Pacific Games chiefs said they were looking for a new venue for the 2019 Games after announcing Tonga had officially cancelled its obligation to host it.
“With the passing of the 30 June deadline, PGC will take formal steps to terminate their host agreement,” the PGC told insidethegames.
“PGC will put out its expression of interest imminently, asking for submissions from our member Pacific Games Associations by the end of July.
“We expect to conduct assessments, visits and negotiations in August, with an aim to make a recommendation on a new host by the end of August.”
On Thursday 29 Tonga Parliament repealed its Pacific Games Organising Act 2013 with 13 -11 votes ending hopes for Tonga to stage the event.
The former Minister of Sports MP Fe’ao Vakata reminded the House during the debate over the repeal that Tonga could still pay millions to PGC even if the Games was hosted by another country.
But the Minister of Police said the cabinet had sought legal advices and it was told Tonga will only have to pay the subscription fee which is a requirement all host countries had to pay.
He did not say how much the subscription fee was.
Samoa has already indicated its interest to host the Games.
Fiji said it will not bid to host the Games following a series of consultations, earlier this month.
“Fijian capital city Suva has hosted the Games on three previous occasions in 1963, 1979 and 2003.
Papua New Guinea, who hosted the Games in 2015 in Port Moresby, have already stated they will not be considering a bid to host the 2019 editionâ€.
For more information
Future of 2019 Games is in the hands of the people, says Council CEO
http://kanivatonga.co.nz/2017/05/tonga-withdraws-from-hosting-pacific-games-2019-citing-world-bank-advice/
