Results for Letters

The fact that Tonga was never colonized has made Tonga unique and different from her neighboring islands. It is a source of pride for Tongans in the years gone by, so much so, that many of the Tongan poets have lines like: "Taha pe 'i he tahi saute", "Kei toe pe 'a felenite", etc, etc. Certainly, things would be much different now if that famous meeting at Pouono to decide on which colonial power to give Tonga to, came out with something different. - Sailosi Finau

My name is Scott Jones, and I was Tessa Horan's partner/companion/boyfriend in New Mexico. I wanted to thank you for the articles you have written about Tessa. She was extremely special to me, and many others, and we appreciate the great respect and honor she has been shown by the Tongan people and your online publication. - Scott Jones.

I am dismayed to hear recent reports that the Tongan people have yet to receive a response from the King regarding the status of the reform process. I understand the process of reforming the Constitution can be lengthy, and maybe the People's deadline was a little too early, (although some say the King has had decades to make this change), or maybe the King's medical condition has made progress slow. However, that is no excuse to not let the Tongan people know the status of the process in plain terms. - John Maloney

The recent threat by teachers to go on strike is understandable and fully justified to me. If the claim is true that teachers who took part in the strike are treated unfairly (and I have evidence to believe that this is the case) then I'll only have to say "Let us heal the psychological and spiritual wounds of the 2005 strike first. Further, it's about time for some heads to roll, particularly those in Education who intentionally stirred up this unnecessary commotion." - Sailosi Finau

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

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

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

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

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