Pacific Island countries at some point in history were exploited because they own some of the most important commodities demanded by outsiders yet deemed useless to us because we didn't have the investment, resources and expertise to process them in our backyard. This is particularly true in Fiji (when companies conscripted Indians from abroad to work as slaves at sugar farms), and in PNG and the Solomons where acres and acres of forests were mowed down for export. - Jason Faletau
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Results for Letters
Thursday 20 October 2005
Sydney, Australia
Thursday 20 October 2005
USA
I give credit to Mr. Laki Niu and others for their call for change in the constitution. These proposals are indeed commendable but I beg to differ from Mr. Niu's approach. I have not seen his total proposal, but based on the little information I have, I believe a monster is in the making. - Tamafoa
Tuesday 11 October 2005
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Auckland, New Zealand
The key rationale behind the neo-liberal reforms is for the private sector to run these activities as businesses, in great anticipation that the returns will greatly benefit the country as a whole. In addition, the whole of the community are expected to pick up some of these functions, where they are to fend for themselves with some basic help from the state. - Dr ‘Okusitino Mahina
Friday 7 October 2005
Las Vegas-Nevada, USA
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to Professor Mahina for his clarification of his theoretical framework of Ta-va social theory. The basis of the approach is clearer to me and its limitless applications on social issues in general. I am particularly impressed with its originality and unique Tongan blend. I wish to briefly discuss some elements of the approach and move into small economic extension of it. - Thomas Monson Uata
Tuesday 27 September 2005
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Life was much simpler then, for there was structure. There was genuine regard all around of people to their ruler, to the royal family and nobility, to the leaders of church and village life, to the heads of family and extended family, to brothers and sisters, to friends and to visitors alike. This genuine regard was reciprocated. - M. Latu
Friday 23 September 2005
Auckland, New Zealand
I thank Sefita Hao'uli for his effort for an informal stocktake of our national image through the brand Tonga and Tongan. An attempt to carry out this exercise has to touch on our history and it has some unavoidable limitations but here is my peni taha for the mix. - Sailosi Finau
Thursday 22 September 2005
California, USA
Thank you for all that you do. What a wonderful way for us Tongans overseas to see what is going on in Tonga. The photographs were fantastic, great quality that I have not seen. -Anita Siosiana Lavulo Robert-Taumoepeau (Miss Tonga 1997-98).
Tuesday 20 September 2005
Idaho, USA
Please discuss the issue of impeachment petition for the Premier and Tongan Ministers as petitioned by by the PSA representatives. - Taniela F. Kivalu
Monday 19 September 2005
USA
While the PSA and her supporters are still euphoric from their victory, some of us are left with disbelief and are still confused at what took place. I supported their right to petition the government for change, whether it is social, political or economical. However, after this strike, I realize my GPS Fotua education is leaving me unprepared to deal with the aftermath. - Tama Foa
Saturday 17 September 2005
Auckland, New Zealand
Ever wondered how the brand "Tonga" or "Tongan" is doing these days? And I mean how are we doing internationally and how do we regard ourselves locally? - Sefita Hao'uli
Thursday 15 September 2005
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
I am really tired of reading about Tonga and her problems, especially because of the politics that's involved. Hearing about Tonga is like listening to a very needy relative, as much as you love them; you still get tired of listening to them and wish for a little while that they would go away. - Mele Latu
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Wednesday 14 September 2005
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Auckland, New Zealand
Bringing about the socio-political change in Tonga calls for a parallel sea-change in our attitude to the deep-seated issues of rank, class, power and status. Conversely it will be more difficult if we do not address how Tongans regard each other across and within the "class" lines. In the very existence of class may well be part of the new frontier. - Sef Hao‘uli
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Saturday 10 September 2005
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Auckland, New Zealand
I join all Tongans around the world in thanking the Almighty for bringing the strike to an end. I believe it is too early to correctly say whether it is the PSA or the Cabinet who won this memorable ordeal. The PSA may have got what they wanted but we are yet to see at whose expense are they getting their demands. - Sailosi Finau
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Friday 9 September 2005
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Over the last six weeks or so we've been inundated with passionate cries for 'justice' and 'fair distribution for all' emanating from Pangai Si'i. Where is justice in the end when they have negotiated in 'bad faith' by demanding to be paid for 'work not done'? - Sione Talanoa Latu
Wednesday 7 September 2005
New Zealand
I think the first lot to be removed should start with the Minister of Education, the Director of Education and the three deputies named by the PSA letter of petition. The Minister of Education has quoted far too many bible quotes and with no real results in his part to bring in a resolution to the problems the teachers are now experiencing. - John Rambo
Wednesday 7 September 2005
California, USA
Emotions are high and Tongans appear to be happy with the progress of the commoner's strike. Vava'u and Ha'apai continues to show support for the strike and live up to their names (i.e. whoop whoop to the 6 Ib.). - Rick Siale
Wednesday 7 September 2005
UK
Prosperity has followed Tonga in the past decades. But it has outweighted the abuse of power and failures of this Government. The inflations, tax rise, consumption tax and other economical blunders have cost this Government to its knees today. - William Mariner
Tuesday 6 September 2005
Arizona, USA
The ride has rather been a bumpy one, but given the fact that this was one of the "first" collective fights by the people, against the unrighteous and tyrannical dominion of the Tongan government, 'oku te manatu ki he lau 'a e kau leka, it wasn't bad start at all. - Sione Laione
Sunday 4 September 2005
London, United Kingdom
The stalemate has been resolved. The Government has waited this long to implement the civil servants wants. The 60%, 70% and 80% rise was affordable by this Government all along. The public confidence and trust has cost this Government dearly. - William Mariner
Sunday 4 September 2005
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The way you are maintaining the website on a daily basis and still continue to provide the same quality service for all other services you offer, is absolutely amazing. Specially considering that its all done by a 4 member team. - Sven Quick
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