2019 Pacific Games

That is the guarantee from Minister for Sports, National Events and APEC Justin Tkatchenko when speaking exclusively to Loop PNG on Wednesday.

He said the submission for financial funding and technical expertise to support Tonga will be handed to the Prime Minister and National Executive Council in the coming weeks.

Tkatchenko said he expects the announcement of the funding to be made in the next month. 

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill made the commitment to Tonga Prime Minister Akilishi Pohiva in January this year when he visited Port Moresby.   

The Tonga Pacific Games Organising Committee will be responsible for the preparation, management and conducting the Games.

Secondly, an Audit and Governance Authority will monitor the management, running and planning works to be carried out by the Organizing Committee.

Thirdly, a Government Facilities Committee is tasked with managing the sporting venues and equipment needed for the Games.

The task of assessing sporting venues and constructions needed has been shifted from the Organising Committee to the Government Facilities Committee this year.

A Papua New Guinea delegation flew home after spending four days in Nuku'alofa assessing the Kingdom's sporting facilities.

PNG, which hosted the 2015 Games, has offered to assist Tonga and will be involved in the refurbishment of the Teufaiva National Stadium.

China and New Zealand have also made significant financial contributions and Tonga's Sports Minister, Fe'ao Vakata, who chairs the facilities committee, said the venues will be delivered on time.

The Games will be hosted in Tonga’s capital Nuku'alofa.     

The Prime Minister of Tonga, Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva met the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill in a bilateral meeting between the two countries on Monday January 18, 2015.

A statement issued by Tonga prime minister’s office says: “The main purpose of the (Tonga’s) Prime Minister’s visit to PNG is to further strengthen the economic and social cooperation between the two countries in the sports arena.

Turi warns police involved in Waigani shooting

http://www.looppng.com/content/turi-warns-police-involved-waigani-shooting

The commanding officers and unit leaders of policemen involved in the Waigani shooting are being warned to hand over their wanted officers or face possible charges.

Polye pledges support for Tonga Games

Polye said despite the challenges confronting the Kingdom of Tonga at the initial stages in the preparation process in the lead up to the Games, Tonga will rise to the challenge and host a successful games.

Polye in a meeting with Prime Minister Pohiva of  Tonga, said Tonga needed  all the  support to make the 2019 Pacific Games a successful one.

Prime Minister Pohiva in his discussions, said Tonga needs at least $US 120 million dollars or  more than K361 million to host the Games.