Previous Story
Tonga coronation seen as unifying force
|
Posted on Jul 28 2008
SUVA, Fiji (Fiji Times/PIR)—Enormous benefits from this week’s coronation of Tonga’s King George Tupou V will flow to every part of the kingdom, Tonga’s Prime Minister Dr Feleti Sevele says.
Matangi Tonga Online said the coronation would be another memorable milestone in Tonga’s long and proud history.
“It is part of our life and who we are. It will be a joyous celebration of culture, custom and kinship in the only Polynesian Kingdom,” said Dr Sevele.
“There will be a renewal of our sense of nationhood and the togetherness which defines Tonga. The country’s image will be taken to the world.”
Former Fiji President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara’s eldest daughter Adi Ateca Ganilau is attending the coronation on a private invitation.
It is unclear whether Fiji will take gifts to the celebrations, what they will be and their costs.
Attempts to contact Foreign Ministry officials yesterday proved futile.
“We will unite as Tongans for the formal accession to the throne of a monarch who is committed to modernisation and change, while preserving the essential qualities of our Tongan identity and values,” Dr Sevele said.
He said the coronation would give the economy a significant boost that would cover the $5 million [US$2.45 million] cost budgeted by the Government.
“Our forecast is that the monetary value to the country from the coronation is conservatively top 10m. This will bring benefits to all sectors of the community.”
Tonga will host between 4000 and 5000 visitors, the largest number ever to be in the kingdom at one time.
He confirmed that to meet the demand, Air Pacific, Air New Zealand and Pacific Blue were providing extra flights.
