Samoa's new cabinet meets to set budget

Samoa's first woman prime minister, Fiamē Naomi Mata'afa, is holding the first cabinet meeting of the country's new government today.

It has been 109 days since being elected and the FAST party has finally been able to take office.

Ministers have now moved into their new offices and met with their ministries' chief executives.

Today's meeting will confirm priorities for keeping the government functioning.

The interim operational budget can meet up to 25-percent of the value of the last year's budget.

Parliament will be called to approve it.

Despite months of acrimony and uncertainty since the election, a FAST spokesperson says the transition to government is going smoothly.

Outgoing prime minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilelele Malielegaoi has wished the new government well.

He says his party will support it and work with it in good spirit.

FAST party cabinet

• 1. Hon. Fiamē Naomi Mata'afa - Prime Minister

Prime Minister's Office & Cabinet; Foreign Affairs, Attorney Generals Office, Ombudsman & Public Service Commission.

• 2. Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio - Deputy Prime Minister

Minister of Customs and Revenue, Audit Office, Public Trust.

• 3. Hon. La'auli Leuatea Polataivao Fosi

Minister of Agriculture & Fisheries

• 4. Olo Fiti Afoa Va'ai

Ministry of Works & Infrastructure

• 5. Leatinu'u Wayne So'oialo

Minister of Commerce, Industry & Labour & Private Enterprises

• 6. Valasi Luapitofanua To'omaga Tafito Selesele

Minister of Health

• 7. Faualo Harry Jefferey Schuster

Minister of Police & Prisons

• 8. Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio'o

Minister of Finance

• 9. Seu'ula Ioane

Minister of Education, Sports & Culture

• 10. Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo

Minister of Communication, Information & Technology

• 11. Leota Laki Lamositele

Minister of Women & Social Development and Associate Minister of Finance

• 12. Matamua Seumanu Vasati Sili Pulufana

Minister of Justice and Courts Administration