Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has announced a Cabinet reshuffle and the appointment of new Cabinet Ministers, the first in her two-year-old Government.
Having clocked 25 months in public office, since the FAST administration came into power, the Prime Minister announced the Cabinet reshuffle during a press conference on Wednesday, after her Cabinet convened its weekly meeting.
The appointment of two new Cabinet Ministers is provided for under the Constitution, according to Mata’afa, who said that the Cabinet should be made up of 15 Ministers.
As part of the reshuffle, the Prime Minister will now take over the tourism portfolio, while the former minister Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster will remain as the Minister for Natural Resources and Environment.
Leatinuu Wayne Sooialo, who was previously heading two ministerial portfolios, will now be the Minister for Public Enterprise while Leota Laki Lamositele is now the new Minister for Commerce, Industry and Labour.
Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o – previously the minister for finance – has been moved and will now take over the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development.
Lautimuia Uelese Va’ai is now the new Minister of Finance and Laumatiamanu Ringo Purcell is Minister for Sports and Recreation.
SOURCE: SAMOA OBSERVER/PACNEWS
