Flashback May 13, 1999-2003

Gov’t may scrap some scholarship programs[/B]

With revenue collections continue to drop, the government is considering the elimination of several scholarship programs and instead put in place a financial aid scheme for CNMI students seeking college education. Such plan, which will form part of a package of proposals the administration plans to submit to the Legislature for consideration in order to address funding problem in the scholarship programs while ensuring that students have access to financial assistance to pursue higher education. “The current system is extremely inefficient and overly generous,” said Dan Nielsen, Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio’s special consultant on education, referring to the Commonwealth’s scholarship program.
[B] Kindergarten program back on track[/B]

After careful consideration of its current teaching personnel and budgetary requirements, the Public School System is set to open the kindergarten registration the soonest possible time. Board member Frances Diaz, who heads the Fiscal and Budget committee, said payroll requirements for kindergarten teachers are already part of the Fiscal Year 2000 proposed spending package, thus eliminating the problem on where to source personnel costs. Commissioner of Education Rita H. Inos earlier instructed school principals to delay their kindergarten registration until the agency identifies the pool of teachers that will be assigned in kindergarten classes for primary level.

Bank of Saipan reopening planned[/B]

Court-appointed Bank of Saipan Receiver Randall T. Fennell unveiled plans to reopen the crisis-torn banking corporation on a limited basis, amid investigation findings that although the bank is “illiquid,” it is still solvent-or able to pay debts. In a May 8, 2002 First Receiver’s Report submitted to the Superior Court, Fennell disclosed a move to implement the “Bank of Saipan Resurrection Operation Plan,” which he described as a “stopgap action to allow bank customers limited access to their funds while preventing a bank run.” Presiding Judge Edward Manibusan approved Friday the Receiver’s Report and at the same time, granted Fennell’s motion for clarification of his duties and authority.
[B] Manibusan expands receiver’s powers[/B]

Superior Court Presiding Judge Edward Manibusan agreed Friday to modify court-appointed Bank of Saipan Receiver Randall Fennell’s duties and authority as temporary manager of the embattled banking institution. But the court will continue the BoS receivership hearing on May 29, amid strong opposition from the BoS regarding Fennell’s appointment as receiver. Michael A. Pangelinan, counsel for respondent BoS, also moved Friday to oppose the receiver’s ex parte motion seeking a clarification of Fennell’s duties and authority, asserting that “a receiver’s powers should be no more intrusive than necessary to address the problem for which he is appointed.” The BoS also expressed that it “has been completely deprived of due process in this matter.”

DPS touts proper seatbelt use[/B]

The Department of Public Safety’s Traffic Division is hoping to reduce the number of road accident fatalities by 90 percent in 2005 through strict implementation of proper seatbelt and child restraint usage. Traffic officials, however, said that this is attainable only with the cooperation of Northern Marianas motorists. As a starter, the traffic division will hold series of checkpoints and inspections across the Commonwealth during the 2003 Buckle Up America-Buckle Up CNMI Week of May 19 to 26. Buckle Up America and Buckle Up CNMI officials and advocates are forging a broad, community-based partnership to increase public awareness on the proper use of seatbelts and child safety seats, which is anticipated to lower road accident fatalities by 90 percent in 2005.