The Government of Tonga holds law and order at the foremost of its Agenda ensuring peace and security for all the people of Tonga.

The Government of Tonga acknowledges the work of Commissioner Christopher Kelley as well as the hard working professional men and women of Tonga Police for their dedication and unfailing devotion to duty. It is also grateful to the Governments of New Zealand and Australia for their significant contributions to the Tonga Police Development Program, aimed as modernising the police force.

As the matters raised in the petitions are internal police matters, and outside the purview of Cabinet, resolution of the petition will be dealt with by the established internal procedures of the Ministry of Police.

In addition and where appropriate, the Hon. Deputy Prime Minister and Hon. Minister of Agriculture, Food, Forests and Fisheries have been asked to assist in finding a way forward.

The Government of Tonga wishes to reinforce its commitment to law and order, to which Commissioner Kelley and men and women of the Tonga Police are instrumental, and acknowledges their excellent service so far.

ENDS

Issued by the: Ministry of Informations and Communications, 2011.