SOLOMON Airlines board is standing by chief executive officer Captain Ron Sumsum in the face of public criticisms by members of Forum Solomon Islands International (FSII).
Board chairman Denton Rarawa, in a statement published in today’s paper, denied Captain Sumsum being paid the exorbitant amounts the group has claimed.
FSII has claimed Captain Susum is receiving an annual salary of up to $4 million.
But Mr Rarawa, who is also governor of the Central Bank, said this is not true.
“While we are not at liberty to disclose the CEO’s package, the CEO was reappointed through an internationally competitive and professional recruitment process three years ago,” he said.
“That process resulted in a short list of five candidates of whom the current CEO was assessed as the best candidate.
“The salary package offered was relative to the packages that other candidates were already receiving and would have expected had they been offered the role.
“The board is satisfied that the salary package of the CEO is appropriate.
“While the package is confidential, any concerns or criticisms should be directed at the board not the CEO.
“We are shocked that fellow Solomon Islanders would become so critical on what is clearly ill-founded assertions and assumptions to a person who has actually done the country a fine and just service,” Mr Rarawa said.
He said Captain Sumsum, a Ni-Vanuatu, has made a number of significant achievements during his last two terms.
