Flashback March 27, 2000-2002

Bill revives financial aid to students[/B]

A new financial assistance scheme for local students pursuing higher education is under review in the House of Representatives again barely two years after the government cut funding for the existing program. Rep. Brigida Ichihara, chair of the Education Committee, has introduced a comprehensive measure that will set out the policy on various government-funded educational grants, including loans and aid.

In what appeared to be the start of his political campaign, former Lt. Gov. Jesus C. Borja slammed the Republican Party for its failure to revive the economy, improve the quality of education and ease strains in CNMI-Federal relations. During Saturday’s fundraising event of the Democratic Party, Mr. Borja asked the people to begin asking what the present administration has achieved in all these three areas.
[B] Over 2,500 businesses did not renew permit in 1999[/B]

More than 2,500 establishments in the Northern Marianas did not renew their business licenses last year, apparently indicating another round of fierce upheavals in the Commonwealth’s heavily-knocked economy. A report obtained from the Business License Section of the finance department noted that out of 3,410 businesses in 1998, only 812 renewed their licenses by end-December 1999, down by over 76 percent.

59 foreign investors visit CNMI[/B]

With efforts geared toward the alleviation of the Commonwealth’s economic conditions, the CNMI played host to 59 foreign investors who traveled to the islands over the weekend for a two-day trade mission. The investors were invited over by Michael Kwan, chairman of the Hong Kong Entertainment Ltd., which operates the multi-million dollar facility Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino.

Foreign investment to the CNMI continued its downward spiral as the Department of Commerce reported only three approved applications by foreign companies wishing to do business in the Commonwealth last year. On paper, the three companies represent only a total of $750,000 in foreign capital infusion to the Commonwealth. The foreign investment figure is far worse than the six registered in 1999 and the four approved foreign investments in 1998.
[B] NMIRF losing $1M each year[/B]

The NMI Retirement Fund is losing an estimated $1 million annually due to high operational costs and delayed payment of medical services, to the detriment of its medical referral program. The money, which should have been used to replenish coffers for the medical referral program, is instead used to finance operation run the Retirement Fund.

Country of Peace baffles legislators[/B]

Questions over the intent of the Global Country of Peace to establish a “sovereign” state within Rota has left the Legislature with conflicting opinions about the organization, including unanswered questions whether it is a religion, a cult, or a legitimate scientific group. Most lawmakers interviewed after the presentation of the organization at the House of Representatives chamber expressed concern not so much with the doctrines and practices of the group or their plans to establish projects on Rota but on the political issue of sovereignty and the group’s request to be granted such.
[B] Political questions needing answers[/B]

Though the doctrines of the Global Country of World Peace is in direct conflict with Christianity, Chalan Kanoa Bishop Tomas Camacho said he is more concerned with the economic and political implications of the group’s bid to set up headquarters on Rota. In a statement faxed to media offices, Bishop Camacho said he was prompted to issue the statement after receiving several requests for one, and after considering the implications of the group’s bid to put down roots in the CNMI.

The indirect thermal desorption treatment method adopted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to treat more than 20,000 tons of PCB-laced soil in Tanapag has just passed the entire set of proof of performance tests. This is a major phase required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, so that it would grant final approval of the ITD treatment being done by the Army Corps’ contractor, the Environmental Chemical Corporation.