Cabinet of Kiribati

The Cabinet of Kiribati is the cabinet (executive branch) of the government of the Republic of Kiribati.

The initial text of the Constitution of Kiribati (art.40) specifies that the Cabinet "shall consist of the Beretitenti, the Kauoman-ni-Beretitenti and not more than 10 other Ministers, and the Attorney-General". Members of the Cabinet are appointed by the President, from among Members of Parliament (art.41). Since October 2016, a change of the Constitution text allows more than 10 ministries and retires the Attorney General from the Cabinet.

All ministries but one are headquartered in South Tarawa, from Betio to Bikenibeu. The Ministry of Line and Phoenix Islands Development is situated in London, Kiribati on Kiritimati.

Current Cabinet

The current Cabinet consists of the following Ministers:

Cabinet of Kiribati (since 2 July 2020)
Office	Officeholder
Beretitenti and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration	Taneti Maamau
Vice President and Minister of Finance and Economic Development	Dr Teuea Toatu
Minister of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy (MISE)	Willie Tokataake
Minister of Education	Alexander Teabo (sworn in on 10 July 2020)
Minister of Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development (MELAD)	Ruateki Tekaiara
Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development	Ribanataake Tiwau
Minister of Health and Medical Services	Dr Tinte Itinteang
Minister of Internal Affairs (MIA)	Boutu Bateriki
Minister of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MCIC)	Booti Nauan
Minister for Women, Youth, Sports and Social Affairs (MWYSSA)	Martin Moreti
Minister of Employment and Human Resources (MEHR)	Mrs Taabeta Teakai
Minister for Line and Phoenix Islands Development	Mikarite Temari (sworn in on 6 August 2020)
Minister of Justice (MOJ)	Tarakabu Tofinga (sworn in on 16 July 2020)
Minister of Information, Communications, Transport and Tourism Development (MICTTD)	Tekeeua Tarati (sworn in on 11 July 2020)

The first nine ministers sworn in on 2 July 2020 at the State House in Bairiki (South Tarawa) and include Dr Teuea Toatu, Willie Tokataake, Ruateki Tekaiara, Ribanataake Awira, Dr Tinte Itinteang, Boutu Bateriki, Booti Nauan, Martin Moreti and Taabeta Teakaiao.

The remaining four ministers who was stranded in the outer islands, at their respective island, which include Alexander Teabo, Tarakabu Tofinga, Tekeeua Tarati and Mikarite Temari, will be sworn later.^[1]

Previous cabinets

From March 2016 to April 2020, President of Kiribati is Taneti Maamau. His first cabinet includes Alexander Teabo and other politicians.^[2]

Portfolio	Minister
Beretitenti (President); Office of Beretitenti; Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration; Minister for the Public Service Office, MET, Housing, and the Kiribati Police Service	His Excellency Taneti Maamau
Kauoman ni Beretitenti (Vice President); Minister for Finance and Economic Development	Honourable Dr Teuea Toatu (from June 2019)
Minister for Internal Affairs, then Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives	Honourable Mr Atarake Nataara
Minister for Information, Communications, Transport and Tourism Development	Honourable Mr Willie Tokataake
Minister for Women, Youth and Social Affairs, then Education	Honourable Mr David Collins, then Kourabi Nenem (2018), then from June 2019, Taoaba Kaiea^[3]
Minister for Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development	Tebao Awerika, then Honourable Mr Alexander Teabo
Minister for Public Works and Utilities, then Women, Youth and Sports	Honourable Mr Kourabi Nenem (until June 2019)
Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources Development	Honourable Mr Tetabo Nakara
Minister of Health and Medical Services	Honourable Mr Kobebe Taitai, then Tauanei Marea
Minister for Internal Affairs	Honourable Mr Kobebe Taitai (from 2018)
Minister of Justice (newly created Ministry by Maamau's administration)	Honourable Mr Natan Teewe (from October 2016, before Attorney-General), then from November 2019, James Taom
Minister for Employment and Human Resource	Honourable Mr Ioteba Redfern (from October 2016)
Minister for Line and Phoenix Islands Development	Honourable Mr Mikarite Temari
Minister for Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy	Honourable Mr Ruateki Tekaiara

^[4]

3rd Tong Cabinet 2011-2016

Following his re-election as president in January 2012, Anote Tong appointed the following Cabinet. Several of his previous ministers having lost their seat in the October 2011 parliamentary elections, he sought and obtained the support of newly elected MPs, notably from the Opposition Maurin Kiribati party.^[5]

Maurin Kiribati members who joined the government also joined the BTK party.^[6] Party keys below indicate each minister's initial affiliation following the 2012 election.

