Governor Lemanu has sent a message of condolences to the Kingdom of Tonga following the volcanic eruption and tsunami which has so far claimed three lives and caused widespread destruction in the country.
In a letter written in the Tongan language to His Majesty King Tupou VI, Lemanu said, “It is with deepest sadness that we have learned of the disaster that has shaken the Kingdom of Tonga. It pains us to see Tonga a nation we admire– suffer under the terrible weight of this tragedy. I wish to convey our heartfelt sympathy to the people of Tonga for the loss of lives, the displacement of families, the widespread damages to property and infrastructure, and the excruciating pain that ensues.”
Lemanu continued, “The images on television and in the newspapers show a resourceful people coping with the unknown. These are incomparable times that have tested the people of Tonga. However, we know the people of Tonga to be resilient, determined, and united together. In this painful tragedy that has befallen the Kingdom of Tonga, American Samoa stands by your side in solidarity.”
He said, “On behalf of Lieutenant Governor Talauega E. V. Ale and our families, and on behalf of the people of American Samoa, our thoughts and prayers are with you; and we send our deepest condolences to the grieving families of the victims and all those affected by this calamity.
“I pray that God’s grace and wisdom will empower and strengthen you as you continue to lead the people of Tonga through these difficult times.”
