Four new privy councillors to become “Law-Lords” [1]
Tuesday, July 29, 2008 - 17:00. Updated on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 - 16:00.
TONGA'S King George Tupou V appointed four new Privy Councillors last week.
A statement from the Lord Chamberlain said that the four lawyers Ramsay Robertson Dalgety, Tevita Poasi Tupou, Taniela Tufui and Noble Fielakepa will become Law-Lords-in-Waiting and will form a Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.
The Law Lords will advise the King on the exercise of his judicial powers, and on matters relating to appointments, clemency, Royal Commissions and terms and conditions of the Judiciary. They will also investigate complaints against judges.
Ramsay Robertson Dalgety, a former judge of Tonga's Supreme Court, will become Lord Dalgety of Sikotilani Tonga. Ramsay Dalgety was a Scottish Queen's Counsel and was a part-time judge and a Deputy Transport Commissioner in Scotland. He became a judge of the Tongan's Supreme Court in 1991, until his retirement in 1995. Since his retirement, Ramsay Dalgety held a number of public appointments in Tonga. He is co-chair of a Tongan Royal Commission and has been chairperson of the Tonga Electric Power Board since 2002.
Tevita Poasi Tupou was Tonga's Attorney General and Minister of Justice for many years, and he was also a former Deputy Prime Minister. Tevita Poasi Tupou will now be called "Lord Tupou of Kolofo'ou".
Taniela Tufui, a long-serving Chief Secretary of the Government of Tonga and Secretary to Cabinet has been bestowed the title of "Lord Tufui of Talaheu".
Noble Fielakepa, who at one time was the Governor of Ha'apai, Tongan Minister of Lands, the Private Secretary to the late king, Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, and the Lord Chamberlain, and is currently a Member of Parliament will now be called, "Baron Fielakepa of Havelu".