THE Solomon Airlines board is asked to justify the high salary cap of chief executive officer (CEO), Captain Ron Sumsum.
This came after a leaked information stated Sumsum is paid $4.8 million; almost 5 million dollars annually, to make him the highest paid officer in any State Owned Enterprises (SOE) in the country.
A prominent lawyer, who did not want to be named said, the board need to explain how they determine the salary of Sumsum.
“Is Sumsum’s salary measured against his performance?” the lawyer asked.
“Also his salary has to be measured against the costs on to travellers.
“How much income does he bring into company?” the lawyer questioned.
He said if the income is low, then his salary is not justifiable.
“Also his salary has to be measured against the improving service of Solomon Airlines both domestically and international.
“Is the service provided by Solomon Airlines improving under his leadership?” the lawyer asked.
Social media group, Forum Solomon Islands International (FSII) last week handed a report to Special Secretary to Prime Minister Rence Sore.
The consists of back ground information on the Airlines highly paid CEO details of how he came into the country and other information to which was gathered that disagrees with the annual pay of Captain Ron Sumsum and unprecedented justification behind it.
However, Sumsum’s legal counsel Lily Ramo said his client is suing FSII for defamation on what she claimed the report contains nothing gross fabrication against her client.
Attempts to talk to Solomon Airlines board chairman, Denton Rarawa was unsuccessful yesterday.
The members in the board are Rose Isika, Sebastian Ilala, Bob Pollard, Tony Langston and Primo Afeau.
Meanwhile, in 2012, former Prime Minister, Gordon Darcy Lilo, when he was then finance minister had strongly criticised the high salary of Sumsum.
However, the board led by former chairman, Bill Tyson had re-appointed Sumsum for the CEO post again.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
