Tonga may once again risk losing its opportunity to host the Pacific Games, as rumours swirl about a potential cancellation.
As Kaniva News reported this week, Tonga is scheduled to host the Pacific Games in 2031.
Last week, officials from the Pacific Games Council (PGC), led by President Mr Vidhya Lakhan and Chief Executive Mr Andrew Minogu, visited the kingdom to evaluate the preparations for the event.
Meanwhile, Lord Tu’iha’angana informed Parliament that there are rumours regarding a proposal to withdraw Tonga’s hosting rights, a move reminiscent of the 2019 cancellation that led to legal action by the PGC.
In Tongan the noble said: “…’oku hangē ‘oku ki’i sasala holo ‘e hangehangē ‘oku tu’u ia ke fakakaukau’i pē ‘e fai pē ‘ikai ke toe kaniseli ‘o hangē ko ē kimu’á”.
He urged the government to consider postponing any such decision until after the next two administrations. With the upcoming general election in November, the current government may not remain in power.
The noble’s revelation follows the Minister for Internal Affairs’ confirmation in the House that efforts are underway to develop a budget and policies for the Games.
Tonga was initially set to host the 2019 Pacific Games but abruptly withdrew in 2017, citing financial constraints.
The then former Prime Minister, Akilisi Pōhiva expressed concerns to Kaniva News during an interview about the Games’ budget, particularly regarding the multimillion-dollar allocations proposed by the local sports authority, which he found to be suspicious. He drew a comparison between the then-proposed budget and the issues surrounding the Chinese loans allocated for the Nuku’alofa construction project, which ultimately led to significant disarray and controversy.
The decision for Tonga to cancel the Games hosting led to a legal dispute, with the PGC imposing an undisclosed penalty and banning Tonga from future bids until the fine was paid. Samoa stepped in as the replacement host.
The former administration of Hu’akavameiliku reached an agreement with the Pacific Games Council in October 2024. After agreeing to pay an undisclosed amount, the Council granted Tonga another opportunity to host the Games in six years.
As Kaniva News’ editorial highlighted last week, Tongans are right to approach the prospect of hosting the Pacific Games with caution. History shows that large-scale spending on such events often leads to financial mismanagement, unaccounted costs, and even corruption.
The latest red flag emerged last week when Parliament was informed that the Auditor General found no receipts or records for the $60 million Covid emergency fund. Our editorial asked if a crisis fund of this magnitude can vanish without a trace, what safeguards are in place to ensure transparency in Pacific Games spending?
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. From the $120 million Chinese loan for Nuku’alofa’s post−riot reconstruction to $400 million roading projects, questionable vessel purchases, and the mismanagement of national airlines, Tonga’s major expenditures have repeatedly been mired in controversy, secrecy, and financial irregularities. Documents have been falsified, funds misused, and yet none of our top leaders involved has been held accountable for these fiscal disasters.
