23 Jan 2013

Vanuatu pension fund CEO sacked after public outcry

3:29 pm on 23 January 2013

The board of Vanuatu's retirement fund has sacked its CEO, Anniva Tarilongi, five months after suspending her.

Her termination at the National Provident Fund follows a public outcry over high salaries last year when there were fears protests against her could lead to riots.

Mrs Tarilongi was accused of drawing a monthly salary of 7,500 US dollars while politicising the organisation with nepotism.

Our correspondent says she was first employed by Telecom Vanuatu Limited where she was known for recruiting close friends and paying them high salaries.

The Fund has been audited and a report has been handed to the responsible minister, Charlot Salwai, at the end of last month.

As a result six staff members were sacked.