EDITORIAL—Mr Lakhan and Chief Executive Andrew Minogue of the South Pacific Games arrived in Tonga last week, signalling the start of official scrutiny of Tonga’s preparations for the 2031 Pacific Games.
While this might seem like a routine visit, Tongans have every reason to be wary. History suggests that large-scale spending on such events could lead to financial mismanagement, unaccounted costs, and even corruption.
Just last week, Parliament was informed that the Auditor General found no receipts or records of the spending of the $60 million Covid fund. If such a critical emergency fund could vanish without a trace, what guarantees exist for Pacific Games spending?
Remember the $120 million Chinese loan for Nuku’alofa’s reconstruction? Reports of mismanagement and questionable fund use still haunt Tonga’s public finances.
With no strong oversight mechanisms in place, the costs of stadiums, infrastructure, and Games-related projects could spiral out of control, leaving taxpayers to foot the bill for years to come.
If Tonga’s leaders couldn’t properly account for $60 million in Covid funds, why should anyone trust that millions more for the Pacific Games will be spent responsibly?
Tonga’s History of Financial Mismanagement
Tonga’s troubling track record of poor financial oversight, wasted funds, and questionable spending raises serious concerns as Pacific Games officials assess preparations.
As Kaniva News reported previously, Dr Netatua Prescott, former head of the Service Central Unit (SCU), revealed that Tonga routinely returns millions in World Bank funds due to corruption, delays, and incompetence, denying critical projects for the people. Worse, some funds were repaid due to illegal activities during implementation.
The $400 million roading projects are now mired in legal battles over allegations of nepotism, document falsification, and corruption.
Meanwhile, the MV Niuvakai scandal remains unresolved. In 2014, the government purchased the MV St. Theresa, which was renamed Niuvakai, for TOP $1.37 million. This decision was made despite a critically negative inspection report that highlighted 17 deficiencies in the vessel. Recent estimates suggest that this deal has led to a loss of approximately TOP $750,000 for taxpayers.
If Tonga can’t correctly manage World Bank aid or a simple ferry purchase, how can taxpayers trust that millions in Pacific Games spending won’t vanish into another financial black hole?
Tonga’s Culture of Secrecy and Lack of Accountability
The Tongan government has repeatedly operated in the shadows, evading scrutiny even from Parliament. Past leaders have ignored basic transparency, leaving taxpayers in the dark about how their money is spent.
Former PM Hu’akavameiliku has been accused of running Lulutai Airlines with zero transparency. When Opposition MPs demanded answers in writing, he simply refused to respond, flouting accountability.
Even official parliamentary procedures failed to force the government to explain its actions, proving how easily leaders sidestep checks and balances.
If those in power can ignore Parliament and conceal financial dealings, how can Tongans trust that Pacific Games funds won’t disappear the same way? Without transparency, every dollar spent is a risk.
‘Akilisi Pōhiva revoked the Pacific Games deal previously
Former Prime Minister Akilisi Pohiva made the tough call to pull Tonga out of hosting the 2019 Pacific Games, and his reasoning should ring alarm bells today.
In an exclusive interview with Kaniva News, Pohiva revealed that the proposed budgets submitted to his Cabinet were shockingly vague, with no clear breakdown of some significant costs.
“The numbers didn’t add up,” he warned, raising serious concerns about where the money would really go.
Pohiva’s revocation of the Games was based on valid reasons aimed at protecting taxpayers. However, Hu’akavameiliku, who has faced serious allegations related to the MV Niuvakai deals and Lulutai Airlines, has finalized an agreement with the Pacific Games to host the event in Tonga in 2031.
