Flashback April 18, 2000-2002

Congress help sought in pay discrimination suit[/B]

The chair of the House Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Operations yesterday vowed to push a two-decade case involving alleged salary discrimination against indigenous employees during the Trust Territory government in the Northern Marianas. Rep. Dino M. Jones said he raised the issue during the talks held by the House delegation with members of the U.S. Congress last week to win support, noting that the legislative intervention is the only way to resolve the long-standing dispute.

Dressed in their native wear, Carolinians lined up the shore in Tanapag village eagerly waiting for a group of 50 individuals from the Northern Marianas and the Federated States of Micronesia who sailed for at least one month from the Yap atolls of Satawal and Polowat to Saipan. The crowd of more than 200 people, foreigners and locals alike, braved the grinding heat of the 2:00 p.m. sun as they watched indigenous dancers frolic in the tune of traditional songs that reverberated around the Carolinian Utt in Tanapag yesterday.

Acting Gov. Jesus R. Sablan yesterday downplayed the protest lodged by the Commonwealth Ports Authority against Continental Micronesia over its treatment of Saipan and Guam as co-terminals, saying the CNMI does not intend to cut off its relations with the region’s largest carrier. “The matter is already resolved,” he said, without elaborating, after meeting with CPA Executive Director Carlos H. Salas in his office.

Termination or rehabilitation for drug-using gov’t workers[/B]

The CNMI government has renewed warning that strong administrative actions will be meted out against civil service employees who will test positive for drugs, in line with efforts to discourage continued use of illegal substances. Officials said government employees who will test positive for use of illegal drugs are facing termination, depending on the seriousness of the case and the intricacy of the position they hold.

Aircraft and passenger traffic at the Saipan International Airport registered dramatic growth in financial year 2000, amid the persistently slow rally of the Commonwealth’s travel industry. The growth was primarily spurred by incentives provided by the Commonwealth Ports Authority to signatory airlines which, in turn, worked at increasing passenger haul to and from the Northern Marianas.
[B] DEQ lacks tools to help school’s aircon problems[/B]

The Division of Environmental Quality does not have the capability to conduct air sampling tests that will determine the real cause of fragments released by Kagman Elementary School’s air-conditioning units. Since the initial result of the investigation conducted by the Board of Education, Kagman school already spent more than $1,800 only to change aircon filters of more than 160 units. Kagman principal Ignacia Demapan disclosed that despite the filter change, Saipan’s youngest public school’s airconditioning system continue to pose health risks to students exposed to the fiber glass particles.

Salary cap issue: House taps Babauta on wrist[/B]

Due to defects in the certifications submitted by Gov. Juan N. Babauta to the Legislature for the lifting of the salary cap on seven gubernatorial appointees, the House of Representatives said it would not sanction the excess salaries “at this time.” In response, Babauta said he would act on the matter accordingly. “I will make the necessary adjustments to ensure compliance with the requirements of the law,” he said.
[B] Travel agencies run to govt. for help[/B]

CNMI travel agents have imposed a 5-percent service charge to each ticket sale to redeem the 5-percent commission removed by Continental Airlines and Northwest Airlines last March. This, according to officials of travel agencies in the Northern Marianas, was an option taken to help them defray operational costs without disrupting services to the traveling market.

Far East Broadcasting Company yesterday announced the closure of its local station, AM 936 KSAI, at the end of April. The company plans to continue its international broadcast operations by maintaining its short-wave facilities in Marpi. With studios located in Susupe, KSAI Radio/Family Radio has, for more than 24 years, endeavored to serve the CNMI community with public affairs programs, news, and information.