APPENDIX – III

LETTERS OF REFERENCE

1. By Bishop. Patelesio P. Finau.

Catholic Diocese of Tonga
Toutaimana Centre
PO Box 1
Nuku’alofa, Tonga.
South Pacific

20 April 1992

Convention on the Tongan Constitution and Democracy

I see the proposed Constitutional Convention as a very necessary and an urgent work for a just and peaceful participation of the people of Tonga in the affairs of their country.

The Tongan Constitution framed in 1875 was a great leap-forward to a people who up to that time had been living under divided loyalties and in different ways as slaves to their chiefs.

The proposed Convention on the Tongan Constitution and Democracy is a very much needed critical and constructive look at the Constitution from the side of leaders who are on the side of the majority of the People of Tonga. As a people we have benefited from the 1875 Constitution, but we have also suffered in many ways from the same. The people have yet to be given the opportunity to peacefully realise that they have so much power to use for the good of all.

This effort by some of the Peoples’ Representatives in Parliament supported by so many who have seen and experienced the injustices committed because of the present system and Constitution may not be appreciated by some of those in power and by some of those who reap the benefit of the present system.

For true future peace with justice in Tonga this Convention on the Tongan Constitution and Democracy is a very sensible and an urgent need. This Convention promises to be the beginning of the most important political process and progress that the people of Tonga enters into since 1875. There is need for preparatory work but even more follow-up work would be necessary.

May I recommend to your organisation as very worthwhile to the people of Tonga that you financially support this convention on the Tongan Constitution and Democracy. Thanking you.

Yours sincerely

(Signed)
Patelisio P. Finau
Bishop of Tonga

2. By Rev. Dr. Sione ‘Amanaki havea

Methodist Church in Tonga
PO Box 57
Nuku’alofa
Tonga

19/4/1992

To whom it may concern

Re: Convention of the Tongan Constitution and Democracy

I have read with great interest the contents of the proposal to funding of the convention to be held in November 24-27, 1992.

The personnel and participants in the convention are persons that I know personally and to the best of my knowledge they have the authority in their particular fields.

The need for a change and improvement in the Tongan Constitution is necessary for the good of the Kingdom, and especially to His Majesty and the nobles of the realm.

The main structures are still sound, but perhaps those who attend to maintaining them need to be re-directed for the sake of today and the future.

During the reign of the founder of the Tongan Constitution 1875, King George Tupou I made four revisions to it in order to make it relevant and living.

I believe that this move to create a new look to the Tongan Constitution would be an enabling factor for the good of us all.

I, therefore endorse the proposal, and urge on those who could afford financial assistance to regard it as an essential venture.

Yours sincerely.

…………………………… .(Signed)
Sione ‘A. Havea
President

SAH/mo

3. By Professor Futa Helu.

‘Atenisi Institute
Box 220
Nuku’alofa
Tonga

24/4/92

To authority concerned:

I hereby wish to add my full support for the forthcoming conference on the Tongan Constitution and Democracy. If there is any thing which this Pacific island kingdom really needs it is a colloquium of this kind – a meeting planned in the full view of the public and providing the ideal forum for an honest and candid exchange of view on areas of the sociopolitical situation in Tonga which require immediate attention.

In becoming a sovereign nation, in the modern sense of the term, Tonga proclaimed in 1875 a Constitution which can be easily interpreted so as to give the monarch virtually absolute powers, and so precious little, if any, to the people. This document served Tonga well in its time but the world has changed so much – and therefore Tonga also – that the Constitution has certainly outlived its usefulness.

A small group of young men fired with a sense of social justice, fairness and Christian ethics has been working slowly since the late 1970’s to bring about a democratic situation – or at least a society informed with the highest ideals of democracy – in Tonga. Their approach is fully legal, open, Christian, anti-violence, befitting an enlightended community. Nothing is secretive or covert. Tonga which escaped the traumatic experience of being colonised may still show Pacific islands the way for a smooth transition to a post-modern society. This Conference could serve as a model for other islands to employ.

The same pro-democracy group is organising the said conference and the sincerest wishes of our hearts are solidly behind them. May their efforts for Truth, Freedom and Justice be blessed with supreme success!

Yours sincerely

……………………… (Signed)
I.F. Helu
Director

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