THERE is a common practice by logging companies which a lot of indigenous landowners are not privy to, which leaves everyone else at a loss.

When logging companies proceed into Solomon Islands, they deal with US dollars.

And, unknown to landowners, when these companies do their deductions, they do so in the US currency instead of the local SBD currency.

So, for example, if it is SBD$120,000, they will deduct it in 120,000 US dollars.

After it is converted, they deduct another SBD$120,000.

“If you ask for the commercial invoice then you can identify this,” according to Hon George Solingi Lilo the MPA for Ward 18 in Western Province.

According to Hon Solingi Lilo, Solomon Islands have a withheld tax the government keeps through this one where landowners never have access to.

“Those of you in the logging operation, these are two things landowners should benefit well from as well,” said Hon George Solingi Lilo.

The MPA shared this information basing on the amendment of increase in round logs export licence during the Full Assembly meeting of the province last week.