Nuku’alofa, Tonga – Miss Heilala Racheal Guttenbeil expressed her gratitude to the Prime Minister’s Office for inviting her to the National Launching Ceremony of OpenCRVS and Tonga Digital ID (TongaPass), a transformative step in Tonga’s digital evolution.
The initiative, backed by a US$4.65 million grant from the World Bank, aims to enhance digital access, security, and efficiency across Tonga’s public services.
The Tonga Digital Government Support Project will introduce a National Government Portal, streamline civil registration, and upgrade data protection, cybersecurity, and digital economy governance regulations.
A key highlight is the new national ID system, which ensures every Tongan receives a unique digital identity at birth and links vital records like births, deaths, and marriages.
Miss Guttenbeil called it an “honour” to witness Tonga’s digital transformation, emphasising how AI-driven systems will make services safer, faster, and more inclusive.
“This launch isn’t just about technology, it’s about building a smarter Tonga where tradition and innovation walk hand in hand,” she said.
The project aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 16.9, which provides legal identity for all and promises easier access to education, healthcare, banking, and property ownership.
Andrew To’imoana, a government project advocate, declared, “This is just the beginning”.
The government urges schools, businesses, and communities to adopt TongaPass and OpenCRVS, empowering citizens with secure, efficient digital tools.
“Praise God for blessing us with such intelligent minds and visionary leaders who continue to guide Tonga into a brighter future,” Miss Guttenbeil added, as the nation steps boldly into its digital era.
