15 September 2011. In what was a warm and sincere atmosphere, the Prime Minister, Lord Tu'ivakano and the Minister for Health Hon. ‘Uliti Uata met with the Tonga community living in Salt Lake City, Utah on Wednesday 14 September, 2011. The Prime Minister addressed directly the concerns raised in the forum, specifically import duties, visa and licence costs and corruption.
The Prime Minister thanked the Tongan community for the hospitality extended to his party and the assistance, in terms of remittances and humanitarian aid to Tonga provided by the Tongan Utah community and particularly the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
The Minister for Health outlined his involvement in the political process in Tonga since the 1990's as a pro-democracy activist and parliamentarian, including his decision to accept the ministerial appointment in Tonga's first democratically elected government.
The Prime Minister gave a brief outline of the political reforms carried out in 2010 noting the peaceful transition of the transfer of executive power from the monarchy to cabinet. He outlined some of the initiatives undertaken by the new government including efforts to streamline and provide a more effective and efficient public service, the promotion of private sector led growth to stimulate the economy, a submarine fibre optic cable, the Tonga Energy Roadmap and other initiatives. He emphasized the government's strong emphasis on transparent and accountable government.
The Prime Minister also noted the realities that confront Tonga including the challenging economic times, rising energy costs and the threats posed by climate change and natural disasters. The state of Utah contains the most Tongans living in the United States approximately 14,000. About 500 people were present at the meeting.
The Prime Minister and Minister for Health are on their way to New York to attend a series of meetings at the United Nations including a high level meeting on non-communicable diseases and 66th Debate of the General Assembly of the United Nations, 19 - 27 September 2011.
ENDS
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