22nd January, 2018 English l Tongan The Prime Minister’s Office has the honour to advise members of the public, that His Majesty, The King has appointed Hon. Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva as Prime Minister of Tonga with effect from 2nd January, 2018. His Majesty also appointed the following Ministers to serve in His Majesty’s Cabinet with effect from 5th January, 2018:
1. Hon. Semisi Kioa Lafu Sika, People’s Representative of Tongatapu 2 is appointed as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Tourism.
2. Lord Ma’afu Tukui’aulahi, Noble’s Representative, is appointed as Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.
3. Hon. Dr. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa, People’s Representative of Tongatapu 10 is appointed as Minister for Finance and National Planning.
4. Hon. Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, People’s Representative of Tongatapu 14, is appointed as Minister for Health and Minister for Public Enterprises.
5. Hon. Penisimani ‘Epenisa Fifita, People’s Representative of Tongatapu 9, is appointed as Minister for Education and Training.
6. Hon. Semisi Tauelangi Fakahau, People’s Representative of Tongatapu 8, is appointed as Minister for Agriculture, Food, Forests and Fisheries.
7. Hon. Sione Vuna Fa’otusia, People’s Representative of Tongatapu 7, is appointed as Minister for Justice and Minister for Prisons.
8. Hon. Mateni Tapueluelu, People’s Representative of Tongatapu 4, is appointed as Minister for Revenue and Customs and Minister for Police and Fire Services.
9. Hon. Poasi Mataele Tei, People’s Representative of Tongatapu 6, is appointed as Minister for Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Communications and Climate Change.
10. Hon. ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu, People’s Representative of Tongatapu 16, is appointed as Minister for Internal Affairs.
11. Hon. Dr. Tevita Tu’i Uata of Vaini is appointed as Minister of Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation and Labour.
The Prime Minister had an audience with His Majesty, King Tupou VI, on 17th January, 2018. Subsequently, His Majesty approved the recommendations from the Prime Minister to appoint the Prime Minister, the Hon. Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Lord Ma’afu Tukui’aulahi as Minister of His Majesty’s Armed Forces, with effect from 19th January, 2018. The Hon. Prime Minister, Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva and the Hon. Cabinet Ministers will serve their second term in office from 2018-2021.
ENDS
Issued by the: The Prime Minister’s Office, P.O. Box 62, Nuku’alofa, Tonga. Tel (676) 24 644 Fax: (676) 23 888; For media enquiries- Email: pressoffice@pmo.gov.to Website: www.pmo.gov.to