Dolphin fountain restored for Coronation [1]
Friday, June 26, 2015 - 19:25
Photos by Linny Folau and Peter Poulsen
Prince Ata commissioned a new Dolphin Fountain on the Nuku’alofa seafront on Thursday, 25 June.
The original brass dolphin was stolen two-years ago. It was given to Tonga from Britain in 1970 to mark Tonga's joining the Community of Nations.
The Ministry of Tourism funded the replacement of the dolphin. An anchor beside it was said to have come from the first ship to Tonga, called the "Dolphin".
Prince Ata said this project is important for the beautification of the Nuku’alofa waterfront, the center for cruise ships that visit Tonga and he thanked the Tongan Government for funding the new dolphin.
Hon ‘Etuate Lavulavu the Minister of Tourism said replacing the dolphin was important because the first one was a gift to Tonga by the Queen of England.
The beautification of the capital is important for tourism and he thanked the participants who ensured their villages were clean before the Coronation week started.
Prince Ata presented prizes to villages that won the final round of a Village Clean Up campaign that had been ongoing throughout Tongatapu in preparation for the Coronation.