The Kingdom of Tonga is the only surviving monarchy in the Pacific. For years, this Polynesian kingdom remained under the complete control of the monarchy, however, there were democratic activists who wanted real reform and democratic changes to the structure and political system of the country. In 2012, the new king, King Tupou VI, launched a series of political forms that changed everything. In 2014, the Kingdom of Tonga had its first democratically elected prime minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Minister for Education and Training, His Excellency Late Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva. His groundbreaking achievement was a success story for reformers and advocates of freedom and peace throughout the Pacific region.
On September 29, 2015, late Pohiva spoke at the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on various issues facing the Island kingdom of Tonga and the Pacific region. He spoke passionately about the issues of transparency in government, the moral obligations of government and leadership in general, anti-corruption, global security, sustainable development, and the most pressing issue facing the Pacific Islands, Climate Change. He also spoke out in support of West Papua and reminded the UN of its obligation to ‘Human Rights’. Mr. Pohiva also reminded the UN that it is within the “2030 development goal to not leave anyone behind” and called for an investigation to the brutality and human rights abuse in West Papua.
Watch his speech below:
He was indeed a rare class of people who didn’t let money affect their love for the countries and their Pacific Islands’ brothers and sisters. Mr. Pohiva never changed his tuned until he was called to rest on September 12, 2019. He was a man true to his convictions and never let outside forces influenced his views until his last day.
Today, we remember him and all that he did for our struggle against Indonesian colonialism. We will always remember and honor him.
WPHRC, Washington, DC