I was not getting what I expected, and I felt it was not the fault of the ministers but perhaps the allocation of the portfolios.
Those were the words of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka as he explained the reasoning behind the Cabinet reshuffle that was announced yesterday, saying the changes were aimed at improving delivery and ensuring the Government is better positioned for a demanding year ahead.
Speaking during a press conference this afternoon, Rabuka says the reshuffle was not a reflection of individual ministerial performance, but rather an assessment of how portfolios were structured and whether they allowed ministers and ministries to deliver effectively.
He says the coalition government is entering a critical final stretch, with major work scheduled over the next year, including constitutional reforms, possible changes to electoral provisions and the completion of the Truth and Reconciliation process, alongside ongoing efforts to implement recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry.
Rabuka pointed to the consolidation of agricultural responsibilities as one example, noting that there is now no separate ministry for sugar, with the sugar industry brought fully under the Ministry of Agriculture.
Addressing reports that some ministers were unaware of the changes before the public announcement, Rabuka says no ministers were informed prior to the announcement, as the Government was responding to widespread speculation.
Insert: Rabuka on the ministers not being made aware Dec 17
Rabuka also addressed questions about the strengths that newly appointed ministers Lynda Tabuya and Mosese Bulitavu bring to their portfolios, particularly in relation to climate change and disaster response.
He says both ministers are passionate about environmental and climate issues, but stressed that professional and technical expertise within the civil service will play a key role.
Rabuka says Bulitavu’s move to the rural and maritime development portfolio places him within the implementing agencies responsible for delivering government policies linked to climate action.
The reshuffle will take effect from January 19th 2026.
