Flashback August 18, 1999-2002

[B]August 18, 1999

NMIRF assets up $62M in 8 months[/B]

The Northern Mariana Islands Retirement Fund registered a profit of $62 million during the first eight months of FY 1999 from its overseas investments, or a 22 percent increase compared to the same period of the previous fiscal year. Considered the highest earnings in recent years, this brings to $344.5 million the total investment portfolio of NMIRF as of June 30, 1999, according to acting Director Fred Camacho.

[B]Report: Stayman’s involved in on-job politics, too[/B]

Investigators for the House Resources Committee have dug up more evidence which strongly indicated that former Office of Insular Affairs Director Allen Stayman has engaged in illegal political activities to pursue Washington’s federal takeover of the Northern Marianas, according to a news report. The US-based Roll Call Newspaper reported in its Monday issue that Styaman had wrote a memo to Matt Angle, former executive director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), suggesting that Democrats “repudiate” Froilan C. Tenorio, who was then governor of the CNMI.

[B]US Sen. Harkin arrives today[/B]

U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) is arriving on Saipan this morning for a 12-hour visit, according to Jeff Schorr, field representative of the Office of Insular Affairs. Harkin, who is arriving from Guam, is scheduled to meet with Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio, as well as with federal and local officials, Schorr said. He will briefly visit the American Memorial Park at 5:30 p.m.
[B] August 18, 2000

Hike car registration fee[/B]

An increase in vehicle registration fee by as much as double than the current rate is likely to occur if a legislative proposal draws support from the Senate and the governor. The House of Representatives cleared yesterday HB 12-54 updating CNMI’s vehicle registration laws, which includes provisions setting out higher fees for the annual requirement.

[B]House moves to strengthen free public education[/B]

A proposal to make free public education mandatory for children between the ages of five and 18 years old was set into motion yesterday under legislation aimed at strengthening the roles of the Public School System and the Board of Education. The House of Representatives passed during its session HB 12-158 that seeks to amend the education act enacted almost 12 years ago in an effort to enhance CNMI’s educational policies, with provisions refining the duties and responsibilities of PSS and BOE.

[B]Senate wants comprehensive scholarship bill[/B]

The Senate will draw up comprehensive legislation that sets out the government policy on financial aid and grants to students seeking higher education in an effort to maximize dwindling local resources. Five bills on scholarship, grants and educational assistance programs of the government, including four from Senate President Paul A. Manglona, are pending before the Committee on Health, Education and Welfare. They were tackled yesterday at a public hearing.

[B]August 18, 2002

Suicide Cliff A living reminder of war’s horror[/B]

The blue shade of the sky gradually becomes stronger as it meets the dark blue hue of seemingly unending seas when viewed from atop the Suicide Cliff. At 800 feet above sea level, the site provides one with a scenic view of the cliff and birds flying in mid-air by peeking by the fence line-and the greenery of the land below. Isolated by a zigzag road from Marpi, the Suicide Cliff offers not just the beautiful site but the tranquility away from the busy downtown.

[B]Beauty queen visits Saipan[/B]

Daisy Reyes, 1996 Miss Philippines-World, temporarily escaped the stress of a cosmopolitan life in Manila for a refreshing vacation on Saipan, where she spent a few days exploring the island’s splendid tour and historical sites with Filipino friends. Reyes, who was crowned Miss Personality in the 1996 Miss World Pageant held in India, was billeted at the Dai-Ichi Hotel Saipan Beach where she was greeted with the hotel personnel’s warmth and hospitality.