Flashback October 23, 2000-2003

Tanapag residents presses DPH to release PCB test results[/B]

Tanapag residents have asked the Department of Public Health to facilitate the assessment of the results of their medical evaluation including the blood testing in connection with polychlorinated biphenyl contamination. Juan Tenorio, one of the leaders of Tanapag Action Group, said residents are anxious over the results of the blood test and they would like to find out as soon as possible the level of PCB contamination in their blood.

Northern Marianas companies may have been keeping fewer inventories as a result of slow business activities here, manifested by the significant drop in the volume of CNMI-bound cargoes during the first half of the calendar year. A report obtained from the Department of Commerce quoting statistics from the Commonwealth Ports Authority disclosed a 13 percent decline in the volume of inbound revenue tonnage between January and June 2000.

Army Reserve eyed to secure NMI ports[/B]

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio has asked the US Pacific Command for help in securing more men to guard the Commonwealth’s airports, in line with the increased security level being enforced by the Federal Aviation Administration nationwide. As a possible solution to the manpower problem, Tenorio suggested activating the United States Army Reserve to augment the men that are now guarding the CNMI’s airports.

The CNMI Commission on Elections yesterday said ballots cast by absentee voters should be completely answered, signed, and postmarked November 3 to be accepted and counted. Executive Director Greg Sablan reminded parents with children studying and working abroad to inform their kids to answer and sign all documents inside the absentee ballot package sent out by the commission.

Legislature requesting increase in salaries of LB staff[/B]

Despite increasingly hard-to-meet payroll costs by the CNMI government every payday, the Legislature is seeking to increase the salaries of its staff at the Legislative Bureau, prompting the Department of Finance to make a plea to hold off on the pay hikes. Finance Secretary Frank Villanueva pointed out that the present fiscal situation has severely affected the government’s cash position, making it difficult to meet even the basic payroll costs.

Discouraging prospects of a bountiful career is reportedly pushing some college graduates to pursue job opportunities outside the Northern Marianas. Scholarship Advisory Counsel Board Chair Roman C. Benavente yesterday said that around 80 to 90 percent of Education Assistance Program recipients come back to fulfill a pledge to serve the CNMI, only to be sent packing due to limited opportunities in both the private and public sectors.

‘Make my job easier in DC'[/B]

Washington Rep. Pete A. Tenorio appealed to CNMI leaders to work harder at fostering better relations by setting aside longstanding differences in order to pursue a common goal for the entire Commonwealth. Tenorio made the comment this week following Gov. Juan N. Babauta’s decision to veto the budget bill, an action that has not gained popular support from some Legislature members.

Citing strong consumer demand, Continental Micronesia yesterday disclosed it is introducing direct flights between Saipan and Manila beginning Dec. 9. Although Continental said the service initially ends by Jan. 16, 2004, the airline company bared it may make the direct flights permanent. Continental already has scheduled flights between the two destinations until the end of March.