21 Aug 2012

Vanuatu's VNPF reopened under police protection

1:23 pm on 21 August 2012

Staff at the Vanuatu National Provident Fund have resumed work under police security after protests prompted its closure last week.

Last week's protests outside the Fund's premises in Port Vila saw hundreds of people gathered allegedly unhappy with high salaries paid to senior staff, including the general manager, Aniva Tarilongi.

The crowd also alleged there was misuse of the members' contributions by management, nepotism in the recruitment of new staff and a politicisation of the pension provider.

As a result of the public anger, the Board of Directors suspended Mrs Tarilongi and six senior staff.

A meeting at the Port Vila water front heard fears that the money is no longer safe, but the government has denied this.

Another meeting is scheduled to take place this Thursday.