TNEWS TALANOA

Full Version: Reflections On The Maker of Modern Tonga - King George I
You're currently viewing a stripped down version of our content. View the full version with proper formatting.
With the recent celebration of Tonga Day on November 4th – also the date on which the Consitution of Tonga was promulgated; King George Tupou I (left) who is also known as the Founder of Modern Tonga was again brought to the fore.

Dr. Viliami Fukofuka, Director of Education and Mrs. ‘Eseta Fusitu’a, Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet reflected on the man behind Tonga’s Constitution and the man who brought Tonga from the ancient days of yesteryears to the modern days of today in a special discussion with Mr. Kitione Maile Mokofisi.

On Aspects Of Tonga’s History Leading Up To The Constitution Of Tonga

Commenting on significant dates prior to the promulgation of the Tonga’s Constitution Fukofuka said two significant dates prior to the promulgation of the Constitution in 1875 were the promulgation of the Vava’u Code in 1839 and another Code in 1850. In 1862 people were emancipated, free from the rule of chiefs. He said that these dates give us an understanding of how His Majesty was able to develop and move his people forward with Government rule.

According to Fusitu’a, Tupou I began to draw the curtain between ancient past and live in the light of modern day and that the steps he took are just as astounding. She said that George the Great first went through the Tongan system of establishing his leadership, he did not succeed to the kingship but he won it. He travelled through Tonga and conquered the challenges to be King Tu’i Kanokupolu, by time he accepted Christianity he was a high chief who was on his way to success.

Before 1839, he drew the curtain between yesterday and today – he was a man who had conquered the kingdom and given a kingdom as in Vava’u.

On King George Tupou I – George the Great!

View full story: http://www.tonga-now.to/Article.aspx?ID=4626&Mode=1
'Eseta, Uili and Kiti failed to acknowledge the motive behind Tupou 1's wars. He did what he knew was best for the people of Tonga. His lack of trust for the chiefs forced him to make himself supreme ruler, so that freedom is secured for all commoners. He didn't want to be a king at first, but his conscious suffered him much, so much so that he had no choice. 'I he vakai 'a e tama, koe kakai ta'efalala'anga taha eni 'o e fonua, 'a e kau hou'eiki, he na'e lahi 'enau ngaue'aki honau mafai ke nau kai melie mei ai ('aeni ia 'oku toho fakafufuu mai pe 'ehe kau hou'eiki tokolahi hotau fonua ni, pea toe kovi pango 'aki, koe holi atu moe kau ma'umafai fie 'asi he ngaahi 'aho ni.

'Oku ou fakapapau atu heni, ka ne lava 'o toe foki mai e tama mei fa'itoka, kuo ne ha'i ha makatoka he kia 'oe kau nopele tokolahi 'o laku ki he moana, pea foaki moe tau'ataina 'oku kole 'ehe kakai 'oe fonua. 'Io, 'oku tau fiema'u vivili ha Tupou 1 'o onopooni, he ka 'ikai ako ai 'a tu'i 5, kuo pau ke toe vilo e hisitolia, 'one toe 'omi ha Tupou 1 fo'ou ma'a modern Tonga.

Ka toe
Reference URL's