SOLOMON Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says two ministers removed from their portfolios this week will be offered roles on cabinet sub-committees.
Manele defended his decision to drop John Tuhaika – Minister for Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs – and Polycarp Paea who held the Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology portfolio.
The two were dismissed in a cabinet shake-up which 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 remained 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,” he said.
Manele described the reshuffle as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to delivering its policies and national priorities.
Source: In-depth Solomons