FLASHBACK -Mar. 1, 2012

Mar. 1,1999

MVA OKs $8,000 for Flame Tree fest

The Marianas Visitors Authority board has approved a grant amounting to $8,000 for the 18th Flame Tree Festival this coming April and has pledged continued support provided the next celebrations will be held in June. This year’s three-day festival will be held in April to welcome the scheduled blooming of the flame trees on the island, said Robert Hunter, executive director of the Arts Council. However, MVA board members believe that the festival which will showcase the culture of the Northern Marianas must be held in June at a time when the flame trees are in full bloom.

OIA OKs $40,000 grant for CRM

The Office of Insular Affairs has extended a technical assistance grant to the Northern Marianas under an agreement forged in Washington which was designed to help the island in its efforts to preserve the coral reefs. The grant, signed by Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio and OIA Director Allen P. Stayman in Washington last week, will be awarded to the Coastal Resource Management to boost the agency’s program in the protection and preservation of the coral reefs. The technical assistance amounting to $40,000 will help finance CRM’s six-point program that includes implementation of a reef ball placement to create sanctuaries for the coral, installation of sign boards on how to protect the environment at key beach areas, educational campaign to encourage the protection of reefs, and purchase of underwater equipment for its monitoring team.

Mar. 1,2000

CPA assures construction of new Tinian airport runway

Construction of the new West Tinian International Airport runway will push through despite suspension of the groundbreaking on two occasions, according to Commonwealth Ports Authority Executive Director Carlos H. Salas. Mr. Salas was reacting to a letter from CPA Board Secretary Ray M. Cing expressing concern on the continued delay in the construction of the new airport runway. CPA initially informed the Tinian Legislative Delegation that the project will break ground not later than November 1999. The date was later moved to January 2000.

NMIRF okays $44.2-M budget for FY2001

The Northern Marianas Retirement Fund board has approved a $44.2 million budget for fiscal year 2001, the bulk of which will be used to pay pension of its members, according to Administrator Juan S. Torres. NMIRF has allotted $38.1 million for pension benefits refunds, $1.2 million for administration and $2.1 million for professional fees. With Asia showing signs of recovery, the board has already informed the Fund’ s money managers about plans to invest more money in the region. But implementation of such plan will all depend on when the government will settle its back contribution to the retirement office.

Mar. 1,2001

SGMA, NMC tie up to create jobs for locals

The Saipan Garment Manufacturers Association is looking to team up with the Northern Marianas College to improve safety conditions within the CNMI garment industry. The organization also expects to create about 30 new jobs for local residents from the partnership. As part of NMC’s Community Development Plan, NMC President Joaquin Sablan requested that SGMA, along with a number of other community and business organizations, come up with a list of programs and courses that would serve and support their respective industries. According to Mr. Sablan, the Community Development Plan “will outline NMC’s role in improving the overall economy of the CNMI.”

GDDC sees increase in ADA suits

Governor’s Developmental Disabilities Council officials predicted yesterday an increase of court cases due to American Disabilities Act violations of employers. The recent US Court ruling on Patricia Garrett’s case will open the floodgate of anti-individuals with disabilities cases stemming from employment related to non-compliance of facilities cases. GDCC Executive Director Thomas J. Camacho said the US Supreme Court ruling does not prevent individual suits against state employer for injunctive relief nor does it bar suits initiated by the federal government for money damages. Mr. Camacho admitted the decision was a blow to the rights of people with disabilities and continue trend of chipping away at federal civil rights protections in the name of states rights.