Tuvalu CHOGM Delegation arrived too early

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 18 October 2024 – The delegation from Tuvalu for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting arrived in Samoa this week, but had to exit the country again as the cruise ship which they booked accommodation has not yet arrived.

The delegation is now in American Samoa awaiting the arrival of the Pacific Explorer cruise ship scheduled to dock at the Apia wharf on Saturday 19 October.

The Co-Chair of the CHOGM Accommodation Sub-Committee, Toleafoa Pativaine Petaia Tevita confirmed at today’s press conference that there was communication with the delegation regarding the bookings.

She said when the accommodation portal opened early this year, the delegations were informed of the booking process.

“They also informed those who booked on the cruise ship to book according to the time the cruise ship arrives in Samoa,” she said.

Dates and time of cruise ship’s arrival are also on the portal.

Toleafoa also confirmed that to date, the number of delegates already registered for CHOGM sits at 4,240 which includes Heads of Governments and their delegations, media representatives and the forum and side events delegates.

She said the number of forum and media representatives has exceeded the Committee’s projected expectations.