The Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has some major changes to its senior management positions.

Mr Rence Sore, former Deputy Secretary to the Prime Minister, has now replaced Dr John Roughan as the Secretary to the Prime Minister with effect as from 15 August 2007.

Dr John Roughan has taken up a new position as Rural Development Advisor in the Policy Planning Unit as he has the required level of knowledge, skills and experiences to make a difference with the implementation of the government's rural development policies.

Former Permanent Secretary of Fisheries, Environment and Conservation, Ms Ruth Liloqula , is the Secretary to Cabinet as from 29 August 2007.

Mr Sam Alasia remains as the Special Secretary to the Prime Minister but with additional functions of the Political Advisory Unit.

"It is hoped that with this restructure, coordination of Government Machinery will be scaled up and improve delivery of goods and services according to the policy intentions of the Grand Coalition for Change Government," said Mr Rence Sore.