Flashback March 26, 2001-2003

CNMI leaders to meet with US officials[/B]

Local leaders will strengthen their relationship with the federal government in attempts to block the passage and implementation of a renewed proposal in the US Congress to strip the CNMI of its immigration and labor controls. Commonwealth officials are, in fact, planning to meet with newly-appointed officials in the Bush Administration who have direct oversight on American insular areas including the Northern Marianas.

Over two thousand supporters of the newly-formed Covenant Party and standard bearer Benigno R. Fitial trooped to the Susupe Civic Center in Susupe Saturday night to witness the unveiling of the newest political group in the Commonwealth. Mr. Fitial officially introduced Public School System Commissioner Rita H. Inos as his running mate and partner to forward the party’s long-term economic and education programs.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jesse Borja promised to lift excise taxes on food items and other goods that are deemed necessities if he and his running mate, Representative Brigid Ichihara, are voted into office. “As soon as we are in office, we will examine the excise tax law to see how we can get rid of such tax on certain items,” Mr. Borja said.

Educational investments pouring[/B]

Three entities are seeking postsecondary licensure advice from the State Board of Regents amid plans to offer college-level and other educational courses in the Northern Marianas. The Joy Pacific International University, the American World University International Inc. and the CNMI-USA International Business and Professional College have signified interest to establish postsecondary institutions in the CNMI.
[B] Agencies told: Stop excessive spending[/B]

The Commonwealth government urged all department heads to refrain from unnecessary spending in light of a recent executive order that reduced the quarterly allotments of all government agencies. In a memorandum issued to all agency heads, the Babauta Administration ordered the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Finance to closely monitor the overall financial situation of the government.
[B] CUC mulls online billing[/B]

The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation is mulling the development of a website to promote online billing and payment. The website is eyed to accord CUC customers savings and convenience while reducing the utility firm’s own operating expenses.

‘The Commonwealth under US sovereignty'[/B]

Ruling that the U.S. government is sovereign over the Commonwealth, the U.S. District Court yesterday denied the request of senators Ricardo S. Atalig and Jose M. Dela Cruz to dismiss the wire fraud charges against them on the ground that federal authorities violated the Covenant. In contrast to the senators’ request, Chief Judge Alex R. Munson ruled that the Covenant placed the CNMI under the sovereignty of the U.S. The magistrate cited a provision of the Covenant and a precedent ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in supporting the statement.
[B] $50M energy plant to rise on Saipan[/B]

A Maryland-based corporation has offered to set up in the CNMI a $50-million Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion plant, touted to generate approximately 10 megawatts of net electrical power and three million gallons of water a day. The proposal has been offered at no cost to the CNMI. With the offer too attractive to pass up, Gov. Juan N. Babauta agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding that would pave the way for the Sea Solar Power International to move forward with plans to erect an OTEC plant in the Commonwealth.

The United States Coast Guard released Monday afternoon a cargo ship based on Tinian after being detained over the weekend for failure to comply with federal regulations. USCG Marine Safety Detachment Saipan supervisor Lt. Kenneth R. Bryan said SN Five II was detained March 21, 2003, after three separate efficiency checks conducted beginning February 14, 2003 showed that the vessel was in violation of certain federal rules and regulations.