Sports Minister, Justin Tkatchenko, made clear today that no funds were given to Tonga following Tonga’s withdrawal as host nation of the 2019 Pacific Games.
The PNG Government assured Tonga of their assistance, in funds and man power, but with the recent withdrawal, this commitment will not fall through.
Tkatchenko said, after their visit to Tonga two years ago, the Tongan government was still sceptical as to whether Tonga had the ability to host the Pacific Games.
There was no confirmed amount committed to Tonga as assessments were still ongoing.
PNG will not bid and is not committed to hosting the games in 2019.
The Pacific Games Council will have to work out their next plan of action.
Tkatchenko says PNG will not bid for anything as yet, but if approached by the Pacific Games Council, it will all depend on the new government. He also added that the Pacific Games Council must choose countries that will be able to host such an event.
Meanwhile, the Pacific Games council is reported to be unaware of the withdrawal of Tonga as host. They are yet to receive a formal letter from the Tongan Government to explain their reason for pulling out.
