Tributes flow for trail blazing marine geoscientist, Christina Pome’e [1]
Wednesday, May 5, 2021 - 19:51
Tributes have been flowing on social media for Tonga’s only female marine geoscientist, Christina Pome’e, died suddenly on the weekend due to a medical condition. Her funeral was held today, on her birthday, and she was laid to rest at a Haveluloto cemetery.
Christina (32) was the Country Manager for Tonga Offshore Mining Limited (TOML) a local subsidiary of The Metals Company, formally known as DeepGreen Metals Inc., exploring polymetallic rocks in international waters containing metals needed for clean energy.
Tina, as she was known, led several scientific cruises in the TOML and NORI (a sister company) grounds in the Clarion Clipperton Zone.
In a condolence statement, The Metals Company said Tina was committed to Tonga and was passionate about supporting the people of Tonga, in particular young students and communities.
“This passion was reflected through the programs she developed and passionately supported over the last year, including the [TOML] community initiative program.”
Tina was honoured by the International Seabed Authority earlier this year on International Day of Women, for her leadership as a marine geoscientist. When she was asked for her perspective as a woman scientist, her message to young women around the world was: "Do not let fear limit you from what you can do. As the only woman who does this kind of work in the deep sea in my country, and probably in all of Oceania, I would rather go where my people think there is no path and leave a trail for the younger ones."
The Metals Company Head of Stakeholder Engagement, Corey McLachlan told Matangi Tonga they first met Tina last March and while they didn’t get to meet in person, they quickly developed a love for her.
“Her passion and intelligence shone through and she quickly became a part of our family. Tina embodied everything good and everything that we should all hope to be: she was devoted to her family and loved them dearly, she was generous, kind and committed to doing what was right.”
“We feel lucky to have been able to develop a friendship and connection with Tina during this past year and we will miss her dearly.”
“We look forward to honouring Tina’s legacy and continuing to support education and communities in Tonga.”
Christina is from Makave, Vava'u. She moved to Tongatapu to continue her studies and then onto Fiji where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science at the University of the South Pacific.
She is survived by her husband, Viliami Fatu, and her baby girl.