Results for Letters

The Random House Dictionary defines dictator as, "a person who exercises absolute power, especially a ruler with absolute, unrestricted control of government". There is also a broader meaning of the word dictator used by political scientists that is given to leaders of one-party states or similar set-ups in which a dictatorship does exist in practice like Cuba, and yes, Singapore, and yes, Dubai. You do not have to kill thousands of people or do any other atrocity to be considered a dictator, as it seems Mr. Mokofisi believes this to be a requirement for a person to be a dictator. - Daniel K. Fale

A brief read of Lee Kwan Yew's success as Prime Minister of Singapore (1959-1990) does not show the life of a dictator. Instead he rose through the Singapore Parliament as PM during British rule, and developed one of the poorest states in SE Asia to rival Japan's industrial economy. He was accused of running a tight ship, but that's the price of "transformation" I would say. - Sione A. Mokofisi

Franco of Spain was successful because his goal was to save Spain from divisions, disunity, and civil war. Franco's bottom line was to establish stability and maintain peace for Spain, and for that stability and peace to be maintained after his time. This is exactly what happened. He never did anything that was unreasonable, but all things were done to achieve his goal which really was in the best interests of his country, especially considering the circumstances Spain was in. - Daniel K. Fale

The question is not whether Fiji's dictator Frank Bainimarama will fail or not, but rather when? Yes, when will he realise that he will never succeed in his false and conceited quest for a reformed Fiji?

We are all very saddened by this terrible tragedy. We continue to pray for our family there in Tonga, as well as all the families of those lost. - Sherri Mahe

We wish to send our deepest sympathy and condolence to all of the families of passengers lost at sea, especially to the Fasi-moe-afi Church members Sione Valele 'Elone, his cousin Veuveuso 'Elone and friend Matoni 'Aho who were on their way to Ha'apai for Sione Valele 'Elones' wedding to my sister-in-law Vahengalu He of Pangai. - Coco & Tevita He

While the press in the region is fighting for recognition and hopefully gain much more of its freedom, Matangi Tonga made a step back by giving up to the threat from the Attorney General. - Mafi ‘o Amerika Samoa

The letter from Leigh Harkness makes unjustified conclusins about the cause of the disaster. - John Cauchi SC

I think we can now understand why the ship sank and sank so fast. - Leigh Harkness