The call was made in light of the nationwide strike threat issued by SINTA after the government failed to follow through on its promise to pay teachers’ salary re-leveling dues as prescribed in the consent decree signed earlier this month.
Opposition Leader, Dr Derek Sikua said the Opposition is appalled by the Government’s failure to honour what it has assented only 18 days ago and the Minister of Finance should explain the reason prompting the default.
“We appreciate the transparency demonstrated by the Supervising Permanent Secretary of Education in explaining through the media his ministry’s implementation of what is required of it in ensuring the government follows through with what it has agreed on with SINTA as stated in the Consent Order signed on the 4th of February,” Dr Sikua said.
“It is apparent from the explanation tendered by the Supervising Permanent Secretary for Education that the hiccup to the payment of teachers’ salary re-leveling dues rests with the Ministry of Finance.
“Hence the Minister of Finance must truthfully explain to the nation the reason for the default.
“The government’s default indeed warrants an explanation because it threatens the education of students nationwide.”
Dr Sikua said the Opposition is amazed by the government’s swiftness in paying out $1-Million to the Gaena’alu Movement last week when it cannot even meet its obligation to teachers.
He said this episode yet again demonstrates the type of political leadership the country is “unfortunate to have in power”.
“This situation is yet another grim example of the type of leadership we have in power.
“We have in power a political leadership that is devoid of the capability to govern the affairs of the nation.
“We have a leadership that is engrossed in keeping itself in power.”
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