TONGA'S new government met for the first time this morning, January 5, at the Cabinet Room Nuku'alofa, where ten Cabinet Ministers and the Prime Minister attended an historical inaugural meeting.

Absent was Lord Ma'afu, the Minister for Lands, Survey, Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change, who was ill.

The meeting was intended to be brief but went on for more than two hours, from 10am until noon. The Prime Minister, Lord Tu'ivakano, the last to leave the building said with a smile "Thanks, it is done", meaning that he has a cabinet.

The Cabinet Members will be sworn in next Thursday, January 13, when parliament will meet for the first time for its 2011 Parliamentary Session.

The confirmed Cabinet Ministers are:

1. Lord Tu'ivakano - Prime Minister, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Defence, Information and Communication;

2. Hon Samiu Kuita Vaipulu - Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Justice, Transport and Works;

3. Lord Ma'afu - Minister for Lands, Survey, Natural Resources and Environment and Climate Change;

4. Lord Vaea - Minister for Agriculture, Food, Forests and Fisheries;

5. Hon Sunia Manu Fili - Minister for Finance.

6. Hon S. Fe'aomoeata Vakata - Minister for Training, Employment, Youth and Sports;

7. Hon. Dr Viliami Latu - Minister for Police, Prisons and Fire Services;

8. Hon Lisiate 'Aloveita 'Akolo - Minister for Labour, Commerce and Industries;

9. Hon. Samuela 'Akilisi Pohiva - Minister for Health;

10. Hon. 'Isileli Pulu - Minister for Tourism;

11. Hon Wiliam Clive Edwards - Minister for Revenue Services and Public Enterprises;

12. Hon. Dr 'Ana Maui Taufe'ulungaki - Minister for Education, Women's Affairs and Culture.