Government and the Vatukoula Mine Limited strengthened their commitment to assisting former workers who were made redundant in 2006 after an agreement was signed between both parties today.
The historic signing will later see an assistance involving $6million dollar committed towards those that were made redundant in 2006 following the closure of the then Emperor Gold Mine.
Permanent secretary for Lands and Mineral Resources Mr Filimone Kau said today’s development will come as a relief for the redundant workers and help bring some closure to the those that lost their only source of income.
“Today is a very historic event in the sense that we’ve been able to atleast conclude the first part of the implementation of the deed of trust. This would basically mean that we’d now move forward with the execution and implementation of the deed- the opening up of the trust account and also begin as soon as possible payment to eligible beneficiaries and helping them move on and find a new life,” Mr Kau said.
Mr Kau said the money is for social assistance, the full details of which will be determined by the trustees.
“The significance of today’s event is to formally establish the trustees which will result in the opening of an account for the first deposit of $1.5million to be made within the next three months. The balance of the $6million will be paid annually over the next five years,” he said.
The trustees, chaired by Mr Kau, will be convening regular meetings to determine the specific forms of assistance to the redundant workers.
“The trustees will be tasked with identifying and implementing assistance that will be sustainable and will have long-lasting impact on the redundant workers.
“The money will of course not be able to change the circumstances of the past but it could help cushion the impact of the job losses, and create opportunities for a better future. This means opening a new chapter for the redundant workers and their respective families,” Mr Kau added.
The general manager of Vatukoula Mine Limited Mr David Whittal is hopeful that the good spirited discussions will ensure an satisfactory outcome for all parties.
“We certainly see this as the big step forward in the process. The discussions that we had today with all the parties were being conducted in a good spirit of cooperation and we look forward to that being carried forward through the remainder of the process so that we can ensure that there is a clear, transparent and equitable outcome for all parties,” Mr Whittal said.
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