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namib times
SERVING THE COASTAL COMMUNITY SINCE 1958 NO 6684 FRIDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2017 Tel: +264 64 - 205854 / +264 64 - 461866 /Fax: +264 64 - 204813 / 064 - 461824 / Website: www.namibtimes.net
Photo by Erwin Leuschner
US-pilot offers four-day specialist helicopter flight training
inside Erongo Expo Page 3
Locker Vom Hocker
Two Robinson R44's at the Swakopmund aerodrome. Ten pilots from Namibia received specialist training this week which was offered by chief pilot Simon Jones from the USA Erwin Leuschner
Ten helicopter pilots from Namibia took part in a specialist helicopter flight training course in Swakopmund this week. The course was presented by chief pilot Simon Jones from Los Angeles, California, a helicopter pilot specialising in the flight of Robinson helicopters. The course was organied by NAMAGRI Aviation Services, who is the leading distributor of Robinson helicopters in Namibia. The Robinson R44 is a four-seater light helicopter produced by the Robinson Helicopter Company. It remains the world's best-selling general aviation (GA) helicopter since 1999. Continues on Page 2
Its now or never to get back in the Receiver’s good books Piquet Jacobs
Taxpayers who are not in good standing at the Receiver of Revenue has been given a second chance to do so, thanks to an extended "amnesty", announced earlier this week. An amnesty period concluded on 31 July made provision for penalties on taxes in arrears to be written off entirely, but this new round is rather a tax in arrears recovery program whereby 70 % of penalties may be waivered. The tax payable will not be lowered and will be payable in full. The Ministry of Finance announced in a media release the last tax arrears recovery incentive programme will commence on 11 September 2017 and conclude on 11 March 2018. Thereafter tax payers not in good standing may not come off very well from a brush with the Receiver. The main objective of the programme is to offer a limited-time relief to Continues on Page 2
Walvis Bay mayor has message of hope amidst town’s economic Piquet Jacobs hardship During an ordinary council meeting Tuesday night, the Mayor of Walvis Bay, Clr Alderman Immanuel Wilfried had a message of hope to the local economy, which is currently severely pressed by the economic downturn which virtually spares no business, public institution or household. Job losses is the biggest headache. According to Wilfried a more positive picture is emerging. He referred to the Minister of Finance, Calle Schlettwein, who has cited some recovery in the agriculture and mining sectors, among others. The tourism sector has also seen strong growth. "There is reasonable optimism that economic activity and outlook for 2017 is better than a year ago. Even despite the sovereign downgrade of Namibia by the ratings agency Moody's. One of the strategies to stay afloat during times of adverse economic conditions is to cut spending.The local authority is not immune to these challenges. Therefore as local authority we are pressed to use resources a lot more prudently and effectively than ever before", he explained. The Mayor also acknowledged the suffering of many Namibians who after losing their jobs through retrenchments and closures often find it hard to obtain a new job or find other means to earn an income. "Their ability to stay above water could prove to be very tough," Wilfried admitted. On job losses in Walvis Bay the past year Clr. Wilfried said some of the factors are unique to Walvis Bay. As the town is relying on the fishing sector, reduced total allowable catches and reduced fish landings are some of the reasons why the fishing sector have to lay off people. At the same time the global economic downturn also result in other economic sectors in Walvis Bay seeing a downturn. Marine industrial engineering and ship repairs are examples where foreclosures occurred this year with resultant job losses. Continues on Page 2
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Motoring Inside Page 17
COSSASA Ball Games in Namibia 2018
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