Party key		Boutokaan Te Koaua
Party key		Maurin Kiribati Party

Portfolio	Minister
Beretitenti (President); Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration; also Minister responsible for the Public Service Office and the Kiribati Police Service		His Excellency Anote Tong
Kauoman ni Beretitenti (Vice President); Minister for Internal and Social Affairs		Honourable Ms Teima Onorio
Minister for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives		Honourable Mr Pinto Katia
Minister for Communications, Transport and Tourism Development		Honourable Mr Taberannang Timeon
Minister for Education		Honourable Ms Maere Tekanene
Minister for Environment, Land and Agricultural Development		Honourable Mr Tiarite Kwong
Minister for Finance and Economic Development		Honourable Mr Tom Murdoch
Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resource Development		Honourable Mr Tinian Reiher
Minister for Health and Medical Services		Honourable Dr Kautu Tenaua
Minister for Labour and Human Resources Development		Honourable Mr Boutu Bateriki
Minister for Line and Phoenix Islands Development		Honourable Mr Tawita Temoku
Minister for Public Works and Utilities		Honourable Mr Kirabuke Teiaua
Attorney-General		Honourable Mr Titabu Tabane

In October 2013, two ministers -Communications, transport and tourism Minister Taberannang Timeon and Public works and energy Minister Kirabuke Teiaua- resigned, after revelations that they had received excessive allowance payments, and amidst calls that they be sacked for misconduct.^[7] They were replaced by Rimeta Beniamina and Waysang Kum Kee. Additionally, Tangariki Reete was appointed to the newly created position of Minister for Women, Youth and Social Affairs.^[8]

In February 2014, Boutu Bateriki, the Minister for Labour (Maurin Kiribati), resigned after being charged with assaulting his former wife.^[9] He was replaced by Martin Moreti.^[10]

2nd Tong Cabinet 2007-2011

As of June 2011:^[11]^[12]

Portfolio	Minister
President; Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration	Anote Tong
Vice President; Minister for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives	Teima Onorio (Arorae)
Minister for Public Works and Utilities / Public Works and Infrastructure	Kouraiti Beniato (Onotoa) then Kirabuke Teiaua (Beru)
Minister for Education, Youth and Sports	James Taom (Makin), then Toakai Koririntetaake (Butaritari)
Minister for Communications, Transport and Tourism Development	Patrick Tatireta then Temate Ereateiti (Marakei)
Minister for Health and Medical Services	Dr. Kautu Tenaua (Abaiang)
Minister for the Environment, Land and Agricultural Development	Tetabo Nakara (Beru) then Amberoti Nikora (Aranuka)
Minister for the Interior and Social Affairs	Amberoti Nikora (Aranuka), then Kouraiti Beniato (Onotoa)
Minister for Finance and Economic Development	Natan Teewe (Abemama)
Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources	Taberannang Timeon (Tabiteuea-Meang)
Minister for the Line and Phoenix Islands	Tawita Temoku (Kiritimati)
Minister for Labour and Human Resources	Ioteba Redfern (Betio)
Attorney-General	Titabu Tabane

1st Tong cabinet

2003–2007.

Anote Tong, also MFA
Teima Onorio, also Minister for Education, Youth and Sport Development
Titabu Tabane, Attorney general
Ioteba Redfern, Minister for CIC
Natan Teewe, Minister for CTTD
Martin Tofinga, Minister for ELAD
Nabuti Mwemwenikarawa, Minister for FED
Natanaera Kirata, Minister for HMS
Amberoti Nikora, Minister for IA & SD
Bauro Tongaai, Minister for Labour
Tawita Temoku, Minister for the Line and Phoenix Islands Development
Tetabo Nakara, Minister for Fisheries NRD
James Taom, Minister for PWU

2nd Tito cabinet

In March 2002.

Hon. Teburoro Tito, Beretitenti, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Hon. Tewareka Tentoa, vice-president (deceased 2000), Minister for Home Affairs and Rural Development, then Beniamina Tinga
Hon. Willie Tokataake, Minister for Education, Science and Technology
Hon. Beniamina Tinga, Minister for Finance and Economic Planning
Hon. Anote Tong, Minister for Environment and Natural Development, resigned within a year
Hon. Kataotika Teeke, Minister for Health, Family Planning and Social Welfare
Hon. Manraoi Kaiea (Marakei), Minister for Communications and Tourism
Hon. Tanieru Awerika, Commerce, Industry and Employment
Hon. Emile Schutz, Works and Energy
Hon. Teiraoi Tetabea, Line and Phoenix Islands Development

1st Tito cabinet

Cabinet Ministers 1994-1998:

Tewareka Tentoa, VP and HA & RD
Hon. Kataotika Tekee (North Tarawa), Health, Family Planning and SW
Hon. Manraoi Kaiea (Marakei), Transport C Tourism
Hon. Emile Schutz (Abaiang), Works & Energy
Hon. Tanieru Awerika (Arorae), CI Employment
Hon. Beniamina Tinga (Nikunau), Finance & Economic Planning
Hon. Anote Tong (Maiana), Environment & Natural Rural Development
Hon. Willie Tokataake (Abemama), Education, Science and Technology
Hon. Teiraoi Tetabea (Betio), Line and Phoenix Islands Development
Hon. Tiim Taekiti (Butaritari)
Hon. Timbo Keariki (Kiritimati)
Hon. Tewareka Boorau (Beru)
Hon. Michael N. Takabwebwe, Attorney General, ex-officio.

Teannaki cabinet

Cabinet announced on 8 June 1991 - 1994.

Hon. Teatao Teannaki, Beretitenti (from Abaiang) was sworn in on 3 June 1991. National Progressive Party,
Hon. Taomati Iuta (Beru), vice-president and Minister for Finance and Economic Planning.
Hon. Boanareke Boanareke (Tamana), Inatoa Tebania (Onotoa), Tiwau Awira (Nikunau) from January 1991, Teaiwa Tenieu (Tabiteuea North), all members of the Kiribati Protestant Church from the southern islands constituencies,
The central islands are represented by members from Anterea Kirata Kaitaake (Abemama) and Remuera Tateraka (Maiana), both Roman Catholics,
The northern islands by Tamwi Naotarai (Betio), Baitika Toum (North Tarawa), and Binata Tetaeka (Makin), as well as the Beretitenti himself. All these Ministers were Catholics, but the member for North Tarawa (Mormon).
Hon. Ieremia Tabai, GCMG (Nonouti), resigned 15 January 1991, replaced by Tiwau Awira
Hon. Michael N. Takabwebwe, Attorney General, ex-officio.

3rd Tabai cabinet

1987–1991.

Hon. Ieremia Tabai, Beretitenti and Minister for Foreign Affairs
Hon. Teatao Teannaki, vice-president and Minister of Finance and Economic Development
Hon. Babera Kirata (Onotoa) for Home and Decentralisation
Hon. Raion Bataroma (Arorae) for Trade, Industry and Labour, resigned 1990
Hon. Ataraoti Bwebwenibure (Marakei) for Education
Hon. Baitika Toum (North Tarawa) for World and Energy
Hon. Boanareke Boanareke (Tamana)
Hon. Rotaria Ataia (Maiana) for Health and Family Planning
Hon. Taomati Iuta (Beru) for Natural Resource Development
Hon. Tiwau Awira (Nikunau)
Hon. Uera Rabaua (Butaritari) for Communications
Hon. Ieruru Karotu (Aranuka) (deceased 15 February 1990), then Tekinaiti Kateie, (Abemama) for the Line and Phoenix Group of Islands.
Hon. Michael N. Takabwebwe, Attorney General.

3rd Tabai cabinet

Cabinet Ministers 1984- 1987

Hon. Babera Kirata, OBE (Onotoa)
Hon. Baitika Toum (North Tarawa)
Hon. Binata Tetaeka (Makin)
Hon. Boanareke Boanareke (Tamana)
Hon. Taomati Iuta (Beru)
Hon. Teewe Arobati (Abemama)
Hon. Tiwau Awira (Nikunau)
Hon. Uera Rabaua (Butaritari)
Hon. Michael N. Takabwebwe, Attorney General, ex-officio.

2nd Tabai cabinet

1982. Cabinet Ministers 1982 - 1984

Hon. Ataraoti Bwebwenibure (Marakei)
Hon. Babera Kirata (Onotoa)
Hon. Baitika Toum (North Tarawa)
Hon. Boanareke Boanareke (Tamana)
Hon. Ieremia Tata (Butaritari)
Hon. Taomati Iuta (Beru)
Hon. Tewee Arobati (Abemama)
Hon. Tiwau Awira (Nikunau)
Hon. R L. Davel, Attorney general, Ex-officio

1st Tabai cabinet

1979–1982. The following government was announced on 20 July 1979:^[13]

Ieremia Tabai, President
Teatao Teannaki, vice-president and Minister for Home Affairs
Hon. Abete Merang (South Tarawa), for Health and Community Affairs
Hon. Babera Kirata (Onotoa), for Works and Communications
Hon. Taomati Iuta (Beru), for Trade, Industry and Labour
Hon. Ieremia Tata (Butaritari) for Education, Training and Culture
Hon. Roniti Teiwaki (Betio) for Natural Resource Development
Hon. Teewe Arobati (Abemama) for Line and Phoenix Group
Hon. Tiwau Awira (Nikunau) for Finance
CJ (Joe) Lynch, then Michael Jennings, Attorney General, ex-officio

