Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi is very happy with news that Samoa will host the Pacific Games in 2019.
The Pacific Games Council announced yesterday afternoon that Samoa was the only bid that met all the criteria.
Tuilaepa says Samoa already has the facilities which were modernized as late as 2015.
He adds there are funds for new additions that may be required.
“In any case the arrangements we have made for this meeting (Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Summit) particularly all the arrangements of welcoming of delegates etc are all part and parcel of our preparations of the Pacific Games,” Tuilaepa said.
Tonga was to host the games, but in July the government there suddenly pulled out, saying it could not afford to host them.
It had been a two-horse race between Samoa and Guam for hosting rights, but a budget agreement between Guam's governor and legislature could not be met in time.
Photo by Loop Samoa.