Tongan Revolt Doesn't Affect Yachts

Created by doina. Last modified on 2006-11-28 12:40:47
Countries: Tonga

Kjell Otto Stave on SY Spetakkel has contacted Noonsite to say that yachts waiting out the hurricane season in Vava’u have been unaffected by the recent unrest in the Tonga capital Nuku’alofa.

November 16 saw a riot destroy much of the centre of the capital Nuku’alofa and left at least six people dead from fires. A contingent of Australian and New Zealand soldiers and police were sent to Tonga to aid in restoring calm. The soldiers are due to return home this week but some police will remain to assist the Tongan authorities.

The unrest was caused by dissatisfaction with Tonga’s ancient feudal system whereby the king appoints the majority of MPs, the prime minister and Cabinet. Following the death of the old king in September this year expectations were raised that new kng Tupou V would introduce some democratic reforms. Parliamentary reforms announced on November 16 were too late to prevent hundreds of young people rampaging through the capital burning and looting.

The government has now agreed to hold elections in 2008 with 21 members of parliament being freely elected by the people, outnumbering 9 representatives chosen by the nobility.

According to Kjell, there are about 10 yachts in Vava'u waiting for the hurricane season to pass. The Vava’u archipelago is to the north of Nuku’alofa and there are no problems with either the authorities or local people. Ben and Lisa of the US yacht Waking Dream are running an internet cafe called the Aquarium and Ben is putting down hurricane moorings for everyone who wants one. The moorings are up to insurance standards.