Five Solomon Islands Ministers sworn in

The Solomon Islands Democratic Coalition for Advancement Government (DCAG) has appointed five ministers for key ministries just days after Solomon Islands Parliament elected Manasseh Sogavare as Prime Minister.

They are:

1. John Maneniaru who is the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources;
2. Jeremiah Manele – Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade;
3. Harry Kuma – Minister for Finance and Treasury;
4. Lanelle Olandrea Tanangada –Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services and
5. Fredrick Kologeto who took up the Ministry of Public Service portfolio

The five ministers have taken their oaths before Governor General Sir Frank Kabui.

Speaking to the media after his swearing, DPM Maneniaru said his role is to support Prime Minister and coordinate implementation of policies; ensure all ministries align with government policies and
ensure government machineries are functional to achieve implementation of the policies

Former Prime Minister, Rick Houenipwela has missed out on the Finance Portfolio.

Maneniaru said the Prime Minister had talked with Hou and Kuma and party wing leaders to have understanding over this appointment.

He said the PM will come up with a tentative list tomorrow for the other 18 ministries.

These include:
1. Ministry of Forest and Research;
2. Ministry of Home Affairs;
3. Ministry of National Development Planning and Aid Coordination;
4. Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs;
5. Ministry of Education and Human Resources;
6. Ministry of Health and Medical Services;
7. Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration;
8. Ministry of Culture and Tourism;
9. Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock;
10. Minister for Lands, Housing and Survey;
11. Minister for Infrastructure Development;
12. Minister for Communication and Aviation;
13. Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification;
14. Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening;
15. Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs;
16. Minister for National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace;
17. Minister for Rural Development and;
18. Minister for the Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, Conservation and Meteorology

Meanwhile, the Government has further extended the current liquor ban to April 27 after violence marred the election of Prime Minister on Wednesday.

The newly appointed Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Lanelle Olandrea Tanangada had signed the liquor ban order today (April 25) under section 82(1) of the Liquor Act (Cap.144).

The Order has directed that all liquor licensed premises including bars, night clubs and bottle shops in Honiara and Guadalcanal Province must not sell liquor and must be closed on April 26 and 27 respectively.

The Order does not apply to the sale or supply of liquor by a hotel to its bona fide guests accommodated at the hotel or licensed restaurant where the sale or supply is accompanied by food.

The order further directed that liquor sold or supplied under the above circumstances must not be consumed or taken outside of the hotel or licensed restaurant premises.

SOURCE: ISLAND SUN/PACNEWS