Results for Opinion

The planes Samiu wants to bring in, the Chinese made MA60, does not have the best reputation. They have been refused a certificate by the American Federal Aviation Department and have been involved in several accidents, one killing all the passengers on board. – Sione Taufa.

The selling of fishing licenses with little or no obligation to the resource owners is not a smart fisheries management decision. PITIA appreciates the need for an influx of income to national budgets, but the sustainability of our resources and the ability to continue to earn from our ocean is our overarching economic goal.

‘Oku ou fiefai ha tali ki he tukuaki’i hala funga ‘i he fakamahamahalo mo e loto taufehi’a ke fakangali kovi’i ‘a e ‘Eiki Minisita Fefakatau’aki, Takimamata & Ngaahi Ngaue ‘a e Kakai 'e he Paati Temokalati 'a e 'Otuanga'ofa PTO fekau’aki mo e ngaue fakaati ko Hinavakamea mo Tunavakamea 'oku teuteu'i 'aki 'a e hu'anga ki he Uafu Ko Vuna. - Dr Viliami Uasike Latu.

The year 2012 has been an eventful year for Tonga, and a real test of the ability of government, and the people of Tonga to get the new system of government to work properly. Editor's Comment, by Pesi Fonua.

Climate change financing can unlock opportunities for small island states to help stem the tide of destruction through adaptation and mitigation. The problem is not the availability of finance but the ability of small states to access that finance. How does a country with a foreign ministry of eight staff cope with the demands of a climate change fund staffed by 80 or 800? - Kamalesh Sharma.

The people of Nukunuku can finally breathe a pit of relief as a large part of the roads was upgraded yesterday – Nov. 27 to tar-sealed with small crushed gravel topping. However, the road will be much better and last longer if there is another spray of tar on top of the small gravel topping, rounded up with a pit of compaction. At least we will welcome Christmas in a brighter note. - Witcliffe TM.

Monūafe a little islands north of Tongatapu, between Makahaʻa and ʻOnevai. A photograph in 2002, showed the island was a few hundred meters in size. A 2009 photograph showed how waves were rinsing the sand and soil away, leaving dying roots exposed. By 2010 the island had become much smaller. In December 2011, smaller still. By March 2012, almost nothing was left over, and somewhere during the last month, the island has disappeared forever. Who or what did it? Hurricanes? Sea level rise? Sand mining? I think that is the one. – Firitia Velt.

Tonga's democratic adventure during the past two years has been full of intrigues, revelations and challenges. Unfortunately, these goings on have distracted the attention of the Cabinet and the Parliament from the pressing issue of the day, which is to get the Tongan economy back on its feet, or we will become heavily relying on others for our livelihoods. Editor's Comment, by Pesi Fonua

While a food safe Act could benefit Tongans, the Bill as proposed has the potential to cripple the domestic economy, especially small and informal businesses, and open new pathways for intimidation and corruption. Heavy-handed regulations may make sense for the European Union, but for Tonga this is potentially a deeply destabilizing Act. – Samisoni Tuloa.