References

^ ">>President Maamau appoints his Cabinet Ministers | President Taneti Maamau". www.president.gov.ki. Archived from the original on 2020-07-24.
^ Kiribati Current Ministers Archived 2019-03-27 at the Wayback Machine, Parliament of Kiribati, 30 April 2018
^ "Kaiea sworn-in as new minister in Kiribati". Radio New Zealand. 5 July 2019.
^ Initial composition on March 2016: Beretitenti, Taneti MAAMAU Vice-Pres. Kourabi NENEM Min. for Commerce, Industry, & Cooperatives Tananei Marea Min. for Communications, Transport, & Tourism Development Willie TOKATAAKE Min. for Education Alexander TEABO Min. for Environment, Lands, & Agricultural Development Tebao AWERIKA Min. for Finance & Economic Development Dr Teuea TOATU Min. for Fisheries & Marine Resources Development Tetabo NAKARA Min. for Health & Medical Services Kobebe TETAUA Min. for Internal Affairs Atarake NATARA Min. for Labor & Human Resource Development Ruateki TEKAIARA Min. for the Line & Phoenix Islands Development Mikarite TEMARI Min. for Public Works & Utilities Kourabi Nenem Min. for Women, Youth, & Social Affairs David COLLINS Attorney Gen. Natan Teewe Brechtefeld.
^ "President Tong includes two women in his 11 member cabinet", Islands Business, 23 January 2012
^ Members of Parliament by party Archived 2015-03-20 at the Wayback Machine, Parliament of Kiribati, 10 April 2013
^ "Two Kiribati Cabinet Ministers go after allowance controversy" Archived 2013-10-19 at the Wayback Machine, Radio New Zealand International, 14 October 2013
^ "Kiribati gets three new ministers", Radio New Zealand International, 15 October 2013
^ "Kiribati labour minister resigns", Radio New Zealand International, 14 February 2014
^ "Kiribati gets new labour minister", Radio New Zealand International, 21 February 2014
^ Kiribati: Cabinet Archived 2009-05-06 at the Wayback Machine, CIA World Factbook, 27 June 2011
^ "Kiribat: Composition du gouvernement", French Ministry of Foreign Affairs
^ Paxton, J. (15 December 2016). The Statesman's Year-Book 1982-83. Springer. ISBN 9780230271111.

[1] ">>President Maamau appoints his Cabinet Ministers | President Taneti Maamau". www.president.gov.ki. Archived from the original on 2020-07-24.

[2] Kiribati Current Ministers Archived 2019-03-27 at the Wayback Machine, Parliament of Kiribati, 30 April 2018

[3] "Kaiea sworn-in as new minister in Kiribati". Radio New Zealand. 5 July 2019.

[4] Initial composition on March 2016: Beretitenti, Taneti MAAMAU Vice-Pres. Kourabi NENEM Min. for Commerce, Industry, & Cooperatives Tananei Marea Min. for Communications, Transport, & Tourism Development Willie TOKATAAKE Min. for Education Alexander TEABO Min. for Environment, Lands, & Agricultural Development Tebao AWERIKA Min. for Finance & Economic Development Dr Teuea TOATU Min. for Fisheries & Marine Resources Development Tetabo NAKARA Min. for Health & Medical Services Kobebe TETAUA Min. for Internal Affairs Atarake NATARA Min. for Labor & Human Resource Development Ruateki TEKAIARA Min. for the Line & Phoenix Islands Development Mikarite TEMARI Min. for Public Works & Utilities Kourabi Nenem Min. for Women, Youth, & Social Affairs David COLLINS Attorney Gen. Natan Teewe Brechtefeld.

[5] "President Tong includes two women in his 11 member cabinet", Islands Business, 23 January 2012

[6] Members of Parliament by party Archived 2015-03-20 at the Wayback Machine, Parliament of Kiribati, 10 April 2013

[7] "Two Kiribati Cabinet Ministers go after allowance controversy" Archived 2013-10-19 at the Wayback Machine, Radio New Zealand International, 14 October 2013

[8] "Kiribati gets three new ministers", Radio New Zealand International, 15 October 2013

[9] "Kiribati labour minister resigns", Radio New Zealand International, 14 February 2014

[10] "Kiribati gets new labour minister", Radio New Zealand International, 21 February 2014

[11] Kiribati: Cabinet Archived 2009-05-06 at the Wayback Machine, CIA World Factbook, 27 June 2011

[12] "Kiribat: Composition du gouvernement", French Ministry of Foreign Affairs

[13] Paxton, J. (15 December 2016). The Statesman's Year-Book 1982-83. Springer. ISBN 9780230271111.

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