FLASHBACK

May 22, 2005

EDUCATION INDUSTRY STILL BEST’

Office of Insular Affairs economist Wali Osman still believes that education programs similar to the aborted Pacific Gateway project are the most ideal for the CNMI. In his remarks during the Marianas Roundtable dinner reception Friday, Osman said that education is an area “that deserves serious consideration.” He said there are also opportunities in telecommunication, film and movie making, health and wellness facilities and services.

SENATORS RECOMMEND MANILA HOSPITALS

Senate Committee on Health chair Henry H. San Nicolas said his panel would recommend the CNMI’s use of Manila hospitals, citing “excellent” medical services, among others.

Nicolas, who led a fact-finding mission to Manila recently, said his committee would soon release a report recommending the referral of local patients to Manila. “They’re very different in taking care of their patients. They really take good care of patients,” said Nicolas.

May 22, 2004

‘HELP CLEAN UP ISLANDS’

The steering committee of the 60th anniversary of the Battles of Saipan and Tinian appealed to all businesses and the community to help the government in its islandwide beautification program in preparation for the celebrations next month. Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente, who chairs the committee, acknowledged the support and the assistance of all individuals who have been helping the government in its projects to ensure that the 60th anniversary celebration would be a success.

GARAPAN PEDESTRIAN MALL ON TRACK

The multi-million Pedestrian Mall project in Garapan would be completed on time, with workers now beginning Phase 2 of the project, Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente said. Benavente said the project, which is estimated to cost $4 million, will be completed by June 31, in time for the Liberation Day celebration in July. He said the project is right on schedule and has been progressing on time.

May 22, 2003

CNMI ON TYPHOON WATCH

Tropical storm Chan-hom continues to intensify while slowly moving toward the Marianas region, prompting the National Weather Service to place the CNMI and Guam on typhoon watch. Emergency Management Office Director Rudolfo Pua said a typhoon watch indicates that Chan-hom, which is projected to develop into typhoon when it approaches the Marianas, is expected within 48 hours. Based on the forecast, Chan-hom would pass by the region today or tomorrow.

RESIDENTS URGED TO PREPARE FOR TYPHOON

The National Weather Service is urging people to start preparing for storm Chan-hom, which is forecasted to hit Saipan with potentially damaging winds. This comes soon after a briefing held yesterday by Charles Guard, the warning coordination meteorologist of the National Weather Service in Guam.

May 22, 2002

DEPOSITORS STORM BANK OF SAIPAN

Bank of Saipan’s depositors figured in a near squabble due to the long waiting line during the first day of banking operations yesterday at the Chalan Kanoa branch. This, as reports claimed that the BoS branch in Rota did not open yesterday despite an initial order to resume operations. Reopening of the BoS Garapan branch, on the other hand, remains undetermined.

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TOLD: RETAIN YOUR MONEY WITH BOS

Commerce Secretary Frank Atalig said that Gov. Juan N. Babauta has encouraged government offices and autonomous agencies to retain their money with the Bank of Saipan as a means to stabilize the bank and its operation. This comes soon after the BoS opened its doors to the public on a limited basis beginning yesterday.