The Minister of Public Enterprises, Leatinuu Wayne So’oialo has taken over the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labour (MCIL), a portfolio he previously held. 

Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa allocated the portfolio to Leatinuu shortly after former MCIL Minister, Faleomavaega Titimaea Tafua resigned following criminal charges being pressed against him. 

He is facing negligent driving causing injuries and dangerous driving charges connected to a car crash up at Le Mafa pass last weekend. Faleomavaega was the driver of the government vehicle that collided with another vehicle carrying four passengers who sustained injuries from the incident. The MP also sustained injuries. 

Leatinuu was approached regarding his taking over the MCIL portfolio, he declined to comment. 

The Minister for MPE initially held the MCIL and MPE portfolios. In a cabinet reshuffle in September 2023,  MCIL was reallocated to Leota Lamositele Sio and two new ministers were appointed. 

Faleomavaega's resignation was accepted by the Head of State and was effective on Thursday. 

With Faleomavaega stepping down from his post and still retaining the representative for Aleipata Itupa i Luga, the cabinet number has now decreased to 14 ministers including the Prime Minister.