by Georgina Maka’a
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says two ministers removed from their portfolios this week will be offered roles on cabinet sub-committees.
Speaking to reporters in a doorstep interview today, Manele defended his decision to drop Rennell and Bellona MP John Tuhaika Jnr and Malaita Outer Islands MP Polycarp Paea.
Tuhaika was Minister for Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs, while Paea held the Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology portfolio.
Both were dismissed in a cabinet shake-up that also saw former Provincial Government Minister Rollen Seleso – who withdrew support from Manele during last year’s mass ministerial walkout – reinstated to the same role.
Manele said the decision to remove Tuhaika and Paea, and to bring back Seleso, was part of a cabinet realignment aimed at reflecting coalition commitments and ensuring the full implementation of the government’s budget.
“These changes are designed to ensure fair and balanced representation in the distribution of cabinet portfolios within the coalition government,” he said.
Despite the reshuffle, Manele maintained that the government remains stable.
He added that Tuhaika and Paea will continue to serve in the government caucus and contribute to policy-making.
“I’ve spoken to them already, and I intend to appoint them as chairs of a number of cabinet sub-committees,” the prime minister said.
Manele also gave a clear assurance that there would be no further ministerial changes at this stage.
He described the reshuffle as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to delivering its policies and national priorities.
The political shake-up resulted in the swearing-in of three ministers today.
Rollen Seleso, MP for South Guadalcanal, has reclaimed the Provincial Government portfolio, replacing Wayne Ghemu (MP for Rannongga/Simbo), who has been moved to the Environment Ministry.
Stephen Kumi, MP for Temotu Nende, was sworn in as the new Minister for Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs.
