LOPETI SENITULI

Tonga has 100,000 people who have been relatively isolated for centuries and hence have a more uniform gene pool than most parts of the world. As such it makes a wonderful resource to identify the causes of many diseases including and especially those that are more prevalent amongst Tongalese. In the early 21st century, an Australian genetic engineering company, had entered into an agreement with the Tonga Health Ministry to conduct studies. Tonga, a monarchy with the King all powerful, had a small democracy movement, who objected to the entire form of government, and was particularly incensed that the Government would make such an arrangement with no public debate or national discussion. Many years ago, Australian interests have came to Tonga and traded for Sandlewood—at what some critics saw as “giveaway” prices.

Tonga has 100,000 people who have been relatively isolated for centuries and hence have a more uniform gene pool than most parts of the world. As such it makes a wonderful resource to identify the causes of many diseases including and especially those that are more prevalent amongst Tongalese. In the early 21st century, an Australian genetic engineering company, had entered into an agreement with the Tonga Health Ministry to conduct studies. Tonga, a monarchy with the King all powerful, had a small democracy movement, who objected to the entire form of government, and was particularly incensed that the Government would make such an arrangement with no public debate or national discussion. Many years ago, Australian interests have came to Tonga and traded for Sandlewood—at what some critics saw as “giveaway” prices.