Flashback – July 2000-July 2002

July 4, 2000

CDA cites low income families’ inability to pay housing loans

The ability of customers to pay their loans is one of the most important factors considered by lending companies, both private and government-controlled, before credit applications are approved, according to Commonwealth Development Authority Board Chair John S. Tenorio. Tenorio admitted the existing housing loan program may have failed to accommodate more applications from indigent or low income Northern Marianas families but stressed that all loan-seekers have to satisfy similar criteria to qualify for a package.

Government’s unpaid bills taking toll on CUC

The government’s failure to settle its $12 million debt to the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation is beginning to pinch the autonomous agency as officials yesterday expressed fear over its impact on their financial condition. Board Chair Jesus T. Guerrero issued anew his appeal to the Tenorio administration to begin payment of its CUC obligations in light of the recent financial report that showed slimming margin between expenses and revenues of the government-owned utility corporation. While rising fuel price has increased its operational costs, CUC largely blamed the financial strains to failure by the government to pay the overdue billings that have incurred since the last quarter of 1997.

July 4, 2001

US Labor, SGMA build bridges

Federal labor officials met with garment industry leaders last week, seeking to work out an arrangement that would help bring Saipan apparel manufacturers into compliance with US labor laws. The meeting came as a result of a recent letter Pierce sent Bruce Cranford, targeted industry coordinator for the Wage and Hour Division, asking the division to temporarily hold back on its enforcement activities until Saipan companies are made more aware of the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act as they pertain to the industry.

Saipan resident trains at White House

A Marianas Baptist Academy alumna has landed a summer-long stint as a White House intern. Saipan resident Dorothy Leung was accepted to train under the National Institute of Health Extramural Research Program under the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The 21-year-old, a sophomore at Canada’s York University, is aspiring to become a Sports Physiotherapist/Physical Therapist. “I am interested in the international/global aspect of health related issues and their effects. I think it is important to raise awareness on current health issues [such as sedentary lifestyle, heart disease, obesity, etc.] on Saipan and how to decrease the cases of illness,” said the second year Kinesiology Honors student, via e-mail.

July 4, 2002

Chamber asks for update on TF’s 3-year limit study

The Saipan Chamber of Commerce will officially ask the Legislature to discuss initial results of the ongoing review by the three-year limit task force on the impact of the pending exodus of nonresident workers. Chamber President Richard Pierce said the organization will seek the assistance of Sen. Ramon Guerrero to disclose the findings on the study, which was carried out a year after Public Law 12-59 was enacted. Pierce, during the Chamber’s general membership meeting at the Aqua Resort Club yesterday, noted that the Task Force is required to report its preliminary findings and recommendations to the governor and the presiding officers of the Legislature.

Cing slams new retro wage hike law

Sen. David M. Cing has described as discriminatory the recently passed local law that exclusively provides for the retroactive salary hikes of former and current government employees on Saipan. Cing urged Senate President Paul A. Manglona to correct what he perceives as the inequity of Saipan Local Law 13-8, or else he would single-handedly take on the task of fighting for the rights of the deserving employees on Tinian and Rota. Saipan Local law 13-8 increased the local license fees for pachinko and poker machines in Saipan by 200 percent, from $2,000 per machine to $6,000.