It is always a blessing to be in Tonga for the Po Le'o and the Uike Lotu. I cannot describe the warmth in my heart to walk up once again to the front of my village church and fe'iloaki with the kau Malanga Pole'o as well as everyone else in the village church. - Sailosi Finau
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Results for Letters
Wednesday 18 January 2006
Sydney, Australia
It comes at no surprise that the government is now trying to stifle the promotion and transfer system of teachers who are qualified and based on established rules. What the Education Dept is attempting to do is to frustrate PSA efforts to return Tonga's public service to pre-strike normality. Effectively, the government is now resorting to extra-ordinary bullying tactics by re-arranging the transfer/promotion system in a way that they hope will catch teachers out. - Jason Faletau
Wednesday 18 January 2006
Barrow, Alaska,USA
We are the chosen people of our Heavenly Father. We have a destiny to fulfill, a life to live, a contribution to make, a goal to achieve. The future of our country in these rapidly changing times awaits our mark of influence. - Siosaia Moimoiangaha
Monday 16 January 2006
Australia
I am sorry to say I find these so called educators (and I use the term loosely) who are threatening to strike yet again just because they are not getting the post they want. I thought the utmost want for them was a fair day's pay for supposedly a fair day's work. And for the benefit of the country they got it and at the cost of 95% of Tongans who don't work for the government, but that is another story as I digress. - A Very Annoyed Parent
Friday 13 January 2006
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
My daughter has been in Tonga High School for the past two years, during that time we have had endless problems with teachers not turning up for classes. I had approached the Principal, the Deputy Principal and also the Ministry of Education, at that time to no avail. Some teachers had legitimate reasons for being away but at this time the Education Department does not have a relief teaching system in place. I spoke with students right from the lower forms up to Form 7 and it seemed to be a common occurrence that some teachers at their own will skipped their classes. - Donna Taumoepeau
Wednesday 4 January 2006
Sydney, Australia
Disappointment in the so-called political reformists (those who have submitted proposed changes to the political system) in Tonga, for want of details in their proposed reforms, has been voiced in this forum and I must say that those who share the sentiment have a valid point. The reformists talk about constitutional changes and appointments of Ministers but, as far as I am aware, are silent on the nature of the political system they want to replace the present one with. - Lisiate Ikaafu
Wednesday 4 January 2006
Tallahassee, Florida,USA
I am dismayed to read articles in the Matangi that have portrayed Tonga's entry into the WTO as terrible move for the Tongan people. With all due respect to OXFAM, (who has made it their business to criticize the world's largest trading organization), Tonga's entry into the WTO is a milestone for the nation. - John Maloney
Wednesday 4 January 2006
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‘Api ko Siatahi, USA
His Majesty Taufa'ahau Tupou IV directed Tonga through tough times since he became the King. His love for his people is unmatched. I would like to make an attempt to voice my belief in his vision. Please bear with me as I share these humble thoughts. - Siosaia Moimoiangaha

Thursday 29 December 2005
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London, United Kingdom
I am alarmed that the current Prince Regent, Lavaka Ata has lost touch with reality and of family sense with this insensitive misjudgement. With Christmas gone and New Year coming, Lavaka Ata has just opened more doors to more enemies over some Royal Cow! Now, we've got Tongans and Samoans having a legitimate reason for his resignation. - William Mariner

Thursday 29 December 2005
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USA
The year (2005) is about to turn and leave us all in the dust and 2006 is upon us. I have patiently waited to see the Political Reformers (Edwards, Niu, Pohiva, et al) detailed plan for this reformation. So far, nothing worth spitting! I am restless and I am close to giving up on some of our own reformers. So far, they claim to have THE plan but they are not willing to share it with the public. What's up with this? - TamaFoa

Wednesday 28 December 2005
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Auckland, New Zealand
It is that time of the year where we are reminded of the birth of Christ more than two thousand years ago. Certainly the day has been overshadowed by the commercial promotions of the business community and most, if not all, are focusing on parties, food and clothes but I believe it is very important for us to reflect on the spirituality of the day. - Sailosi Finau

Wednesday 28 December 2005
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UK
I would like to thank all the staff in Matangi Tonga for their contribution towards supplying numerous unbiased and informative news from the mainland during this most interesting year for all Tongans. - William Mariner

Thursday 22 December 2005
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Suva, Fiji
I have been reading heaps of writings, suggestions, comments and opinions of academics, commoners, government and fellow Tongans abroad. What I can't seem to figure is the crux of the problem. Is it the government or the people or perhaps both? - Feleti S.

Sunday 18 December 2005
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California, USA
Please give Kaveinga e Folau, (Journey and Purpose), thanks on the great piece of writing, King wanted people to achieve economic freedom . I can only say Brilliant, outstanding, distinguished, first-rate. - Siosaia Moimoiangaha

Sunday 18 December 2005
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U.K.
It seems like the people of Tonga are divided in whether or not to change the system of rule. The old ailing monarchy system is the only system that Tongans have known for nearly four generations of Tupou's. - William Mariner

Wednesday 14 December 2005
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Auckland, New Zealand
I wish to extend my gratitude to the Hon. Minister of Finance for his courageous sharing with the public the economic outlook for Tonga and the serious situation that the government is facing, especially in rectifying the budget hole for the next financial year, more tendency to higher inflation and fighting the trade balance to ensure acceptable level of foreign reserve and local money supply. - Henry Alexanda Tonga

Monday 12 December 2005
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Auckland, New Zealand
I spent time in Tonga to harvest my squash plantation. For our deteriorating economy cannot be revived by just writing letters to the editor, but by boosting exports. Then I planted watermelon on the same plot, and Fa'one Hefa's farm tour composition for Tonga College is true: "Ngaahi fu'u fo'i meleni. 'Ikai ke fa'ahi!!" 'Oku lea'aki foki e Kolotau 'o Hule e!! - Sailosi Finau

Wednesday 7 December 2005
Auckland, New Zealand
It's official. Marching is the new national hobby. If the strolling-down-main-street variety can pull off three big ones in one day, marching is well ahead of soccer, netball, volleyball and you can hold on to your marbles! Cricket is so passe and rugby didn't do itself any favours by limping home with a sorry looking record against Italy and France last week. - Sefita Hao'uli
Wednesday 7 December 2005
USA
Tonga's system of government is good, but the system by itself is insufficient to bring about continued order, prosperity, and progress. What is needed is a common foundation of a moral and cultural absolute to 'undergird' our political system. - Malini V. Tukutau
Monday 5 December 2005
Auckland, New Zealand
Can I for the time being park the discussion on the alleged shortcomings of today's reformists for now and ask if my learned friend is able to put the current regime under the same scrutiny? - Sefita Hao'uli