APIA, 25 APRIL 2019 (SAMOA GOVT) – Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has announced the reshuffling of Cabinet portfolio responsibilities.
In effecting this reshuffle the Prime Minister meticulously took into consideration the importance of maintaining a balance of Cabinet Ministers’ duties and responsibilities to ensure that they are not overloaded with multiple portfolio responsibilities.
The Prime Minister noted that while Cabinet Ministers are expected to shoulder the weight of their portfolio responsibilities, it is very crucial that careful consideration must be given to the depth and intensity of each Minister’s workload.
A new portfolio and responsibility will provide new experiences and challenges.
The government is in the second spell of this parliamentary term and the Prime Minister stated that it is timely for these changes to be made. The Prime Minister confirmed that his decision has been accepted by Cabinet this afternoon.
It is expected that relevant legislative amendments to current laws will be made accordingly.
The reshuffle comprises;
- Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) to be shifted from the Prime Minister – Tuilaepa Dr Sailele Malielegaoi to the Deputy Prime Minister – Fiame Naomi Mataafa.
ii.Dr Tuitama Talalelei Tuitama to take over as Minister for Women, Community and Social Development.
iii.Faimalotoa Kika Stowers to take over as Minister of Health
iv.Samoa Trust Estate Corporation (STEC) to be shifted from Fiame Naomi Mataafa to Sala Fata Pinati.
v.Traffic Division of the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to be transferred to the Ministry of Police.
vi.Planning and Urban Management Agency (PUMA) to be transferred from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) to the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure (MWTI).
These changes will be effective from Monday 29 April.
