Results for Opinion

When talking about the Separation of Church and State, we need to be reminded of the different historical, political, and social contexts in which this principle was being defined, perceived, and rehashed. – Senituli Penitani.

Bakeries closure on Sundays takes us back to a 400 years old question of Church and State working hand in hand to control commerce, and people’s liberty. -Sione A. Mokofisi.

Sesika Vea says: Privatising the 'Eua forest for 50 years for a measly $9m and then what?

Pulu Anau on Facebook said: The largest number of overstayers within Tonga are likely Chinese, especially judging from news reports. Instead of looking at this as a bad deal, this is where Tonga can be an example to countries like Australia and NZ. Yes, people occasionally overstay, but countries that are friends act like it. So China is now our friend, why do we still need visas to our other two "friends" south of us?

I was a little confused after reading your article: Tonga's new foreign exchange levy starts 1 June to pay for Pacific Games. In the article it said that this "tax" was needed to help fund the 2019 Pacific Games? How was Tonga going to finance this event when they went and bid to have Tonga host these games?

This is an opportune time for us to build education in Tonga based on what we have learned from the great teachers and leaders of the Ministry of Education and the different schools in the past. We must improve education, not destroy it. - Dr Sitiveni Halapua.

Laluna Kahuna comments: The whole education system in Tonga needs an overhaul. Starting with the hot shots in Ministry of Education, school Principals, teachers etc. Start by sacking all those teachers who do not turn up for school to teach or for lack of teaching, those who physically, mentally and emotionally abuse the students, eating students lunches, having favourites - just to mention a few of the issues wrong with the education here. Tonga's education is still 30-40 years behind the rest of the world.

Faceook, Jo Yasmina says: Malo Australia :) , like all other Development Partners for Tonga are 'committing' & 'giving' $, and all are helping the "ongoing development in Tonga as well as economic reform". . Plus, no Gov't so little as Tonga economy can work alone. God bless Tonga!

While Tonga languishes in debt as a nation owing several hundred million dollars with a dead economy and extremely high unemployment especially with our youth, we volunteer to spend $100,000,000 TOP to host the South Pacific Games....Our leaders have turned us into a beggar nation, so deeply in debt that our grandchildren and great grandchildren’s future has been sold. Faka'ofa – Sione Masa.