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Tax Exemption Board holds first meeting, sets goals

The newly reconstituted Tax Exemption Board is currently reviewing applications from four companies — Manu'a Health Systems, Inc., Island Smiles Private Dental Clinic, Ardagh Metal Packing American Samoa, Inc., and the Football Federation of American Samoa.

 

According to Chairman of the Board, Treasurer Dr. Falema'o Phil M. Pili, the Manu’a Health Systems is owned by Dr. Malo Tuiolosega with the goal to provide preventive and primary health care for the people of Manu’a.

 

Island Smiles Private Dental Clinic, owned by Dr. Toko, will provide dental care in the territory, however the Treasurer did not specify where this company will be located.

 

Regarding Ardagh Metal Packing American Samoa, Inc, the Chairman of the Board noted this company is seeking a renewal of its exemption.

 

Ardagh Group's new metal packaging plant originally belonged to the Impress Group. In January 2011, Ardagh Glass Group acquired Impress and the operations of Ardagh Glass and Impress will be combined under a new entity named Ardagh Packaging Group.

 

The Football Federation of American Samoa or FIFA, according to Falema’o, is also seeking a renewal.

 

The board held its first organizational meeting on Tuesday last week, after which the Chairman of the Board announced that the first regular meeting of the board where tax exemptions will be considered will be on June 5, 2013 at the Department of Commerce Conference Room on the second floor of the A.P. Lutali Executive Office Building.

 

According to a statement issued by the board, Dr. Falema’o noted that the organizational meeting was a chance for the members to familiarize themselves with the mission and responsibilities of the Tax Exemption Board, and to set out some target goals for the next six months, which will include a review of all existing exemptions.

 

“Also, in line with Governor Lolo's direction to do all the administration can to create more jobs for our people, the board will be looking at making recommendations around tax law changes designed to make American Samoa a friendlier place to do business".

 

Other members of the Tax Exemption Board are Iulogologo Joseph Pereira, Executive Assistant to the Governor; Catherine Saelua, Director of the Budget Office; Keniseli Lafaele, Director of the Department of Commerce; and Steve Watson, Legal Counsel to the Governor.

 

Both Iulogologo and Watson have prior experience on the Tax Exemption Board, dating from the 1980's.

 

According to Steve Watson, hearings are open to the public, while deliberations are not. He also noted that they were currently doing a "stock take" of how many exemptions are out there. “For example, we know of some exemptions for companies that, despite the exemption, have gone out of business.”