Flashback Sept. 14, 2000-2002

Sept. 14, 2000

High court upholds decision on land exchange

The Supreme Court yesterday upheld a decision by the Superior Court which ruled that the Marianas Public Land Corp. had no duty to consummate the land exchange with ailing businessman Luis Benavente. “If there is no public purpose to be served, the government is not legally or equitably bound to complete the exchange,” the court said in a decision issued by Supreme Court Justices Pro Tem Juan T. Lizama, Timothy H. Bellas, and Marty W.K. Taylor. The high court noted that to obtain land by exchange, the governor must certify its public purpose. Former Gov. Larry Guerrero had originally certified the land was needed for public use but then Gov. Froilan C. Tenorio reversed the certification.

CRM wants fishing activities curbed

The Coastal Resources Management has urged lawmakers to pass legislation restricting fishing activities in CNMI waters in an effort to protect diminishing marine resources on the islands. Peter J. Barlas, acting CRM director, said that while his office regulates use of marine resources, it does not have power or the technical expertise to perform such function. He maintained “improper and unethical” fishing methods have impacted on the degradation of natural resources and the legislative proposal will help deter further damage. HB 12-249, otherwise known as the Marine Protection Act of 2000, seeks to prohibit destructive fishing practices in the Commonwealth in order to preserve the livelihood of local fishermen.

Sept. 14, 2001

National air travel ban lifted

US Department of Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta has directed the opening of the national airspace at 1am this morning (local time), paving the way for the resumption of flights suspended to and from the US mainland and territories, including the CNMI. After a special meeting with different airlines to iron out flight schedules, Mineta directed the Federal Aviation Administration to open the airports across the country to inbound and outbound flights at about 11am, Eastern Time. Commonwealth Ports Authority Executive Director Carlos H. Salas disclosed that a special meeting with airline companies will be held today to discuss the resumption of regular flights.

US Navy confirms Farallon’s significance

Of all the targets in the Western Pacific available to forward deployed units, only the Farallon de Medinilla offers the target fidelity, access and maneuver space required to maintain the war-fighting capabilities of the United States. This was stressed by Rear Admiral Tom S. Fellin of the US Navy, in response to queries made by Sen. Ramon S. Guerrero on the importance of the Farallon de Medinilla Island to the US military’s purposes. Fellin said that long-term unrestricted access to the Farallon de Medinilla provides for the essential combat readiness required of units forward deployed in the Western Pacific.

Sept. 14, 2002

NMI gains from Assistive Tech donations worth $50K

A very generous donation worth $50,000 of Assistive Technology equipment/device will take place today, 3:30pm at the WestPac Freight Terminal, Puerto Rico, Saipan, across from Saipan Shipping Company. Roque and Chris Ebert Santos, M.D., of Colorado-who are former residents of Saipan-decided to donate their son’s one year old mini-van equipped with accessible features that allows a person who uses a wheelchair to access the vehicle. A local parent and her son are the beneficiary of the van worth $35,000. The van will surely increase the independence and inclusion of this family with a member with a disability who uses a power-wheelchair.

CPA beefs up revenue-generating plans

The Commonwealth Ports Authority will renew its call for the Legislature to waive the poker machine fee at the Tinian and Rota airports, in efforts to help the agency save some money for its operations. Executive Director Carlos H. Salas said the ports authority pays about $8,000 each year for the 10 gaming machines installed at the Rota and Tinian airports. “The $8,000 could already translate to significant savings for the CPA, which is in need of additional money to carry out effective management and administration of all air and sea transport facilities throughout the Northern Marianas,” Salas said.