Relative suspected of retaliating after KGVI principal suspended

The office building of King George VI National Secondary School in Honiara was damaged early this morning in what is thought to be an act of retaliation against the recent suspension of the school’s principal.

Principal Samuel Fangata and his deputy, Johnny Tasa, were suspended from their official duties on Wednesday after teachers and other workers of the state-owned school petitioned the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development for their removal.

Chief security officer for the school, Silas Koroa, told SIBC News a man believed to be Mr Fangata’s brother entered the school this morning and partially destroyed the school’s office.

Mr Silas said after the man damaged the office doors, he also destroyed the window louvers of a staff house.

“The incident happened around 4:30 a.m. this morning, and he was also drunk,” he said.

“He came to the nurse’s house — I wasn’t there, but I heard the sound of louver glass breaking, so the students went to see what happened,” Mr Koroa said.

Some parents of students who attend the school raised concerns about the principal’s suspension, saying the action was taken at the wrong time.

One concerned parent, who requested his name be withheld, said school examinations were postponed until next week as a result of the suspension. He said that would affect students’ performance on the exams.

Although he respected the ministry’s decision, the parent said the situation should have been more carefully considered to avoid disturbing students.

By Fredrick Kusu