Tonga Cabinet reshuffle features new Finance Minister

Tonga has undergone a Cabinet reshuffle led by Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua, featuring the historic appointment of Hon. Vika Sivoki Lavemaau as the new Minister of Finance. As one of the youngest ministers in the nation's history, her appointment has been welcomed by women's and youth organizations. However, the appointment comes amid significant economic scrutiny following an Auditor General’s report that issued a qualified audit opinion for the second consecutive year. The report highlighted a $4.54 million variance in the government's Development Fund and noted that $737 million in public assets could not be independently verified.

Separately, the Ministry of Justice held a farewell ceremony for Viliami Pone Paea-’I-Telekava Fotu, the Assistant Secretary of the Corporate Services Division. Mr. Fotu is retiring after 33 years of service to the Government of Tonga, having begun his career in 1993. Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Viliami Uasike Latu attended the ceremony to convey the government's appreciation for his long-term commitment.