A Cabinet Minister who had been forced to step down from his portfolio for drink driving says he is grateful to have been given a second chance and reinstated in Cabinet. 

The M.P. for Aana Alofi No. 4, Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster, was sworn into Cabinet to resume his duties as the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment on Wednesday. 

Toesulusulu took his oath before the Head of State, Tuimalealiifano Sualauvi Vaaletoa II, at the latter’s Vailele residence. 

Council of Deputies member, Lemamea Ropati Mualia, the Speaker of the House, Papalii Lio Masipau, Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa and other guests were there to witness the swearing-in ceremony. 

The Minister of M.N.R.E. is also responsible for the Samoa Tourism Authority, the National Parks, Planning and Urban Management Agency and other duties. 

An environmentalist Toeolesulusulu said he is thankful for the lessons in life referring to the traffic offence that he was charged with. 

He acknowledged the Prime Minister for giving him a second chance to resume his role. 

The Cabinet Minister thanked his families, village of Satapuala and constituents for their support. 

Prime Minister Fiame spoke about the importance of the environment and climate change that has affected the small islands like Samoa. 

She said everyone has a role to play including donor partners to protect our environment and the future generation. 

Fiame made the connection that the Samoa tourism sector relies heavily on the environment, attraction sites and lands to promote the country. 

To conclude she said the promotion of Toesulusulu and the new Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Leatisa Uitime Tala, are ultimately appointments overseen by God who wields all authority. 

Toeolesulusulu makes up 12 Cabinet Ministers in the Fa’atuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) party led Government. 

The M.P. for Aana Alofi No. 4 was discharged without conviction last week by the District Court for driving under the influence of alcohol. 

The charge stemmed from an episode during independence day celebrations where he drove a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. He pleaded guilty to three related traffic charges. 

He resigned from Cabinet while the matter was being dealt with.