Pacific Games 2019

2019 Pacific Games in Samoa on track

Samoa was awarded the games in September last year after Tonga pulled out, saying it could not afford to host them.

The Pacific Games Council held hold its Annual General Meeting in Apia this weekend, where members received an update on how Samoa is progressing.

Chief Executive of the Pacific Games Office, Falefata Hele Matatia, says the country is ecstatic to be hosting the Games and has met every deadline required of them.

"Experienced" host wanted for 2019 Pacific Games

The Council confirmed on Monday it would formally terminate the host agreement with Tonga, after the deadline passed for the government to recommit its support.

It has also begun legal proceedings against the government, following its decision to unilaterally withdraw from hosting the event.

The same six countries and territories have held every edition of the Games, since they started in 1963.

Fiji says no to hosting 2019 Pacific Games

Tonga were awarded hosting rights in 2012 but last month the Prime Minister, 'Akilisi Pohiva, pulled the government's support, initially citing financial reasons but then saying his government had other priorities.

The President of the Fiji Olympic Committee, Joe Rodan Senior, said the FANSAOC Board discussed a possible bid before deciding against it.

"For two years (until the Games begin) it's too short a time for us to really prepare our organising committee or organising officials to host the Games," he said.

Pacific Games Council threatens legal action over Pacific Games

Council President Vidhya Lakhan and CEO Andrew Minogue met with the Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva, and two of his ministers on Tuesday, in a last ditch attempt to try and change their minds.

But the Prime Minister said the cabinet's decision was final and they government wished to focus its resources on other more important areas of economic development.

Andrew Minogue said the Games Council met with a lawyer in Nuku'alofa this week and if there was no change in stance from the government by the end of June, they will begin proceedings to seek damages through the court.

Tonga Govt says decision on Pacific Games 'final'

The duo met with the prime minister, 'Akilisi Pohiva, and two of his ministers on Monday only to be told the controversial decision announced last month was final.

Mr Pohiva told them his government wanted to focus its resources on more important areas of economic development and that sport was not an urgent priority for them.

This comes despite indications that Tonga was able to meet the costs while the Council had indicated it was ready and able to help out.

Games Council disappointed by Tonga's withdrawal

The Council was formally advised of the government's decision to pull out on Wednesday, because of financial concerns, five days after the move was approved by cabinet.

The Pacific Games Council said it was not consulted in the decision and no attempt was made to seek their assistance to address the Government's financial concerns over staging the Games.

"We have a contract that we signed in 2012, when our General Assembly awarded Tonga the Games and there are termination and suspension clauses in the contract," said Council CEO Andrew Minogue.

Tonga’s PM says it’s better for Fiji or Samoa to host 2019 Pacific Games

He is adamant that Tonga cannot host the sports because Tonga’s Organizing Committee and sports bodies are not efficient in their managing of sports in Tonga because there are more losses than wins.

Mr Pohiva said, when competing in international events such as boxing, netball, rugby union and league and Tonga’s teams were all defeated.

He said, this was embarrassing results for Tonga where their pride were trodden under.

The Prime Minister said, many sports organizations in Tonga have borrowed money from Government and were not able to pay them back.

Tonga's PM plans to cut Games planning costs

‘Akilisi Pohiva said even though the Supreme Court has reinstated Lord Sevele as chair of the South Pacific Games Organising Committee his part in preparations for the Games would be minimal.

The Prime Minister told Kaniva News this was to reduce spending as much as possible so money could be spent on sport.

He said that in 2015 alone the government spent TP$1 million on the committee’s salaries and operational costs.

Mr Pohiva said foreign governments and donors sacrificed part of their people’s taxes so they could help fund Tonga’s preparation for the Games.

Tongan officials still waiting on PNG help for Teufaiva Stadium

RNZ reports PNG agreed to help after a party led by Tongan Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva visited Port Moresby in January.

PNG Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko then led a delegation to Nuku'alofa in February to assess the local facilities.

But CEO of the Games Organising Committee, Lord Sevele, said eight months on work is yet to begin and uncertainty remains.

"From what we have been told by Government officials they have not confirmed the funding, the amount, nor the timing of it," he said.

Pacific Games Council expects Tonga to remain as host

Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva told parliament on Tuesday that he has doubts that Tonga will be ready in time to host the event.

He said the government had still not found land to build an 18-hole golf course for the Games and the scheduled upgrade of the Teufaiva Stadium was also in doubt.

But the President of the Pacific Games Council, Vidhya Lakhan, said they remain supportive of Tonga as host nation.

"As far as the Pacific Games Council is concerned, the 2019 Pacific Games will continue to be hosted by Tonga," he said.