FLASHBACK February 5, 2001-2003

NMC gains 6-year accreditation[/B]

The Northern Marianas College has gained a new and vital edge against its educational counterparts in the Pacific with its six-year reaffirmation as a fully-accredited community college granted by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The WASC Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges decided to approve NMC’s six-year accreditation application, after a thorough review and deliberation of the institution’s Self Study and results of the three-day accreditation visit last October 2000. CNMI’s lone postsecondary institution has always managed to obtain the maximum level of accreditation since 1985, when it initiated efforts to tap expert assistance to objectively assess the institution’s programs and services.

The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation yesterday advised residents of seven areas in Southern Saipan to stop consuming water from Isley and Obyan well fields until official results of jet fuel spillage investigation are released. In compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, CUC officials advised residents of Chalan Kanoa, Susupe, San Jose, Chalan Laulau, As Perdido, and airport area should not consume water from their faucets as a result of the jet fuel leakage incident two weeks ago. Corporate Communication Special Advisor Pamela Mathis said Commonwealth Ports Authority and Mobil Oil officials have already tapped services of an independent consultant to sample the wells once a week.

‘Not a Super Bowl holiday’ [/B]

School was out for public senior and junior high students yesterday to make way for what the Public School System dubbed as Professional Development Day for its teachers and staff. Though some criticized the one-day school timeout as just an excuse to tune in on the nation’s most awaited football event-The Super Bowl-Education Commissioner Dr. Rita H. Inos explained that the PSS’ school calendar has set the date aside for purposes of staff development. The State Board of Education even gave the PSS administration its stamp of approval to hold the Professional Development Day yesterday, according to Inos. Previously, the Professional Development Day was reportedly scheduled for January 28, 2002 but schools decided to hold classes that day. The date was reset to Feb. 4.

The asylum provisions of the United Nations Convention on Refugees-to which the United States is a signatory-applies to its territories, including the Commonwealth. In line with this, the Babauta administration intends to pursue a policy that accomplishes the obligation of carrying out the provisions of the Convention that would meet both United States and CNMI obligations, as set forth in the Covenant. In an interview with reporters, Attorney General Robert Torres said the Covenant itself clearly lays out the standards by which the asylum issue is to be considered.

$2M to be infused to BoS[/B]

Bank of Saipan receiver Antonio S. Muna yesterday said at least $2 million in capital contribution would be infused to the bank as soon as the court approves the rehabilitation plan for the beleaguered financial institution. At the same time, Muna argued that Douglas Montgomery bought his stocks from the bank-not from JLH Pacific Trust and the Calvo shareholders-insisting that no stock transfer took place since Montgomery did not pay anything to BoS. “Once the rehabilitation plan is approved, it [capital contribution] is going to be immediate,” Muna said. The receiver urged all parties in the bank’s receivership case to quickly review the plan so that modifications they feel necessary would be incorporated should the court approve the bank’s reorganization. A hearing on the approval of the rehabilitation plan is scheduled at the Superior Court on February 12.

The Babauta administration is getting ready to present to the Legislature a string of recommendations envisioned to place the Commonwealth government’s finances in order amid the serious cash flow shortage. Gov. Juan N. Babauta disclosed yesterday that the presentation will center on revenue enhancement, expenditure control and other measures to stimulate the local economy. The Legislature will be given a preview of the recommendations sometime this week or next week, according to the local chief executive.