FLASHBACK – May 31, 2012

Cepeda seeks CNMI-US dialog[/B]

Joining the bandwagon of opposition to the continuous attacks against the Northern Marianas, a legislator on Friday called on President Clinton to hold a mutual dialogue with island officials in efforts to bridge differences that have harmed relations between CNMI and Washington. Rep. Frank Cepeda, chair of the House Judiciary and Governmental Operations, also denied accusations leveled against the Commonwealth by various interest groups in the mainland as well as some U.S. lawmakers. While efforts from both sides have been directed towards reforming labor and immigration problems on the island, future actions “will be jeopardized as certain groups and individuals continue to insult and belittle the successful changes we have done to date,” he said.

The Board of Education will face the tough decision on whether to build two new high schools or stick to the original plan of constructing one high school and a junior high school on Saipan. After the $15.8 million bond of the Public School System was officially secured, present proposals are presenting valid issues and concerns surrounding the priority construction projects on Saipan. A proposal is seeking to convert Marinas High School into a junior high and for PSS to build two new high schools on Saipan.

CPA seals power pact with US Navy[/B]

With the anticipated arrival of more United States Navy vessels into the Northern Marianas for relaxation and recreational activities, a technical agreement has been sealed with the Commonwealth Ports Authority for the installation of a major source of power at the Saipan International Harbor. Seaport Manager Tony Cabrera disclosed the agreement, which was recently reached between CPA and the U.S. Navy, paved the road for the installation of two high voltage transformers at the dock site for use by naval vessels. The original master plan for the Saipan International Harbor excludes the placement of major power sources for vessels docked at the facility, Mr. Cabrera said.

The proposed regulatory body for the local telecommunications industry met strong opposition yesterday from some members of the House of Representatives who said that such policy would lead to more restrictions and thus hinder its growth in the Northern Marianas. Rep. David M. Apatang, who leads the opposition, warned that enacting House Bill 12-6 or the Commonwealth Telecommunications Act will mean that the islands is “moving backwards” amid the dynamic growth of the industry worldwide. He said that although he does not object to the creation of a local commission that will oversee the sector, it should not impose additional rules and regulations that will be too restrictive for their business operations.

House wants answer to Kagman school’s woes[/B]

Legislators yesterday vowed to take legal strides to compel authorities behind the construction of Kagman Elementary School to explain the mess that has plagued the $6-million facility since day one. Members of the House Committee on Public Utilities, Transportation and Communication said they will not hesitate to recommend that a subpoena be issued to reluctant authorities or agencies. They cited the need to clarify pending matters that may be compromising the health and safety of Kagman elementary students. The call was initiated yesterday by Rep. Dino Jones after Department of Public Works Secretary Juan Cepeda failed to attend the committee meeting purposely set to discuss Kagman Elementary School’s construction woes.

A Saipan-based construction firm is pressuring the Public School System to pay up what the latter allegedly owes the company based on four project contracts that the parties had entered into. Pacific Saipan Technical Contractors Inc., the plaintiff, filed through its counsel Joseph A. Arriola a civil suit against the autonomous agency alleging that the defendant failed to satisfy payments for construction work the plaintiff claims it has delivered. The plaintiff was hired by PSS to administer construction services at different public schools on Saipan. PSS legal counsel Tim Connor yesterday said PSTC failed to do the job based on the contract.