All outstanding entitlements, including large amounts of money investors must pay, must be reported to Labour quickly so the issue can be dealt with according to the law.

This call was made recently by the Minister of Labour.

Labour Minister Andrew Napuat made the statement following the issue involving more than 30 former staff of Jewel Casino at Iririki Island Resort, who are still fighting for outstanding entitlements worth 40 million vatu.

But the owners of the Jewel Casino already ran away when it closed in 2024.

Minister:
“There are cases in the past where the straight men of workers made us take up the cases, and it has affected businesses that have been operating in the country. I encourage all businessmen that are investing in the country to put investors and businesses that employ the people of Vanuatu to familiarize them in the country, because the other previous ones are finished, and when they are finished now, they are looking for certain entitlements. And then for the first time they raise their concern with the Department of Labour to say that their entitlements are not paid, then us in Labour must do an enquiry.”

Former staff told VBTC News that the first-time owners, Darren and Shane Pettiona together with Peter Stockley, offered them only 4 million vatu out of the 40 million vatu they were supposed to receive.

Minister Napuat said he is aware of the issue, but the former workers failed to report it early.

Minister:
“There are cases now that even Labour cannot do anything. So the only way now is for the staff to file a case against their boss. And the previous bosses said they have already put the money for the entitlements, but there is a case present that staff can take to court. There are a lot of issues associated with that.”

Jewel Casino GM, Bernie Millman, is another victim who is still waiting for 10 million vatu that should be paid to him.

VBTC News understands the former workers are now putting together evidence of their claims to file in court.

Under Labour Law, workers have only two years from their last day of work to report their outstanding claims.

A statement from Iririki Resort’s new management says they have nothing to do with outstanding money owed to former casino workers, because the casino was a separate entity from the resort.