Pacific Games Council engages solicitor for legal action against Tonga government

The Pacific Games Council is going ahead with legal action against the government of Tonga for withdrawing as host of the 2019 Pacific Games.

Executive Director of Pacific Games Council, Andrew Minogue said they have engaged a local solicitor to proceed with the legal action.

After Tonga withdrew, the only country that has expressed their interest to host the game is Samoa while New Caledonia will support Tahiti to host the game.

Prime Minister of Samoa Tuilaepa Sailele Malielagaoi has already indicated his government’s willingness to support the bid for Samoa to host the Games.

But Minogue said the decision will be made after July 31.

“We are waiting until July 31 when the expressions of interest close.

“The Executive Board of PGC will make an assessment of the bids in August and then make a decision.

“Any one country supporting any other is not relevant,” he said.

Hosting the Pacific Games is an expensive exercise which the host must have the support of its government.

Mr Minogue said hosting the Pacific Games cost approximately USD20-25m if all the facilities are in place.

The government of Tonga withdrew from hosting the 2019 Pacific Games based on the 2013 World Bank report, which showed the likely impact of the event may have on the its economy.

Tonga was awarded the right to host the game in 2012 after its bid was accepted ahead of French Polynesia.

 

 Photo: Credit. AFP. Caption: Athletes pose with their delegations’ respective flags during the opening of the 14th Pacific Games in New Caledonia.

 

Author: 
Charles Kadamana