PM Pohiva returns to Tonga [1]
Thursday, February 15, 2018 - 11:33. Updated on Thursday, February 15, 2018 - 19:59.
Photo by Mary Lyn Fonua
Tonga's Prime Minister Hon. 'Akilisi Pohiva is back in Tonga, after travelling to New Zealand on February 5 for medical check-ups following an illness.
"I'm fine, if you want to come and check me, I'm fine!" he told Matangi Tonga this morning.
The PM who arrived back in Tonga at lunchtime on Monday, said there was talk that he had cancer, however, his medical papers showed nothing. "There is no such thing." PM Pohiva said he had a medical check on Wednesday February 7 and was discharged last Friday in Auckland.
He said that parliament needs to meet tomorrow at a central location that had yet to be decided.
Parliament House collapsed during Cyclone Gita. "I think it completes our solution," he said. "We will rebuild a new parliament."
PM Pohiva made a statement on Radio Tonga last night and noted that priorities in the recovery effect are restoring electric power, water supplies and shelter.
Po'oi Pohiva confirmed earlier this morning that his father will be in meetings this morning in Nuku'alofa, where clean-up operations are continuing today following Monday night's damage from TC Gita.
The Deputy Prime Minister Semisi Sika, was acting spokesperson while Pohiva was away. This morning DPM's Sika's cell phone was out of service. His driver said that the DPM was driving himself around Tongatapu and was out of contact.