Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Dr. Derek Sikua, has formally announced the appointment of 26 Permanent Secretaries in a press conference held at the Cabinet this afternoon.

While not naming the new Permanent Secretaries, Dr. Sikua confirmed that a total of seven permanent secretaries have been terminated to be replaced by new ones.

Dr. Sikua said that the number of Permanent secretaries remain at 26, which includes two in the Prime Minister's Office who are on Special duties. "The Permanent Secretaries are appointed based on regional, administrative and capabilities in the field," he added.

"To have a fair representation, we wanted to appoint people from each of the nine provinces of this country."

On key portfolios, Dr. Sikua said that the newly appointed permanent secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade is the former PS for the Ministry of education, Mr. Barnabas Anga. Dr Sikua said that Ruth Liloqula will remain Secretary to Cabinet.

The Prime Ministers Office has stated that a full list will be made available tomorrow.