THE alleged huge bonus payout to Board members of the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) received from the controversial Ports CEO, Colin Yow was said to be true.
It was disclosed that new SIPA Board members were paid an annual bonuses of between $150, 000 and $170, 000 apiece – without the Board’s approval.
Mr Yow was also claimed to have awarded himself SBD4.7 million in bonuses after just eight months as SIPA boss.
A Board member who spoke on anonymity to the Solomon Star said all Board members receive similar payments.
“What was so strange of the payment was, we signed no voucher to getting the cheque.
“I understand such payments can be channelled through personal accounts with name of the beneficiary on the cheque for legitimate bank security purposes.
“That was not the case, it was an open cash cheque hand delivered,” said the insider.
He added they never thought it as excess payment that has ties to, except the “thought it was usual payment receive by the previous board.”
Board Chairman, Billy Titiulu was contacted to verify but he could not pick up his phone.
Deputy Chairman and Permanent Secretary for Infrastructure Development, Henry Murray yesterday confirmed Board members receiving hefty bonus payment from Mr Yow.
He said, all board members suspected nothing from the payment.
“We just think it was the same package usually received by the former board; but what has come out is the opposite,” said PS Murray.
Murray said, it is only right that excess amount receive by board members be given back.
“Seeing there is something not right to the bonus payment, Board members should give back that amount that is beyond what we should receive.”
The insider revealed that only one board member, Johnny Fy refused to receive the bonus payments.
The controversial CEO, Colin Yow was contacted for comments but instead was referred through his secretary.
“Yow is out, at a meeting,” she said.
An email was sent through his secretary to be forwarded to Mr Yow as requested but the paper fail to receive any positive response.
By BRADFORD THEONOMI
