Results for Opinion

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.

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

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.

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

Went to Talamahu Markets to buy some tomatoes but was met with indifference or envy. ...People in Talamahu should lift their game or go home. - George Wolfgramm

It should not take a rocket-scientist to see that in vain we claim to build a Pacific Nation's economy when the biggest chunk of the budget goes into payroll. Investment is where we should spend most of our budget instead. - Desert WarLord

We are concerned at a few levels about illicit trade of cigarettes being imported into Tonga without health warnings and certificates of origin. - John Paul Chapman.

‘Oku ‘iai ‘a e hoha’a ‘a e Women and Children Crisis Centre ki he fakamatala fekau’aki mo e tohi tangi kuo tufaki holo ‘i Tonga ni ‘i he fanauako ke nau fakamo’oni ki ai ke fakaha ‘aki ‘enau ta’eloto ke fakamo’oni ‘a e Pule’anga Tonga ki he CEDAW. - 'Ofa Guttenbeil, WCCC.

Today, 9 May, the European Union is celebrating Europe Day...The European Union has a long standing relationship and friendship with Tonga and other Pacific countries. Our partnership is based on our shared values, on common concerns and on common aspirations. We are keen to work closely with our Pacific partners to tackle global challenges - some challenges are so big that only a global response will suffice to overcome them. – EU Ambassador Andrew Jacobs.