FLASHBACK

JUNE 1, 2001

‘Identify target markets’

Regional tourism experts yesterday encouraged local players in the local travel industry to invest in studies that will identify which markets should the Northern Marianas aggressively pursue. Research shared by a top-brass Japan Travel Bureau official during yesterday’s CNMI 2001 Tourism Summit revealed that data on Japanese travelers’ characteristics proved very useful in the travel industry’s promotional efforts. Yoshio Koteda, JTB Corp. General Manager for International Relations, Planning and Marketing, quoted studies detailing Japan’s middle-aged and elderly citizens as the country’s most ardent travelers.

CNMI improves emergency response teams’ capability

The Emergency Management Office yesterday turned over $10,000 worth of new hazardous material handling equipment to the Department of Public Safety’s Division of Fire. That procurement includes four Level “A” gas-tight suits, used to handle the worst kinds of chemical spills this islands could ever expect, according to Emergency Management Office Director Greg De Leon Guerrero. The EMO director said handling of hazardous materials has four levels—A, B, C and D. Of the four levels, Level “A” is the highest and most dangerous. To frame the gravity of the use of a Level “A” suit to recent events in the Commonwealth, Mr. Guerrero noted the PCB contamination in Tanapag is only considered a Level “D” emergency.

JUNE 1, 2000

Campaign vs abortion

In what could be the beginning of an aggressive campaign against abortion in the CNMI, religious leaders from various denominations mapped out plans yesterday to counter renewed debate on the controversial issue. Bishop Tomas A. Camacho said the meeting was meant to discuss the need to continuously educate the people on the moral issue of abortion. “I believe that majority of our people here still believe in the sanctity of human life. We need to continue to be vocal in the teachings of Christ and the Church,” he a group of church leaders. The planned series of information campaign will culminate in a big pro-life rally scheduled for Jan. 22, 2001. A planning committee was formed with Pastor Ray Kinsella of Grace Christian Church as chair of the group. The group is also seeking the designation of one month in a year as a Right to Life Month.

House joins protest vs dumping of toxic waste

The House of Representatives yesterday joined the protest against dumping of toxic U.S. military wastes in the Pacific region as it expressed concern over its environmental and health impact on the islands. Members adopted a resolution during a special session calling on the U.S. government to properly dispose these poisonous chemicals to prevent pollution of the earth, particularly its oceans. The move came in the wake of a decision by the Department of Defense to store polychlorinated biphenyl-contaminated waste from a U.S. military base in Japan on Wake Island.

JUNE 1, 1999

Proposed bill makes deportation easier

A single conviction of misdemeanor in the Commonwealth or court sentence on charges of prostitution and illegal drugs will soon be grounds for deportation of foreign workers under a proposed legislation that has drawn support from lawmakers. The House Committee on Labor and Immigration has completed review of the measure offered by Rep. Oscar M. Babauta to put teeth into existing deportation laws in view of conflicting interpretation between the Superior Court and the Attorney General’s office. In a report adopted by the House of Representatives, the committee said the proposed bill will enhance safety and security for local residents, who have expressed concerns over rising crime incidents on the island involving guest workers.

US plans $80 M repair in Andersen Air Base
The US government will undertake improvements in its key Pacific military facility next year, pumping in over $80 million for the expansion of a school and a fuel storage at the Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, an air force commander said yesterday. The constructions at Andersen demonstrates the facility’s importance in Washington’s defense network in the Asia-Pacific region, especially at this time when the US military is engaged in the war in Kosovo, as well as the growing tension with China. Col. Mark J.D. Gehri, commander of the 36th Air Base Wing based in Guam, said improvements will cover expansion of the existing school inside the base to better serve the children of enlisted men. This alone would cost $44 million, he said.