The Government has now paid out $7.5 million to 298 beneficiaries under the Vatukoula settlement, bringing the implementation of the $9.025 million commitment to 83 percent.

For the 63 remaining beneficiaries, the money has already been approved and set aside. However, payments totalling $1.525 million cannot yet be released because the required estate documents have not been completed.

Of the outstanding cases, 58 beneficiaries are due to receive the full $25,000 settlement payment. The other five had already received $10,000 before their deaths, with the balance now payable to their respective estates.

Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Jone Maritino Nemani, said the delay was linked to estate administration and did not affect the eligibility of those awaiting payment.

“Every one of these 63 payments is approved and funded. What we need from families is the grant of probate or letters of administration so we can release the money to the right person,” Mr Nemani said.

The Ministry has also taken steps to help families navigate the process. So far, 132 payments have been made to the estates of deceased workers, while a temporary VGM processing unit has been established to assist families with the necessary documentation.

Families with outstanding claims can seek assistance from Senior Legal Officer Mere Conivavalagi on 8055414 or Director LSS Dan Tagivakatini on 2761258. Ministry officials can provide guidance on the required paperwork and, where necessary, refer families to the Legal Aid Commission.

The settlement brings to a close a trade dispute that started on 27 February 1991 and remained unresolved for 33 years before the Coalition Government delivered the settlement.