OPINION

In the heart of the Kingdom of Tonga, two institutions stand as pillars of education, tradition, and leadership: Tupou College and Tonga College. What was once a fierce rivalry between these two oldest colleges has evolved into a shared legacy of shaping the modern kingdom’s history. Their stories are intertwined, not just as competitors, but […]

Conservative estimates suggest that whale tourism alone could inject over $10 million annually into Tonga’s economy. However, rather than nurturing this vital sector, authorities have turned a blind eye to the very issues threatening its sustainability. The licensing system is riddled with inconsistencies and lacks proper oversight, leading to an unsustainable number of operators. A

The appointment of Honourable Dr. ‘Aisake Valu Eke as the 19th Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, confirmed by His Majesty King Tupou VI, marks a pivotal moment for the nation. Dr. Eke’s distinguished career in public service and his impressive academic achievements set high expectations for his tenure, but the question remains: Can

The recent announcement by the World Bank of an additional US$21 million to improve the resilience of Tonga’s education system is welcome news. With over 2,000 students expected to benefit from safer classrooms, improved emergency response systems, and better infrastructure, this investment has the potential to create lasting impacts on our nation’s future. However, as

The Tapanekale Housing Project, launched with the noble aim of alleviating extreme poverty in Tonga, was initially approved in April 2023 and officially inaugurated in January 2024. While it represents a commendable step towards providing shelter and hope for families in dire need, questions linger about its execution, transparency, and overall impact. The initiative was

Opinion By Edwin Liava’a I tirelessly tried to do an online transaction yesterday with my local bank account, only to find the hurdles are beyond dire straits with unfavorable exchange rates that made me wonder about the recent milestone of the National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT). As NRBT celebrates its 35th anniversary on September

In many countries, the practice of selling produce by the basket rather than by weight remains commonplace. While this tradition may have historical roots, it is increasingly clear that it comes with significant drawbacks for both consumers and producers. The time has come to embrace a more modern, equitable approach: selling produce by weight. The

As Tonga approaches a critical decision regarding the future of ground handling services at its airports, the debate centres on whether to renew the contract with Air Terminal Services (ATS) or to support Lulutai Airlines in managing its own ground handling operations. This decision carries significant implications for the safety, security, and efficiency of Tonga’s

From Melbourne to Tonga: A New Chapter BeginsBefore stepping onto Tongan soil, I was a barrister in Melbourne and a member of the Queen’s Counsel. Born in Melbourne and raised in North Queensland, my path led me from Brisbane’s university halls to the courts of Australia, where I spent five years practicing law. After traveling

Monday 13 May 2024: In a speech at the Kumul Leadership Centre in Port Moresby today, New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, Rt. Hon Winston Peters, outlined a nuanced strategy for the Pacific region that responds thoughtfully to the evolving global security landscape. This discourse, titled “The Pacific family of nations – the changing security outlook,” is