Dr ‘Aisake Eke

And he has stood by his Finance Minister, Dr ‘Aisake Eke for recommending to Cabinet to pay Forbes TOP$230,000 (US$108,000)

He denied allegations that Dr Eke was involved in the initial arrangement for the well-respected global magazine to interview the Prime Minister. Instead, he revealed to Radio and Television Tonga News that the interview was organised by the former Chief Secretary of Cabinet, 'Aholotu Palu. 

The Minister told Matangi Tonga on 23 July that he was optimistic that Tonga will be ready to host the 2019 Pacific Games.

However, the construction of venues and facilities has been delayed while the government has been looking for ways to raise more than $133 million pa’anga (US$62 million) required.

Under the 2015-16 National Budget passed by parliament in June, government proposed to raise money for the Pacific Games by increasing airport Departure Tax from $65 to $165 (US$30 – (US$77) and imposing a two seniti levy on foreign currency exchange transactions.