The Tonga Cabinet Relief Committee this morning distributed packages of foodstuff valued at about $150 pa'anga each to 168 workers and individuals whose livelihoods were affected by the riots of 16 November 2006.

At a small ceremony at the National Disaster Committee's Headquarters, in Nuku'alofa, the Chairman of the Cabinet Relief Committee, the Minister of Labour, Commerce and Industries, Hon. Lisiate 'Akolo told the recipients that the food items were gifts from the Tongan communities in America.

The recipients included 147 workers and other individuals who were identified to have been affected by the civil unrest last year. Lisiate said that in addition to these individuals food parcels would also be delivered to other charity organisations, such as the Tonga Red Cross, Alonga Centre, Vaiola Hospital, communities such as Popua and Patangata, and also to the prison.

Lisiate said that the food donation was entirely an initiative of the USA Tongan community in liaison with the Tongan Consular General in San Francisco, Hon. James Cecil Cocker.

The food stuff which came in four containers and six large boxes also included some second-hand clothings.