In Samoa thirteen new Associate Ministers to Cabinet were sworn in yesterday,
This follows last week’s official swearing in of all 50 Members of Parliament, including the Prime Minister and the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said it was important to find the right balance and ensure that those who are chosen are suitable to support the work of each cabinet minister’s portfolio.
Said Tuilaepa, “There are many ways to serve our country – as a cabinet minister, associate minister or through many of the vitally important parliamentary committees.
“In selecting the associate ministers, it was again very important to make sure that our choices are representative of a wide and varied group, while also acknowledging personal attributes, skills and experience.”
Associate Ministers are appointed under the Parliamentary Under-Secretaries Act 1988, and although they are not members of Cabinet, they are still bound by the principle of collective ministerial unity, solidarity and responsibility.
The new Associate Ministers for 2016-2021
Ministry of the Prime Minister & Cabinet: Peseta Vaifou Tevaga
Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment: Taefu Lemi Taefu
Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Labour, Ministry of Public Enterprises: Tuifaasisina Misa
Ministry of Health: Salausa Dr John Ah Ching
Ministry of Police & Prisons: Amituanai Kenrick Samu
Ministry of Finance: Mulipola Leiataua Laki
Ministry of Women, Community & Social Development: Tofa Li’o Foleni Li’o
Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries: Faasootauloa Pati Taulapapa
Ministry of Communications & Information Technology: Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi
Ministry of Justice & Courts Administration: Lenatai Victor Tamapua
Ministry of Revenue: Sooalo Feo Mene
Ministry of Works, Transport & Infrastructure: Seiuli Ueligitone Seiuli
Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture: Alai’asa Moefaauo
