I had my first day at ngaue (work) on Wednesday 12 April. Actually, I was also there last week, but that was only for twenty minutes so it hardly counts. I am still a little unsure about what I will be doing here on a day-to-day basis. People can read my AYAD profile if they would like to know what I am meant to be doing. Please excuse the photo.
The uncertainty is caused by a number of factors. Tonga for the first time has a Prime Minister that was elected to parliament by the people, though still appointed by the King. This has occurred against a backdrop of further political reform. Also, the Prime Minister recently announced a restructure of the Tongan Government that will result in a reduction of departments (and staff) with my ngaue becoming part of a larger Ministry. It is certainly an interesting and momentous time to be in Tonga.
My workplace has been focussed of late on preparing the national development plan which is mentioned in my profile, however with a new Prime Minister and the democratic reform underway I can't help but wonder whether there is a possibility that the plan will be rewritten to reflect the increased role of the government in setting the strategic direction for Tonga.
The other possible consequence of the develotuion of power on my work is the need for the government here to now develop its own policy. The influx of economists into the Ministry of Finance, coming from my workplace, may in future be employed to develop policy or provide policy advice. My impression is that this would be somewhat novel.
I guess I will have to wait and see about work, hopefully not as long as 1 July when the merger occurs. Maybe when I finally get to talk to my boss next week, I will learn something.
On a cultural note, starting work involves wearing the tupenu, pronounced too-peh-noo, - the traditional Tongan skirt which is worn by all men working in government departments (and many places otherwise). I am planning to upload a photo of me wearing my tupenu, but the internet connections I have available will not allow me to upload anything at the moment.
In theory the tupenu should be ideal for the local climate, however the three that I have been able to buy are all made out of a rather coarse, thick polyester material - not so pleasent. Riding a bike in a tupenu is not something that I am rushing to try either, I just wear shorts and change when I get to work.
The other thing I have done in the last week - apart from eat, drink and go snorkelling - is find a house. I am living with one other AYAD, John, in a small, but new, clean and orderly place quite close to town. It takes me about five miniutes to ride to work, but even five minutes is a bit of an adventure with Tongan drivers and certainly long enough to get a little bothered in the heat. Photos of my house will be uploaded shortly also.
For Easter, the other AYADs and I are going to 'Eua, the most southern of Tonga's inhabited islands. Details of the trip next week, as well as more Tongan language.
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