United Kingdom
Artificial Intelligence is the next technological frontier, and it has the potential to make or break the world order. The AI revolution could pull the “bottom billion” out of poverty and transform dysfunctional institutions, or it could entrench injustice and increase inequality. The outcome will depend on how we manage the coming changes.
Thursday 4 May 2017
1 comment
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tonga has numerous vibrant national resources that are fast asleep when they should be generating revenues and driving enterprise. Looking at the trade development of the small Pacific island countries one wonders whether Fiji is one of those that became birds, while Tonga remains among those still crawling.
Tuesday 18 April 2017
London, United Kingdom
On April 22, scientists from around the world will mark Earth Day by participating in an unprecedented “March for Science.” The aim of the march will be to “celebrate and defend science at all levels – from local schools to federal agencies.” It is important to understand why the usually sedate community of scientists will take to the streets in a global demonstration of concern.
Friday 13 January 2017
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The inaugural declaration by the UN General Assembly for 2017 as the first International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development is a great incentive for Tonga and a time for some serious reflection on why we are failing to build a more sustainable tourism industry - one that can prosper and create more jobs. Editor's Comment, by Pesi Fonua
Premium content
Sunday 14 August 2016
1 comment
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The Fiji Sevens victorious gold medal win and defining moment in Olympic history showcases a real display of what can be achieved for all Pacific Islanders, in particular our young Tongan men and women. - Chris Chapman
Friday 22 July 2016
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The public has a right to know about MP ‘Akosita Lavulavu’s state of mind while her husband was misusing his authority. Was she just a silent partner who went along for the ride? – Sione Mokofisi.
Sunday 17 July 2016
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Senituli Penitani contrives to cover-up the evils of non-separation of Church and State. He further sugar-coded Tongan Christian history as corruption-free, unlike European Christian churches. There’s enough historical evidence to show that the joint Church religious influence and Government political authority corrupts. – Sione Mokofisi.
Tuesday 5 July 2016
8 comments
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Bakeries closure on Sundays takes us back to a 400 years old question of Church and State working hand in hand to control commerce, and people’s liberty. -Sione A. Mokofisi.
Wednesday 1 June 2016
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
This is an opportune time for us to build education in Tonga based on what we have learned from the great teachers and leaders of the Ministry of Education and the different schools in the past. We must improve education, not destroy it. - Dr Sitiveni Halapua.
Thursday 10 March 2016
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A claim by a new Public Enterprise director ‘Ahongalu Fusimalohi in a radio interview that there was $4-8 million pa'anga held in the Operational Account of the Tonga Broadcasting Commission when he and his father, the late Tavake Fusimalohi, left employment with TBC many years ago, has sent the accounting staff of TBC on a search for the alleged missing millions; while a former manager, 'Elenoa 'Amanaki has come out on national television and challenged the veracity of 'Ahongalu's statement.
Premium content
Wednesday 10 February 2016
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
There is no better time than the present for the Prime Minister to consider appointing a female to a Ministerial portfolio, following the dismissal of ‘Etuate Lavulavu from his Ministerial portfolio. ...Only four women have ever been elected by the Tongan people into parliament in the 63 years since 1951 when Queen Sālote gave women the right to stand as candidates. -‘Ofa Guttenbeil Likiliki, WCCC Director.
Premium content
Thursday 28 January 2016
Nuku‘alofa, Tonga
All the preliminary works for the Teufaiva Stadium Upgrade Project have been ready for months, but the Prime Minister has not done his part in funding the necessary funding. This is what's delaying the start of the project. ...This is a National Project, not to be treated as a personal and political football. - Takitoa Taumoepeau
Thursday 31 December 2015
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A year after Tonga’s second democratically elected government came into power at the end of December 2014, Tongan politics is stuck in the doldrums. The repetition by PM Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva that his government has the will to "take action" guided by the high moral principles of "good leadership, rule of law - justice for all and the fair distribution of national wealth," so far, are just hot air. The difference between what has been said and what has happened, speaks for itself. Editor's Comment by Pesi Fonua.
Premium content
Wednesday 2 December 2015
1 comment
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
We are a people destined for failure because of the corruption we have allowed in our government. Crime is on a steep rise but that is to be expected...when our leaders set such a poor example. We have lost all dignity as a people. – ‘Aisea ‘Amanaki.
Premium content
Monday 30 November 2015
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
This is perhaps the most embarrassing and disappointing news about a Tongan government in the most recent times. This PM was well known for preaching against the previous Kings and their system of government, for not allowing justice and the voice of the people to be heard by the Government. - Rev Dr Ma'afu'otu'itonga Palu
Sunday 29 November 2015
1 comment
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva has brought Tonga to an all-time moral low! The "new standard" for government officials is that it is okay to be corrupt as long as you admit you are corrupt when you get caught. We must remove the Prime Minister Now! – Sione Masa.
Monday 2 November 2015
2 comments
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
One cannot imagine the ignorance of a government that is bankrupt bidding to host games that will cost the government $80,000,000 and produce zero benefit to the people of Tonga. It is déjà vu of the $100,000,000 that China lent us to rebuild Nuku’alofa. The money was never accounted for and spent mostly on the rich and wealthy leaders who controlled the money. - Peni Katoa.
Thursday 22 October 2015
3 comments
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The Tonga government’s foreign relations, its education system and its stance on the rule of law are issues that have suddenly confronted the public with mass confusion during the past few days. The authorities must now clarify where we stand or risk further loss of credibility. Editor’s Comment by Pesi Fonua
Tuesday 13 October 2015
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
By allowing a government body to decide what a society is able to view online borders on a society being closely monitored and eventually censored. ...Regulating internet content using filtering technologies and administered by a single government body not only provides a false sense of security but the potential to evolve into full censorship is a concern that should not be ignored. ...The focus should be on education and empowerment to ensure parents and children are safe online rather than a government legislated filter. - Anthony Tuipeatau
