Tonga's Prime Minister Prince ...‘Ulukalala Lavaka Ata yesterday evening, March 21, announced the names of the four new members of the Tongan Cabinet appointed by King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV from the newly elected representatives to parliament.

Hon. Nuku , the Noble's Representative for ...‘Eua, was appointed as the Minister of Police, Fire Services and Prisons;

Hon. Tu'ivakano, the No. 2 Noble's Representative for Tongatapu, was appointed as the new Minister of Works;

Dr Fred Sevele, the No. 2 People's Representative for Tongatapu was appointed as the Minister of Labour, Commerce and Industries;

Peauafi Haukinima, the Niuatoputapu and Niuafo...’ou People's Representative was appointed as the new Minister of Forestry.

The appointments follow last week's general election when Tongans went to the polls, the people choosing nine representatives and the nobles choosing nine representatives. For the first time, two ministers from each group have been appointed. "This day marks a new chapter in our history," said the Prime Minister, in making the announcement on Television Tonga.

The new ministers increase the members of Cabinet to 16. The remaining ministerial portfolios are held by:

HRH Prince 'Ulukalala Lavaka Ata. Prime Minister, Minister of Communication, Civil Aviation, Marine and Ports, and Disaster Relief.

Hon James Cecil Cocker, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Environment, Minister responsible for Tourism.

Hon Dr Viliami Tangi, Minister of Health.

Hon Siosiua 'Utoikamanu, Minister of Finance, Chief Commissioner of Revenue, Controller of Customs, Controller of Post Office and Minister in charge of Statistics, Department.

Hon Tuita, Minister of Agriculture and Food, Minister of Fisheries.

Hon. Fielakepa, Minister of Land, Survey and Natural Resources.

Hon Sonatane Tupou, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Hon 'Aloua Fetu'utolu Tupou, Minister of Defence .

Hon Siaosi Taimani ...‘Aho, Attorney General and Minister of Justice.

Hon Dr Tevita Hala Palefau, Minister of Education.

Hon Malupo , Governor of Ha...’apai.

Hon 'Akau'ola, Governor of Vava...’u

The four new Ministers differ from the rest of the Cabinet in that their tenure is only for three years, until the next election in 2007.

The Prime Minister has promised a by-election to replace the representatives who have all accepted their new Cabinet jobs.