PM Sogavare appoints two new government Ministers

Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare has appointed Lau-Mbaelelea MP, Hon. Bently Samuel Ragosamani as the new Tourism and Culture Minister. Hon. Ragosamani was sworn-in at Government House last Friday.

Mr Ragosamani replaces Central Honiara MP Hon. Nelson Ne’e who is still in custody over offences relating to the burning of China Town during the tense political situation in April.

And tomorrow West Honiara MP, Hon. Isaac Inoke will be sworn in as new Police and National Security Minister at Government House, replacing East Honiara MP, Hon. Charles Dausabea.

Hon. Ne’e and Hon. Dausabea were tentatively appointed by the Prime Minister as Tourism and Police Ministers respectively but they have since remained in custody awaiting their trial.

Special Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr Sam Alasia explained that the two detained MPs needed replacement given the pressing issues happening with the Department of Tourism and Culture and the Department of Police where full-time ministers were needed to handle departmental matters.

source: Government Communication Unit (http://www.pmc.gov.sb)