Tonga's new Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni has announced his new 12-member Cabinet and the two Governors for Vava'u and Ha'apai.
While most of the Cabinet are chosen from elected members of parlliament, there is also one appointed Minister, a woman, Fekitamoeloa Katoa 'Utoikamanu, who becomes the new Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Tourism.
The Prime Minister holds four major portfolios, taking on the police and the armed forces as well as education.
There is only one noble in the Cabinet, Lord Tu'i'afitu, the new Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.
A new Governor of Ha'apai, was named as Pita Faiva Taufatofua of Kotu and Tongoleleka, who succeeds Viliami Manuopangai Hingano; while Lord Fakatulolo has been re-appointed as Governor of Vava'u.
Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni with his 12 member Cabinet. Nuku'alofa, Tonga. 29 December 2021. Photo: Tonga Prime Minister's office
The Prime Minister presented his recommendations to King Tupou VI in an audience on Monday. The King appointed the new Ministers of Government, and approved the Governors on Monday.
The Prime Minister's Office stated that the PM presented the letters of appointments to all of the Cabinet Minsters, including the new Governor of Ha'apai, today. They held the first Cabinet meeting and took their ministerial oaths
The appointments released by the Prime Minister's Office today are as follows:
- Siaosi 'Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni
- Poasi Mataele Tei
- Samiu Kuita Vaipulu
- Tatafu Toma Moeaki
- Lord Tu'i'afitu
- Fekitamoeloa Katoa 'Utoikamanu
- Saia Ma'u Piukala
- Viliami Uasike Latu
- Viliami Manuopangai Hingano
- Semisi Tauelangi Fakahau
- Sione Sangster Saulala
- Sevenitini Toumoua
Prime Minister;
Minister for Education and Training;
Minister for Police, Fire Services and Emergency Services; and
Minister for His Majesty's Armed Forces.
Deputy Prime Minister;
Minister for Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Communications and Climate Change (MEIDECC); and
Minister for Public Enterprises (MPEs).
Minister for Justice and Prisons.
Minister for Finance and Minister for Revenue and Customs.
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR).
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Tourism.
Minister for Health (MOH).
Minister for Trade and Economic Development.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forests (MAFF).
Minister for Fisheries
Minister for Internal Affairs (MIA).
Minister for Infrastructure (MOI).