IMO

The programme is supported by the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) and Tonga’s Recovery and Resilience Building Plan and is financed by the United National Central Emergency Recovery Fund (UN-CERF).

The cash assistance programme addresses the urgent needs of 800 families, with each family receiving TOP$489 (USD 220). If two or three nuclear families are living together in one house, each family is treated separately and are eligible to receive the cash assistance individually.

"Good maritime and port security is the enabler for maritime and economic development through maritime trade. It can be taken for granted when it works, but maintaining good security is essential," said the UN body.

The workshop coincided with IMO Secretary General Kitack Lim's visit to Vanuatu, Fiji and Australia - the first time an IMO Secretary General visited the South Pacific.