Samoa's former deputy prime minister, Fonotoe Nuafesili Pierre Lauofo, has again been left out of Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi's new administration following the recent general election.
Fonotoe was not picked in the new Cabinet announced last Friday or named in the lineup of Associate Minister's announced by Tuila'epa yesterday.
He was also not present at the swearing in ceremony of the new Associate Ministers.
The former Minister of Finance, Faumuina Faaolatane Tiatia Liuga, was also not picked but he was present.
In his speech Tuilaepa outlined the importance of cabinet minister's roles in running the country.
But he also emphasized the need of assigning senior HRPP MPs to work with new MPs in five parliamentary committees, ensuring checks and balances are met.
Tuila'epa said his government is mindful that no administration is perfect.
Of the 13 newly elected Associate Ministers, the former opposition MP, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, is one of them.
Lealailepule is the Associate Minister for the Ministry of Communications, and Information technology which includes the public run radio 2AP.
Four of the 13 new Associate Ministers, (L-R) Lenata'i Victor Tamapua, Tofa Li'o Foleni, Mulipola Leiataua Laki and Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi. Photo: RNZI/Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
Samoa's new line up of Associate Ministers for 2016.
- Peseta Vaifou Tevaga - Ministry of the Prime Minister & Cabinet.
- Taefu Lemi Taefu - Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
- Tuifaasisina Misa Lisati Leleisiuao - Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour, Ministry of Public Enterprises:
- Salausa Dr John Ah Ching - Ministry of Health.
- Amituanai Fagaivalu Kenrick Samu - Ministry of Police and Prisons.
- Mulipola Leiataua Laki - Ministry of Finance.
- Tofa Li'o Foleni Li'o - Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development.
- Faasootauloa Pati Taulapapa - Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
- Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi - Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.
- Lenatai Victor Tamapua - Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration.
- Sooalo Umi Feo Mene - Ministry of Revenue.
- Seiuli Ueligitone Seiuli Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure.
- Alai'asa Moefaauouo Sepulona Moananu - Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture.