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Solomon Star

HONIARA, Solomon Islands (June 30) – The Government is now getting tougher on how tax and import duty exemptions are to be granted.

New exemption guidelines published yesterday require that applications for exemptions be made through established committees before they reach the Minister of Finance.

This new strict and rigorous process is aimed at protecting Government revenue from disappearing through unwarranted exemptions.

It was also aimed at ensuring there is transparency and accountability in the exemptions process.

This new measure is a far cry to previous practices where millions of dollars in exemptions were granted at the stroke of a minister's pen.

The Sogavare Government must be commended for these initiatives.

For far too long, leaders of this country have given away millions of dollars of government revenue in the form of exemptions to their cronies.

It was also encouraging to note...

NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga (Matangi Tonga, July 3) - Looking frail and in his wheelchair, King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV returned home to Tonga on Saturday July 1, in time for the celebration of his 88th birthday on July 4.

The King has been living in Auckland since his last visit to Tonga in April, where he is undergoing medical treatment.

King Taufa'ahau has been on the throne for 41 years, and despite his failing health and his age, Tongans will be celebrating the King's birthday with much enthusiasm, as they have done every year.

Tomorrow the King is expected to view a military parade at Pangai Lahi and attend his birthday luncheon at the Palace grounds.

There will also be the Miss Heilala float parade for the public along Taufa'ahau Road and Vuna Road.

July 4, 2006

Matangi Tonga: www.matangitonga.to/nav.html

By Gemma Q. Casas

SAIPAN, CNMI (Marianas Variety, July 3) - The Northern Marianas is sending 80 athletes and officials to Jakarta, Indonesia and Hong Kong this month to compete in the 2006 Asia-Pacific Regional Tournament for baseball.

The Saipan and Northern Island legislative delegation approved yesterday House Local Bill 15-12, appropriating US$100,000 to finance the airfare and daily allowance of the baseball players, their coaches and managers.

The first competition will be held in Jakarta from July 6 to 16 for the junior, senior and big league divisions.

The CNMI delegation’s airfare to Jakarta will amount to US$41,180. With subsidy and other fees included, the total expenses will reach US$71,180.

The Asia Pacific Regional Tournament for the major little league division will be held in Hong Kong from July 21 to 31.

The CNMI is sending 14 players and eight officials to this competition.

The lawmakers repealed and reenacted a...

By Gemma Q. Casas

SAIPAN, CNMI (Marianas Variety, July 3) - Wild dogs have taken over Agrigan, where 30 individuals are now residing, according to a lawmaker.

[PIR editor’s note: Agrigan, a small island in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands located 237 miles north of Saipan, hosts the largest volcano in the CNMI. It last erupted in 1917.]

House Minority Leader Arnold I. Palacios said Northern Islands Mayor Valentin Taisakan has asked for him to support a stray dog program on Agrigan to save the people’s livestock and farms from the dogs.

Saipan has its own stray dog program, which the island’s lawmakers have yet to fund since its creation in 1995.

"This is an urgent request for funding a field trip and needed supplies to and for the Northern Islands, particularly to the island of Agrigan. The residents there are calling for help to eradicate stray dogs that have reached an alarming population: threatening them and the island’s...