Samiu Vaipulu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Samiu Vaipulu
|
|
|---|---|
Vaipulu in 2022
|
|
| Acting Prime Minister of Tonga | |
| In office 9 December 2024 – 22 January 2025 |
|
| Monarch | Tupou VI |
| Preceded by | Siaosi Sovaleni |
| Succeeded by | ʻAisake Eke |
| Minister for Justice and Prisons | |
| In office 25 January 2021 – 28 January 2025 |
|
| Prime Minister | Pohiva Tuʻiʻonetoa Siaosi Sovaleni |
| Preceded by | Sione Vuna Fa'otusia |
| Succeeded by | ʻAisake Eke (Prisons) Moʻale Finau (Justice) |
| Minister for Trade and Economic Development | |
| In office 10 October 2019 – 25 January 2021 |
|
| Prime Minister | Pohiva Tuʻiʻonetoa |
| Preceded by | Tevita Tu'i Uata |
| Succeeded by | Tatafu Moeaki |
| Deputy Prime Minister of Tonga | |
| In office 5 January 2011 – 30 December 2014 |
|
| Prime Minister | Sialeʻataongo Tuʻivakanō |
| Preceded by | Viliami Tangi |
| Succeeded by | Siaosi Sovaleni |
| Minister for Infrastructure | |
| In office 7 January 2013 – 30 December 2014 |
|
| Preceded by | himself (as Minister for Transport and Works) |
| Succeeded by | ‘Etuate Lavulavu |
| Minister for Justice | |
| In office 10 November 2009 – 1 September 2011 |
|
| Prime Minister | Sialeʻataongo Tuʻivakanō Feleti Sevele |
| Succeeded by | Clive Edwards |
| Member of Parliament for Vavaʻu 15 |
|
| Assumed office 26 November 2010 |
|
| Preceded by | none (constituency established) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 24 December 1952 |
| Political party | Independent |
Samiu Kuita Vaipulu was born on December 24, 1952. He is a politician from Tonga. He has served in many important government roles. From 2010 to 2014, he was the Deputy Prime Minister. He has also been a Minister in charge of different government departments. Most recently, he was the acting Prime Minister of Tonga from December 2024 to January 2025.
Contents
About Samiu Vaipulu
Samiu Vaipulu comes from the island of Ovaka in Tonga. Before becoming a politician, he worked in tourism. He managed a tour company and also worked for the Shipping Corporation of Polynesia.
He went to the University of the South Pacific in 1989. There, he earned a diploma in Legal Studies. Even today, he is still involved in the tourism business on his home island of Vava'u.
His Journey in Politics
Samiu Vaipulu first became a member of Parliament in 1987. This means people voted for him to represent them in the government. He lost his seat in the 1990 election but was elected again in 1993. He served in Parliament until 2002.
After losing his seat again in 2002, he was re-elected in 2005. He was elected for his sixth time in 2008. While in Parliament, he was the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House. This is an important role in how laws are discussed.
Becoming a Minister
In November 2009, Samiu Vaipulu was asked to join the Cabinet. The Cabinet is a group of top government officials who help the Prime Minister run the country. He became the Minister for Justice. This was special because he did not have to give up his seat in Parliament. He continued to represent the people who voted for him.
He was re-elected in the 2010 election. After this, he was made the Deputy Prime Minister. He also became the Minister of Justice and Minister for Transport and Works. These roles meant he was in charge of courts, prisons, and how people travel and build things in Tonga. In September 2011, his Justice role was given to someone else, but he kept his other minister jobs.
Later Roles and Acting Prime Minister
After the 2014 election, Samiu Vaipulu wanted to become Prime Minister. However, he was not chosen for that role. In 2019, after the death of the Prime Minister at the time, he was appointed Minister for Trade and Economic Development. This role focuses on helping Tonga's economy grow.
In January 2021, he became the Minister of Justice and Prisons again. He was re-elected in the 2021 election. In December 2021, he continued as Minister for Justice and Prisons.
In December 2024, the Prime Minister resigned. Samiu Vaipulu then stepped in as the acting Prime Minister. He held this important position until January 2025.
Honours and Awards
Samiu Vaipulu has received a special award for his service to Tonga:
-
- The Most Illustrious Order of Queen Sālote Tupou III, Member (awarded on July 31, 2008).
See also
In Spanish: Samiu Vaipulu para niños
