Senate's state of the economy "Reality Check" hearing
From the live radio broadcast this evening on the Senate's oversight hearing at Koror State Assembly Hall:
Senator Santy Asanuma: Palau soon could expect the next shipment to bring $40 Calrose Rice to the store shelves.
Former Ngaremlengui State Governor John Skebong: Palau Noni Farm is buying over 600,000 pounds of noni annually. At $0.70 per kilogram it comes to over $200,000 a year of income to noni farmers.
Ngirmang Moses Uludong: Tia bosech el beluu er a Belau a ngara chelsel.
PRA's Philip Reklai: Any increase in taxation at this time coupled with the expected 41 percent increase in power rates for commercial businesses might forced his company to lay-off workers. He has instructed his employees to shut off lights in PRA building to cut cost. Has asked banks to restructure business loan.
Jemima Etpsion: The already small profit margin the business operates on will be eaten away by the increase in taxes and the skyrocketing cost of electricity.
Nancy Wong of Best Coffee and Donut House: It seems that we are operation just so we can pay the next business bills.
Yokohama's Dilmei Olkeriil: With the escalating cost of everything, I came up with new price for the restaurant menu four months ago but has been hesitant in introducing the new price scheme because there are not that many people who eat out anymore. And any price increase will drive customers away.
Wilma Kumangai of Yuhi Motel: Business used to be good but now I am in debt. I had to take out my own personal savings to cover the business shortfall when the prices started to rise. Any tax increase will just make things worse, especially the employees who needs to be paid.
Scott Yano of Yano's Market: Since September of 2007, revenues have been going down and the business is barely making it. With the additional cost by the expected increase in electrical charges and if the taxes are approved than the business will be in serious survival mode. Now the only time that we can make good sales is during large sporting events or conferences.
Eunice Akiwo of A&A Gas Station: We still have the same number of customers who frequent the business but they used to gas up with $20 but now the same people are only paying $10 while the cost of operating the business is ever on the increase.
Senator Santy Asanuma: Palau soon could expect the next shipment to bring $40 Calrose Rice to the store shelves.
Former Ngaremlengui State Governor John Skebong: Palau Noni Farm is buying over 600,000 pounds of noni annually. At $0.70 per kilogram it comes to over $200,000 a year of income to noni farmers.
Ngirmang Moses Uludong: Tia bosech el beluu er a Belau a ngara chelsel.
PRA's Philip Reklai: Any increase in taxation at this time coupled with the expected 41 percent increase in power rates for commercial businesses might forced his company to lay-off workers. He has instructed his employees to shut off lights in PRA building to cut cost. Has asked banks to restructure business loan.
Jemima Etpsion: The already small profit margin the business operates on will be eaten away by the increase in taxes and the skyrocketing cost of electricity.
Nancy Wong of Best Coffee and Donut House: It seems that we are operation just so we can pay the next business bills.
Yokohama's Dilmei Olkeriil: With the escalating cost of everything, I came up with new price for the restaurant menu four months ago but has been hesitant in introducing the new price scheme because there are not that many people who eat out anymore. And any price increase will drive customers away.
Wilma Kumangai of Yuhi Motel: Business used to be good but now I am in debt. I had to take out my own personal savings to cover the business shortfall when the prices started to rise. Any tax increase will just make things worse, especially the employees who needs to be paid.
Scott Yano of Yano's Market: Since September of 2007, revenues have been going down and the business is barely making it. With the additional cost by the expected increase in electrical charges and if the taxes are approved than the business will be in serious survival mode. Now the only time that we can make good sales is during large sporting events or conferences.
Eunice Akiwo of A&A Gas Station: We still have the same number of customers who frequent the business but they used to gas up with $20 but now the same people are only paying $10 while the cost of operating the business is ever on the increase.
Palau, our only beloved country, is struggling financially. Our leaders need to come to their senses and to take bold actions instead of just relying on " metara diplomacy."
Posted by: Naiiro | May 30, 2008 at 10:11 AM
It pains me to say, I TOLD YOU SO!
Let me give you a further warning. THIS IS ONLY THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG!
If we vote for anyone associated with KN and TR it will be the end for us.
It is painful for me to say this because there is no joy in predicting doom for my beloved country. However, to say nothing is even worse.
I sincerely believe that the man to save Palau is Johnson Toribiong.
He knows how! Toribiong has the contacts!
Voting for Johnson is voting for Palau. Elect the best forget the rest.
Sulang.
Posted by: Know All | May 30, 2008 at 04:19 PM
I am really wondering "Know All"
When you say "He knows how and he has the contacts"
Can you please clarify that in detail. Maybe you can convince me after you explain the "Knows how" and the "contacts"
Mesulang,
Posted by: Mosisecheklak | May 31, 2008 at 01:52 PM
the same problem exists in the CONUS. people are experiencing the economy struggles with gas price going up. I think the government had spoiled their citizens and itself to the point where hinrokoshi in a village demands payment if something is done rather than doing it for the love of the mother land.
Posted by: belkul | May 31, 2008 at 03:14 PM