Cabinet

Fiji

Cabinet reshuffle

Fiji’s Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, backed off from a much-publicised major Cabinet reshuffle in early June, announcing largely a reshuffling of portfolios only. The only casualties were former Minister for Information, Ilai Kuli, and Energy Minister Mesulame Naravva, who lost their Cabinet posts. Two other junior ministers, Etuate Tavai and Vincent Lobendahn, have also been dropped.

The information portfolio has been combined with labour and industrial relations under former primary' industries minister Koresi Matatolu. Former journalist Josefa Dimuri has been appointed minister of state for information The energy portfolio has been given to Ratu Ovini Bokini who retains his lands ministry as well. External trade has been merged with foreign affairs under deputy prime minister Filipe Bole.

Health minister Leo Smith has been moved to infrastructure and public works and his former position taken over by former minister of state Solomoni Naivalu.

Fijian affairs minister Ratu Timoci Vesikula, attorney general Kelemedi Bulewa, finance minister Paul Manueli, youth minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola and education minister Taufa Vakatale have retained their portfolios.

The tourism ministry now comes under Harold Powell who retains his former portfolios of Trade and Commerce as well, while Ratu Viliame Dreunamisimisi, who had headed tourism has been given agriculture, fisheries and forests.

Former housing minister Lt Col Jonetani Kaukimoce has been given transport and civil aviation and veteran politician Ratu William Toganivalu was appointed minister in the Prime Minister’s office.

The reshuffle was an anti-climax after weeks of speculation on who would be dropped from the new Cabinet which had promised to be leaner and more efficient.