The first baby to be born in Tongatapu in 2010 at the start of a new decade has a very long name, which remembers his father who is away serving in the Solomons with the RAMSI mission.

Winnie Tavake of Ngele'ia gave birth to a 6 lbs baby boy at 1.29 am on January 1 at Vaiola Hospital, and she named him 'Uluaki Fakakoloa Mei Langi Faka'anaua he Vahafolau Sunami Pau Tavake. This can be roughly translated to mean "A blessing from heaven with best wishes across the ocean".

'Uluaki is Winnie's third child with her husband, police officer, Tevita Tavake, who is one of an eight-members Tongan contingent that is currently serving with Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI).

Several births

Sister Makelesi Pole, who is in charge of the Maternity Ward at Vaiola Hospital said that before midnight last night there were four births "one after the other".

The first delivery after mid-night was a five months miscarriage, and so it was not until 1.29am when Winnie gave birth to a healthy baby boy.

The second baby for 2010, an 8lb baby boy, Brian Rodney 'Ala arrived after mid-day today at 12.27 pm. Brian is 'Ulaki 'Ala's second child with her husband Viliami, from Pahu.