The Queen Sālote College (QSC) Committee has issued an official statement refuting recent allegations circulating on Facebook that contractors engaged in college projects have not been paid for weeks.

Queen Salote College campus, where preparations continue ahead of the centenary celebrations.

The online claims quickly triggered debate, with some highly committed former students defending the allegations while others sided firmly with the complainants.

According to the Committee, all QSC contractors have been fully paid according to the agreed contracts and arrangements.

In a firm response, the Committee emphasised that “ALL CONTRACTORS HAVE BEEN PAID IN FULL,” and clarified that every payment has been “properly completed” as stipulated in the contractual agreements.

The Committee advised the public, including former students and community members, to exercise caution when consuming unverified information shared on social media.

They stated that any claims not released directly by the contractors themselves or by the QSC Committee should not be trusted, urging people to rely solely on official channels for accurate updates.

Complaints Spark Online Debate

The Committee’s statement follows multiple posts made on Facebook in recent weeks by individuals claiming to be workers on the QSC building project.

Some alleged they had not received payment for weeks, with a few stating they had families to support and were struggling financially while awaiting wages.

The controversy quickly triggered debate across online Tongan community spaces, raising concerns about worker welfare and transparency surrounding the college’s centenary projects.

Significance Amid 100-Year Anniversary

The timing of the allegations is particularly notable as the College marks its 100-year centenary this year — a milestone of major cultural and historical significance.

The building project at the centre of the dispute is reportedly one of the key memorial initiatives planned to commemorate the three‑day anniversary celebration scheduled for March 12–15.

The Committee’s statement aims to reassure stakeholders, alumni, and the wider public that the college’s centenary preparations remain on track and that financial obligations to contractors have been honoured.