FLASHBACK

APRIL 10, 2005

SUSPECT ESCAPES CUSTODY

A Chinese male who was being detained for alleged loan sharking escaped from the Department of Corrections early yesterday morning while recovering from surgery at the Commonwealth Health Center, authorities said.

The Department of Public Safety, together with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, have already launched a manhunt for the fugitive.

DPS spokesman Eric David said that Chen Li Wu, who is in his 30s slipped early in the morning from the hospital. He said that Immigration Detention officers had escorted Chen to the hospital for minor surgery. He declined to specify the nature of Chen’s medical operation. It was while Chen was recovering from the surgery when he escaped.

VICKERY NAMED AS TSA-SAIPAN CHIEF

The Transportation Security Administration has appointed Rhonda Vickery as the Federal Security Director for the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport, replacing John Peoples who resigned in early December 2004.

Vickery’s appointment to head TSA-Saipan was announced by TSA on Friday.

“Rhonda’s experience and commitment to the security of Saipan airport make her ideal for this position,” said retired Rear Adm. David M. Stone, USN, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for TSA. “I know she will provide excellent leadership for our screeners along with the highest levels of customer service for the people of Saipan.”

ENOLA GAY CREW EXPECTED BACK THIS AUGUST

The island of Tinian will be hosting this August the 60th anniversary of the atomic missions to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, during which over 100 U.S. World War II veterans and Japanese veterans are expected to visit the island 60 years after the fateful missions to Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The commemorative event will be held from Aug. 2 to Aug. 10, 2005.

The highlight of the events will be the return of the Enola Gay crew-pilot, General Tibbets, navigator, Dutch Van Kirk and weaponeer Morris Jeppson, according to Phillip T. Mendiola-Long, chair of the 60th anniversary committee and Special Assistant for Policy and Research for the Tinian and Aguiguan Mayor’s Office.

APRIL 10, 2004

SAIPAN WATER RATES UP FOR REVIEW

The CNMI Water Task Force intends to conduct a water rate study on Saipan to determine the appropriate price even as the government aims to provide a 24-hour water supply in less than two years.

The task force, chaired by Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente, said it will undertake the study with the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.

Benavente, in his remarks before the Saipan Chamber of Commerce Wednesday, said the current fixed water rate of $11 a month is “too low.”

CUC FUEL COST TO REACH $36M

The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. projects that it would overshoot its budget for fuel by up to $5 million this year in view of the soaring prices of oil.

CUC acting comptroller Ed Williams, in a report to the board of directors last week, said that CUC has allotted only $31 million for fuel for fiscal year 2004.

“At the current pace, fuel expense could reach $35 to $36 million. However, CUC has only $31 million,” he said.

Williams said CUC should be prepared now to make major cuts in other areas if it is to operate within its current budget.

APRIL 10, 2003

SARS, WAR TAKE TOLL ON NMI

The Commonwealth Ports Authority is projecting to lose over $150,000 in direct revenue from airlines servicing the Northern Marianas due to the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and the ongoing war in Iraq.

Concessionaires, restaurants, hotels, and other tourist-related businesses in the Commonwealth are also expected to feel the grave impact in the next three weeks, which could translate to over $500,000 in revenue losses.