Photo: Pacific Games Council
Tonga's Sports Minister says he supports the local organising committee for the 2019 Pacific Games in the wake of a warning that the country could lose the event.
Preparations have been plagued with political in-fighting and financial issues.
Last week, the Pacific Games Council sent a letter to Tongan officials warning the event could be removed if Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva was successful in removing Lord Sevele as chair of the organising committee.
The Council said neither the government nor the Prime Minister had the right to remove Lord Sevele without consulting the Council.
Fe'ao Vakata said he supported Lord Sevele and the committee and believes they are doing the best they can.
"Whatever happens on the side, I guess it's something that we can still be dealt with within us here internally but at the end I just wish and hope that everybody will be working together for the goodness of the country and sports and Tongan sports as well."
The Pacific Council is holding its AGM in Port Vila this week and is expected to deal with the issue there.
Team Tonga at the 2015 Pacific Games in Port Moresby. Photo: RNZI / Vinnie Wylie
