Games Council makes last attempt to keep 2019 Pacific Games in Tonga

One more try for Tonga.

The Pacific Games Council Executive Board has resolved to make one last attempt to keep the 2019 Pacific Games in Tonga.

They met to address the Tongan Government’s letter of withdrawal from hosting the 2019 Pacific Games. 

Executive Director of the Pacific Games Council, Andrew Minogue says as part of its meeting, the Executive Board was addressed by Lord Vaea, acting President of TASANOC, and Lord Sevele, the Chairman of the Tonga 2019 Pacific Games Organising Committee.

The Games Council says in 2012, the council membership voted emphatically for Tonga to host the Games and the Executive Board remains confident that Tonga can successfully deliver the event should the Tongan Government resume its support. 

The council says in the Pacific way, the Executive Board favors keeping the door open to the Tongan Government for a final short period to address its financial concerns with the Pacific Games Council in a spirit of cooperation.

Minogue says the council has previously written to the Tongan Prime Minister with this offer but will now ask TASANOC to facilitate an appointment for council representatives to meet with him and the Cabinet in early June to begin a process of fully reviewing the Games’ cost structures.

In the meantime, the Executive Board will advise its members that it has put contingency plans in place for the process of selecting an alternative host nation quickly in the event that matters with the Tongan Government are not fully resolved by the 30th of June.

Fiji has not made any indication to the Pacific Games Council about hosting the 2019 Pacific Games as yet.

However FASANOC President, Joseph Rodan Senior says they will be closely watching the outcome of the Pacific Games Council meetings. Rodan says Fiji has the right people and facilities to organise and host the Pacific Games.

Fiji last hosted the Pacific Games in 2003.

The Pacific Games Council has already said that Fiji has strong credentials to the host the Pacific Games.

Samoa’s Prime Minister has also publicly said that Samoa would bid for the 2019 Pacific Games.