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Tonga’s PM announces cabinet changes
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Posted on Jan 29 2001
NUKU‘ALOFA, Tonga (PIR) — Tonga’s Prime Minister Prince ‘Ulukalala Lavaka Ata has announced several changes to his Cabinet, including two new ministers and a governor.
The Prime Minister has been given the new Communications portfolio in addition to Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Foreign Affairs and Defense and the new Civil Aviation Ministry.
The Marine and Wharves portfolio has been moved to the Minister of Works, Cecil Cocker, who is also responsible for Environment.
The new Minister of Education is Dr. Tütoatasi Fakafanua, who has been transferred from Finance. He replaces Dr. Hu‘akavameiliku, who now will retire from government service.
The Governor of the National Reserve Bank of Tonga, Siosiua ‘Utoikamanu has become the new Minister of Finance, while the new Minister of Lands, Survey and Natural Resources is the Hon. Fielakepa, the Governor of the Ha‘apai Islands group.
Portfolios not affected are those of the deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Tevita Tupou; Minister of Police Clive Edwards; Minister of Trade Dr. Masasso Paunga; Minister of Health Dr. Viliami Tangi and the Governor of Vava‘u, the Hon. Tuita.
Announcing the changes, Prince ‘Ulukalala Lavaka Ata stressed that the government in the new year is committed to pursuing its vision of national security, peace and a fair government based on upholding the constitution and the rule of law.
He said government goals include upholding its major commitments to security, social and economic development and preservation of traditional and cultural values.
Government and its workforce must ensure pursuing those goals through a system based on fairness, efficiency and transparency as well as a capacity to meet its financial obligations, the Prime Minister’s said.
