FLASHBACK

MAY 7. 2005

CDA LIFTS MORATORIUM ON DIRECT LOANS

More than $1 million has been identified as available for lending, after the Commonwealth Development Authority lifted Thursday the five-year moratorium on direct loans. According to CDA, 50 percent of the available funds was allocated to commercial loans of over $25,000 while another 30 percent was budgeted for commercial loans amounting to $25,000 and under. The remaining funds are being put aside for marine and agricultural loans. CDA announced that it will start accepting applications for new loans starting June 1, 2005.

MAY 7, 2004

SOME RETIREES WANT THEIR JOBS BACK

Government retirees are seeking exemptions from re-employment restrictions to be able to return to government service. Members of the NMI Retirement Fund board said yesterday that at least two retirees were granted the exemption last month. They included Victor Lifoifoi and Miriam Seman. Yesterday, three more names were set for the board’s discussion and eventual approval: Juan L. Babauta, Monica Lizama, and Jose R. Bermudez. These retirees have reportedly been approved for exemption by Gov. Juan N. Babauta.

EX-CUSTOMS OFFICER FACES CHILD PORN CHARGES

Federal authorities yesterday launched a campaign against child pornography in the Marianas, following the filing of criminal charges against a former Customs officer who was caught in possession of pornographic materials involving children. U.S. Attorney Leonardo Rapadas urged the public to provide the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspections Service any information about cases involving child pornography in the CNMI and in Guam.

MAY 7, 2003

$4.8M REBATE BALANCE TO BE PAID OUT

With the 2001 tax refunds all paid out, press secretary Peter A. Callaghan reported yesterday that only $4.8 million worth of 2001 rebates remains unpaid. The Department of Finance targets to complete the payment of the balance by end-June 2003, Some $3.7 million has reportedly gone out to meet the 2001 rebate obligations.

MPLT SUES MPLA FOR CONTROL OF MILLIONS

The Marianas Public Land Trust has sued the Marianas Public Lands Authority for control of the multi-million-dollar proceeds derived from leasing out and permitting the use of public lands. MPLT also asserted control over the more than $8 million worth of time certificate of deposits the MPLA has with the Bank of Saipan, and it also accused MPLA of violating the CNMI Constitution by issuing write-offs that effectively condoned over $6.25 million owed by various companies and individuals.

MAY 7, 2002

CPA BITES THE BULLET ON TRAVELS

Revenues generated by the Commonwealth Ports Authority from its aviation division dropped 5 percent during the first six months of financial year 2002, reflecting a decline in overall passenger traffic at the islands’ air transport facilities. A report obtained from the CPA disclosed that aviation revenues dropped to $7.01 million in the period covering October-March 2002, compared with the $7.4 million recorded during the same period last year.

MAY 7, 2001

MORE CONTAMINANTS UNEARTHED

Additional sampling and assessment measures are necessary to completely address contamination concerns originating from the Puerto Rico dumpsite following the discovery of a number of other low-level contaminants. Although the contaminants do not endanger public health and the environment, Earth Tech Inc., has recommended a more extensive round of sediment sampling and total closure of the Puerto Rico dumpsite to prevent any leaching of contamination.

IT’S BACK TO SCHOOL FOR KAGMAN KIDS

Kagman community members heaved a sigh of relief Saturday after findings of a Guam-based air-quality specialist labeled the presence of fibers inside some Kagman Elementary School classrooms a non-health risk. With this development, the school administration announced it will resume regular class sessions starting 7:30am until 3pm Tuesday, May 8, after faculty and staff finalize last-minute campus clean-ups today.