08 May 2018

Whenever there is an executive transition from one Head of State to another it is inevitable that there will be changes in personnel at both cabinet and senior government official level, as well as in administrative structures to deliver on its mandate.

On behalf, of Government, I therefore wish to take this opportunity to reassure the public that such changes will, where necessary occur in the context of our long standing commitment and frameworks for good governance.

In its implementation of its development agenda, the new administration will thus continue to be broadly guided by Government’s standing commitments to Vision 2036, National Development Plan (NDP) 11 and the current (2018-19) budgetary allocations as were approved by parliament.

Where changes in personnel or structure have occurred since April 1, 2018, it has therefore been at the administrative rather than development policy, as has been our tradition since independence.

It is, therefore, the responsibility of His Excellency the President to ensure that he has a team in place to deliver on his mandate. This should not, however, be construed to mean that those who may have been either redeployed and or relived in their duties have been found personally wanting.

Further, to the above, the public may also be reassured that there is no ongoing ‘witch-hunt’ in government as has been alleged in some quarters in media. Neither should such administrative changes be seen as a judgement on any previous administration.

Finally, we wish to note as a Government commitment to the rule of law, as enshrined in the constitution, we shall continue to respect the separation of powers and responsibilities in all potential judicial matters.

The Executive in this context will continue to respect the independence of the Judiciary and other independent oversight bodies. 

Permanent Secretary to the President, Carter Morupisi