CEO's contract extensions denied by Cabinet, not terminated

This is contrary to earlier reports by Radio Polynesia the contracts were terminated. The inadvertent error is regretted.

Today Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa made the announcement during a press conference with the media.

She explained that Cabinet refused a proposal by the Public Service Commission for a variation to extend the contracts for the Magele and Fualau while the PSC continue its normal hiring process.

However Ministers, Olo Fiti Vaai and Toelupe Pou Onesemo for the respective Ministries opted not to entertain the proposal, said the Prime Minister.

This also led Cabinet to enforce their current policy that when the contract ends there shouldn’t be any variations, however a Minister can request for a variation under special circumstances.

The Prime Minister said there are Assistant Chief Executive Officers, that can carry out the work of the CEO.

Fiame who is the Prime Minister for the PSC says there are a number of factors that caused the delay in advertising of the CEO positions.

The contracts for every CEO is for three years and the policy is that the position should be advertised three months before the expiration of the contract.

The Prime Minister also elaborated on the decision by Cabinet to terminate the contract for the CEO for the Ministry of Education Sports and Culture, Afamasaga Dr Karoline Fua’tai.

This follows an announcement by the Prime Minister to reopen schools; however not long after MESC made a public post extending the closure of school for another two weeks.

Despite the fact the notice was removed from the MESC social media page, the

Prime Minister said this did not sit well with members of Cabinet, as it was a total disregard of the amendments made to the State of Emergency Orders which is the law that governs the Country and should not be taken lightly.