Results for Opinion

‘I he ngaahi uike kuo maliu atuu, na’e lahi ‘a e talanga’i ‘o e lipooti ‘ae BBC fekau’aki mo e fika 1 ‘a e kakai tangata Tongaa ‘i he fu’u sisinoo (obese) kae fika 2 ‘a Ha’amoa, pea fika 1 ‘a e kakai fefine Ha’amoaa kae fika 2 ‘a Tonga ni, ‘i mamani. Ko e ma’u’anga fakamatala ‘e taha ‘oku pehee ai ‘oku 70% ‘a e kakai fefine Tongaa pea 50% ‘a e kakai tangata Tongaa ‘oku fu’u sisino, pea ko e 80% ‘o e kakai lalahi ‘o Tonga ni ‘oku sino lahi (overweight).

All the preliminary works for the Teufaiva Stadium Upgrade Project have been ready for months, but the Prime Minister has not done his part in funding the necessary funding. This is what's delaying the start of the project. ...This is a National Project, not to be treated as a personal and political football. - Takitoa Taumoepeau

The United Nations recently claimed that the Millennium Development Goal that focused on primary education increased global enrolment from 83% to 91%. Despite these gains, today it is estimated that 124 million children do not attend school and 757 million adults are illiterate.

A year after Tonga’s second democratically elected government came into power at the end of December 2014, Tongan politics is stuck in the doldrums. The repetition by PM Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva that his government has the will to "take action" guided by the high moral principles of "good leadership, rule of law - justice for all and the fair distribution of national wealth," so far, are just hot air. The difference between what has been said and what has happened, speaks for itself. Editor's Comment by Pesi Fonua.

PACER-Plus is shaping up as an agreement that won't fit into the Pacific reality, will have weak protections for Pacific businesses and undermines the ability of governments to enact policies to support and nurture vital Pacific industries. ...Ask any Pacific businesses person and they will tell you how hard it can be to run a business in the Pacific. ...An updated analysis shows that tariff revenue losses will actually be more than previously calculated: Pacific countries are set to lose more than USD 200 million per year (Tonga USD$6million).- Adam Wolfenden (PANG).

This is perhaps the most embarrassing and disappointing news about a Tongan government in the most recent times. This PM was well known for preaching against the previous Kings and their system of government, for not allowing justice and the voice of the people to be heard by the Government. - Rev Dr Ma'afu'otu'itonga Palu

Minister Lavulavu has done everything possible to avoid his upcoming trial. In the meantime the Prime Minister sits by and does nothing, allowing his government (and ours) to be dragged through the mud and embarrassment of yet another 'Etuate Lavulavu scandal. - Peni Katoa.

With the current exchange rate…of banks on NZD, this levy would reduce their margin on foreign exchange transactions by 60%. …This seems like a huge tax so one would expect that the banks would simply reduce the TOP paid out or increase the TOP to be paid by 1c for every unit of foreign currency received or paid out. - Peter Goldstern

For 20 years we have heard from 'Akilisi Pohiva how dishonest and corrupt previous governments have been. Now, the PM's government in my opinion has been the worst government in 30 years. It is unwilling to hold its own parliament and cabinet to the same rule of law that the rest of us are held to. – ‘Aisea ‘Amanaki.