The ASG shipyard at Satala is closed today as its CEO Carlos Sanchez, and employees stage a “sit-in” at the Executive Office Building in Utulei.
Their peaceful demonstration aims to urge the Treasurer to release equipment for the shipyard without requiring payment of excise tax.
Sanchez explained that all these years the shipyard is tax-exempt. However, he said Treasurer Donald Kruse has withheld a shipment of equipment that arrived last week, stating that the Tax Exemption Board needs to review whether the exemption should still apply.
The CEO said the equipment is needed to fix ASPA’s water tanks. 
Sanchez pointed out the shipyard nearly went broke four times but has managed to survive thanks to having the necessary equipment to take on projects beyond repairing boats.
“We need our equipment and our tax-exempt status, as we always have been granted, so we can continue working on our projects,” he told KHJ News.
Sanchez assured that the demonstration is a peaceful one and he’s hopeful for a favorable outcome to help the shipyard survive. He added that they only have one boat to repair this year, so the shipyard is struggling.
