05th July, 2019 A modern sculpture of ‘Aho’eitu, the first Tu’i Tonga was unveiled this afternoon by the High Commissioner of Tonga to Australia Her Royal Highness Princess Angelica Latufuipeka at the forecourt of prominent St. George Palace.
Prime Minister of Tonga Hon Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva said, he was approached by one of the faculty member of Brigham Young University-Hawaii Campus Professor Viliami ‘Asipeli Toluta’u in 2018 with the idea of building a sculpture of ‘Aho’eitu.
“Professor Toluta’u had heard that I was leading the work of converting the former rubbish dump in Popua into a National Park. And he came to me with an offer to build a sculpture of ‘Aho’eitu.”
“I fully embraced the offer for two reasons. First was the knowledge that the history of ‘Aho’eitu, the first Tu’i Tonga is centred on Popua and its neighboring islands of Siesia and Nukunukumotu. In addition there is also the network of ‘Sia Heu Lupe or pigeon mounds in Popua.”
“The second reason why I fully embraced Professor Toluta’u’s offer was the fact that His Majesty King Tupou VI was christened Prince ‘Aho’eitu and that we would be celebrating His Majesty’s 60th birthday this year.”
He said the initial plan was to have the sculpture installed at the junction of Vuna Road and the turnoff into Popua Village but due to the foul weather, the preparatory work for the sculpture’s foundation was delayed. A decision was then made to install the sculpture at St. George’s forecourt on a temporary basis. After the installation of the sculpture yesterday, he agreed with Professor Toluta’u that St. George should be the permanent location.
“I hope that His Majesty King Tupou VI will accept and enjoy this gift from the people of Tonga on his 60th birthday.”
He also expressed his sincere gratitude to Dr. Rose Ram on behalf of the BYU Hawaii Campus, for graciously allowing Professor Toluta’u to complete the creative work of modern art.
Professor Toluta’u said, “There is a concern about the story of ‘Aho’eitu, the first Tu’i Tonga. This is a crucial story in Tonga’s history. But what remains the difference between history and myths? This story has been retold from generation to generation which sounds like a myth.”
He said that there are some fundamental aspects of the story of ‘Aho’eitu that need to be carefully verified and he gently urged Tongans to collaborate in strengthening the foundation of Tonga’s distinguished history.
Attending the program were prominent members of the diplomatic corps, ministers of the cabinet, government officials and guests.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communications.