Previous Story
CPA extends eviction notice of Rota company
|
Posted on Feb 20 2009
The Commonwealth Ports Authority on Thursday extended its eviction notice to Rota Terminal and Transfer Co. Inc. for 30 more days to give way to a settlement discussion with the company.
RT&T was given until March 13 to vacate the CPA property if a settlement is not reached between the two parties.
The ports authority earlier terminated its lease agreement with the company after it failed to pay rent and fees, amounting to $400,704 as of November 2008. The amount excludes interests, costs, and expenses incurred by CPA in collecting the account.
CPA executive director Efrain S. Camacho disclosed that after receiving the eviction notice on Feb. 13, RT&T asked the ports authority for a meeting.
Camacho said its owner, Rep. Victor Hocog, also submitted a proposal to reduce the space rental and a five-year repayment plan for his company’s arrears.
Camacho said CPA is open to negotiations with Hocog’s firm but can’t say if the agency is willing to grant the requests.
“The extension was made to give the company the opportunity to meet with CPA and evaluate things on or before March 13,” Camacho told Saipan Tribune.
CPA disclosed the lawmaker’s company earlier ignored numerous attempts by the agency to collect and negotiate with them. RT&T repeatedly failed to cure the default and pay the amount owing and even neglected to contact CPA regarding any payment option, according to the agency.
Camacho said its lease agreement with the firm was executed in January 1996, but has not been fulfilled since then.
The company was supposed to vacate the facility last Feb. 13.
Camacho said the management is evaluating stevedoring requirements on Rota, given that RT&T may not be in operation in the future.
“RT&T was given up to March 13 to settle its account with CPA. In the meantime, shippers have been advised to break cargoes down as the land based crane may not be available,” Camacho said.
He said GPPC Inc. has expressed its concern about possible disruption to this project and has indicated its interest in helping out with the stevedoring.
CPA, Camacho said, has requested GPPC to submit a proposal.
