In early 2021 there was a public outcry over the rise in crime in Samoa with alcohol identified as a major contributing factor. Even the country’s courts and law enforcement agencies called for action.

Among those who expressed concern was a former police commissioner as well as Supreme Court Justices, who were seeing a rise in the number of alcohol-fuelled offending and called for action against locally-produced spirits. In May last year, the Liquor Control Board announced a complete ban on ethanol and rice-based alcohol products, as part of the long-term moves by the Administration at that time to address rising alcohol-induced crime in Samoa. However, last November court officials including a registrar told this newspaper that they’d noticed a drop in the number of alcohol-connected cases. The testimonies by court officials confirmed how a nationwide ban targeting local manufacturers was having a broader positive impact on society. 

But how long was the ban targeting the local manufacturers of spirits supposed to last and what were the proper pathways for alcohol distillers who would upgrade and get to meet the requirements of the Liquor Control Board?

This is where businessmen like John Rankin come in – who as the owner of Talofa Spirits and Liquor Company Limited continues to be resolute in his determination to get his factory opened so he can resume production.

Mr. Rankin claims he has been shut down – even after he satisfied all the requirements asked of him and his business – and he is considering legal action.

“I have just one option left after all doors have been shut on me and that is to take legal action, but even that is tricky given the clause in the law that the Liquor Board cannot be held responsible for its decisions,” Mr Rankin said. “I have contacted my lawyer and I am currently awaiting advice so I can move towards the court in the hopes of getting an answer.”

There is no doubt that the local alcohol distiller is getting frustrated at the lack of action by the relevant Government agency. But it does not make sense for a Government agency to frustrate a local business when it has ticked all the boxes in terms of the mandatory requirements. 

This question the local businessman asked during an interview with this newspaper raises questions about the Government’s own motives and the delays in granting the necessary approvals: “I also want to ask why I am feeling the wrath of this Government when I am a local manufacturer who has been in operation for almost 20 years.”

With Samoa’s fledgling economy slowly beginning to pick up, you would have thought that the local manufacturing sector, including the alcoholic drinks manufacturers would have been given priority and immediate support by the Government. After all the local manufacturing sector can lay and build the foundations of a modern economy and contribute to a developing nation’s export revenue.

Mr Rankin said he is exploring overseas markets for his Niu Vodka product and hopes to get clearance from the relevant authorities in Samoa for export.

If there is indeed foul play being perpetrated behind the scenes at the relevant Ministry, which has led to the delay in approving the local businessman’s paperwork, then it should immediately stop. 

How is Samoa expected to attract foreign investors with their million-dollar investments when a Government Ministry with regulatory powers over licensing is allowed to operate with impunity? We fear the case of Mr. Rankin could become a disincentive for foreign investors keen on checking out Samoa as an investment destination.

In fact, we did not expect this issue to drag on for this long – having extensively reported on the public outcry in early 2021 for the Administration to ban ethanol and rice-based alcohol products due to their direct link to criminal offending.

Three years after the call to action by the various stakeholders including members of the Judiciary and law enforcement agencies, we believe the ban has achieved its purpose and moves should begin to assist genuine long-term local manufacturers to diversify their portfolios which should include overseas exports.

How is the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Administration expected to lead Samoa’s economic recovery when local long-term manufacturers are not recognised for their efforts and sacrifices?

Having spent thousands of dollars investing in the building of his alcohol distillery, Mr. Rankin deserves better from the current Government, notably the Ministry of Customs and Revenue and its Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio.