Flashback August 26, 1999-2003

[B]August 26, 1999

Senate eyes tighter pre-screening procedures[/B]

In a swift reaction to a recommendation from a visiting key U.S. congressional staff, the Senate is expected to pass today a proposed measure to establish a Washington-approved list of foreign individuals and agencies that will screen guest workers seeking entry into the CNMI.

[B]Enrollment at NMC declines[/B]

A top college official said yesterday the Northern Marianas College may be able to reduce its tuition rates, as proposed by a legislator, provided the Legislature would appropriate budget for college operations. Ramon Villagomez, chairman of NMC’s Board of Regents, reminded the Senate and House members that the college is only receiving legislative appropriations for personnel, while funds for operations are sourced from tuition paid by students who are receiving grants from the government’s Education Assistance Program or EAP.

[B]On ‘Boat People’: ‘I hope this will be the last one'[/B]

In an apparent sign that it has taken a toll on the government’s resources, Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio yesterday expressed hope that the 151 illegal Chinese immigrants now staying on Tinian would be the last to be referred to the island by federal authorities. He said they expect to spend less on this latest group than the previous boatloads comprised of close to 500 undocumented aliens who were given temporary shelter on Tinian prior to their return to mainland China.

[B]August 26, 2002

So why did Torres resign? Rumor mill on overdrive[/B]

Just before he flies for Japan today, Gov. Juan N. Babauta is expected to meet with some of the staff of the Attorney General’s Office to map out the next few days’ operations, in the wake of the abrupt resignation of Attorney General Robert T. Torres. Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente, who still declined to comment on the matter at the moment, merely said he expects the meeting at least to make sure the AGO continues with its normal operations and processes, and that work should not be hampered.

[B]DOLI, DPS, DPH take lead in performance initiative[/B]

With the Babauta administration operating in deficit mode two months before the end of the fiscal year, the Office of the Governor disclosed that government agencies are now analyzing its work processes to streamline these and reduce government costs. Robert Schwalbach, Gov. Juan N. Babauta’s senior policy adviser, said that running the government efficiently is the thrust of the administration’s Performance Government Initiative. He said some government agencies have formed groups to review their work processes.

[B]Babauta flies to Japan[/B]

Gov. Juan N. Babauta is set to fly off this afternoon for Tokyo, where he is scheduled to meet with Japan Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on WednesdayÑa historic first meeting between the highest officials of both countries. Among those accompanying Babauta to Tokyo are Senate President Paul A. Manglona, House Vice Speaker Manuel A. Tenorio, Senior Policy Advisor Robert Schwalbach, Marianas Visitors Authority Board member James Lin and former Saipan Chamber of Commerce president Jose Ayuyu.

[B]August 26, 2003

All systems go for biz-friendly NMI[/B]

Creating just one enforcement arm for all the permitting agencies in the Commonwealth would not only save the government money but it would also resolve any conflicts or overlapping of jurisdictions among them. Toward this end, Rep. William S. Torres said he is now reviewing the existing statutes and regulations to find out if it will require legislation to do this.

[B]’Pass investment bills ASAP'[/B]

Rep. William S. Torres is urging the Senate to expedite the passage of several economic bills that remain pending at the upper chamber, saying these bills would go a long way toward creating a business-friendly atmosphere in the CNMI. He said these measures, with some languishing for over a year now, are critical in helping existing businesses tide themselves over the economic slump besieging the local economy since 1999.