Results for Opinion

A "welfare state" does not produce wealth; it produces dependents on government aids and expatriates' remittances. Our Tongan Pride in feeding our families from our own hard work has diminished because there is no meaningful work available. - Sione Akemaihakau Mokofisi.

Enough visits from U.S. Government officials to thank Tonga for her unselfish contribution to the wars in the Middle East (Chairman US Joint Chiefs . . . 10 Nov 2010). Admiral Michael Mullen should see the need to buildup the Tongan Defense Services for future services, and Tonga will always be a friend to the People of America, and England. - Sione Akemeihakau Mokofisi.

'Oku ou fakamalo atu kia Lou 'Uhila he'ene tafulu pongipongia mai he vahaope. Kataki ko e me'a 'oku ke hoha'a kiai 'oku ou tau'ataina pe au ke fakahoko 'o tatau pe mo ho'o tau'ataina keke tafulu mai he kolomu ni. 'Ofa mai aa Lou 'Uhila 'o tukuaa hono feinga'i ke fakapulou'i e mo'oni he ho'ataa malie. - Dr Fotu K.V. Fisi'iahi.

'A ia kapau na'e 'oange ho'omo kui hono 'api ki homo tamai kene ma'u pea foaki ange 'e ia ki hono foha lahi pea mo si'i lotokovi ai. Pehe 'oku mo kei poto? Na'a tau totongi tax kotoa pe ka 'oku 'osi 'eku tumu ho'omo fu'u vili ta'e'unua mo velia hono feinga ke teke'i 'a lei mo hono fu'u mei. - Lou 'Uhila.

I am amused by lawyer Nic Fisher's letter to Mr Sione Fonua in relation to the proposed sale of 'Atalanga. The letter contained some elements of intimidation that made us Tongans laugh rather than fear. Even our Tongan kids in the elementary school found Mr Fisher's warning to be very entertaining and laughable. - Dr Fotu K.V. Fisi'iahi.

'Ahongalu Fusimalohi the head of Tonga's Football Federation, is among six FIFA officers who have been suspended from taking part in any football related activity (administrative, sports or any other) by the FIFA's Ethics Committee, from October 20, 2010.

Ko e me'a 'oku fai kiai 'a e tokanga, he 'oku hanga 'e he lao 'o foaki 'a e faingamalie huu koloa mei muli ki he ki'i toko ni'ihi pe koia 'oku lesisita ke ma'u laiseni. Ka 'oku 'ikai ke hanga 'e he lao 'o malu'i 'a e kau consumer 'oku nau fua kotoa 'a e fakamole mo e tukuhau ki he koloa na'e hu mai mei muli. 'Oku laka hake he 90% 'a e koloa he maketi 'oku pau ke import mei muli. Pea 'oku 'ikai ke 'i ai ha taimi ia 'e pehee 'oku over-stock ai ha fa'ahinga koloa 'i Tonga ni. He 'oku kei lahi ange pe 'a e demand ia he supply. Pea 'i he'ene pehee, neongo e mamafa 'a e koloa ka kuo pau pe ke fakatau ia. - Paula Kava.

It's been 135 years since modern Tonga was introduced to the world of politics, business, religion, and education. Haven't we gotten just one qualified judge? It is time to break the mold. We must eliminate the flawed idea that only Papalangis are capable of being smart, intellectual, honest, and trustworthy. The longer we keep our lot in an inferior status, the longer we will deny ourselves the opportunities to excel. - Sione Akemeihakau Mokofisi.

Surely, something is wrong with how the government relates to its senior legal professions. Two attorney generals and two judges ended their contract with the government in highly controversial fashion. - Tino Funaki.