The President of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga (FWCT), Dr Tevita Havea, has strongly rebuked Queen Sālote College (QSC) authorities after alcohol was reportedly served at an ex-student centenary ball, calling the incident deeply disappointing and contrary to the values of a church‑run school.
A video sighted by Kaniva News shows Dr Havea meeting face‑to‑face with school leaders, including the principal, where he expressed deep disappointment over the event and the apparent approval of alcohol as part of the celebration.
Kaniva News also understands that the ball had been publicly announced as part of the centenary programme and was recently held at the Taufaʻāhau Wharf building in Maʻufanga.
Photos circulating on social media at the time became the subject of widespread banter, showing former students posing beside tables lined with beer and wine.
The FWCT, the largest Christian denomination in Tonga and the owner of QSC, maintains a firm anti‑alcohol stance and strictly prohibits any of its activities from involving alcohol.
Dr Havea told the school authorities that while former students were free to drink in their own time, it was unacceptable for a church‑run institution to allow alcohol to be associated with an official school centenary programme.
He reminded the staff that QSC has always been upheld as a school of high discipline, and allowing such an incident to occur undermined that long‑standing reputation.
While speaking to the staff, he said the Church was deeply disappointed by the incident, adding that although only a small group was responsible, the impact was felt across the entire Church.
“Do something about it,” he said.
Rev Havea also pointed to livestreams circulating on social media showing tables filled with alcohol at the event, implying the footage devastated him.
He reminded the principal that while the school often speaks out on national issues, it has remained silent about its own internal problems and has failed to address them openly.
During the exchange, several women—believed to be the principal and staff members—responded with “io” and “koia” (yes) in agreement, their voices sounding emotional as they acknowledged the president’s concerns.
The President asked the staff to excuse him for speaking so forcefully, explaining that it was better for him to express his disappointment before the main event so that he could feel free and able to lead a proper service on the day, a point with which the women agreed.
It remained unclear whether the principal and staff had visited the president as part of the customary tala fatongia process to formally present and confirm the centenary programme, or whether the visit was prompted by an effort to apologise after learning of his disappointment over the ball.
The centenary main celebration is scheduled for Thursday, beginning with a prayer service expected to be attended by the King and Queen, followed by a series of activities running through to Sunday.
