23 Oct 2012

Solomons' leader removes two cabinet ministers ahead of confidence vote

10:36 am on 23 October 2012

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo has sacked two of his cabinet ministers.

The Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation reports that the former prime minister and minister for planning and aid co-ordination, Snyder Rini, and environment minister, John Moffat Fugui, have been dumped.

Their removal comes ahead of an opposition motion of no confidence in Mr Lilo to be debated this Friday.

Backbenchers Christopher Laore and Stanley Sofu are the new ministers appointed to replace the sacked ministers.

Mr Laore is the new Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional services and Mr Sofu for Public Service.

The former Public Service Minister, Bradly Tovosia, is the new Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Metrology, replacing Mr Fugui.

Conelley Sandakabatu is the new Minister for Development Planning and Aid Co-ordination, replacing Snyder Rini.

David Tome has been moved from police, replacing Mr Sandakabatu as Minister for Agriculture and Livestock.

The five ministers took their Oaths before Governor General Sir Frank Kabui at the Government House yesterday.