Rabuka Steps in to Ensure Teachers Paid

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has stepped in over outstanding salary payments affecting teachers, directing the Ministry of Finance to assist in ensuring those affected receive the money owed to them.

Rabuka said the issue should never have reached this stage, stressing that teachers who had reported for duty and carried out their responsibilities should not be left uncertain about when they would be paid.

“The immediate priority is for all affected teachers to receive what is owed to them as quickly as possible,” Rabuka said in a statement.

He said he had been kept informed of the situation and expected the Ministries of Finance and Education to work together to resolve the outstanding issues without further delay.

Rabuka also emphasised the important role teachers play in Fijian society, describing them as among the principal guardians and stewards of young people after parents and families.

He said teachers deserved to be treated with dignity, fairness and respect for the service they provide.

The Prime Minister has also called for a proper examination into how the salary issue arose and what improvements are needed to prevent a similar situation from happening again.

Rabuka said teachers should be able to concentrate on educating, guiding and caring for Fiji’s children rather than worrying about whether they would receive salaries they had already earned.