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Disregarding strong public protests and the opposition of People'’s Representatives, the Tongan Government pushed through a bill for Constitutional change on October 16. The changes, which have yet to be signed into law by the king, will allow government to control freedom of speech. The 16 members who voted in favour of the controversial Bill were: Prince 'Ulukalala Lavaka Ata, James Cecil Cocker, William Clive Edwards, Dr Masasso T. Paunga, Dr Viliami Ta'u Tangi, Fielakepa, Siosiua Tupou 'Utoikamanu, 'Aisea Havea Taumoepeau, Paula Sunia Bloomfield, Tuita, Malupo, 'Akau'ola, Fohe, Nuku, Havea Tu'iha'angana, and Tu'i'afitu.

Drunken driving is responsible for an increasing number of road accident deaths in Tonga, where fatalities have doubled in the last year, 2003.

2,000 to 3,000 Freedom Marchers gathered at the Catholic Basilica of St Anthony of Padua, Nuku'alofa, the capital of Tonga, at mid-day today, and marched to the Tongan Parliament (below) to present petitions calling for protection of Freedom of Speech, which is threatened by a Government Bill to change the Tongan Constitution. - Photos by Pesi Fonua, Linny Folau, and George Cocker.

The controversy over the proposal by government to amend Clause 7 of the Tongan Constitution, giving government the right to make laws to control Freedom of Speech and the media, is dividing the country. Government is not going to win respect by changing the laws, simply because it has been losing its court cases against its critics. We are at the cross roads, in an unfamiliar Twilight Zone. Editor's Comment, by Pesi Fonua (From our Archives 2003).

Tonga's "March for Freedom" will begin in the three main centres at 12 noon on Monday October 6, the same day that Parliament is due to debate Constitutional change.

Dan Manu, a former open-side flanker for the Australian Wallabies, is one of several international rugby players who have helped to promote Tonga through excellence in sport.

Sangstar Saulala, Semisi Kailahi and Oceania Broadcasting Television Network OBN were found guilty of criminal defamation for defaming the former Minister of Justice, Tevita Tupou, at the Supreme Court, Nuku'alofa, Tonga, on September 19.

The Tongan Government has launched a nation-wide campaign to counter the growing opposition to its proposed amendment to Clause 7 of the Constitution, which will neutralize "Freedom of Speech" in the Kingdom. -by Pesi Fonua

The Tongan parliament closed early on Tuesday, September 16, after a heated quarrel broke out between the Tongatapu No. 1 People's Representative, 'Akilisi Pohiva, and the Vava'u No. 2 People's Representative, 'Etuate Lavulavu.