22nd May, 2017 The Minister of Police, Fire and Emergency Services Hon Mateni Tapueluelu awarded 29 certificates to new graduates from the Lola Baker Koloamatangi Recruit Wing No. 44 last Friday at Tonga Police College, Longolongo.
Speaking to more than 100 guests Hon Mateni Tapueluelu acknowledged the presence of the former Deputy Commander Lola Baker Koloamatangi who is the first patron of a recruit wing.
Hon Tapueluelu said he was concern about the existence of drugs in the communities and its impact.
He told graduates that “It is important that we have a police service that the public can trust and I require you to act with integrity, professionalism and honesty at all times. Your integrity is not for sale. The foundation of good policing is a good relationship with the people we serve based on trust and respect”.
He also expressed his sincere gratitude to the Governments of New Zealand, Australia, Japan and China for their continued support to the Tonga Police Development Program.
Police Commissioner Mr. Stephen Caldwell stated that the first Recruit Wing Patron Lola Baker Koloamatangi served the ministry for 34 years and still continues to serve Tonga in protecting women and children who are victims of domestic violence.
He said the recruit wing patron is a new concept for Tonga Police and Koloamatangi was selected based on criteria such as her knowledge, support, wisdom and others.
“It was important therefore to have a person of standing, a person of high character and values, a person who would act as a role model for our young recruits, and provide support to them during their training and future careers,” he said.
Caldwell told graduates that “Policing is the toughest and most challenging occupation in the world. A lot is expected of you. You have a great responsibility on your young shoulders in taking the Tonga Police into the future – you have a great responsibility in upholding the rule of law without fear or favor. You have a great responsibility in keeping our communities safe.”
He urged the new graduates to carry out their duties in a professional and honest manner, as they will be fulfilling their mission statement, to earn the trust and confidence of the people of Tonga through their service to the community.
Present in the ceremony were the Ambassador of Japan H.E Mr. Yukio Numata, New Zealand High Commissioner H.E Ms. Sarah Walsh, Australian High Commissioner H.E Andrew Ford, Chinese Acting Ambassador, Nobles of the Realms, Law Lords, Hon Chief Justice Paulsen, Hon. Justice Cato, Magistrates, Government CEO’s and guests.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communications.