FLASHBACK Dec. 27, 2000-2002

Couple in $100,000 savings scam nabbed[/B]

Police arrested on Christmas eve two men who allegedly swindled 43 Chinese garment factory workers over $100,000 in what authorities described as the biggest savings scam on the island. Investigation showed that Lin Zu Xiu, owner of Zhida Free Market, and her husband Li Rui Yuan have been collecting money from workers of Mirage Garment Factory and L&T Garment Factory. Some of the victims have been depositing their money at Zhida Free Market as early as January 1999. The victims complained that both Xiu and Yuan promised the workers they will earn 10 percent in interest for their deposit in Zhida Free Market. Others were told their deposits will earn $100,000 in interest every month.

Northern Islands Mayor Joseph T. Ogumoro is seeking the assistance of the Commonwealth Ports Authority in realizing the proposed development of the four islands north of Saipan through the construction of transport facilities in the area. Mr. Ogumoro’s office recently came up with an economic blueprint for the islands of Anatahan, Alamagan, Pagan and Agrigan expected to pave the road for the smooth resettlement of displaced Northern Islands residents. But the mayor pointed out that the proposed development could not be made possible in the absence of reliable transportation system, as he asked CPA’s technical and funding assistance in the construction of port facilities there.

‘$84-M CIP funds remain untapped'[/B]

Not only has the CNMI government failed to draw down at least $10 million in federal money since 2000 but it also failed to tap $74 million worth of Capitol Improvement Project money, which remains untouched up to the moment. This was disclosed yesterday by Rep. William S. Torres, even as he expressed apprehension that this situation could negatively impact on the CNMI’s capacity to bargain for higher CIP funding during the upcoming Covenant 702 negotiations next year. Torres, who will chair the House Committee on US and Foreign Relations in the 13th Legislature, said he had a long talk with Bob Schwabach Thursday last week, during which he found out that the CNMI government has not been fully utilizing CIP funds “for reasons that remain unknown.”

The Marianas Visitors Authority advised the incoming administration of Gov.-elect Juan N. Babauta to negotiate with the Chinese government the possibility of introducing air services between the Northern Marianas and four key cities in China, including Hong Kong. MVA Board Chair Dave M. Sablan disclosed that talks are ongoing between tourism officials and Babauta regarding the possibility of launching air services between the CNMI and Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou in 2002. Sablan said that with the inclusion of China to the World Trade Organization, Chinese nationals may now freely travel to American states and territories.

CPA eyeing more revenue sources[/B]

The Commonwealth Ports Authority is currently evaluating proposals that would expand its car rental services at the Francisco Ada/Saipan International Airport in hopes of generating more funds for the airport division. CPA Executive Director Carlos H. Salas said plans to increase the car rental services at the airport are still being evaluated as the ports authority had just received proposals from two more firms. Salas said the CPA is also looking at ways on how to reduce the prices of the car rental services to encourage more firms to compete with the two existing car rental companies at the airport. Presently, only Hertz and Dollar Car Rentals are providing services at the airport.

Rota schools will be ready to open classes on Jan. 6 as scheduled, according to Board of Education chairman Herman T. Guerrero. Guerrero said that, based on the latest reports reaching him, Rota Junior High School, which was hardest hit by supertyphoon Pongsona, has power now. “We’re moving aggressively for Rota. Power is up and ready at the Junior High. We’re working now with the High School and hopefully we could have it activated by end of this week. We’re confident that we can open the schools by Jan. 6,” said Guerrero.