While the PSA and her supporters are still euphoric from their victory, some of us are left with disbelief and are still confused at what took place. I supported their right to petition the government for change, whether it is social, political or economical. However, after this strike, I realize my GPS Fotua education is leaving me unprepared to deal with the aftermath. - Tama Foa
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Results for Opinion
Saturday 17 September 2005
Auckland, New Zealand
Ever wondered how the brand "Tonga" or "Tongan" is doing these days? And I mean how are we doing internationally and how do we regard ourselves locally? - Sefita Hao'uli
Thursday 15 September 2005
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Nuku'alofa, Tonga
I am really tired of reading about Tonga and her problems, especially because of the politics that's involved. Hearing about Tonga is like listening to a very needy relative, as much as you love them; you still get tired of listening to them and wish for a little while that they would go away. - Mele Latu
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Wednesday 14 September 2005
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Auckland, New Zealand
Bringing about the socio-political change in Tonga calls for a parallel sea-change in our attitude to the deep-seated issues of rank, class, power and status. Conversely it will be more difficult if we do not address how Tongans regard each other across and within the "class" lines. In the very existence of class may well be part of the new frontier. - Sef Hao‘uli
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Saturday 10 September 2005
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Auckland, New Zealand
I join all Tongans around the world in thanking the Almighty for bringing the strike to an end. I believe it is too early to correctly say whether it is the PSA or the Cabinet who won this memorable ordeal. The PSA may have got what they wanted but we are yet to see at whose expense are they getting their demands. - Sailosi Finau
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Friday 9 September 2005
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Over the last six weeks or so we've been inundated with passionate cries for 'justice' and 'fair distribution for all' emanating from Pangai Si'i. Where is justice in the end when they have negotiated in 'bad faith' by demanding to be paid for 'work not done'? - Sione Talanoa Latu
Wednesday 7 September 2005
California, USA
Emotions are high and Tongans appear to be happy with the progress of the commoner's strike. Vava'u and Ha'apai continues to show support for the strike and live up to their names (i.e. whoop whoop to the 6 Ib.). - Rick Siale
Wednesday 7 September 2005
New Zealand
I think the first lot to be removed should start with the Minister of Education, the Director of Education and the three deputies named by the PSA letter of petition. The Minister of Education has quoted far too many bible quotes and with no real results in his part to bring in a resolution to the problems the teachers are now experiencing. - John Rambo
Wednesday 7 September 2005
UK
Prosperity has followed Tonga in the past decades. But it has outweighted the abuse of power and failures of this Government. The inflations, tax rise, consumption tax and other economical blunders have cost this Government to its knees today. - William Mariner
Tuesday 6 September 2005
Arizona, USA
The ride has rather been a bumpy one, but given the fact that this was one of the "first" collective fights by the people, against the unrighteous and tyrannical dominion of the Tongan government, 'oku te manatu ki he lau 'a e kau leka, it wasn't bad start at all. - Sione Laione
Sunday 4 September 2005
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The way you are maintaining the website on a daily basis and still continue to provide the same quality service for all other services you offer, is absolutely amazing. Specially considering that its all done by a 4 member team. - Sven Quick
Sunday 4 September 2005
London, United Kingdom
The stalemate has been resolved. The Government has waited this long to implement the civil servants wants. The 60%, 70% and 80% rise was affordable by this Government all along. The public confidence and trust has cost this Government dearly. - William Mariner
Friday 2 September 2005
Nuku‘alofa, Tonga
This is reflected in the current situation in Tonga, and in the midst of all the upheavals and unrest now experienced by the locals and witnessed by the rest of the world, there is only one assertion I can conclude with that Tonga needs nothing less than a ...socio-political revolution... that will revitalize Tongan democracy, if such ever existed, and move the country toward social justice. - Francis Kolo
Friday 2 September 2005
Arizona, USA
As I contemplate the on-going struggles between the PSA and the Tongan Government, I feel compelled to vocalize the frustrations that I have been experiencing every time a new article, related to the strike, is released on your website. To my fellow Tongans currently on strike, heed ye not to the monster (Government) yonder! - Sione Laione
Friday 2 September 2005
Australia
I am a civil servant who somehow got a chance to work here in Australia on a working visa. I have been an active member of the striker movement from the Ministry of Health and I was very happy to see our Hon Minister on the lawn at Pangai Si'i. I am pretty sure that there is no place like Tonga but it will take a lot of courage and sacrifice before such goal will be achieved. - Siu Fietonu
Friday 2 September 2005
New Zealand
The Prime Minister of Tonga has been quoted so many times in Parliament, claiming that people are being incited to riot. Are they? Or, is it the case of people finally getting up to do what is right for Tonga: to demand a change in the way their future is constantly being determined by a handful, whose interests are far from that of making a better life for "ordinary" Tongans? - Finehika Vavatau
Friday 2 September 2005
Australia
I am writing to express how sad I am about the situation in Tonga. I am sure that I cannot relate to what the government workers are going through because I am not employed in Tonga. I am not a scholar nor am I a politician. - Seini N Kelemete
Friday 2 September 2005
New Zealand
As you said, a German-owned hotel. Guess what? German is not Tongan. Guess what too, it's Palangis who go to the Pacific and exploit our naivity in human nature that destroys us. Don't come to Tonga ever if that is your wish, coz your kind is not needed, your one minute visit gives you no insight into anything, so keep you rubbish to yourself. - Tei ‘Akaveka
Friday 2 September 2005
Australia
I sense that the two issues, pay increases for PSA workers, and a move to change the country's political framework, are being driven to achieve the same purpose - equity in pay rights for workers, and a change to the country's political framework. - Jason Faletau
Wednesday 31 August 2005
Auckland, New Zealand
What was initially meant to be a PSA-Government issue has created concerns at the regional and international levels. Culturally, we have protocols for solving our problems and the PSA has gone through that peacefully. - Justin Kepa
