FLASHBACK – September 5, 2011

Consortium confident on prison project[/B]

A business consortium is optimistic that the chances of its nearest competitor to get the multi-million dollar contract for the Saipan prison facility have perished for failure to file an appeal on time. Telesource CNMI, Inc. has not appealed the decision of Procurement and Supply Director Herman S. Sablan that effectively favored the chances of the joint venture of Western Equipment, Inc. and DRC Pacific, Inc.WEI-DRC counsel Stephen J. Nutting remained positive on the possibility that the Department of Public Works has been reviewing his client’s bid offer so that an award of the project contract can eventually be made.

The Tinian Elementary School announced the arrival of its new Special Education bus, which can accommodate ten students; three wheel chairs and seven regular seats. Rodel Manlulu, Bus Services Supervisor, said, “This new bus came at the right time.” He explained, “The old Special Education van is about ten years old and constantly breaking down and needing repairs.” Manlulu said the old van, which seats only three, had problems since the second week of school. “We really don’t want to operate it because it dies on the road all the time.” According to PSS Transportation Administrator Jess Sanchez, the new minibus was purchased through a federal grant.

Mayor claims majority’s backing on project site[/B]

Rota Mayor Benjamin Manglona yesterday said he has the backing of some 800 people-about two-thirds of the island’s voting population-in connection with the dispute over the location of CIP projects, threatening the Rota Legislative Delegation that their opposition would mean “political suicide.” The dispute has delayed the implementation of the projects, although federal funds have been made available, Manglona said. “Rota’s Legislative Delegation holds up public works projects. They frustrate work badly needed to stimulate our local economy, provide jobs, and fuel private business,” Manglona said. “We have the money. We’re ready to build. The architect and engineer bids are out. The Legislative Delegation creates a logjam.”

A new non-profit organization that aims to heighten the community’s awareness on the importance of tourism for the well being of CNMI residents has formally organized. The Marianas Tourism Education Council’s board of directors met recently to discuss immediate plans, which initially include registering as a chartered corporation and the formation of school-based tourism clubs. The non-profit organization was established based on the belief that in order for the CNMI to stay competitive in the regional tourism market, it is crucial that “we not only promote the islands ‘from outside,’ but also ‘from within.’”

CPA expanding its car rental concession[/B]

The Commonwealth Ports Authority is evaluating proposals that would expand its car rental services at the Saipan International Airport in hopes to generate more funds for the airport division. CPA executive director Carlos H. Salas said plans to increase the car rental services at the airport continue as the ports authority receive proposals from several 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 car rental companies already in operation at the airport.

Sen. David M. Cing has pre-filed a resolution asking all permitting agencies to speed up the release of permits so that the Sugar Dock improvement project can take off. With plans to expand cargo and passenger services between Tinian and Saipan stymied by bureaucratic delays, Cing said Friday it is necessary for these agencies to hasten the release of the permits so that Islands Transport Inc. can begin dredging and improvement works on the dock. “The improvement project will not only give the [Commonwealth Ports Authority] an additional source of revenue but will facilitate more competitive and better Saipan-Tinian cargo and ferry services,” said Cing. “This is very important for the people of Tinian as this will also help bring down the cost of consumer goods on the island.”