SI Prime Minister drops Bart Ulufa'alu and Trevor Olovae from his cabinet

Reliable reports that reach TARD from sources at the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) in Honiara has revealed that Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Hon Manasseh Sogavare, has dropped two of his cabinet ministers.

The two ministers are Hon Bartholomew Ulufa'alu (Minister of Finance) and Hon Trevor Olovae (Minister of Agriculture and Livestock). Reasons behind the sacking is still not known as of this stage. The swearing-in of the two new ministers is being delayed until tomorrow to be held at the Government House.

However, unofficial reports indicated that the Prime Minister replaces Ulufa'aulu on medical grounds as he is medically unfit to carry the roles under the Finance portfolio. Trevor Olovae is believed to be dropped for some comments he made on a recent trip to Papua New Guinea. On the contrary, our source has stated that latest reports from PM's office has it that Olovae resigns on medical grounds.

As a result, Hon Mark Kemakeza is now the new minister for Mines and Energy. Hon Toswell Kaua is shifted from Mines and Energy to Agriculture. Hon Gordon Lilo has moved from National Planning to the Finance Ministry. Hon Steve Abana is appointed as the new Minister for National Planning.

Source: Joseph Inomae @SIBC