2019 Pacific Games

PNG to help Tonga host 2019 Pacific Games

At a meeting with Her Royal Highness, Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tukuάh, who is also Tonga’s High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, O’Neill also raised the prospect of increased labor mobility between the two countries, and increasing investment opportunities.

“Papua New Guinea is committed to help Tonga with infrastructure and knowledge support for their hosting of the 2019 Pacific Games,” the Prime Minister said.

PM plans to save TP$2m on games preparation as Lord Sevele blasts building delays

During a heated debate in Parliament on Wednesday, Hon. Pohiva said he was confident the games facilities would be ready by 2019.

He was responding to a letter from the President of the Tonga Amateur Sports Association, Lord Tupou and Chair of Organising Committee, Lord Sevele ‘o Vailahi.

They said they feared Tonga would be stripped of its rights to host the Games if the facilities were not ready.

The Prime Minister said he was confident the sports facilities would be ready by 2019.

Reshuffling of Ministers to Speed up Preparations for 2019 Pacific Games- PM’s Office

Prime Minister’s Office says the  Prime Minister and Minister for Education and Training wanted to relinquish his post to help fasten the pace of preparations  for  the games, as most work are far too late.

Hon. Penisimani Fifita Minister of Internal Affairs is the Minister of Education and Training as he’s been with that Ministry for over 30 years before he took up politics.

The Ministerial reshuffling was granted by His Majesty at the recommendation of the Prime Minister.

Tonga govt undecided on 2019 Pac Games golf plans

Earlier reports out of the country said the government had approved the location for a new course for Games, despite the Organising Committee suggesting one was not needed.

The current course at 'Atele is a nine hole course but Siaosi Sovaleni said the government is proposing an extension or construction of a new 18 hole course in Popua to which presents a more of a challenge.

However he said no concrete decisions have been made.

"That's what we are hoping to establish," Mr Sovaleni said.

Tonga government approves new golf course

The government's Technical Committee has told Radio Tonga that site has been approved at Siumafua'uta, Popua.

The location is to the east of the old dumpsite at Popua where a new public park was constructed.

The original plan after the various proposed sites were turned down to extend the current golf course at 'Atele.

In October the Prime Minister 'Akliisi Pohiva told Parliament that he had doubts Tonga could host the event, partly because no land had been found for an 18 hole golf course.

China and Tonga sign Letter of Exchange on China’s Aid to Tonga

The document was signed by China’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Tonga, Excellency Huang Huaguang, and the Minister of Finance and National Planning of Tonga, Aisake Eke.

The main construction for the project includes an indoor gymnasium, an outdoor rugby field, four outdoor netball fields, two outdoor swimming pools, a lawn bowling field and ancillary facilities within the scope of the project.

A government statement said the construction of the facilities will start soon.

Wolfgramm says he was not source for PM’s speech, but maintains Games criticism

Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohva recently said that GOC members were not productive, despite being paid a monthly allowance.

Kaniva News reports Wolfrgramm, who won silver in the Super Heavyweight boxing division at the Atlanta Games, said he had written several letters over the years expressing his concerns and suggesting ways of supporting the kingdom’s athletes to various government figures.

He said he had also discussed the issue personally with Prime Minister and that perhaps the Prime Minister had drawn his own conclusions from what he said.

Valerie Adams starts sports ambassador role in Tonga

Ms Adams, whose mother was Tongan, chose to make Tonga the first island nation she visits in her role as New Zealand's Pacific Sports Ambassador, aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and encouraging participation in physical activity.

At a reception in Nuku'alofa she said she knew she bore a big responsibility to encourage and inspire Tongans to take part in the games.

Ms Adams says the 2019 Pacific Games should be an exciting time for Tonga.

Tonga PM told to stop interfering with Pacific Games prep

'Akilisi Pohiva has told parliament he has doubts that the country will be ready in time to host the Games.

He said the government had still not found land to build an 18-hole golf course for the Games and the scheduled upgrade of the Teufaiva Stadium was also in doubt.

But the CEO of the Games Organising Committee, Lord Sevele, said a new golf course is not necessary.

Tonga yet to commence construction of facilities for 2019 Pacific Games

The government is also yet to receive monetary assistance from both China and Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Currently, the Government is occupied with designing the map and plans for the stadium but China has confirmed that all the construction funded by its Government will be completed in 2018.

Deputy Director of Sports Division under the Ministry of Internal Affairs – Mr. ‘Onetoto ‘Ānisi told Radio Tonga News they’re yet to receive the monetary pledge from China and PNG but the assistance will pour in soon as agreed.