from Peceli
It is very unfortunate that people have lost their lives in the riots and fires in Nukualofa, Tonga. We have many Tongan friends here in Australia, New Zealand and overseas and it is almost unbelievable that such a thing has happened. Our prayers go to the people of Tonga, especially in the town of Nukualofa.
from Reuters
At least six bodies found after Tonga riots: police
November 16, 2006
We searched the burnt building and we found six body remains NUKU'ALOFA (Reuters) - At least six bodies were found in the riot-torn Tongan capital on Friday as rescue workers searched buildings and shops torched and looted during violence in the South Pacific island kingdom the previous day.
Soldiers and police cordoned off streets in central Nuku'alofa where up to 80 percent of the buildings were destroyed by the pro-democracy protesters.
"We searched the burnt building and we found six body remains," assistant police commissioner Unca Faaoa told Reuters.
"Only six but other buildings are still being searched."
10 comments:
from w.
I heard that an emergency gov meeting has now said that democratic reforms will go ahead in Tonga.
Does it really take violence then to make people come to their senses. Surely there is a non-violent way. Gandhi and non-violent protests used to work in India once upon a time.
Wouldn't it be nice if the new king responded by offering $5 for assisting in reconstruction (though not just property he or his family owns!)
Oops. I meant $5 million!
w.
I don't condone violence and certainly regret reading that people were killed, but when a government of corrupt pigs wants to keep power and won't allow the people to have a voice, I blame the King for whatever happens, not those seeking democracy and justice.
I realize there was an agreement in the works to bring about democratic reforms prior to the violence. But this was not communicated to the public. I am suspicious of the true movtives of the monarchy and have a gut feeling that they were planning on stringing people along with promises.
At least now, the monarchy is on notice that business as usual will no longer be tolerated.
What surprises me is that some Tongans tell me that they want to continue with traditions that really impoverish many families. The main revenue in Tonga I guess comes from remittances from the huge Tongan communities in other countries, though it would be better if the residents were self-supporting and this requires a fairer go for the people.
W.
I wonder if the sentiments of Pandabonium have applications to Fiji's own Aristocracy.
Go ask him, not me! I guess you can't have one rule for one community and another rule for another! Though the extent of the ownership/control/power seems to be more in Tonga than in Fiji but who knows! I only know a few of the Fiji chiefs - some are doing okay in being responsible, sharing, caring, but others....
W.
For an informative and balanced discussion about Tonga go to Vakaivosavosa's blog.
w.
Laminar flow - yes it does. I would apply that to any government.
But the situation in Fiji is the same as in Tonga and as I said, I don't condone violence. I would hope the people of Fiji would become more politically aware and take more of a hand in their government. I think there are still means to do that within the system, but there needs to be a measure of consensus and will to do it.
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