You got it right Mr. Sanft, the Tonga's budget is pretty much dry. What you and your Demo friends do not seems to see is that regardless of the form of government you insisted of installing in Tonga, it will have to deal with a budget that is pretty much dry. I am not too sure because you and your friends have never been definitive on the type of system you insist on Tonga. But the early indication your Demo system is not going to solve Tonga's problem either. As a matter of fact, the Demo System created Tonga's current problem by forcing the 60%, 70%, and 80% pay raise. And then apply the last straw to break the camel's back when turn around and burn down the businesses that were going to finance this pay raise. -Sione Lousiale Kava
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Results for Tonga riots
Thursday 29 March 2007
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Pago Pago, American Samoa
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Sunday 25 March 2007
London, United Kingdom
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
Friday 23 March 2007
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San Mateo, California
As many may deny it, or the faint of heart may not admit it - Tonga's reform may be its only hope for economic recovery (and future). - Alipate Sanft
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Tuesday 20 March 2007
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Police Magistrate Salesi Mafi today, March 20 ordered Talifolau Letisi (33) to appear at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court for trial on charges relating to the destruction of key Government offices and business premises during the Nuku'alofa riots on November 16, 2006.
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Thursday 15 March 2007
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The Prosecution Team of the Crown Law Department this morning took over from the Police Prosecution Team at the Nuku'alofa Magistrate's Court, to prosecute cases involving major crimes that were committed during the destruction of the capital Nuku'alofa on November 16, 2006.
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Friday 2 March 2007
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
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.
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Monday 19 February 2007
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The four People's Representatives, 'Akilisi Pohiva, 'Isileli Pulu, William Clive Edwards and Lepolo Taunisila, who have been charged with sedition and other counts will appear for their Preliminary Inquiry hearings during the last week of March.
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Thursday 15 February 2007
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Three months after the Nuku'alofa Central Business District was destroyed by a mob on November 16, 2006, very little reconstruction work has begun. Photos by Linny Folau
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Wednesday 7 February 2007
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Police Magistrate Samiu Palu this morning adjourned again the court appearance of 'Akilisi Pohiva, Tu'i Uata and Semisi Sika to Friday Febuary 9.
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Sunday 4 February 2007
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Moss Beach-California, USA
The day after the burning of Nuku'alofa reflects the country before the riot, with the problems magnified. Tongans living in Tonga and abroad were shocked by the ruin and squalor Nuku'alofa had been reduced to by the riot. There is plenty of blame to go around. Unfortunately the unprecedented pressure catalyzing political change and the pertinacity of government undoubtedly ignited the riot. -Mele Payne Lynch
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Thursday 1 February 2007
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Kolofo'ou, Tonga
Joe is quite right that the Tonga police and military are not big enough to deal with an insurgency because Tonga did not need a big police force or military as Tonga was the proud Friendly Islands until the 16/11. You misfits must be proud of what you did to Nuku'alofa and the business people who are the backbone of our economy. ...Tonga needs a new version of democracy- Taasi Holiday
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Tuesday 30 January 2007
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The public has this week been moving through the ghost town of central Nuku'alofa after most of the restrictions on the flow of traffic into the CBD were lifted on Monday January 22. Photos by Linny Folau
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Monday 29 January 2007
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
'Isileli Pulu, the Tongatapu no. 2 People's Representative to the Tongan Legislature will appear in the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court tomorrow January 30, to review his application for bail.
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Saturday 27 January 2007
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Sydney, Australia
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
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Friday 26 January 2007
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Lepolo Taunisila the Niua's People Representative to the Tongan Parliament has been released on bail this afternoon after being arrested on Wednesday, January 24.
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Friday 26 January 2007
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Salt Lake City-Utah, USA
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
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Thursday 25 January 2007
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Two New Zealand lawyers left Tonga last week after two-days deliberation with other members of the Crown Law 16/11 Prosecution team.
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Sunday 21 January 2007
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Looking now at what he said, I realize that this man is too old to be facing the much younger, stronger, faster, braver, ‘matapoto’ (and better-looking of course) guy like me in a fair match, because if he grew up back then in Kolomotu’a with my uncles, and was at the peak of his youth in the 70’s, then he must be in his 50’s by now. - Joseph PT Holani
Friday 19 January 2007
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tongatapu no. 1 People's Representative 'Akilisi Pohiva was released from police custody on bail this afternoon, according to Chief Police Inspector Ashley Fua.
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Thursday 18 January 2007
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Hope for the reconstruction of the Nuku'alofa Central Business District was given a boost this morning when the Prime Minister, Hon. Dr Feleti Sevele, told a meeting of displaced business people that materials for the reconstruction of the CBD would be exempted from certain taxes, and that all government leases in the area will be renewed for 99 years.
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