FLASHBACK January 28, 1999-2002

Number of local jobseekers triple in ‘98[/B]

The number of resident workers seeking employment in the private sector has jumped more than triple in 1998 compared to the previous year, a sign that maybe attributed to the worsening economic crisis in the Northern Marianas, according to officials. But the number of qualified local people hired by companies has also shot up at the same rate, widening opportunities for residents to enter into the field largely comprised of foreign manpower, said Alfred Pangelinan, director of the Division of Employment under the labor and immigration department. “I don’t know whether (the reason) is the economic situation or it is because of the public notices that we put out (for them) to come in and register with us if they are looking for job,” he told in an interview.

As a result of negotiations made by the Marianas Visitors Authority and the Aviation Task Force, Korean Airlines may resume its operation in the CNMI while Far Eastern Air Transport is scheduled to begin providing Saipan-Taipei direct service in May. Northwest Airlines is also looking at the possibility of replacing its DC-10 aircraft to a B-747 on Saipan, increasing the number of passengers by 45 percent, MVA board chairman Dave M. Sablan yesterday said. “We are doing everything to increase the arrivals to save the island’s main source of revenue,” he said. However, Sablan said efforts are moving slow because Asia’s financial crisis has dampened people’s enthusiasm to travel abroad.

CUC hits back; tells Kumoi to pay debts[/B]

Commonwealth Utilities Corporation board chair Rosario M. Elameto defended yesterday Executive Director Timothy P. Villagomez from bribery allegations as she lashed back at Sen. Ramon S. Guerrero for making CUC “nearly bankrupt” during his administration. “This attack by [Mr. Guerrero] on the CUC executive director is totally irresponsible,” she said in a statement. “It is just another attempt to attack the Board’s decision on the 80-MW plant.” Echoing the points made by Mr. Villagomez earlier, Ms. Elameto said the reported affidavit from Alice Fleming Villagomez was “sealed” document referred by CUC to the Attorney General’s Office last year for investigation. She disclosed that it was sent to AGO on Jan. 29, 1999, which in turn handed in an “official notification” on Aug. 4 that year finding that the allegations “were baseless and [it] closed the matter.”

Insisting there are still questions hovering over the controversial Saipan power project, Sen. Ramon S. Guerrero yesterday pressed the investigation he sought into charges of bribery leveled against Commonwealth Utilities Corporation Executive Director Timothy P. Villagomez. He gave credence to the reported affidavit last year from Alice Fleming Villagomez, who is divorced from the CUC official, that cited instances where the alleged bribery occurred. Mr. Villagomez has called the allegations “lies” as he noted that an investigation conducted by the Attorney General’s Office cleared him of any wrongdoing in connection with the procurement of the new power plant on Saipan.

Taco Bell coming to Saipan [/B]

Mexican restaurant Taco Bell will soon branch out to Saipan after a local businessman recently acquired a franchise of the food chain giant. Industry sources disclosed that Dr. Al Alou of the Pacific Medical Center had applied for a franchise of Taco Bell from Tricon, the restaurant’s mother company, and has already been accepted. He is currently shopping for a qualified person to handle the business. Sources said the Mexican restaurant will be erected on the Beach Road location of the defunct Wendy’s. Wendy’s left Saipan in 2000 in the wake of the Asian currency crisis that crippled major businesses in the Northern Marianas. Industry players disclosed that Alou has already directed that the Wendy’s area be cleared, even as other business-related procedures are being completed. Sources added that an application for a business permit has already been filed at the licensing division of the Department of Commerce.