Tonga Independent News

Sunday 28, April 2024

OPINION

Tongan Linguist Vasalua Jenner-Helu to Explore Decolonising Tongan Language at Oxford

Tongan linguist and scholar Vasalua Jenner-Helu has achieved a remarkable milestone in her academic career. The senior lecturer at the Atenisi Institute has been accepted as a visiting academic in linguistics at the prestigious University of Oxford. This opportunity will allow her to delve into her research on decolonising the Tongan language for a three-month […]

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Opinion:  Tonga’s Crisis Spotlights the Power of Clear Communication

In the Kingdom of Tonga, the current political crisis has unfolded, casting a spotlight on a vital but often underappreciated aspect of governance: clear and effective communication. As the saga between King Tupou VI and Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Sovaleni deepens, the absence of a cogent communication strategy has led to widespread speculation, misinformation, and heightened

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Tonga King withdraws Foreign Minister and Defence appointments

Recent development highlights need to understand Tonga’s fledgling democracy and the role of Monarch Op-Ed By Tevita Motulalo Yesterday news of His Majesty firing and withholding of high level ministerial portfolios from Cabinet appointees stirred up fervour that His Majesty King Tupou VI is rolling back progress on Tonga’s democracy journey. This is not only

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Tonga’s Political Dilemma: Monarchical Decisions and Democratic Futures

The recent political developments in Tonga, initiated by King Tupou VI and his Privy Council, have stirred a significant debate on the evolving role of constitutional monarchies in the modern world. The King’s dissolution of parliament in 2017 and the latest removal of key ministers, a move perceived by some as akin to a coup,

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Feasting on Deficit: Will Tongatapu 10 Candidates Bring Substance Over Supper to the By-Election?

As the Tongatapu 10 by-election on 13 July 2023 approaches, it’s clear that this race has become more of a marathon than a sprint. However, it’s not the usual flurry of campaign promises, public engagement, or policy debates that characterises this long-distance run. Instead, the campaign trail seems to be paved with food, food, and

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