THE newly-elected Kiribati president swore in 10 ministers to his 12-member Cabinet on Wednesday along with the country’s Attorney-General from the now ruling Tobwaan Kiribati Party.
President Taneti Mamaau became Kiribati’s new president last week replacing Anote Tong, who had completed the allowable three terms.
Mr Maamau’s election win came over two candidates from Mr Tong’s former ruling BTK party.
Speaking to local media during the ceremony at the State Maneaba in Bairiki, Mr Maamau said the Kiribati people had voted for change and his new look Cabinet now had to work hard to fulfill its mandate.
Two prospective ministers, Willie Tokataake for Communications, Transport and Tourism and Mikarite Temari for the Line and Phoenix Islands Development Ministry, were unable to make the swearing in.
Kiribati’s new A-G Natan Teewe Brechtefeld is the MP for Abemama.
Kiribati’s 10 officially sworn in ministers are:
* Kourabi Nenem: MP for South Tarawa is the new Vice-President of Kiribati and Minister for Public Works and Utilities;
* Alexander Teabo: MP for Butaritari is Minister for Education;
* Atarake Nataara: MP for North Tarawa is the Minister for Internal Affairs;
* David Collins: MP for Maiana is the Minister for Women, Youth and Social Affairs;
* Kobebe Taitai: MP for Tabiteuea North is the Minister for Health and Medical Services;
* Ruateki Tekaiara: MP for Marakei is Minister for Labour and Human Resources Development;
* Tauanei Marea: MP for Nikunau is the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Co-operatives;
* Tebao Awerika: MP for Betio is Minister for Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development;
* Tetabo Nakara: MP for Beru is Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources Development; and
* Dr Teuea Toatu: MP for Abaiang is Minister for Finance and Economic Development (MFED).
