March 9, 2016
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Japan GGP official commissioning of the Project for Improvement of Sea Transportation Infrastructure for ‘Eueiki Island
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- On the 9th of March, 2016, the Government of Japan and the people of ‘Eueiki celebrated the official commissioning of the Project for Improvement of Sea Transportation Infrastructure for ‘Eueiki Island Community, funded through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects, GGP.
His Excellency Mr. Yukio Numata, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Tonga along with Tu’itufu of ‘Eueiki, the Chief of the Island commissioned the new boat at the Queen Salote Wharf, and honoured its first voyage to the second half of the commissioning ceremony held at ‘Eueiki Island. Present at the ceremony were Dr. Kilisitina Puleiku from Tonga’s Ministry of Finance and National Planning and all the villagers.
His Excellency Mr. Numata in his keynote address congratulated the completion of the Project and emphasized collaboration of relevant stakeholders to achieve Human Security and prosperity in Tonga. “By investing in a collective and safer mode of transportation, we invest in not only human resources but also in safeguarding the future,” he said. Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects was introduced in 1989, in response to the distinct nature of development needs in isolated and developing countries. The ‘Eueiki Community Committee sought for Japan’s assistance in 2015 prioritizing access to safer means of transportation, and to replace an old and deteriorating community boat.
- Tonga’s traditional welcoming ceremony, the “ha’unga” was presented for the Ambassador performed by Makamapu, a talking chief of ‘Eueiki. Mr. Sinipata Muli, the Town Officer in his vote of thanks acknowledged the generous assistance from the people and Government of Japan, on behalf of Tu’itufu their Chief and his people. The new boat was named “Sea ‘o Nua.”
This assistance epitomizes Japan’s commitment to support efforts by the People and the Government of Tonga to ensure Human Security and also hope to strengthen the warm and close relations between the people and the Government of Japan and the people of the Kingdom of Tonga.
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Attachment: Project Factsheet
- On the 9th of March, 2016, the Government of Japan and the people of ‘Eueiki celebrated the official commissioning of the Project for Improvement of Sea Transportation Infrastructure for ‘Eueiki Island Community, funded through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects, GGP.