THE Hon. Prime Minister this morning announced in the Legislative Assembly the passing of one of his Cabinet Ministers, the Minister of Fisheries, late Hon. Semisi Fakahau.
Hon. Fakahau has been unwell due to some medical conditions. He died last night at the age of 74 after serving as a Member of Parliament for eight years.
The Hon. PM Siaosi Sovaleni told Parliament that it is with profound sadness to announce the death of Hon. Fakahau who is also the Member of Parliament for Tongatapu 8 constituency.
He said his death is a great loss to Cabinet and Tonga for he was a great man, a strong advocate of a healthy and resilient ocean species.
He also extended love from him and the Cabinet to the widow and children.
On behalf of Parliament the Lord Speaker Fakafanua also expressed his sincere and deepest sympathies to the widow Grace Fakahau, children and family.
He said even though his call to eternity is a big loss to Parliament as well, but it is God who determines the time of our death. Lord Fakafanua also extended Parliament’s condolences and hoping that may God’s love and peace be upon the widow and family during this difficult time.
Parliament also observed a one minute of silence to mark their respect for the former comrade, the late former Minister of Fisheries, Hon. Semisi Fakahau.
Fakahau entered politics in 2014 and was appointed Minister of Agriculture, Food, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF).
He was reelected in the 2017 general election and retained his MAFF ministerial portfolio under the late ‘Akilisi Pohiva government administration.
In 2019, he was given the Fisheries Minister portfolio only. Two years later, late Hon. Fakahau was reappointed as Cabinet Minister of Fisheries.
In 2020 the late Hon. Semisi Fakahau was the chairman of the Standing Committee on Agricultural and also a Member of other parliamentary Committees including the Business Standing Committee.
He is survived by wife Grace and children.