Flashback May 10, 1999-2001

[B]May 10, 1999

NMIRF to sell assets[/B]

Worried over its depleting cash resources, the Retirement Fund will sell portion of its multimillion-dollar investments to raise at least $5 million to ensure prompt payment of pension to more than 1,000 retirees on the island. The move stemmed from the delay in payment of government contributions, which has drained the cash on hand of the NMI Retirement Fund.

[B]DOLI gets another lashing[/B]

Responding to complaints from the business sector, the chair of the House Commerce and Tourism Committee has vowed to meet with officials of the Department of Labor and Immigration in an attempt to work out a solution to problems facing companies in the islands. “This is an administrative nightmare,” said Rep. Oscar M. Babauta, referring to the dissatisfaction by the private sector over DOLI’s performance in recent months.

[B]Salient points of draft takeover proposal[/B]

Recently President Bill Clinton’s special representative to the 902 talks, Edward B. Cohen, presented to the CNMI a draft federal takeover proposal which the White House intends to submit to the US Congress for consideration. Proposed to be called the “Northern Mariana Islands Labor and Immigration Reform Act”, the draft seeks to extend to the Commonwealth federal immigration, minimum wage and customs laws.

[B]May 10, 2000

House tackles abortion[/B]

The House of Representatives is likely to revive debate on abortion soon as members yesterday held a closed-door meeting at the chamber to discuss the issue. House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial declined to comment when asked by reporters after the 30-minute meeting which was held during a break on the session. “Our decision is not to disclose,” he said.

[B]Hotels raise concerns on local agri yields[/B]

In fresh efforts to facilitate the growth of the local agricultural sector, the Commonwealth Development Authority is laying the ground work for a business agreement with major hotel and restaurant owners on the island. CDA officials, acting on behalf of local farmers, are initiating a discussion for a possible partnership with hotel and restaurant owners and operators, wherein they will be asked to patronize CNMI’s agricultural produce over imported food items.

[B]Mayor seeks Japan’s assistance to improve Rota harbor[/B]

Rota Mayor Benjamin T. Manglona has sought the assistance of the Japanese government, in a desperate attempt to fast-track the rehabilitation of the island’s dilapidated harbor. Mr. Manglona wrote Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori seeking assistance from the Japanese government for the much needed improvement of the island’s sea transport facility.

[B]May 10, 2001

‘Report accurate campaign funds’[/B]

Stiffer penalties will be meted out against party candidates and treasurers who will falsely report campaign donations and expenditures during and after the election period. Under the amended version of the Election Law, violators will be required to pay up to $50,000 and serve a year-long jail-term. The changes will be strictly implemented to prevent candidates from amassing fortunes while the election campaign is ongoing.

[B]DPH reveals alarming rate of diabetes cases[/B]

One of every four Chamorros and Carolinians over 40 years old has diabetes. In addition, a report released by the Department of Public Health revealed that more than 10.5 percent of the islands’ Chamorro and Carolinian population are diabetics.

[B]CUC blames Garapan customers for high volume of squandered water[/B]

A day after admitting that human error caused dry taps in one of Saipan’s most populated areas, the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation yesterday revealed that Garapan residents are also the most abusive when it comes to water use. CUC Special Advisor for Corporate Affairs Pamela A. Mathis said that of the 3.3 million gallons of water squandered on the island each day, majority is wasted in the households and business establishments located in Garapan.