A major issue has emerged at Vanuatu Post between the new Board of Directors and its Chief Executive Officer, Vira Timbaci, who is currently under suspension.

The Board suspended Mr. Timbaci, with no clear date given for when he may return to work.

On his part, Mr. Timbaci has taken the matter to the Government, raising concerns against Board members led by former Member of Parliament Albert Williams.

Speaking to VBTC News, Mr. Timbaci confirmed his suspension but declined to comment further.

VBTC News contacted the Director-Generals of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Finance, who both stated that only the Chief Executive Officer of the Commercial Enterprise Unit under the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Sowany Joseph Matou, is authorized to comment on the matter.

The Commercial Investment Unit is now responsible for overseeing all State-Owned Enterprises under the Commercial Government Business Enterprise Act, following a new law introduced at the end of 2024 aimed at improving performance and profitability of government-owned companies.

In his statement to VBTC News, Mr. Matou said the Government is aware of the situation and has requested urgent clarification from the Chairman of the Board regarding the allegations against the Vanuatu Post CEO, while investigation is ongoing.

VBTC News understands that the concerns raised by Mr. Timbaci to the Government include plans by the Board to purchase a new truck; appoint an acting CEO from outside the organization without proper process; introduce salaries for Directors; recruit a Board secretary externally; and other financial decisions that some believe may not be in the best interest of the company.

Efforts by VBTC News to obtain a response from the Chairman of the Vanuatu Post Board were unsuccessful.