Dear Editor – The SIBC news of 15/3/2016 on a joint survey by NPF & UNDP to include farmers, fishermen & agriculture laborers in the superannuation scheme (NPF) is a good idea for ordinary Solomon Islanders in rural areas.
However, if the survey is positive I would like to suggest that the National Government to set up a separate superannuation scheme institution for farmers, fishermen and agriculture laborers and NOT the NPF.
I have two reasons for the above suggestions:-
1. NPF should not monopolize superannuation savings for income earners in the country.
2. Farmers, fishermen and agricultural laborers are mostly self employed indigenous income earners and their interest is very much different from employees in the government and private sectors.
Experience has shown that NPF is mostly funding National Government and financial institutions in the country and seemed that it has no policy to support and invest in agriculture, fisheries and small business enterprises operated by indigenous entrepreneurs in the country.
Therefore a separate superannuation savings institution is best for farmers, fishermen agricultural laborers and other self employed income earners in the country.
Clementt Kengava
(former MP)
Taro, Choiseul
