The Jeremiah Manele-led Government for National Unity & Transformation (GNUT) has made a simple portfolio swap, with two sitting ministers taking on new roles following a Cabinet reshuffle in Honiara today.

According to a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC), the swearing-in was officiated by Justice Rex Foukona in his capacity as the Acting Governor General.

Under the reshuffle, Trevor Hedley Manemahaga, MP for Gao/Bugotu, has been appointed Minister for Finance and Treasury, while Harry Kuma, MP for North West Choiseul, now holds the portfolio of Minister for Commerce, Labour and Immigration.

Mr Manemahaga was elected as the MP for Gao/Bugotu in the 2024 general election and has since held various ministerial positions, including Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology, and later, Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour, and Immigration.

Mr Kuma was the former Minister of Finance and before that, he was Minister for Commerce.

Both ministers continue to serve within the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) led by Prime Minister Honourable Jeremiah Manele.

Prime Minister Manele congratulated the two ministers on their new portfolios.

“Both Ministers are well qualified for their respective roles.

“We expect them to provide strong leadership and give the required political direction in their Ministries with renewed vigor and innovative thinking,” Mr Manele said.

The Prime Minister added that Cabinet reshuffles are a normal part of government operations, aimed at maintaining unity, stability, and effective service delivery.

“Today’s swearing-in reinforces GNUT’s commitment to ensuring key sectors of the economy continue to receive strong political leadership and support,” the OPMC statement concluded.