The Government of Japan and the people of ‘Eueiki celebrated the official commissioning a new boat for the island.
The boat is part of the Project for Improvement of Sea Transportation Infrastructure and is funded through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects, GGP.
Mr. Yukio Numata, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Tonga and 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.
In his keynote address, Ambassador Numata 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.
The new boat was named “Sea ‘o Nua.”