26 January 2011 The Princess Regent, Her Royal Highness, Princess Salote Mafile'o Pilolevu Tuita has accepted the recommendation from the Prime Minister, Lord Tu'ivakano to appoint Hon ‘Uliti Uata as the Minister of Health on 25^th January 2011.

Hon Uata of Ha'ano, Ha'apai was born on 24^th August 1936; he is married to Lu'isa and they have 10 children.

Hon Uata is an experienced businessman who has run his own successful businesses for the last 40 years with his family- including inter-islands ferries, general store, tourism, and others, employing a lot of people and always with the aim of helping the people of Tonga.

Hon Uata is and has been a Member of Parliament for the last 24 years representing the Ha'apai Islands.

In order to devote his time and efforts to his new role as a Government Minister, he has divested himself of his business interest in favour of his children.

He has commenced his duties as a Minister today and has met the Chief Secretary & Secretary to Cabinet, Mr Busby Kautoke and Director of Health, Dr Siale ‘Akau'ola to become familiar with his duties as a Cabinet Minister and also with the work of his ministry.

ENDS

Issued by the: Prime Minister's Office, Nuku'alofa, 2011.