21 MINISTERS SWORN IN BY GOVERNOR GENERAL, TWO MORE TO GO

Twenty-one cabinet members of the Democratic Coalition for Change Government have been sworn into office today.

Governor General, Sir Frank Ofagioro Kabui sworn into office the 21 members upon the advice of Prime Minister Manasseh Damukana Sogavare this afternoon.

A statement from the Government Communications Unit says Hon. Douglas Ete is the new Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs while newcomer Hon. John Dean Kuku is the new Minister for Public Service.

Hon. Danny Philip is the new Minister for National Development Planning and Aid Coordination while first timer Ishmael Avui is the new Minister for Justice and Legal Affairs.

Former Opposition Leader Dr. Derek Sikua is the new Minister for Education and Human Resource Development while newcomer Dr. Tautai Angikimua is the new Minister for Health and Medical Services.

Hon. Milner Tozaka is the new Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister while newcomer William Bradford Marau is the new Minister for Commerce, Industries, Labour, and Immigration.

Meanwhile, the statement adds first timer Bartholomew Parapolo is the new Minister for Culture and Tourism while newcomer Augustine Auga is Minister for Agriculture and Livestock.

It adds Hon. Andrew Manepora’a is the new Minister for Lands, Housing and Survey while Hon. Stanley Festus Sofu is the Minister for Infrastructure Development.

Hon. Commins Aston Mewa is sworn in as the new Minister for Communication and Aviation while Hon. Bodo Dettke is the new Minister for Forestry and Research.

West Are’are MP John Maneniaru was also sworn in as the new Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources while first timer Hon. Samson Maneka is the Minister for Mines, Energy, and Rural Electrification.

Another first timer Hon. Dudley Kopu is the new Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening while Hon. Jimson Fiau Tanangada is the Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs.

The statement further adds South Guadalcanal MP David Dei Pacha is the new Minister for National Unity, Reconciliation, and Peace while the only female MP Freda AB Tuki Soriacomua is the new Minister for Rural Development.

Meanwhile, former Minister for Culture and Tourism Hon. Samuel Manetoali is now the new Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, Conservation & Meteorology.

The statement adds, the Prime Minister had informed the Governor General he will advise him of additional two Ministers for the Ministry of Finance and Treasury and the Ministry of Police, National Security & Correctional Services before the Parliament meeting on 17 December 2014.