A donation of FJD$38,000 from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and Pacific Island countries towards Tonga’s recovery efforts from the volcanic eruption and tsunamis, was received on March 8.

Prime Minister Hon Hu’akavameiliku (Siaosi Sovaleni) accepted the donation from the Forum Secretary General Henry Puna in a special zoom call from Suva, Fiji, as part of the “Blue Pacific Tonga Appeal”.

"I am grateful to the Secretariat and Pacific Island Countries who have come to our assistance during our time of need. This shows Pacific Solidarity at its best and we understand that we are all facing the current challenge of COVID-19 in our different countries,” he said.

Secretary General Punaconveyed best wishes to the government and people of Tonga.

“We are one family united by the Blue Pacific. When a member faces adversity, our deep-rooted ties and traditions require us to help one another without hesitation and with much love. We are in this together.”

The fundraising appeal was launched by the Secretary General on January 24 and was received by a number of Pacific Forum countries, who joined major partners and donor countries in responding immediately. This included Fiji, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Samoa, Tuvalu and Papua New Guinea. The Solomon Islands sent a letter of solidarity and sympathy to the Government.

Relief assistance from Pacific neighbours

Relief assistance has been pouring in for Tonga soon after the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption and tsunamis event.

At the end of January, Fiji sent 240 tons of emergency relief support on the Lomaiviti Princess, including assistance from the Fiji Tongan Community and Fijian Friends of Tonga. Last week a second shipment of assistance arrived on the MV Taka-i-Pomana from Suva.

Members of Fiji’s Military Forces Engineering Unit is also working alongside Australian Defence Forces in cleaning up ‘Atata and Nomuka.

In late January, the Tahiti Nui arrived in Nuku’alofa from Papeete with assistance from the Tongan community and the French Polynesian government including water storage tanks, wood and tarpaulins to help build temporary accommodation for families and support reconstruction, clothes, sanitary products and non-perishable foodstuffs.

French Polynesia also sent in US$100,000, and the French military sent a patrol boat with 40 tonnes of supplies from French Polynesia and another one with 10 tonnes from New Caledonia.

French Polynesian President Edouard Fritch said the outpouring of solidarity that characterized Pacific peoples had not failed its reputation for generosity in the most difficult situation.

Tuvalu also donated AU$100,000 towards Tonga’s recovery efforts.