Results for Letters

Based on my experience as a graduate Student Of International Affairs and Global Politics, and over 20 years of working for the US Government and now working for the American Samoa Government as a special advisory to the governor on petroleum. I will use my experience to elaborate on the issues being discussed. - Devil Dog Kava

I just want to clear the air with the truth from endless rumors from Tonga to USA, because it breaks my heart to know that my aunty did her best and after everything she has done she is disrespected, ignored and not given the gratitude she deserves. I want everyone to know that VInisia was well taken care of in USA by her aunty Kolotina from day one to the day she was laid to rest. -Jane Ramona Taufa

Not too many people are aware of the gigantic volcanic ridge that separates the Kingdom of Tonga and the Fijian Islands, and the fact that this same ridge extends in a north-south direction from the southern most island of Tonga, `Ata, through Kao and Tofua Islands in the Ha`apai Group, to Fonualei in the Vava`u Group, and also Tafahi and Niuafo`ou in the extreme north, and even all the way to the Samoas. The volcanic activities in this ridge are so proactive that the bottom of the earth keeps rumbling and moving everyday. It may even be the most active volcanic ridge in the world. - ‘Ofa ki Tonga

Today, after much frustration in the District Court of American Samoa dealing with Immigration procedures (the lack of it) here in American Samoa to the disadvantages of the members of the Tongan Community, I am determined that I should be yelling at a higher level. But not about us here. I wanted to through in my hat to the political debate going on in Tonga. - Devil/Dog Kava

I, like all Tongans, feel immense sadness at the untimely deaths of HRH Prince Tu'ipelehake and Princess Kaimana of Tonga. Thank you your Royal Highnesses for all that you have done for our great country. 'Amelia Pafusi Tatola Schedlich,

The NCPR committee came last Saturday to keep the original plan that was scheduled for Seattle meeting. 'Aisea Taumoepeau & Fatai Pale held the meetings followed after the community prayer by all different faiths in the Seattle area who came to mourn the loss of Prince Tuipelehake and Princess Kaimana.- Fatima 'Aho

Solomon Islands was one of the countries that voted with Japan on the pro-whaling debate which won a majority vote over the last couple of days. Sadly, again, the Minister of Fisheries for Solomon Islands, Mr. Nollen Leni went against his government and cabinet's decision to abstain from voting, disobeying a cabinet directive and he is yet to face the consequences when he comes back here in a few days time. - M. Havea

Call me a whale-watcher if you like but ‘Ofa-ki-Tonga's enthusiasm for whalemeat for the kingdom is unlikely to find favour in this part of the world where killing whales and dolphins for food is seen as barbaric. The recent Japanese success at the IWC was made possible by support from some Pacific nations who took money and changed their stance. And here in New Zealand there is a call for retribution through the withdrawl of aid or something similar. - Sefita Hao‘uli

When Prime Minister Sevele was in Auckland recently he took time out - a few minutes only but long enough to make the point - that our news media need to report more accurately particularly on political events from home. I've lifted this very recent piece from one of our more popular internet sources (and it was not the exemplar MatangiTonga) to illustrate why the PM should continue to be concerned....Sefita Hao'uli