King commissions new Police training block [1]
Wednesday, March 24, 2021 - 18:48. Updated on Sunday, November 21, 2021 - 19:17.
Tonga steps up its war against drugs with a new Tonga Police College Training Block commissioned by King Tupou VI at an official ceremony yesterday, 23 March at Longolongo.
Police Commissioner Stephen Caldwell, in his address, said illicit drugs are a key security challenge to Tonga and the work police officers have been doing.
He thanked King Tupou VI for his clear guidance, direction and wisdom in the war against illicit drugs, in the King's speech delivered to parliament in May 2018.
“I am pleased to report that there has been 691 arrests to date, 444.9 kg of methamphetamine seized, 58 kg of cocaine, and 8.8 kg of cannabis seized, since the formation of the Drug Enforcement Taskforce in 2018, as we disrupt and hold to account these evil-doers who sell drugs to our children and other people for their selfish gain.”
Crime has also reduced with 872 less offences compared to 2015, said the Commissioner who is at the end of his six years of service in Tonga.
“We need to work together as a nation at the border, both in enforcement and education, and working together with our community leaders, which we are,” said Commissioner Caldwell.
Efforts to continue supporting Tonga Police with the war on drugs, he said included government funding of $1.5 million for the financial year 2021-22, the commitment for an additional 100 police officers, as well as approval of a remuneration review for police salaries.
“We must pay our men and women what they are worth.”
Police have also been busy since Tonga’s border shut in early 2020. A COVID-19 operation partnering with His Majesties Armed Forces and the Fire Service resulted in 4,658 arrests with 1,903 arrests for breach of curfew. “We are taking the discipline around this emergency seriously.”
Town Officers, District Officers, and over 2,000 community patrol volunteers are also supporting Tonga Police with their duties.
Commisioner Caldwell also noted that the police marine rescue boats had saved over 300 lives since the King commissioned the boats in 2015.
Presentation of medals
During the ceremony, King Tupou VI presented investitures to the Police Commissioner and his wife. Commissioner Stephen Caldwell - Commander of the Royal Order of the Crown, and Wendy Mele Caldwell - Companion of the Royal Order of the Crown.
Caldwell said it was a great honour. “It is a proud moment for Wendy and I, and also our families. It is also, Your Majesty, I feel, a recognition for the hard work of the courageous men and women of the Tonga Police who do their duty for our king and our country every day."
New Building
The $2 million building is named after the late Hon. ‘Akua’ola, who was Minister of Police for 27 years, from 7 June 1968 to 31 December 1995.
The building was funded by the Australian and New Zealand governments, with rooms furnished for training and meeting purposes.
Mr Caldwell said the building represents a link to the past, “but just as importantly, a bold statement and commitment for the future training of our future leaders.”
It will be a centre of excellence for learning for the Tonga Police and the Pacific region, he said. “A symbol of the rule of law and working with the people for the people to keep the peace and keep our citizens safe.”
The commissioning ceremony was attended by Queen Nanasipau’u, Prince Ata, Princess Pilolevu and Lord Tuita, nobles, the diplomatic corps, government officials, and guests.
Photos by Pesi Fonua and Linny Folau.