New clause a worry
It’s just become a whole lot easier to remove troublesome HOMs
When the HOMs fronted up to sign their contracts, they would have got a shock to discover a new clause had been inserted.
The new clause relates to the termination of their contract on the grounds of “incompatibility” with their Minister. The effect of such a clause is to remove any sense of job security. There is no provision for any severance pay nor any avenue for appeal.
The presence of such a clause merely confirms what everyone already knows and it is that appointments to these positions are politically based.
The insertion of the clause at this time when the political situation is uncertain is most unusual.
With most of the HOMs appointed presumably Demo Party favourites, why would such a clause be deemed necessary? One speculation is that the clause is there to weed out any HOM who does not come up to expectations.
With the CIP likely to be taking over the government reins next week, the presence of such a clause must be very worrying for some HOMs. It certainly makes the CIP’s job of removing some of them a lot easier. However, it works both ways. If the Demos return to power at some time in the future, they could exercise the clause.
At the time of going to print, the Times has not been able to contact and speak to the PSC or his CEO about the insertion of the “incompatibility” clause in the HOM’s contracts.

- Charles Pitt

Headlines : Times 166
- Fresh Leadership fires up CIP launch
- New faces to lead the CIP into the elections
- Rousing start to CIP conference
- Less MPs, revamp of parliament targeted by CIP
- Inspire people to do better Sir Geoffrey tells conference
- Sisters stress class, culture at new Little Polynesian
- Letter to the Editor : More to helmet saga than meets eye
- Pitt Media brings in training expert
- School's in for environment
- Avatea teachers back helmets
- "Marurai will continue as PM," says Maoate

Headlines : Times 165
- Magee the surprise in Demo radio show
- Pilot project sought to establish model for lagoon recovery
- Cook Islander heads Harcourts International
- Coach Enoka encourages young Cook Islanders not to leave
- Matenga gets islands media honour
- USP art workshop a success
- Letter to the Editor : To do or not to do
- CISNOC gets set for Samoa