Left to right, Katherine Mafi, HE Brett Aldam, the Australian High Commissioner and his wife; Joey Mataele and HE Mark Talbot, the New Zealand High Commissioner to Tonga and his wife

The Tonga Leitis Association Community Centre, the 'Ofa he Paea Community Center, was officially opened by HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita at Kolofo'ou, Nuku'alofa on Friday evening, May 24.

Joey Mataele, a founding member of TLA said that the launching of the centre marked the 21st anniversary of the formation of the association and was "a dream come true"

Joey said that it was during the 1980s, when the HIV AIDS epidemic became a global concern, and the Kau Fakaleitis – boys who wanted to be girls - were being looked upon as possible carriers of these virus, they felt marginalized.

At the time Joey was very thankful to a few individuals who came forward to help this small group of Tonga fakaleitis. Papiloa Foliaki, the first president of the TLA in 1992, Dr Malakai 'Ake, the current Chairman of the TLA Governing Board, and Sitiveni Vete who was working throughout the region to counter the spread of HIV AIDS.

Joey recalled that it was a challenge in those days to actually go to hospital and take a HIV blood test, but he and Sitiveni decided to lead the way.

"I would like to announce that all the current 148 members of the TLA are HIV free," said Joey, amidst cheering from the guests.

The TLA also have branches in New Zealand, Australia and USA.

Joey said that the fakaleitis drop in centre in Railway Road, will also offer training in special skills so that they can secure themselves employment. Joey thanked some of the Nuku'alofa business houses that have offered fakaleitis employment opportunities.