ASIA Pacific Investment Development (APID) calls on the Premier of Renbel Province, Collin Singamoana, to explain a $292,500 the company made as part-payment for a business licence from the provincial government.
APID’s media officer, Takika Tuata said Premier Singamoana received the payment on behave of his provincial government on 1 August 2015.
He said Premier Singamoana signed the company’s payment voucher receipt certifying he had taken delivery of the $292,500 as initial part payment of the business licence fee.
Mr Tuata said it was initially agreed then by Premier Singamoana and the company executive that the rest of the payment completing the total business licence fee would be made later.
The Solomon Star understands that under the Provincial Business License Ordinance 2014 fee for a licensee is $550,000 while business contractor’s fee for mining was $700,000.
However, a recent amendment had raised the fee to $1.5 million.
Mr Tuata said since the provincial government had revoked APID’s business licence to operate in Renbel Province, the company demands an explanation from Premier Singamoana on whether it would refund the money or not.
Mr Tuata said it was naive the Provincial premier saw fit to receive the money then turned around and slapped APID on the face by revoking its business licence.
Mr Tuata alleged Premier Singamoana and APID agreed that the payment was an initial portion of the full business licence.
He said since the business deal no longer holds water, can Premier Singamoana explain if the Provincial Government is going to reimburse money to APID or not?
Mr Tuata said the manner in which Premier Singamoana cunningly obtained the money from APID appears ridiculous and he should be investigated for possible corrupt practices.
Attempts by Solomon Star to get Premier Singamoana or his Provincial Secretary comment on the allegations made against him were unsuccessful.
By AATAI JOHN
