Pacific / Vanuatu

Complaints surface over Vanuatu public service appointments

19:53 pm on 24 October 2019

Vanuatu's Supreme Court has blocked the Public Service Commission's choice of appointment for the new director of health.

The Vanuatu Supreme Court building in Port Vila. Photo: RNZI / Jamie Tahana

The Daily Post reported the commission had selected Russell Tamata for the role.

But, the court has quashed appointment because other candidates had more relevant qualifications.

The court made the ruling based on a complaint filed by senior doctor Santus Wari.

Meanwhile, a senior scientist in Vanuatu's Meteorology and Geo-hazard department has resigned in protest against what he claims is nepotism.

Silas Tigona, who has been the country's principal scientific officer for climate change, said he was more qualified for the post of climate services manager than the man who was appointed, Allan Rarai.

The Daily Post reported Mr Tigona took a teaching job at the University of the South Pacific after he resigned.