Land leases and taxes

Re: Truth, customary lands and what the Constitution tells us to do

Leasing of customary lands was there many years back. For instance, the Lands where the L.D.S Churches are built upon. There are also Hotels and motels around the coastal area of the Islands, and those leases are only for 20 - 30 years, then its dew for renewal. 

Even though they are cheap (peanuts to the LDS Church & Businesses), but at least the Sa’o and Aiga are gaining something, plus employment for family members and fellow villagers. 

The new law will allow 99+ years to kick start these kinds of Leases, and that is too long for a renewal from the Sa’o and Aiga of their Lands. 

The govt. is desperate for more revenues, and that is why they imposed TAXES on Faifeaus, and not PATELEs. 

Now, I am suspecting that the Govt. will start TAXING (Property Tax) or any other form of Tax on Our Customary Lands after registering under this New Law to further their greed in more revenues. 

And that should be a huge concern for our people. We have to be cautious of Leasing our Customary Lands to Foreign Investors/Big Companies for we will never get them back.

 

Latai

Samoa Observer

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