23 May 2011

Tonga Cabinet meets in Vava'u for first time

7:21 pm on 23 May 2011

Tonga's cabinet is holding a retreat on the island of Vava'u, the first time it has met away from the capital.

The meeting is to review the progress made since assuming power last year and to make strategic plans for the future.

The ministers are looking at the new budget, the Tonga Strategic Development Framework and what the government needs to change to allow this to be implemented.

They are also considering their priorities for the four year term.

The prime minister Lord Tu'ivakano says the government wants to establish strong and comprehensive groundwork for the coming years.

He says, as a result of the retreat, when the Legislative Assembly opens early next month, the ministers will have a clear view of Tonga's economic and development situation.