BY month’s end, The fate the 2019 Pacific Games will be known. A journey that began five years ago when Tonga won the bid to host the Pacific’s premier quadrennial sports event has turned sour after Prime Minister Akilisi Pohiva announced last month his government was pulling out. Pohiva finally came out of the woodwork after months of stifling tactics and constant interference with the organising of the Games that’s left the sporting fraternity in total bewilderment.
Looking at the timeline of events, things would be well on track by now without Pohiva’s unnecessary intrusions.
• October 2012 – Pacific Games Council awards Tonga rights to host the 16th Pacific Games in 2019. In support of Tonga’s bid, then Prime Minister Lord Tu’ivakano suggested the games would cement the foundation for democracy in Tonga after democratic elections were held in 2010.
• December 2014 – Akilisi Pohiva is the first commoner appointed Prime Minister by the Parliament instead of the King.
• November 2015 – Tonga Games Organising committee awards NZ company Creative Spaces US$11million to commence upgrading works on the Teufaiva Stadium. Then Finance minister Aisake Eke endorsed the deal confirming availability of funds for the project.
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