Flashback — April 2006-April 2008

April 22, 2006

‘Our government is broke’

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial thus summarized the state of the Commonwealth yesterday, as he delivered his first report to the Legislature since his inauguration a little more than 100 days ago. In his 30-minute speech, Fitial presented the status of the government as he found it in January, the steps his administration has taken, and his short-term and long-term plans. Contrary to tradition, Fitial tackled only economic issues. He skipped customary discussion about education, health care, and the environment, among other issues. The governor explained that it was “no ordinary State of the Commonwealth Address.”

Silence on education disappoints NMC

The brief reference to education by Gov. Benigno R. Fitial in his State of the Commonwealth Address disappointed Northern Marianas College officials, who were expecting him to dwell on the subject and outline ways of how the government will address this sector’s continued lack of funding. Right after Fitial’s speech, NMC representatives led by president Tony V. Deleon Guerrero slowly stood up, looked at each other, and walked slowly out of the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center. “It’s disappointing,” said Board of Regents chair Kimberlyn King-Hinds.

April 22, 2007

NMI seeks RFP from airlines

Amid the current air service crisis, the CNMI government is asking commercial airlines to submit proposals on what the CNMI can do to bring in direct flights, catering especially to the Japan market. Press secretary Charles P. Reyes said Gov. Benigno R. Fitial personally wrote different commercial airlines to inform them of the RFP. “The governor is asking…them [airlines] to submit proposals on how we might be able to help them bring in new flights. We’re asking them what we can do to accomplish this. We’re asking them to submit proposals,” said Reyes.

Environment heroes honored

It was a night of glamour, social interaction and nostalgia as U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Awardee Beautify CNMI! looked back on its numerous achievements during a fundraising gala held at the Aqua Resort Club Friday night. Environmental A-listers in the CNMI, including government and private sector officials, environmental groups and individual advocates, rekindled ties and memories as they all got a pat in the back for a successful year behind and encouragements for the year ahead. The evening began with a video presentation called “Year in Review,” prepared by Beautify CNMI! officer and emcee Angelo Villagomez. The presentation highlighted the accomplishments of the group and the people, organizations and individuals who helped them throughout its first year.

April 22, 2008

12 caught in illegal taxi dragnet

A crackdown on illegal taxis on Saipan conducted by combined law enforcers from different agencies resulted in the arrest of 12 persons in western Garapan Saturday night. Department of Public Safety Commissioner Claudio K. Norita and Attorney General Matthew Gregory told the media yesterday that nine men were arrested for operating illegal taxicabs, one woman was nabbed for prostitution, and two men for overstaying in the CNMI. Ten vehicles used in the illegal taxi operation were impounded and towed to the Department of Corrections for securing purposes, said Norita and Gregory during a news briefing in the Governor’s Office’s conference room.

Big bush fire hits Capital Hill area

A big bush fire broke out on Capital Hill yesterday afternoon, sweeping down the mountain from Wireless Ridge to the outskirts of Tanapag Village. The bush fire was reported to the Department of Public Safety at 1:46pm. As of 6:30pm last night, the flames could still be seen approaching Tanapag. The blaze could also be seen still threatening destruction to houses atop the Ridge around Zorrie Flats. DPS spokesperson Lei Ogumoro told Saipan Tribune that as of 5:30pm no one has been reported injured and no house has been burned. Ogumoro said that 10 DPS firefighters were in the area trying to contain the blaze.