The contempt of court case filed by the Vanuatu Teachers Union (VTU) against the Acting Chairman of Teaching Services Commission(TSC), Hardison Tabi has been adjourned to March 17.

The case follows a court order that directed the TSC to pay the salaries of teachers who have been on suspension and to settle any outstanding salary payments.

The Supreme Court adjourned the case to allow both parties’ lawyers more time to examine whether there is evidence showing that Mr Tabi had issued instructions for payment, yet no payments have been made.

Supreme Court Judge Edwin Goldsbrough stated that if the the Acting TSC Acting Chairman had issued final instructions for payment, it would indicate that he was complying with the court order. Both parties’ lawyers confirmed that while the TSC had made some salary payments, the back pay has yet to be processed.

The judge further emphasized that if contempt of court is found, the responsible parties must provide an explanation for the delay in payments.