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NUKU'ALOFA - Jonah Lomu joined the ranks of politicians last night, literally putting his name to a campaign to protect hump-back whales in the Pacific called the "Jonah and the whale campaign" and condemning Japanese whaling.
The cherished son of Tonga spoke from Paris via a video link to
help launch the campaign, along with Princess Pilolevu, at Tonga's most famous hotel, The Dateline.
It was a little horrifying to see many of the guests, mainly officials at the Pacific Islands Forum, talking and drinking all through their addresses.
Both referred to estimates of the growing whale watching industry in the Pacific being worth US$21 million.
Lomu was more overtly political than the princess: "The decision of the Japanese Government to begin killing our hump back whales will threaten this industry," he said.
It would also threaten the whale population which was still recovering from the commercial whaling in the 20th century and compromise the legitimate non-lethal scientific research which was being conducted in the Pacific.
"This killing of our cultural treasures is senseless and needs to stop," Lomu said.
"History shows that although we are a small nation, we can still make a difference on the world stage as our Pacific rugby teams have done here at the Rugby World Cup."
"I firmly believe that our generation is the only hope for our hump back whales."
Princess Pilolevu was political but didn't actually name Japan.
"The media has been diligent in publishing the cost we are likely to pay as a consequence of greenhouse gas emission and the effect of global warming as a result of mankind's extravagant excesses.
"However what brings us together tonight on this very important occasion is the impact of another decision that may have disastrous effects upon the existence of the whaling population in the Pacific region."
One hopes the unmannerly officials will show a little more respect at today's opening ceremony.
News media have been strictly warned about respectful behaviour by way of a statement from the organisers.
It says that according to the Oxford Dictionary, Tonga's only contribution to the English language is the word taboo, or "tapu" in Tongan.
It says the word is an all-pervasive sense of respect and reverence, which defines behaviour in all aspects of life.
For the media that means "no rushing around during public events and in the presence of Royalty, leaders and distinguished guests".
The compere at last night's do thanked the Princess for the announcement that the leaders would be leaving for their dinner "with the Colonial Office" at 8pm.
He then corrected himself and said it was the Commonwealth dinner.
It turns out that Fiji coup leader Commodore Bainimarama sent his apologies to Commonwealth Secretary General Don McKinnon because of a prior engagement with Fijians in Tonga.
Helen Clark arrived too late to get to it anyway.
But that didn't stop her putting the boot into McKinnon for his decision to issue the invitation to someone responsible for having his country suspended from the Commonwealth with a memorable quote: "I would have thought suspension from the Councils of the Commonwealth included suspension from the dinner parties."
