FLASHBACK January 24, 2000-2002

Legislature posts 126 percent hike in vehicle procurement[/B]

The CNMI government cut down by 28 percent its expenses on leased vehicles in fiscal year 1999 which amounted to $1.4 million compared to FY 1998 as part of its austerity measure, according to a report made from the Department of Finance. However, records show that the savings would have been bigger had the Legislature reduced its purchase of vehicles during FY 1999. The Legislature recorded a 126 percent jump in vehicle procurement and another six percent growth in leased vehicle spending duringOverall, the CNMI government leased only 148 vehicles in FY-1999, from 211 units during the previous fiscal year.

The Hotel Association of Northern Mariana Islands has asked Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio’s assistance in coming up with a plan that will ensure payment of a reasonable fee in connection with the planned chemical monitoring of water systems in the CNMI. In a letter to the governor, HANMI President Ron D. Sablan said the high expense of the testing is very untimely as businesses are suffering due to the slowdown on the island’s economy. He reminded the governor that these new arbitrary and unexpected fees” proves the CNMI’s unstable investment climate. “We believe that all CNMI residents and visitors deserve clean and healthy drinking water. But DEQ’s handlding of these new requirements seems unreasonable,” Mr. Sablan said.

Hundreds march against abortion[/B]

Religious leaders in the Commonwealth challenged the community Monday night to stand up and openly oppose any abortion-related practices on the island to protect the rights of women and the unborn. During the March for Life Rally, members of various religious groups and government agencies gathered in front of DFS Galleria and walked all the way to the American Memorial Park where a prayer rally was held. The group was led by Christians for Life Rev. Reymond Kinsela and Fr. Joe Belloti, SJ who both asked the public to take a stand against abortion which claimed thousands of lives for the past years. Based on the statistics provided by the organization, more than 14 million abortion cases since 1972 were reported in the United States alone, where 56 for every 1,000 women who had abortion are between 18 to 19 years old.

Hundreds of Rota residents have penned their support to a petition calling for the revival of the Shooting Range bill that would pave the way for the establishment of international “shooting resorts” on the island. Copies of the 43-page thick petition enlisting the names of Rota residents were submitted by Rota Mayor Benjamin T. Manglona to Governor Pedro P. Tenorio, the Senate, the House, and the Rota Legislative Delegation in a last-ditch effort to convince local leaders of Rota’s strong interest to embrace the investment opportunity. The people of Rota has described the shooting range initiative as an “economic stimulation” measure the island and the Commonwealth desperately needs.

Japanese avoid US destinations[/B]

Japanese travelers are not likely to swarm tourist destinations in the mainland United States and its territories this year, according to a 2002 outlook report released by Japan Travel Bureau Corporation. However, Asian destinations are expected to see higher tourist traffic from Japan as Japanese travelers remain wary about their safety in the US and its territories due to the September 11 attacks, as well as due to economic reasons. Domestic travel may also benefit from this situation, although overseas trips are anticipated to grow by mid-2002, according to the 22nd survey released by the JTB.
[B] Local teens give life to girl power[/B]

Strictly a girls-only affair, some 75 Hopwood female students convened at the campus cafeteria during the official kick-off yesterday of the local chapter of the Island Girl Power, a spin-off from the Guam-based society of empowered teenage girls. The nearly two-hour assembly facilitated by the Public School System, the Department of Public Health and the Community Guidance Center introduced the young students to the exclusive girl group, whose mission is to help nine- to 14-year-old girls avoid behavior that could negatively affect their health or well-being. The Island Girl Power’s aim is to raise awareness among young girls and their adult caregivers of the risks of alcohol, tobacco, illicit drug use and the benefits of developing individual competencies and self-confidence.