TONGA'S new Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano and his 11-member cabinet took up their portfolios on Tuesday, January 4.

The Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet, Busby Kautoke, on Friday, January 7, said the historical inaugural meeting of the new cabinet was held on Wednesday, January 5 at the Cabinet Room in Nuku'alofa.

The caretaker government ended their role on January 5 when the new government took over.

Transition

Earlier, the former Prime Minister Dr Feleti Sevele had handed over the PM's role to Lord Tu'ivakano following his appointment by the king on December 22, 2010.

The process according to the law was for the newly appointed Prime Minister to nominate 11 cabinet ministers from the 26 elected members of parliament. He also could choose four ministers from outside. The process of the Prime Minister selecting his ministers and recommending them to the king started during the holiday break and finalised on January 4.

The new cabinet includes two Nobles' Representatives, Lord Ma'afu and Lord Vaea; seven People's Representative, Hon. Samiu Vaipulu, Hon. Sunia Fili, Hon. Viliami Latu, Hon. Lisiate 'Akolo, Hon. Fe'aomoeata Vakata, Hon. 'Akilisi Pohiva and Hon. 'Isileli Pulu; and the two appointed members, Hon. Dr 'Ana Taufe'ulungaki and Hon. Clive Edwards.

Busby said that ministers undertook an orientation program during their first week in office conducted by the Chief Executive Officers to familiarise them with their work places and to introduce them to their employees at their respective Ministries.

The transition from the caretaker government to the new government went smoothly and everything was progressing well, said Busby.

Parliament

Busby the new members would be sworn in at the first sitting of the Tonga Legislative Assembly on January 13.