Appointments on Hold

The appointments of at least two senior executives hang in the balance, pending the deliberation of the Higher Salaries Commission, a decision which sparked confusion and criticism.

The commission, led by accountant Sereana Qoro, was appointed last year with a secretariat to be formed under the Public Enterprise ministry. Ms Qoro did not respond to queries when this edition went to print.

The matter came about when Post Fiji’s board appointment of chief executive officer Isaac Mow was not announced within the expected timelines.

Mr Mow was appointed on January 26th but later learnt he would have to continue in an acting capacity until the deliberations of the Higher Salaries Commission.

SunBiz now understands Post Fiji’s internal policies allow for an automatic confirmation of appointment after six months in office, irrespective of other determinants.

The former chief executive officer of Post Fiji was sitting on a package of around $200,000 before it was pumped up to an annual sum of more than $250,000, according to documents obtained by SunBiz.

The former chief executive officer, who is facing criminal charges in the Magistrate’s Court, also collected a bonus of $10,000, when the company was not performing, according to internal documents.

Higher Salaries Commission is led by Sereana Qoro.

Mr Mow, on the other hand, was offered the top job with a starting basic minimum package of around $150,000.

Industry sources say the matter of reinstating the Higher Salaries Commission was akin to putting the cart before the horse.

One insider said the commission had gone past its used by date, and no longer served its purpose.

At National Fire Authority, the contract of its chief executive officer is believed to be subject to renewal. But the go-ahead hinges on the Higher Salaries Commission, which has yet to convene its first meeting.

In earlier reports, the Government said the commission would review and scale salaries in line with market rates.

The Government also announced last year its plans to reduce civil service salaries.

Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj

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