Lord Vaea

Lord Vaea, 64,  started his career in politics following his election as Tongatapu No. 1 Noble Representatives in Parliament in the 2010 general election.

He was appointed Minister of Agriculture under the former government administration of Lord Tu’ivakano.

In 2012, he was also given the Minister of Training, Employment, Youth and Sports portfolio.

He was re-elected into Parliament in 2014 and served as an MP until the House was dissolved in 2017.

He has returned to Parliament in the 2021 general election.

Lord Vaea was instrumental in bringing the Games to Tonga when he was the Minister of Internal Affairs and Sports.

He was part of the bid team led by Prince Ata to Wallis and Futuna in 2012.

“The cabinet does not have power to stop it,” Lord Vaea told Kaniva News today.

“I believe it is important for Tonga to still host the Games.

“The various reasons given for the withdrawal were very unusual.

“Why did they stop it and at the same time still build the stadium?”

This includes the Minister of Education's interference as a member of Tonga Education Authority. It’s a conflict of interest because the Authority's operation will no longer be independent as it should be. 

Lord Vaea told Radio Tonga & TV News another clear example was the recent court ruling that  Government pay back Lord Sevele of Vailahi's salary dated to July 1st , a result of an illegal move made by the Prime Minister.                                          

The committee is currently carrying out an investigation into a motion that was presented to the House for the impeachment of Lavulavu, Minister of Infrastructure and Tourism, for alleged nepotism, and misuse and mismanagement of government’s properties.

The Chairman of the Standing Committee on Privileges, Lord Fusitu’a told the House that since 19 August, when the House agreed to give the minister a chance to have a dialogue with the committee, they had not been able to meet him.