2019 Pacific Games

Kaniva News reports that ‘Aisake Eke, who was sacked as Minister of Finance in March after abstaining in a vote of no-confidence in Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pōhiva, told a meeting of the Tonga Sports Association and National Olympic Committee (TASANOC) the funds were all specifically aimed to support preparations for the Games in two years’ time.

More than 40 delegates, representing 17 sports, attended a Special General Meeting of the Tonga Sports Associations and National Olympic Committee (TASANOC) last night in Haveluloto, to discuss the Government's decision to withdraw its support from hosting the Games because of financial concerns.

A copy of the letter from Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva to the Pacific Games Council, outlining the Government's decision, was circulated for members.

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?”

In a statement the government said over the last two years, its efforts to mobilise financial resources to fund the Games had been an enormous challenge.

It said it was concerned that the economy could be jeopardised and the stability and ability to deliver its national priorities could be derailed.

However it said it would still dedicate its efforts to strengthening facilities and cultivating sports in the hope that it could host the Games in the future.

Lord Sevele said while the prime minister met with his committee last week and brought the 2013 World Bank report, there was evidence Tonga could host the games successfully.

According to RNZI, he cited an International Monetary Fund statement which said economic activity is expanding and likely to remain relatively strong with growth projected at a rate between 3 and 4 percent, boosted by construction and activities related to the Pacific Games.

Council President Vidhya Lakhan confirmed to Fiji’s Legend FM Sports there has been no notification from the Tongan government about withdrawing.

He says officially Tonga is still hosting the event.

Reports say Tonga has reviewed hosting the games following an analysis of the impact of hosting the event would have on the economy.

Tonga is reportedly processing its withdrawal documents to be submitted to the 2019 Pacific Games Council.

It would require a budget support of around 33 million US dollars by donor partners to host the event.

Cabinet has decided to withdraw from hosting after an analysis of the impact the event would have on the economy.

Tonga was awarded the games in 2012.

But Dr Eke, who was sacked as minister in March after abstaining in a vote of no-confidence in the prime minister, said the games could have been held.

He said with the assistance of donors such as China, Papua New Guinea and Australia, the games would not have been too much of a burden.

Dr Eke said now the government needed to explain what would happen to the assistance committed towards the games.

Last week the prime minister 'Akilisi Pohiva said everything was on track.

However the committee said the government is wasting money by insisting on building a new golf course.

'Akilisi Pohiva has said a new nine hole course will be built at Popua.

But the organising committee CEO Lord Sevele said there is already an existing course which can be upgraded to suit which would cost eight million pa'anga less than the prime minister's plan.

'Akilisi Pohiva and members of the Games Organising Committee visited the new site last week.

The government had originally proposed building a new 18-hole course, despite the CEO of the Games Organising Committee, Lord Sevele, saying the current nine-hole course in 'Atele was suitable for the Games.

The Prime Minister said the two parties have now come to an agreement.

"We discussed that with the organising committee that no upgrade (to 18 holes will take place)," he said.

"They have performed the people that organise the sport that nine holes is ok."

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for MEIDECC and Foreign Affairs Hon Siaosi Sovaleni expressed his sincere gratitude to the Chinese Government for funding the significant project for the upcoming Pacific Games.

Hon Sovaleni said that the project is a very important one towards the Pacific Games 2019 and thanked the delegation and senior officials for their efforts in the last month in progressing this agreement.