The reason why the Tongan Government decided to enact Media Bills and to amend Clause 7 of the Constitution so that they can control the local Media, remains a mystery. One thing that is clear, however, is that the new media legislation is vindictive, because it is meant to hurt. - Matangi Tonga, Vol. 18, No. 3
You are here
Results for tag
Wednesday 26 November 2003
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The Tonga government has introduced one of the heaviest penalties for drug offenders imposed by any government in the region.
Premium content
Wednesday 26 November 2003
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Talking of island states, “Big is useful, but small is beautiful," Sir Julius, a former Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, and a member of the Eminent Persons Group, said in Nuku'alofa.
Premium content
Tuesday 25 November 2003
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
A new professional organisation of Tongan news media was officially registered in Nuku'alofa as an incorporated society on 11 November 2003.
Premium content
Tuesday 25 November 2003
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
In any disaster, there are always a few survivors and this is true of Tonga's squash industry this year. While most of the 2000 Tongan squash growers this season will face a huge financial loss because they will be paid only 15 to 20 seniti per kg of squash, a lucky few will receive between 61 and 84 seniti per kg.
Premium content
Tuesday 11 November 2003
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The state of Poverty and Corruption in Tonga was highlighted by researchers in Nuku'alofa at the end of October.
Premium content
Monday 10 November 2003
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
In spite of its critical financial problems, Royal Tongan Airlines plans to go ahead and extend its international services.
Premium content
Monday 10 November 2003
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tonga's annual squash exports for Japan could reach 20,000 tonnes, but people in the industry are predicting the price will plummet this year to a disappointing low of between 20 and 15 seniti per kilo.
Premium content
Monday 10 November 2003
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tevita Taufa Vaka (23), was found guilty on a charge of causing grievous bodily harm, when he appeared in the Nuku'alofa Police Magistrate's Court on November 11.
Premium content
Friday 7 November 2003
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tonga's 'Ikale Tahi rugby team returned home from Australia with the Wooden Spoon for Pool D in the Rugby World Cup, after losing all of its four pool games against Italy, Wales, the All Blacks and Canada.
Premium content
Thursday 30 October 2003
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
“It seems that the state of our economy is starting to look up, the result of efforts that we have made in the past”.- King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV.
Premium content
Friday 24 October 2003
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The Tongan Member of Parliament, 'Etuate Lavulavu, who was arrested in the United States on October 1, returned to Tonga on 24 October 2003.
Premium content
Friday 24 October 2003
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The amendment to Clause 7 'Freedom of Speech' of the Tongan Constitution, was passed by the Tongan Legislative Assembly with a vote16-11 on October 16, along with a new Newspaper Act 2003, which was passed 14-8.
Premium content
Friday 24 October 2003
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
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.
Premium content
Friday 24 October 2003
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Security officers at Tonga's airports will be armed in the near future.
Premium content
Friday 24 October 2003
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Drunken driving is responsible for an increasing number of road accident deaths in Tonga, where fatalities have doubled in the last year, 2003.
Premium content
Friday 24 October 2003
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Tongan rugby league stars Lesley Vainikolo and Tevita Vaikona, were due to return home to Tonga at the end of the year, after helping their British club side, Bradford Bulls, to an unprecedented trio of Super League trophies.
Premium content
Monday 6 October 2003
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
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.
Premium content
Thursday 2 October 2003
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The campaign by seven of the nine people's representatives to win public support to oppose the Tonga government's proposed changes to Clause 7 "Freedom of Speech" of the Constitution is in full swing, and they are calling for people to turn out for a national demonstration on Monday 6 October 2003 .
Premium content
Thursday 2 October 2003
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
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).
