FLASHBACK January 19, 1999-2001

902 talks begin[/B]

Crucial meetings under Section 702 of the Covenant open today between the Northern Marianas and the United States with little prospects that the two sides could make progress in closing wide gaps on how problems on local immigration and labor should be resolved. Both sides failed to hammer out a common agenda prior to the opening of the four-day “informal” discussions, and local officials preferred that specific talking points be discussed when they convene this morning at the Hyatt. President Bill Clinton’s special representative to the bilateral talks, Edward B. Cohen, suggested in an interview last night that the local government did not oppose Washington’s proposal to discuss transition.

The Northern Marianas College yesterday sought assistance from the legislature to funnel more than $500,000 in government funds into a critical scholarship program for some 530 students enrolled this spring semester. College officials met with some members from the Senate and the House of Representatives to lobby for additional money in a bid to shore up the rapidly depleting funds in light of a budget cut implemented by the Tenorio administration for the second quarter. NMC, led by its President Agnes M. McPhetres, expressed concern over a recent decision by the administration not to allocate funds into the program—a move which may imperil the education of close to 530 students attending CNMI’s lone higher educational institution.

Teno, legislators forge new partnership[/B]

In efforts to enhance working relationship between the two branches of the government, lawmakers met with Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio yesterday to tackle an array of issues that the Legislature hopes to enact when sessions begin in the next few weeks. Leaders of the Senate and the House of Representatives also commenced what they said is a regular weekly meeting aimed at facilitating passage of legislation in each of the two chambers. Among the issues discussed were the forthcoming measures amending local labor laws and investment requirements as well as proposals on 2000 fiscal budget telecommunications regulatory body, election reforms and other legislative concerns. Mr. Tenorio described the meeting as a “get together” in order to foster close cooperation between the two branches of government to address critical issues confronting the island.

Due to the improving visitor arrival figures and increasing business activity, banking institutions in the island may start relaxing self-imposed restrictions on commercial and consumer loans. The two-year old economic crisis have forced banks to slowdown on giving out loans due to the apparently crippled capabilities of borrowers to pay back. Development Authority Chair John S. Tenorio said commercial banks normally adapt a more cautious, conservative approach on approving loan applications during times when the economy is not doing well. Mr. Tenorio said private banks have frozen expansion on their respective lending base when the local economy was not showing significant signs of improvement or when borrowers’ capability to repay loans is weaker.

Ichihara is Borja’s lieutenant governor[/B]

After months of searching for a running mate in the November elections, Democratic Party gubernatorial candidate Jesse C. Borja yesterday announced that educator Brigida DLG Ichihara has been chosen by the party’s credentials committee to run for lt. governor. Mr. Borja said the long and impressive record of Ms. Ichihara as an educator will prove her capability to handle the job. “My running mate is exceptionally qualified to be the candidate for lieutenant governor.” She has the experience and education, her dedication and commitment are beyond question and she has the required desire to help our children, our people and our commonwealth, he said.

A least 1,500 members of various organizations, students and Church leaders are expected to participate in a prayer vigil on Sunday to strongly oppose abortion practices on the island. The Christians for Life, a group of Churches and organizations in the Commonwealth have established themselves to speak out for the unborn, following recent reports on continued increase of abortion-related activities in various areas of the CNMI.