Prime Minister, Samuela „Akilisi Pohiva, has directed that all flags throughout the Kingdom of Tonga must be flown at half-mast on Friday 29 March 2019 in memory of the victims of the terrorist attack in Christchurch a fortnight ago.
The mark of respect coincides with the “National Memorial Service” that the New Zealand Government is holding at Hagley Park in Christchurch at 10am tomorrow.
“The decision that all flags in the Kingdom should be flown at half-mast on 29 March was made by Cabinet in its meeting on Friday 22 March,” PM Pohiva said.
“In my earlier message of condolence to the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt Hon Jacinda Adern, I had written, “The people and the Government of Tonga weep with you, as you gather your dynamic multi-ethnic whanau around you to nationally mourn and bury the dead, and to reconnect the bonds that make New Zealand the beautiful and loving country it is.”
PM Pohiva also said that a memorial service and flag ceremony for the victims of the Christchurch terrorist attack, and all those affected by it will be held at the Tonga Police Headquarters in Longolongo beginning at 8 am on Friday, 29 March 2019.
Photo by RNZI