AS Tonga's first Police Commissioner Chris Kelly's contract ends today September 22, it has been now been revealed that the appointment of a new Police Commissioner for Tonga is likely to be made before Christmas this year.

In a Press Release issued from the Lord Privy Seal, Va'inga Tone to inquiries from Matangi Tonga Online on September 21, he said as a matter of law, the appointment of a Police Commissioner of Tonga is made by His Majesty in Council acting upon the advice of the Judicial Appointments and Discipline Panel (" the Panel").

He said the post would soon be advertised and anyone who met the stated requirements for the post was free to apply before Friday, October 28, 2011.

"Applications will be considered by the Panel during November and interviews with selected candidates will follow. The appointment
itself is likely to be made before Christmas", he said.

Police Act

Comm. Kelly early departure from Tonga on August 6, by taking his leave, was prompted after the Government of Tonga moved not to renew his contract.

The Cabinet, without consulting the king, had not renewed the Police Commissioner's contract, and had formed a committee to amend the Police Act 2010 to give Cabinet the power to appoint Police Commissioners.

In a Letter to the Editor [2] of the Matangi Tonga Online, on August 3, 2011, the Lord Privy Seal, Vainga Tone, stated that the King in Council had not been consulted by the Police Minister or the Prime Minister "in regard to their decision to act independently of the provisions of the law by not renewing the contract of the Police Commissioner Commander Kelly."

Acting Police Commissioner

Meanwhile, in Nuku'alofa, the Acting Police Commissioner is the Deputy Commander Taniela Faletau effective from August 5 to September 22, the remaining duration of Comm. Kelley's contract.

The Acting Police Commissioner's appointment is clearly stated under the Tonga Police Act 2010 as the prerogative of the King in Privy Council

The Minister of Police at the time was Hon Dr Viliami Latu, who was subsequently moved to head the Ministry of Tourism, while Hon Lisiate 'Akolo became the new Minister of Police, during a reshuffle on September 1.