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.