PM leaves Foreign Affairs; Fisheries and Agriculture to split in cabinet changes

A reshuffle in the Tonga cabinet has seen Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva is to step down from the Foreign Affairs minister.

He will move to the Public Enterprises ministry.

Deputy Prime Minister Hon. SÄ“misi Sika will act in the foreign affairs portfolio.

As part of the reshuffle, the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture will be split.

Hon. Losalini Ma’asi will take over a separate fisheries portfolio while Hon. SÄ“misi Fakahau will be in charge of agriculture.

Radio New Zealand reports that the Minister for Health, Hon. Saia Piukala, will take over the Internal Affairs.

King Tupou VI has still to give his consent.

Tonga’s cabinet took office a year ago after Hon. Pōhiva’s Democratic Party  was re-elected following a snap election.

Cabinet positions at the beginning of the new Parliament were held by:

Samuela Akilisi  Pōhiva – Prime Minister of Tonga; Minister of Defence and Foreign Affairs

 SÄ“misi Sika – Deputy Prime Minister; Minister of Tourism and Infrastructure

 SÄ“misi Fakahau – Minister of Agriculture & Fisheries, Forestry and Food

Dr. Pōhiva Tuionetoa – Minister of Finance and National Planning

Penisimani Fifita – Minister of Education and Training

Poasi Tei –  Minister of Energy, Environment, Information and Climate Change (MEIDEECC)

Outgoing ‘Akosita H. Lavulavu – Minister of Internal Affairs and Sports

Dr. Tu’i Uata – Minister of Labour and Commerce

Dr. Saia Piukala – Minister of Health and Public Enterprises

Lord Ma’afu – Minister of Lands and Survey

Sione Vuna Fā’otusia – Minister of Justice and Prisons

Māteni Tapueluelu – Minister of Police & Fire Services; Customs and Revenue

The main points

• A reshuffle in the Tonga cabinet has seen Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva is to step down from the Foreign Affairs minister.
• He will move to the Public Enterprises ministry.

For more information

Tongan cabinet reshuffled