Tonga's Prime Minister, Hon. Dr Feleti Sevele, on the evening of Tuesday May 16, announced the appointment of three new Cabinet Ministers, and the relieving from their ministerial posts of the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Cecil Cocker and the Minister of Land, Hon. Fielakepa.

 

The three new Cabinet Ministers are, Hon. 'Alisi Taumoepeau -Tonga's first woman Cabinet Minister, Hon. Paul Karalus, and Hon. Fineasi Funaki, the Ha'apai No. 2 People's Representative. The Hon. Fineasi Funaki is the third member of parliament elected by the people to be appointed by the king as a Cabinet Minister, the other two were Dr Feleti Sevele and Hon. Peauafi Haukinima.

The Prime Minister's new cabinet line-up is -

Hon. Dr Feleti Sevele - Prime Minister, Minister of Labour, Commerce and Industries; Minister for the Ministry of Disaster Relief and Activities, and he is also responsible for the Department of Communication.

Hon. Dr Viliami Tangi - Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Health.

Hon. Siosiua 'Utoikamanu - Minister of Finance.

Hon. Tu'a Taumoepeau-Tupou - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Acting Minister of Defence and the Acting Governor of Vava'u.

Hon. Dr Tevita Palefau - Minister of Education, Women's Affairs and Culture.

Hon. Malupo - Governor of Ha'apai.

Hon. Tuita - Minister of Lands, Survey, Natural Resources and Environment.

Hon. Siaosi Taimani 'Aho, Minister of Police, Prisons and Fire Services.

Hon. Tu'ivakano - Minister of Training, Employment, Youth and Sports.

Hon. Nuku - Minister of Works.

Hon. Peauafi Haukinima - Minister of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Forestry.

Hon. Malia Viviena 'Alisi Numia Afeaki Taumoepeau - Attorney General and Minister for Justice.

Hon. Paul Karalus - Minister for Civil Aviation, Marine and Ports.

Hon. Fineasi Funaki - Minister for Tourism.