Sogavare welcomes new ministers
PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare last night welcomed members of the Independent Group into his fold in a ceremony held at Honiara Hotel.
The six Independent MPs joined the government following last week’s mass resignation of government ministers and backbenchers.
“I want to welcome and acknowledge members of the Independent Group for standing tall and putting the interest of the people first,” Mr Sogavare said when welcoming the six MPs.
“Their decision to join the government will ensure services continued to be delivered to our people,” he added.
“Tonight, we come together to make a commitment to each other in order to serve our people.”
The five newly appointed ministers will take their oaths in Government House at 10am today.
The Independent MPs are:
East Malaita MP Manasseh Maelanga; Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry for Home Affairs
Shortland MP Chris Laore; Minister for Forestry and Research,
Baegu-Asifola MP David Tome; Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening
South Choiseul MP Elijah Doromuala; Minister for Commerce, Industries, Employment and Immigration,
North Malaita MP Jimmy Lusibaea; Minister for Infrastructure Development
West Honiara MP Namson Tran; Government backbencher
Mr Sogavare said the turbulence that rocked the nation in the last week was just part of the country’s journey that was punctuated by political instability.
He encouraged members of the Independent Group who are now part of the government to move the nation forward.
All members of the Independent, except West Honiara MP Namson Tran, have been given ministerial portfolios.
Their leader Manasseh Maelanga is the new deputy prime minister, replacing Douglas Ete.
Mr Maelanga said last night their decision to join the government was a collective one and was not influence by any financial inducements.
He said his group looked forward to serving the nation and its people.
By CHARLES KADAMANA
