The election of Sione Veikoso by the Pacific Island country members to become the president of the regional association marked the historical election of the first Tongan to hold the post.
The deputy CEO of Tonga Communication Corporation (TCC) became the fifth president of the association during the annual general meeting in Tahiti last week.
“I would like to review the current vision and missions to ensure that we realign PITA to the best interests of its members and taking into consideration the fast pace of technologies and its impact on telecom industries and markets in the Pacific Islands, also to design strategies that will generate most benefits to PITA members and maintain sustainability of PITA strategically,” he said.
PITA’s 172 members comprise of 43 full members, 14 governmental members and 115 associate members.
“First of all I would like to thank God for this blessing. Secondly, I would like to thank all PITA members for their trust and confidence in me and I will commit to do my best at all time. I also extend my sincere thanks to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for MEIDECC and his team who were attending a Ministerial Conference during the PITA AGM as well as the Chairman of TCC Board of Director for their support,” Veikoso said.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of MEIDECC Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni also attended the meeting.
He said the meeting was an opportunity for private sectors and government to work closely to develop telecom industries in the Pacific.
It was established in 1996 aimed to improve, facilitate, share experience and provide telecommunication services within its members and its associated member’s countries.
PITA members are telecommunications entities in Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia, Australia and New Zealand. Associated members are suppliers of telecommunication equipment and services. Governmental members include regulatory entities and policy makers in member countries. It also includes partners which are regional and international organizations like APT, ITU and others.
The next PITA forum will be hosted by the Cook Islands.
