Flashback Sept. 7, 2000-2002

NMC sued for illegal termination[/B]

A former employee of the Northern Marianas College has sued NMC for alleged illegal termination of her contract after she provided the House of Representatives a copy of the cost-cutting plan of the college during an oversight hearing in 1999. An employee of NMC since July 1987, Malinda S. Matson has held several positions at the college where she first worked as director of Library Services and most recently as acting radio station manager until her termination. In a civil suit filed before the Superior Court through her lawyer Richard W. Pierce, Ms. Matson is seeking reinstatement to a position for which she is qualified at NMC. She is also seeking monetary damages including the loss of salary and the value of benefits denied to her.

The House of Representatives yesterday passed legislation restricting use of fire hydrants in the wake of report that some residents have opened them up to get water for their own consumption. HB 12-254, offered by Rep. Rosiky F. Camacho, will seek imprisonment of up to six months and/or fine of not less than $250 not more than $1,000 against violators. Lawmakers hoped the measure would deter people from improper use of the fire hydrants, which are being exposed to damages that may result to delay when firemen respond to emergencies. The wear and tear on the tread and bolt could cause undue delay during disasters such as a fire, according to a report prepared by the House Committee on Judicial and Government Operations.
[B] Sept. 7, 2001

CHC hires new kidney specialist[/B]

The Commonwealth Health Center yesterdayt announced the arrival of Dr. Imran Zahid on Saipan, as part of efforts to make nephrological services more accessible to the community. Dr. Zahid signed a long-term contract to provide full-time nephrology services in the Commonwealth. He is the hospital’s second full-time nephrologist. He joins Dr. Hilmer Negrete in the Division of Nephrology and Dialysis of the Department of Internal Medicine. Nephrology is the medical science and study of kidney disease. Having a second nephrologist greatly improves CHC’s ability to treat patients with kidney diseases, considered as a serious ailment affecting the indigenous people of the CNMI.

The rapid progress in technology, particularly in the aviation sector, will gather airport executives from around the world in Montreal next week to tackle growing airport safety and improvement concerns. Over 120 aviation leaders and vendors, including officials from the Commonwealth Ports Authority led by Board Chair Roman S. Palacios, will participate in the Airports Council International World/North America Conference and Exhibition on September 9-12. Palacios said the CPA will grab the opportunity to learn new things about airport management, safety and other ways to increase aircraft and passenger traffic.
[B] Sept. 7, 2002

HANMI takes part in environmental efforts[/B]

Recognizing that protecting the environment is indispensable to the needs of the tourism industry, the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands said it wants more participation in the efforts of environmental agencies. HANMI chairman Ron Sablan said the group has already appointed representatives who will coordinate with the different agencies to help address environmental concerns. At the same time, Sablan also credited the Babauta administration for recognizing the needed participation of the hotel industry in the government.

The Department of Public Health has asked staff of the Legislature to assist in disseminating information about the scheduled anti-measles immunization. The DPH had said that over 300 children absent or lacking MMR vaccination shots are at risk of contracting measles, a potentially fatal disease that has been plaguing Pacific islands. In the CNMI, however, no case of measles has been reported so far. At least 385 children have been immunized with MMR shots earlier this year since the department raised a health alert on measles to prevent an outbreak that has been happening on Guam. Pedro T. Untalan, deputy secretary for Public Health Administration, had said the anti-measles campaign will be from September 10 through October 8.