Solomon PM announces cabinet reshuffle

​Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has announced a reshuffle of his Cabinet Ministers.

Announcing these changes, the Prime Minister said, “With the proposed Forestry Reforms currently being undertaken by the DCC Government and due to the significance this sector has on the national economy, we want to ensure that any progress made to effectively regulate the industry, maximise returns and improve sustainability, is not compromised by personal conflict of interests which might complicate the process.”

“For this reason the Hon Bodo Detkke will now be mandated with the important task of driving this government’s priority sector as the new Minister for Tourism”

The Prime Minister further added, “As a demonstration of my confidence in the next generation of MP’s and government’s commitment to impartial decisions that reflect the national interest, Hon Bartholomew Parapolo will be sworn in as the new Minister for Forests and Research.

As a newly elected Member of Parliament who has no commercial ties to the logging industry, I am confident that with the technical support of Ministry Officials and in particular the Permanent Secretary and the Commissioner of Forests, Bart Parapolo has the capacity to work closely with industry stake holders to overcome the challenges of this vital sector and facilitate implementation of the DCCG policy agenda.”

Other portfolio changes include Minister for Agriculture and Livestock to Augustine Auga who will be re- shuffled with the Minister for Provincial Government, Dudley Kopu, while the Minister for Rural Development, Freda Tuki Soria Comua will be reshuffled with the Minister for Youth and Women’s’ Development, Jimson Tanangada.”

The Prime Minister explained these new portfolio allocations are neither demotions or promotions but instead for purposes of supporting the delivery of DCCG policies, encouraging Caucus solidarity and promoting national unity by recognizing that change can only be achieved if we work together at all levels of our society and must begin with us leaders.

“This decision represents the confidence I have in each of these Ministers to carry out their mandated responsibilities without fear or favour and they all have the full support of the DCC Government,” he added.