Flashback April 28, 1999-2003

[B]April 28, 1999

Legislators to cut retirement perks[/B]

In yet another casualty of the continuous financial difficulties besetting the Commonwealth, the Legislature is expected to pass measures that would eliminate some retirement benefits for future civil service employees in a bid to reduce the government’s monthly contributions to the Retirement Fund. Lawmakers stressed, however, the removal of the benefits will only affect new employees who will join the government work force after the proposal becomes law.

[B]Govt settles portion of unpaid dues to Fund[/B]

In a move to ease worries of retirees over potential delay in their monthly pension, the government yesterday settled portion of its back contributions to the Northern Marianas Island Retirement Fund and promised to settle the rest under a payment plan. Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio, along with his finance managers, met with Retirement Fund officials and key members of the Legislature to draw up a plan that would reduce the government’s obligation amounting to $21 million.

[B]CPA eyes land lease to FTZ investors[/B]

The Commonwealth Ports Authority will earn some $538,213 every month from the expected lease of its 20-hectare airport land to Free Trade Zone investors should it decide to charge $.25 per square foot. However, if the CPA management decide to rent it for $.30 per square foot, the ports authority will be able to generate an additional monthly revenue of $645,855.

[B]April 28, 2000

Cost of education per student drops[/B]

The Public School System currently spends less than $4,000 to send one child to school, Education Commissioner Rita H. Inos recently disclosed, noting a decline in the education cost per student in the last three years. According to Dr. Inos, this has been due to certain adjustments PSS has had to contend with based on availability of funds.

[B]Business leaders press Teno to back business reforms[/B]

Business leaders yesterday pressed Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio to support the proposed comprehensive labor and business reform measure saying it will help pull out the Northern Marianas from economic distress. But in a breakfast meeting with the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, the governor aired his concern over the proposal’s impact on a pending bill in the U.S. Senate which seeks to extend federal immigration and labor laws to the Commonwealth.

[B]Over 15 firms submit intent to undertake Tinian airport project[/B]

More than 15 local and off-island construction companies have so far expressed intentions to undertake the improvement of the West Tinian International Airport, a project that has been snagged for years due to financial constraints. Commonwealth Ports Authority officials will be flying to Tinian Friday morning to discuss issues including project scope, deadline for the submission of proposals, construction phasing, contract duration and contract award will be discussed.

[B]April 28, 2003

Feds agree to earlier release of grants to NMC[/B]

The U.S. Department of Education has agreed to release the financial aid money allotted for the Northern Marianas College a little earlier than was scheduled amid sanctions stemming from the college’s failure to submit timely audit reports. NMC financial and administrative services director David Atalig said he recently met with federal authorities to plead for the lifting of the sanction imposed on the college this year, but they objected to it.

[B]Residents share emotions on SARS[/B]

On the issue of the dreaded Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome virus, some Saipan residents are more cautious than others. “I’m taking more vitamins now. My body needs to be strong so I won’t get SARS or any disease,” said Mercy Reyes, a 36-year-old mother of one.

[B]What lies ahead for old dumpsite?[/B]

Do you know that once the Marpi landfill is filled to capacity, it could then be converted into a recreational area such as a baseball or soccer field? While this possibility lies still far ahead for the 26-acre facility that lies on a 43-acre site, the Babauta administration has a more immediate plan for the old dumpsite-Puerto Rico.