Peoples' Republic of China funded Tonga's Parliament IT equipment Featured
Cheque Presentation from Chinese Ambassador H.E Wang Baodong to Acting Speaker of Parliament Lord Tu'ilakepa
31 May, 2018. The Chinese Ambassador to Tonga His Excellency Wang Baodong this morning presented a cheque of over TOP$200,000.00 to the Legislative Assembly of Tonga.
It was to fund the much needed IT and computer equipment worth TOP$274,000 for the smooth operation of the Parliament’s work following the Gita devastation earlier this year.
During the cheque presentation handover H.E. Baodong acknowledged it was very hard to secure funding from Beijing for such contribution. However it was fortunate to secure the funding prior to the opening of Parliament next week.
He expressed his people and the Chinese government’s sympathy towards the people of Tonga in the aftermath of Gita devastation.
“It was a tragedy for Tonga to suffer from the natural disaster but at the same time it was an opportunity for the two countries to collaborate on addressing the devastation left by the disaster,” said His Excellency.
The Chinese Ambassador also noted that the two countries have held a long standing working relationship.
“The diplomatic ties between China and Tonga remains strong and will continue to prosper,” adds H.E Baodong.
As a recipient of Beijing’s contribution, the Acting Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Lord Tu’ilakepa said it was most fortunate for the Tonga Parliament to receive such donation.
He said Parliament had in the past continue to receive assistance from the People’s Republic of China especially the IT and computer hardware.
It was noted that H.E Baodong visited Parliament after the cyclone to see what his government can offer to assist the Legislative Assembly with. He said with such contribution this will further promote legislative strengthening.
The Acting Speaker also mentioned that China’s donation continues to strengthen the close working relationship between our two countries.
It is not the first time Beijing has lent a helping hand to the Tongan Parliament in times of need.
-Parliament of Tonga
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Sometimes it's good sense to pause and contemplate , your next move . Has anyone ever asked why are the wealthy nations rushing to help poor impoverished countries ? They give aids " for us " meaning the donor country not " for them" meaning the recipient country , is it because we are allies ?, to protect their interest ?, spread their moral and political beliefs , rather than caring for our interest and well being . Think about it , aids sometime undermine what people in developing countries need most " an effective government that works with THEM for today and the future . Too much aid monies gives governing bodies power to ride roughshod over the very people they are suppose to work with . Sometimes , countries that don't receive aid seems to function better than the ones that do . Aid monies can be a blessing , it can also be a curse. It's pathetic how island nations have become so aid dependent , that nothing could be done , unless aid money is involved . Self reliant is a thing of the past , why not ? when donor countries are vying for recipient for their aid packages . Is this the. modern flip side of colonialism ? the poor depending on the rich ? it matters not how well educated people in the third world are , they still rely on handout from their former colonial masters . THAT'S A FACT . Shouldn't government think of something to do with aid monies that would free the country , so as not be aid reliant all the time . People ! world demand for COCONUT is sky rocketing but coconut supply is dwindling , why is the government not encouraging the people to replace aging coconut trees , It only takes 5 years for the coconut to start producing money , the MONEY TREE . Aids for the POOR goes through the powerful , rarely does it benefit those that the aid was for . ?????? .