I came across a comment on the ongoing teachers strike that grabbed my attention — not just for its passion but for how sharply it cuts through the layers of this long-standing issue. The commenter, using the name High Potential, makes a bold case for a total reset of the education system. Whether you agree or disagree, the points demand engagement. Here’s a breakdown of what she said, followed by space for your own thoughts.

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LET’S DOCUMENT THIS HISTORY

The teachers strike has lasted over a year, and the Vanuatu government has been accused of failing to resolve the deadlock. But one voice in a recent online discussion stood out — someone who is called High Potential.

In a series of direct and controversial remarks, she outlines why she believes the government should cut its losses and start over. Here are her main points:

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1. Terminate the Employment of All Striking Teachers

“Ol tija we straek moa lo wan yia, kavman i sud ‘termoinate employment’ blo olgeta lo kraon se i no save pem salary.”

Her first argument is simple: If the government cannot afford to pay the teachers, then their contracts should be terminated. She compares it to a normal employer-employee situation — if you can’t afford to pay your workers, you let them go.

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2. Children’s Rights Are Being Violated

“Also infringe rights blo ol pikinini.”

She believes that prolonged strikes are robbing children of their right to education — a serious issue that should override all other negotiations.

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3. Teachers Are Being Paid for No Work

“Oli sta kakae mani blo kavman free blo 1 yr without delivering services… Emia steal ya.”

This was one of her most provocative claims: that teachers are effectively stealing from the government (and taxpayers) by continuing to collect salaries during a strike. She acknowledges, however, that the government is also at fault, calling it a two-way theft.

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4. Start Fresh with New Contracts

“Givim notice lo olgeta blo oli finis work… Startem new contract… Wetem new conditions.”

Her solution? Sack everyone, pay their severance, and rehire under new contracts with clear expectations and obligations. She suggests this approach could eliminate the current liabilities the government is carrying.

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5. Create More Private Schools

“Nara option se create more private schools… Ol private school pem rent lo gov blo usum premises blo gov.”

In her long-term vision, she proposes increasing private schools and allowing them to rent government premises — creating an alternative to public education and sidestepping the public wage bill.

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6. Everyone Is to Blame

“Kavman steal lo tija, tija steal lo kavman… Tugeta sta pleple lo mani blo taxpayers.”

In one of her final comments, she expresses frustration with both sides — teachers and government — for misusing taxpayer funds and failing to resolve the issue honorably.

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CALL FOR URGENCY — OR RESET?

At the heart of High Potential’s comments is a call for urgency, if not a complete reset. She questions how long the public — especially the children and taxpayers — will continue to bear the cost of this unresolved conflict.

Is this the right approach? Should the government cut all ties and start from scratch? Or are there other, more constructive ways to resolve the strike?

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WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Have your say in the comments below. Do you agree with High Potential? Is it time to reset the system or push harder for a resolution between the government and teachers?

Let’s hear your voice.
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