Eleven 40 foot containers are heading to the Kingdom of Tonga with relief supplies for the families affected by the volcanic eruption.
12 government officials will be taking the relief supplies, however, they will not make any contact with the people of Tonga.
Minister for Disaster Management Inia Seruiratu says this is the result of the 7 day discussions the government has been doing in terms of assisting the people of Tonga.
He says all the personnel travelling including the crew of Lomaiviti Princess 1 have been tested and cleared.
Seruiratu says no one will disembark the vessel when they reach Tonga because they do not want to spread the COVID virus since Tonga has not had any case.
He adds they are also thankful to all the donors including the New Zealand government, Chinese government, government organisations, non-government organisations and civil society for their contribution.
The Minister says Fiji stands ready to assist our Pacific people in any way they can.
Speaking on behalf of the Tongan Community in Fiji, Taholo Kami thanked the people of Fiji for their generosity and support in assisting the people of Tonga.
He says many of the Tongans who are in Fiji have not seen their families for the past two years because of the pandemic and it was a horrific experience hearing the news of the volcanic eruption and tsunami.
Kami says the Tongan Community in Fiji is also sending 4 containers that have messages of love from the Fijian people.
He adds they are sure that the relief supplies will benefit the people of Tonga in rebuilding their lives.
