China Red Cross donates USD$30,000 to Ashika fund [1]
Tuesday, August 11, 2009 - 16:30. Updated on Thursday, August 6, 2015 - 12:20.
The Chinese Ambassador in Tonga, HE Mr Fan Guijin, presented a cheque of USD$30,000 dollars to Prime Minister Dr Feleti Sevele this morning, August 11, to aid families who have lost loved ones in the sinking of the MV Princess Ashika ferry.
The Chinese Ambassador said the cheque is donated from the China Red Cross for those affected during this time of national grief. He also presented a Letter of Condolence from the Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The Ambassador who recently returned from China, said this was his first agenda upon his return to Tonga and this was also the first reaction of his Government and the people of China "to show they are with the Tongan people during this difficult time and will continue to their best to assist," he said.
Prime Minister Sevele thanked the Chinese Ambassador, his Government and people for the gift, which will contribute to help with the problems at hand.
He also acknowledged the first donation of $51,572 made yesterday by the Chinese Federation, the Chinese Business Council and Chinese residents in Tonga to the Princess Regent to help aid families affected by this tragedy.
The Privy Council on August 10 approved half a million pa'anga to be put into a fund aimed at helping people who has lost families in the sinking. And all donations for this cause will be put into this fund.