16 Aug 2012

Protests close Vanuatu Pension Fund for the week

7:19 pm on 16 August 2012

The Vanuatu National Provident Fund's office in Port Vila will stay shut until Monday at the earliest while protests over accusations of mismanagement and nepotism continue.

Members of the Fund have assembled throughout the week in front of the VNPF building demanding the right to withdraw their money from the superannuation scheme.

The Fund's management has posted a note on the main gate saying it won't re-open until Monday because of the tension and the threats against staff, who have been asked to stay at home for their security.

Police are also guarding the building because of the threats.

Meanwhil, the Minister of Finance, Moana Carcasses Kalosil, has assured the members that their money is safe.

The Funds's general manager, Aniva Tarilongi, and other senior staff have been suspended pending an investigation into the Fund by the auditor general.