The names of eleven new Heads of Department were announced on December 21 by Tonga's Public Service Commission, while another six HoD posts are expected to be filled by early next year.

The Chairperson of the PSC, Mishka Tu'ifua, said that, "the Tongan community can be confident that the best people have been selected from competitive fields of international and local candidates and they have all demonstrated enthusiastic commitment to reform and to improved delivery of government services."

She said the new HoD appointments had been subject to a transparent selection process using independent consultants and were, "based entirely on merit."

"The appointment of 11 new Heads of Departments in the public service represents a significant step forward in the Government's reform program and an exciting new era of leadership."

The 11 new HoDs named:

Mr. 'Aisake Valu Eke - Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning;

Mr. Paulo Kautoke - Ministry of Labour, Commerce and Industries;

Mr. Sefita Tangi - Commissioner of Revenue;

Mr. Sione Taumoepeau - Ministry of Works;

Mr. Viliami Va'inga Tone - Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

Dr. Sione Nailasikau Halatuituia - Ministry of Lands, Survey, Natural Resources and Environment;

Mr. Sione Vuna Fa'otusia - Ministry of Justice and Attorney General;

Ms. Linda Folaumoetu'i - Solicitor General, Ministry of Justice and Attorney General;

Dr. Viliami Fukofuka - Ministry of Education, Women's Affairs and Culture;

Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi - Ministry of Training, Employment, Youth and Sports;

Mr. Penisimani Vea - Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food.