A new boat to serve the people of ʻEueiki had been proudly launched in Nukuʻalofa last week.
The boat was funded through the Japanese Project for Improvement of Sea Transportation Infrastructure for ‘Eueiki Island Community.
His Excellency Mr. Yukio Numata, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Tonga said: “By investing in a collective and safer mode of transportation, we invest in not only human resources but also in safeguarding the future.”
A statement from the Tongan government says the launch ceremony included the traditional welcoming ceremony, the “hāʻunga” which was presented to the Ambassador by Makamapu, herald of ‘Eueiki, and Mr. Sinipata Muli, the Town Officer on behalf of the people of ʻEueiki.
The new boat was named “Sea ‘o Nua.”
“This assistance epitomizes Japan’s commitment to support efforts by the People and the Government of Tonga to ensure Human Security and also hope to strengthen the warm and close relations between the people and the Government of Japan and the people of the Kingdom of Tonga”, it said.