Pierce retains contract with new administration

Governor’s special assistant for trade relations and economic affairs Richard A. Pierce has retained his employment with the Governor’s Office.

Press secretary Charles Reyes Jr. confirmed this yesterday, saying that the administration would honor the remaining term of Pierce’s employment contract.

Pierce, a former executive director of the Saipan Garment Manufacturing Association, was hired by the Babauta administration in June last year. He has focused mainly on having the Headnote 3(a) of the U.S. Tariff Code amended to ensure the survival of the struggling garment industry in the CNMI.

This effort continues, the administration said.

“He has an employment contract with the previous administration. His contract has not yet expired. He’s still serving in the same capacity,” said Reyes.

He said the administration would “carefully evaluate” Pierce’ job description.

Pierce had signed a $50,000-annual salary package with the previous administration.

His contract requires him to, among other tasks, assist and advise the governor and the lieutenant governor on matters pertaining to policy development regarding industry and commerce in the CNMI, legislation affecting industry viability and revenue enhancement through policy formation and revision; and full implementation and utilization of the CNMI Free Trade Zone Board Authority and the Commonwealth Development Authority’s Qualifying Certificate Program.

He is also required to attend meetings of the Governor’s Strategic Economic Development Council, Saipan Chamber of Commerce, the Hotel Association of the Northern Marianas Islands, the Saipan Contractors Association, the Marianas Visitors Authority, the Saipan Garment Manufacturers Association, the CNMI Free Trade Zone Board, the CNMI Wage Board and other trade and economic entities and forums.

His duties also include advising the governor and the lieutenant governor on the development of policy regarding the CNMI minimum wage law, tax and fee structuring, investment incentive platforms and other economic incentive programs and industry development/enhancement packages; trade relations and commerce/economics with federal policy and enforcement offices, federal legislative and administrative offices, and local/federal partnerships to better economic and workplace conditions and longevity.