Progress in Police grievances, Commissioner meets petitioners

By Tevita Motulalo

THERE has been progress in addressing grievances voiced by a significant portion of Tonga Police to Cabinet about the leadership of Police Commissioner Chris Kelley, as he has met with some of them to discuss their concerns and a way forward.

Last Tuesday he said it was unfair for members of Police to make accusations of him without revealing their identities.

“Its like dealing with phantoms,” he said to Tonga Chronicle, “I still don’t know who they are. Not one."

Kelley said to Tonga Chronicle it has been helpful that some of the petitioners surface to talk to him directly, last Thursday, yesterday, and another meeting pending for today.

Another petition against Police Commissioner Kelley

By Tevita Motulalo

THERE has been a second petition by members of Tonga Police against the leadership of Commissioner Chris Kelley, signed and submitted to the Minister of Police Hon. Viliami Latu.

The Minister of Police Viliami Lātū

Petitioners assert outright that the position of Commissioner of Police should have been given to a Tongan.

“What has happened to those who have acquired enough high degrees and renowned in the Department, are they bad and unworthy?” is the question asked in the petition.

The letter states that if nothing is done to address the matters raised in the apparent grievances, the morale, complacency, and corruption within the force will not get better.

The writers state confidently that “If the issues we raised were asked individually to all the members of the police, at least 95% will agree and believe the same as we do,” and signed by about 150 members of the force.

Police “illegally” imposed incomplete regulation

By Tevita Motulalo

It seemed that Tonga Police hastily put in place regulations that had not passed through the full legal process, and so were “illegal”.

The Cabinet had recently revoked an earlier decision to increase firearms licensing fees on the basis that not only was it illegal, but also it was ineffective in realising visions of a safer community.

Ministry of Finance will now refund holders who registered their guns under the increased fees. The total cost of the refund is estimated to be more than $30,000 pa’angas.

Police Commissioner Christopher Kelley apologises for the error.

“I take full responsibility,” he said.

Division in Tonga Police, calls on Cabinet to end Commander’s tenure

By Tevita Motulalo

Commissioner of Police, Christopher Kelley

About half of Tonga Police have signed a petition to Cabinet over leadership issues on the part of their Commissioner, Christopher Kelley.

“We respectfully express our dissatisfaction of the way the Commissioner of Police is leading the Department,” the letter says.

Among the issues raised are the promotion of officers, the instalment of “Acting” capacities when fellow officers take leave, and the investigation and disciplinary process of alleged misconduct of members of Police. This is by the elimination of an internal tribunal, and “suspending” officers outright when there are allegations of inappropriate conduct.

The petitioners are opposing this “threatening” behaviour, which they say has diminished morale and the dedication to the service.

The petition claims that the Commissioner is acting with “favouritism” allowing the privileges to certain individuals he favours while denying them to others that should have.

Also raised was the new Police Act recently brought into force by Cabinet.

Lord Prime Minister works hard to form a people’s Cabinet

© Tevita Motulalo

THE Kingdom of Tonga's first Prime Minister nominated by a majority popular elected Parliament, Lord Tu‘ivakano, is trying tirelessly to form his new Cabinet, comprising of a majority of people’s representatives.

Long time MP ‘Isileli Pulu, is said to have agreed the take up the “Minister for Revenue” portfolio in Tu‘ivakano’s Cabinet. He is one of the leading names in 'Akilisi Pohiva’s Friendly Island Democratic Party,

Lord Fakafanua broke the news today following further meetings between the PM and MPs. He has been the spokesman for the alliance of free MPs (which includes the Nobles) during the campaign for the nomination for the Prime Minister.

Cabinet is another check that mustn’t always agree: Vaipulu

© Tevita Motulalo

VAVA ‘U popular elected MP Samiu Vaipulu reminded members of the House of the Kingdom of Tongthat Cabinet should not always agree with Parliament and with each other, as a checking mechanism defending the Constitution.

“If the Parliament pass a Constitution amendment three times, Cabinet should be unanimous in voting on it. But if there is a single vote of dissention, then it is enough to stop that amendment,” said Samiu.