Results for Government

The Tonga Government has to date distributed over $100,000 pa'anga to help bereaved families of 67 persons in Tongatapu, Vava'u and Ha'apai whose lives were lost in the Princess Ashika sinking.

Tonga's Minister of Transport Hon. Paul Karalus announced his resignation this afternoon, July 11, six days after the sinking of Tonga's domestic ferry, with the tragic loss of 95 persons, 93 of whom remain missing.

Noble Ma'afu was appointed on July 28 as Tonga's new Minister for Environment and Climate Change.

Less than a month after being appointed as Tonga's new Minister of Information and Communication, Hon 'Eseta Fusitu'a was made the Acting Minister of Justice, effective on June 1.

I refer to Mariner's remarks Promote small businesses to stimulate economy to promote small businesses to stimulate the economy. A valid idea but I think he misses the business linkage of the economic stimulus announced by the Hon. Minister of Finance.

The Tonga Cabinet is undergoing a reshuffle as two new Ministers take-up the portfolios of Minister of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries, Forestry and Minister of Information and Communication while the Minister of Justice is resigning.

I suggest that the ERC does little for Tonga's guest for good governance, accountability and transparency. Cutting edge research on governance suggests that nominating committees, remuneration committees, audit committees and other sub-committees for that matter do not necessarily provide for better governance, accountability and transparency. Suggested instead from governance literature is that these committees serve a "window dressing" purpose. Further, the same literature does not attribute improved performance to good governance. With that theoretical background I am confident ke fokotu'u atu 'oku 'ikai ke 'iai ha kakunga'a e ERC ki hono improving governance, accountability and transparency in the public sector. - A Funaki

At a two-day conference in Nuku'alofa this week civil societies and other community organisations are presenting their reports on a Reconciliation and Civic Education Programme that has been funded by the European Union in Tonga.

When Mr. Sevele took office as the Prime Minister of the kingdom, there were lots of hopes riding his appointment. To our dismay, the freedom of the press got more restrictions under his watch than any other time. - TamaFoa