Results for Opinion

I do not believe that domestic air travel is a common public good that benefits the whole of society for the Government to continue to run it at a loss. The cost of a Commission of Inquiry will be high...It will not contribute to the pending decision – to identify an airline to work with Lulutai and the public servants' Retirement Fund to provide domestic flights. If this is possible, then the Government should gradually sell its share in the Lulutai Airlines and focus on regulating the safety and reliability of domestic aviation. - Samiuela T. Tukuafu.

Donald Trump has wasted no time clarifying what “America First” – the dominant idea driving his election campaign – means in practice. So far, it means a 90-day freeze on most foreign aid spending, as well as the withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Paris climate agreement. Of all the decisions made by Trump thus far, the most catastrophic are likely to be those related to climate change, including pushing for more oil and gas production. None of this will make America great again. On the contrary, Trump’s return to the White House has given a giant boost to China’s claims to world leadership. - Peter Singer

As Tonga stands on the verge of potentially receiving deported individuals from the United States, many of whom are linked to gangs, it is critical that we, as a nation, prepare ourselves to meet this challenge with a holistic and compassionate approach. These deportations, specifically targeting gang members living in the U.S. illegally under the Trump administration's mass deportation plan, could see the return of Tongans who have lived abroad for most of their lives. Many of these individuals, despite their involvement in gangs, are not merely criminals but are people shaped by trauma, displacement, and a lack of belonging. Addressing their needs requires both understanding and intentional action. - Seni Penitani

Those who advocate for reducing the monarchy's power should recognize that every nation carries a unique political history and corresponding political theology, shaping its governance and societal values.... For democracy to succeed in Tonga, its proponents must address the foundational issue of unity. Efforts to replace the monarchy must consider the cultural, religious, and historical fabric that holds the nation together. Democracy cannot thrive in a fractured environment...Tonga’s unique context demands a governance model that respects its traditions while accommodating aspirations for representation and reform. - Peni Senituli.

‘Etita, Fakatapu ki he Hau ó Tonga mo e Fale ó Haámoheofo. Houéiki ó e fonua, Fale Alea mo e Puleánga kae úmaá á e Tonga kotoa. Fakamolemole kae fakaaú atu á e kií fietokoni koéni naá áonga ki he ngaahi felafoaki kehekehe pea mo e teu fili Palemia ka fakahoko he 24 Tisema 2024 ki hono langa hotau fonua. Ne tau toki situ’a atu mei he taimi ‘oe fokoutua koviti ne kamata mai he 2020/21 pea tau mo’ui fakangatangata ai koe’uhi ke taau moe ngaahi tu’utu’uni fakapule’anga ne lao’i ‘aki ‘etau mo’ui he taimi koia.  Hili hono too e ngaahi fakangatangata pea tau kamata ke hoko atu e mo’ui, na’e ‘iai ha ngaahi lesoni lahi ne tau siofi ke fai ha ako mei ai. Na’e ‘iai e ngaahi lelei pea moe to nounou foki...Amelia Kinahoi Siamomua.

Aid agencies are capable of learning and adapting if they invest in the systems and deep local partnerships that enable them to understand the sources of change, have the expertise and authority to use this knowledge to shape and adapt their programs, and are humble enough to acknowledge failure and make corresponding changes. The Australian Government has said it will...drive evaluation quality to ensure that evaluation findings inform policy and program decision making. But you wouldn’t know this from reading the plans. - By Cameron Hill

I run the Island Cruising Pacific Rally. We currently have 129 yachts sailing through the Pacific Islands, with many of them currently cruising in Tonga and others heading your way shortly from French Polynesia. Many of them use Starlink as their primary means of communications on board their vessels. By allowing Starlink to continue operating as it has been for the last 16 months, our rally participants will be able to be safe and continue safely cruising in Tonga, and will also enable your local businesses to continue to operate. - Viki Moore

Australia is about to launch a new visa that will for the first time create a Pacific quota in Australia’s permanent migration regime. 3,000 visas will be issued every year for the Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste. It’s a huge opportunity yet awareness of this new visa is low. By Stephen Howes and Athualla Rasheed.

The Tonga Constitution does not prohibit the King from expressing and withdrawing his "consent and confidence"... it's a free speech privilege of everyone. Instead of rejecting or disagreeing with the letter and taking the issue to Court, the Prime Minister and Cabinet should consider whether holding a ministerial position without the King's "consent and confidence" is constitutional. - Seni Penitani.