06th September 2017 TONGAN On 1st September, 2017, the Hon. Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva, Prime Minister of Tonga had made recommendations to His Majesty, King Tupou VI in accordance with Clause 51 (3) (a) of the Act of Constitution of Tonga, to revoke the appointments of Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni, Deputy Prime Minister and Hon. Tevita Lavemaau, Minister for Finance and National Planning, effective from 1st September, 2017.
The Hon. Prime Minister recommended to His Majesty the ministerial appointments of Lord Ma’afu, as Deputy Prime Minister and Hon. Dr. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa as Minister for Finance and National Planning in addition to their Ministerial Portfolios, with effect from 1st September, 2017.
On 5th September, 2017 a letter was received by the Prime Minister’s Office from the Lord Chamberlain, Palace Office to convey that His Majesty, King Tupou VI has duly endorsed with the Royal Sign
Manual, the appointments of Lord Ma’afu as Deputy Prime Minister and Hon. Dr. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa as Minister for Finance and National Planning, with effect from 1st September, 2017.
While the Hon. Prime Minister is attending the 48th Meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum in Apia, Samoa
Lord Ma’afu, Deputy Prime Minister shall be Acting Prime Minister, with effect from 1st September, 2017.
-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