Pacific leaders pay tribute to 'Akilisi Pohiva
Quoting Radio New Zealand – 13 September 2019
“Pacific leaders are paying tribute to the late Tongan prime minister, 'Akilisi Pohiva, who died on Thursday.
“The 78-year-old died in an Auckland hospital having been evacuated from Tonga on Wednesday with pneumonia.
'A beacon of democracy': RNZ's obituary for Mr Pohiva, who died on Thursday
“New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Mr Pohiva would be remembered for his lifelong commitment to championing democracy.
“He was also a powerful advocate for Pacific regionalism, she said.
“The secretary general of the Pacific Islands Forum, Dame Meg Taylor, said Mr Pohiva was a kind and principled man and a compelling advocate for freedom.
“On social media other Pacific leaders also paid tribute including Australia's prime minister.
“Scott Morrison tweeted that Mr Pohiva was a passionate advocate for his people and the Pacific family.”
Copyright @ 2019, Radio New Zealand.
