Ground Breaking Ceremony

Chief Guest and Prime Minister, Hu'akavameiliku thanked the Chinese government for their support.

"Having this facility of international standard will not only be beneficial to THS but to sports in general here in the Kingdom," he said at the event yesterday.

The Chinese Ambassador, Wang Baodang, said they were proud to be supporting a sporting nation like Tonga.

"Tonga is a nation of sport lovers," he said.

A statement said Chinese contractors arrived in Tonga three months ago to prepare for the construction of the $60 million plus sports complex.

Lord Fakafanua, the Prime Minister Reverend Dr. Pohiva Tuionetoa and other distinguished guests were also present.

Elder Inoke Kupu, Area Seventy, presided and conducted at the ground-breaking on the temple site. In a prayer, he said, “Bless the Saints of Vava'u and the Niua’s (northern islands of Tonga) that they may live worthily to receive the blessings of the temple.”

He made the comment during the ground breaking ceremony in Honiara yesterday.

Sogavare said he was delighted with the supportive role of his government, including the past government and officials, and that have played in facilitating the process of the development of the new USP Solomon Islands Campus.

He said the regional university has grown considerably since its inauguration in 1998.