Flashback May 7, 1999-2001

[B]MAY 7, 1999

New takeover bid[/B]

In its continuing attempt to control CNMI’s labor and immigration functions, President Clinton’s special representative to the 902 talks has offered a new package of proposals that would apply US laws on immigration, minimum wage and customs in the Northern Marianas. In a letter to Lt. Gov. Jesus R. Sablan, Edward B. Cohen outlined steps Washington could implement if the federal government assumes jurisdiction of the immigration and minimum wage policies of the Commonwealth.

[B]DOLI gets poor rating from businessmen[/B]

Inefficient, very slow, prejudiced and too bureaucratic — this was how the members of Saipan Chamber of Commerce rated the performance of the Department of Labor and Immigration. Unfortunately, DOLI Secretary Mark Zachares was not there to clarify various issues namely, the never ending delays in the processing of documents, bonding fees, deportation of non resident workers, amnesty and the influx of undocumented immigrants to the CNMI.

[B]Security deposit bill hits rough waters[/B]

Despite mounting calls from the business sector, a bill easing a requirement for foreign investors to post a $100,000 security deposit appears to run into troubles in the Senate as it is still awaiting committee review more than nine months after it passed the lower house. But Sen. Juan P. Tenorio, whose committee on Resources, Economic Development and Programs has been tasked to deliberate on the measure, said they would soon come up with amendment for final voting on the floor. He did not provide specific date.

[B]MAY 7, 2000

More contaminants unearthed[/B]

Additional sampling and assessment measures are necessary to completely address contamination concerns originating from the Puerto Rico dumpsite following the discovery of a number of other low-level contaminants. Although the contaminants do not endanger public health and the environment, Earth Tech Inc., has recommended a more extensive round of sediment sampling and total closure of the Puerto Rico dumpsite to prevent any leaching of contamination.

[B]It’s back to school for Kagman kids[/B]

Kagman community members heaved a sigh of relief Saturday after findings of a Guam-based air-quality specialist labeled the presence of fibers inside some Kagman Elementary School classrooms a non-health risk. With this development, the school administration announced it will resume regular class sessions starting 7:30am until 3pm Tuesday, May 8, after faculty and staff finalize last-minute campus clean-ups today.

[B]CUC accused of nepotism[/B]

Not even close to getting over a financial controversy, the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation may yet again face tight scrutiny by the Legislature following reports it recently hired employees who are close relatives of its board members. CUC recently hired Danny Quitugua, reportedly a brother-in-law of Board Member Frank Flores, as computer analyst under the Electronic Data Processing Department for $50,000 per year.

[B]MAY 7, 2001

CPA hit by travel crunch[/B]

Revenues generated by the Commonwealth Ports Authority from its aviation division dropped 5 percent during the first six months of financial year 2002, reflecting a decline in overall passenger traffic at the islands’ air transport facilities. A report obtained from the CPA disclosed that aviation revenues dropped to $7.01 million in the period covering October-March 2002, compared with the $7.4 million recorded during the same period last year.

[B]CUC revives fuel surcharge plan[/B]

With the continuous increase in fuel prices, the comptroller of the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation emphasized the need to implement a fuel surcharge program that would levy on the customers’ billings oil price adjustments that increase operational cost. Saying that such a program is “more in line with the times,” comptroller Rufo T. Mafnas said supporting such a program is “more fiscally prudent,” as he also disclosed that the improvement in the CUC’s financial condition was due to reduced fuel cost.

[B]Minor arrested for sniffing gas[/B]

A 15-year-old girl was held under police custody Sunday after her younger sister caught her sniffing butane gas inside their Chinatown home. Public Safety spokesperson Lt. Pete C. Muña reported that the juvenile’s 12-year-old kid sister staged a distraction in order to get the fatal inhalant off the hands of her older sister.