This is Ngiraingas’ response to BASCO’s owner, former President Kuniwo Nakamura’s latest letter.
Ngiraingas said the investment report should include the names of BASCO employees and their salaries; the cost of any trainings and capacity building programs both on island and off island; BASCO’s monthly and annual operating costs and related expenses; Insurance bonds or related documents; A fee schedule for screening charges to airlines; BASCO’s annual revenue collection totals; and any other documents which could confirm BASCO’s monetary investment and value for consideration.
The minister also asked Basco to submit business contract entered into with the National Government to provide security screening.
Earlier Nakamura said BASCO has already invested $300,000 in their operation.
Ngiraingas in the letter said he will meet with Nakamura after he has reviewed the documents.
In the latest exchange of tirades between Nakamura and Ngiraingas, the latter reiterated that Basco’s business interest can compromise national interest thus a government takeover of the airport security screening operation is necessary.
“Your operation is fine; as you have stated that your track record is indicative of your performance-regardless of my “unqualified” affirmation of the same. It is the process, or use of a “free market” approach that is flawed. In simplicity, it would be similar to hiring private security guards as police officers,” Ngiraingas stated.
He added, “ the fact that the presence of commercial interest has the potential to compromise national interest is a no brainer. Even in the instance that a private company provides a better service; certain services should remain within the control of the Government- especially when such services pertain to the national safety and security of the general public.”
Earlier Nakamura said that Ngiraingas has no jurisdiction over the airport security screening.
Nakamura said that the Palau National Aviation Authority is the proper agency to oversee aviation security screening functions.
But Ngiraingas said that the PNAA’s role is to govern general compliance over aviation security and does not have the power like his ministry to develop and implement the process.
He said PNAA has no role in granting the security screening operation to BASCO, it is always the national government’s responsibility.
//
