Tongan Latter-day Saints Bid Farewell to a Great Leader and Friend

Hundreds of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered on 18 September at St. George Government Building in the heart of Nuku’alofa to pay respect and bid farewell to Tonga’s Prime Minister, the late Honourable Samuela ‘Akilisi Pōhiva, his family, and the government of Tonga.

After a prayer, singing, and a spiritual thought, Church leader ‘Īnoke Fotu Kupu respectfully sat on the floor to convey a message from Church leaders to the Pōhiva family.

In the letter, Church leaders expressed that they were “deeply saddened” to hear of the Prime Minister’s passing and acknowledged that he was “a great leader and a friend to all Tongans including members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”

After referring to the wonderful partnership shared by the Church and the late Prime Minister to bless Tongans--such as rebuilding after Cyclone Gita, humanitarian, self-reliance, and education initiatives amongst others--they offered words of comfort, peace, and assurance to the family and country.

“We love and respect our friend, Prime Minister Pōhiva, and mourn with you at this tender time. Mr. Pōhiva kindly attended several of our church conferences and other meetings, for which we are very grateful."

“We pray for you and the people of Tonga that you may receive comfort and peace at this time of grieving. We testify that through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we can all hope of a glorious resurrection, and the possibility of being together with our beloved families again."

“We stand ready to assist your family and the people of Tonga in the years ahead as we strive to do what Jesus would do, in caring for each other, lifting lives and fortifying families.”

The Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Sēmisi Sika, representing the Government of Tonga, said, “We would like to sincerely express our gratitude to [Church leaders and members] for availing your time to be here and bid farewell to one who was a shepherd, a servant, and one who led in ministering to the country.”

With great emotion, Hon. Sika recalled his last few moments with the deceased where he was urged to continue with the work, never turn away from the people, be honest and courageous, and not give up.

Amongst the crowd sat Samuela ‘Akilisi Pōhiva Jr.--the late Prime Minister’s son--with his wife Heta Pōhiva.

“I was emotional during the Church’s devotional,” said Heta Pōhiva, “especially the message from the [Church leaders] stating the work they did with the Honourable Prime Minister. I think that really emphasized the Christ-like attributes that he had.”

Several other members of the Church expressed sympathy and admiration for the deceased.

“Seeing the Ministers greet people sends a great and effective message because they are focusing on serving the people,” Kupu said.

He expressed how he admired what an honour it was to present the message on behalf of the leaders of the Church.

The Honourable Prime Minister was laid to rest on Thursday 19 of September 2019 at the Centenary Church before committal at the Telekava Cemetery. Thursday was declared a Public Holiday and a National Day of Mourning throughout Tonga, in honour of the late Prime minister.