Princess Siu'ilikutapu gives awards for Ironman program [1]
Monday, June 6, 2005 - 18:00. Updated on Friday, May 9, 2014 - 13:05.
The first three men to have completed a six months Residential Rehabilitation Program offered by Tonga's Ironman Ministry were awarded certificates this morning, June 6, by HRH Princess Siu'ilikutapu.
The princess is the Patron of the Ironman Ministry, which is helping to rehabilitate not only local offenders but those who have been deported from overseas to Tonga.
Heneli Saafi (23) who had been ordered by the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court to carry out 120 hours of community service at the Inronman Ministry and attend all of its rehabilitation service, was one of the three to complete the program. It was part of a 2 year suspended sentence he received after being found guilty of manslaughter by negligence on August 13, 2004.
The other two men, Pasi Lea...aetoa (39) and Taulupe Penisoni (45) were deportees from the United States who voluntarily signed themselves up for the ministry's alcohol rehabilitation program.
Ironman Ministry, which was set up three years ago by its Director, Sione Koloamatangi. offers residential rehabilitation programs for a duration of 6 months to a year at its headquarters at Ngele'ia. It includes counseling, outreach programs and community work.
The Christian-based programme had helped participants to rebuild their lives and stay sober and out of trouble, according to Sione. "They have gotten their act together and this has happened because of a change of heart and attitude. Boy, this is not a small thing," said Sione.
Present at the award ceremony was Chief Justice Robin Webster, the British High Commissioner Mr. Paul Nessling, the New Zealand High Commissioner Mr. Michael McBryde, and guests from non government organizations.