THE British Government donated over $80,000 pa'anga worth of law books and computer equipment to the Supreme Court of Tonga in Nuku'alofa on Thursday, April 28.

Tonga's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Hon Samiu Vaipulu received the gift from Nicky Fidler a Project Officer at the British High Commission in Fiji, on behalf of the British High Commissioner to Tonga HE Malcolm McLachan, who was not able to attend.

Nicky said the British Government is committed to the rule of law not only in Tonga but in the Pacific region. She hoped in due course to be able to announce further similar assistance to the courts of Tonga.

The Minister thanked the British Government for the much-needed gifts and their continuing support to the administration of justice in Tonga

"This will help the Tongan judiciary in carrying out its duties to the people," he said.

Present at the handover was Chief Justice Hon Michael Dishington Scott, Mr Justice Robert Shuster, Solicitor General 'Aminiasi Kefu, Chief Magistrate Folau Lokotui and Group Captain Graham Bond of the UK Defence Advisory at the British High Commission in Wellington.