Results for Letters

Dr 'Okusitino Mahina's political and economical insight seems way beyond his field of anthropology, which is basically analysing and comparing fossils and artifacts from the past Pacific history. His insight in Tongan politics today is irrelevant, he studies Past history! not present! Maybe soon, once the Monarchy will end, he can pick up the fossils and analyze them and give his students a lecture on post-Monarchy rule in the Pacific. - William Mariner

Generally, there has been a consistent push for reforming or transforming Tongan society, taking place within and outside of the country. This is because Tonga is a country that is in a serious state of crisis. Specifically, this clear call for change is felt mostly in the economic and political arenas. - Dr ‘Okusitino Mahina

It is heartening to read articles that make really good sense! When I read the numerous exchanges, I wonder if we ever take time to really think about what is going on, what needs to be done, and how to go about it. This country of ours is unique in this world because of many reasons. Amongst those is the fact that we have an absolute monarchy, the only surviving one throughout the Pacific. We have an honor system that is exercised in our families, extended families, villages, islands, and collectively as a people. The ideals that Tonga was built on were the work of past kings, chiefs, of warriors, of people who were known for their courage and leadership. - M. Latu

Speaking from the confines of a young Tongan's view, at best a blurred snap-shot of what is essentially just another politically biased perspective of a few Laki Niu supporters. We would like to point out to the small portion of the public sphere that doubt Mr Laki Niu's stance or intentions, following his recent pleas to catalyse reformation, that he has every right to be where he is today. - Ka Polu

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

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

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

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).

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