Comptroller’s contract to come under scrutiny
JIM Sutton’s multi-million dollar contract as Comptroller of Customs will come under the scrutiny of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) when it meets next week, sources told Solomon Star yesterday.
Central to the PAC investigation is why Mr. Sutton’s engagement has commanded nearly $5 million annually in tax-free salary and an additional monthly COVID-19 allowance, in addition to other perks such as hotel accommodation and a G-vehicle for his use.
Documents obtained by Solomon Star yesterday show Mr. Sutton is on a fortnightly salary of $100, 880 or $2, 622, 880 a year.
The forth night salary is 20 times more than the Super Scale 3 (SS3), the salary scale for the Comptroller of Customs in the Public Service establishment.
Mr. Sutton also receives a monthly COVID-19 allowance of $156, 389.34 or $1, 876, 672.08 a year. Despite being without a contract in January, he received two fortnightly salary payments totalling $201, 760 in January. He received a similar amount in February even before he signed the three-year contract on 28th February.
“What the PAC would be interested in is what Mr. Sutton has contributed to this country in the past three years, which attracted the government to re-engage him,” sources said.
The PAC, already one week behind schedule, is due to meet next week to scrutinise the Government’s $4 billion-plus budget
It is unclear whether the Public Service Commission has any input in Mr. Sutton’s new contract. Attempts by Solomon Star to get the Chairman of the Public Service Commission, Milner Tozaka, were met with the usual “he’s in a meeting.”
Solomon Star also sought confirmation from Attorney General John Muria jnr that Mr. Sutton’s contract was vetted before it was signed.
There was no response to our email.
All government contracts, including employment contracts must be cleared by the AG’s Chambers.
By ALFRED SASAKO
Newsroom, Honiara
