Tonga’s new Cabinet [1]
Sunday, January 21, 2018 - 09:54
The two Cabinet portfolios of Foreign Affairs and Defence have been reallocated, with the Prime Minister, Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva as Foreign Affairs, and Lord Ma’afu as the Minister of His Majesty’s Armed Forces, according to a Press Statement from the Prime Minister's Office yesterday, 20 January.
These two Portfolios were vacant when Tonga’s new Cabinet was sworn in on Thursday, 18 January.
According to the statement, the Prime Minister had an audience with King Tupou VI on 17 January. The King approved the PM's recommendation for the two portfolios: with the PM as the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Lord Ma’afu, the Minister of Land and Natural Resources to be also the Minister of His Majesty’s Armed Forces, effective from 19 January 2018.
Members of the new cabinet are:
- Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva, Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Hon. Semisi Lafu Kioa Sika, the Minister of Infrastructure and Tourism [returned]. Deputy Prime Minister [newly appointed].
- Hon. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa (the Minister of Finance and National Planning, is currently overseas for medical treatment, and he has not been sworn into the House).
- Lord Ma’afu Tuku’i’aulahi, the Minister of Land and Natural Resources and His Majesty’s Armed Forces [returned].
- Hon. Penisimani ‘Epinisa Fifita, the Minister of Education and Training [returned].
- Hon. Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, the Minister of Health [returned] and Public Enterprises [newly appointed].
- Hon. Semisi Tauelangai Fakahau, the Minister of Agriculture, Food, Forests and Fisheries [returned].
- Hon. Sione Vuna Fa’otusia, the Minister of Justice and Prisons [returned].
- Hon. Poasi Mataele Tei, the Minister of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications [newly appointed] [formerly Minister of Public Enterprises].
- Hon. Mateni Tapueluelu, the Minister of Revenue Collection, Customs, [newly appointed]; Police, Fire and Emergency Services [returned].
- Hon. ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu, the Minister of Internal Affairs and Sports [newly appointed].
- Hon. Dr Tevita Tu‘i Uata, the Minister of Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation and Labour [newly appointed / unelected Ministerial appointee].
Following the taking of oaths last Thursday, the Prime Minister returned to Vaiola Hospital where he was a patient.