[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 45 (Monday, March 19, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H1370]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  PAYING TRIBUTE TO HIS MAJESTY THE LATE KING GEORGE TUPOU V OF TONGA

  (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with sadness to pay 
tribute to His Majesty King George Tupou V of the Kingdom of Tonga, who 
passed away yesterday. I was privileged to have known His Majesty King 
George Tupou for many years, and I will remember him as a noble leader 
who was passionate about serving his people.
  King George Tupou V assumed the throne in 2006, and after the death 
of his father, His Majesty King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, he led the 
Pacific's only remaining monarchy into a more democratic form of 
government, introducing Tonga's first popularly elected Parliament and 
Prime Minister 2 years ago. He was known as a progressive leader who 
promoted the private sector, technological advances, and many more as 
an open economy.
  As fellow Polynesians, the people of American Samoa share many 
historical and cultural ties with the people of Tonga, and we join 
together in giving our deepest condolences to Her Majesty Queen 
Mata'aho, the royal family, and the good people of Tonga.

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