King Tupou VI approves Tonga’s new Cabinet [1]
Thursday, March 9, 2017 - 21:54. Updated on Thursday, March 9, 2017 - 22:27.
Tonga's King Tupou VI today, March 9 gave his consent to Prime Minister, Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva’s reshuffled cabinet, which follows the forced resignation of the Minister of Finance Hon. 'Aisake Eke.
The new cabinet ministers and reshuffled portfolios took effect from March 6.
Hon. Tevita Lavemaau is the new Minister of Finance and National Planning. He was the former Minister of Revenue Collection and Customs.
Hon. Pohiva Tu’I’onetoa becomes the Minister of Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation Labour; and Revenue Collection and Customs. Hon. Pohiva Tu’I’onetoa was also the Minister of Police, Prison and Fire Services.
Mateni Tapueluelu, the People’s Representative for Tongatapu Constituent No. 4 is a new recruit to the 12-members Cabinet. The son-in-law of the Prime Minister becomes the new Minister for the Ministry of Police and Fire Services.
The Prisons will come under the Minister of Justice, Hon. Sione Vuna Fa’otusia, who is the current Minister of Justice.
The Prime Minister, Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva, who was also the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Internal Affairs and Sports has relinquished his Foreign Affairs portfolio.
The Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni, and the Minister for Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change, Communications adds on the Minister for Foreign Affairs to the long list.
The other Cabinet Ministers are:
Lord Ma’afu Tukui’aulahi, the Minister of Land and Natural Resources, and His Majesty’s Army.
Hon. Semisi Fakahau, the Minister for Agriculture, Food, Forestry and Fisheries.
Hon. Poasi Mataele Tei, the Minister for Public Enterprises.
Hon. Dr Saia Piukala, the Minister of Health.
Hon. Semisi Sika, the Minister for Infrastructure and Tourism.
Hon. Penisimani Fifita, the Minister of Education and Technical Training.