His Majesty King Tupou VI has granted request by Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pōhiva to appoint a new minister and reshuffle some of the government portfolios to be effective from March 6.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s office said Hon. Māteni Tapueluelu became the new Minister of Police and Fire.
Hon. Tēvita Lavemaau became the new Minister of Finance while his Revenue and Customs portfolios go to Hon. Pōhiva Tuʻiʻonetoa, the former Police and Labour and Commerce Minister.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been shifted from the Prime Minister’s portfolios and brought under the control of the Deputy Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni.
The Prisons Department has been also shifted from Police and brought under the control of Justice Minister Vuna Fāʻotusia.
The move is part of a wider cabinet reshuffle following the resignation of Dr. ‘Aisake Eke as Finance Minister.
According to the statement this is how the restructure stands after it was granted by the king according to the constitution.
“The Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni continues as the Minister for Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications and will also be the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
“The Hon. Tēvita Lavemaau, ceases to be the Minister for Revenue and Customs and is reassigned to the ministerial portfolio of the Minister for Finance and National Planning.
“The Hon. Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa:
(a) has ceased to be the Minister for Police, Prisons and Fire Services;
(b) continues as the Minister of Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation and Labour; and
(c) will also be the Minister for Revenue and Customs.
“The Hon. Sione Vuna Fa’otusia continues as Minister for Justice and will also be the Minister responsible for Prisons.
“The Hon. Māteni Tapueluelu, People’s Representative of Tongatapu No. 4 Constituency, is appointed as the Minister for Police and Fire Services”.
