The Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations has completed more than 83 per cent of compensation payments under the Vatukoula settlement, with 298 of the 361 eligible beneficiaries now receiving their full entitlement.
According to the Ministry, $7.5 million of the $9.025 million allocated for the settlement has been paid, leaving 63 payments worth $1.525 million awaiting the completion of estate documentation.
Of the outstanding cases, 58 beneficiaries are due to receive their full $25,000 compensation, while five beneficiaries had received an initial $10,000 payment before passing away. The remaining balances will be paid to their respective estates.
Permanent Secretary Jone Maritino Nemani said the remaining payments were not delayed because of eligibility issues but because legal estate processes had yet to be completed.
“Every one of these 63 payments is approved and funded. What we need from families is the grant of probate or letters of administration so we can release the money to the right person,” Mr Nemani said.
“Ministry officers can explain what is required and there is no cost in asking.”
The Ministry has already processed 132 payments to the estates of deceased former workers and has established a temporary Vatukoula Gold Mine (VGM) processing unit to help families complete the required legal documentation.
Families with outstanding claims have been encouraged to contact the Ministry for assistance, with officers available to explain documentation requirements and refer applicants to the Legal Aid Commission where appropriate.
The compensation programme brings closure to the Vatukoula trade dispute, which began on 27 February 1991 and remained unresolved for 33 years, before the Coalition Government implemented the settlement.
