Flashback March 2, 1999-2001

[B]MARCH 2, 1999

NMC to restructure[/B] Under fire for alleged mismanagement of public funds, the Northern Marianas College is likely to face a top-to-bottom restructuring that will eliminate ungraded positions as well as cut personnel costs as part of the bailout proposal for the financially-troubled institution. Manuel Sablan, chair of the Board of Regents, yesterday said he is awaiting an opinion from the NMC legal counsel Jesus Borja whether the policy-making body has the authority to serve termination notices to employees falling under the non-civil service category. He did not indicate, however, the number people who will get the walking papers. He also declined to name high-ranking officials who may be sacked as a result of the board’s decision.
[B] CPA justifies port fees hike[/B] Amid criticisms on its decision to raise fees, the Commonwealth Ports Authority said the unforeseen effect of Asia’s financial crisis on its operations and the immediate need to raise money to cover debt service were the two main reasons why it had to make the decision on rate adjustment. In defending the rate increase which will take effect in April 2000, CPA executive director Carlos H. Salas said the airport division incurred a net loss of $4.3 million in fiscal year 1998. In the first quarter of 1999, the division incurred a net loss of $1 million more. “While debt service is absolutely a central component in our discussions on rate structure, you must realize the unforeseen economic downturn has also become an increasingly important consideration. Over the past year, sharp decreases in visitor arrivals have exponentially impacted our ability to generate revenue,” Salas said in a letter sent to Juan S. Tenorio, chairman of the Commonwealth Development Authority.
[B] MARCH 2, 2000

Businessman murdered[/B] A 30-year-old Chinese businessman was found dead early yesterday morning at the Yellow House Massage Parlor in San Jose, and police said there were strong indications that he could be a victim of robbery. The Department of Public Safety has immediately launched a manhunt for two male suspects who were seen inside the massage parlor arguing with Zhou You before he was murdered. The police said they found the body of Mr. Zhou in a pool of blood when they arrived at the crime seen at around 3:00 a.m. The victim was found sitting by the entrance door, bending forward. His wallet was missing, according to police investigators and witnesses.
[B] Witnesses back suspect’s claim of innocence[/B] There is one thing Asterio F. Bajo discovered amid accusations that he raped and killed another guest worker: nightmares occur even after one has already risen from sleep. However, Mr. Bajo’s nightmare does not end when police arrested him last week for a crime he insisted he did not commit. Consul Julia Heidemann said Mr. Bajo was still in shock when a team from the Philippine Consulate paid him a visit earlier this week. Mr. Bajo was worried not because he is under threat to spend several years in jail. Ms. Heidemann said he was more worried that his wife in Manila would learn about the accusations he faces here.

[B]MARCH 2, 2001

To deter entry of terrorists FAA puts Saipan on special alert[/B] Federal aviation officials have continuously placed Saipan International Airport under special alert due to intelligence reports indicating vulnerability of Pacific Region from terrorist activities. Feedback from Federal Aviation Administration disclosed consistent terrorist movements by various extremist group, the most noted is Osama bin Laden’s faction. Mr. bin Laden is the primary suspect in the bombing of American embassies in Kenya and Tazmania. The Commonwealth Ports Authority has already beefed up its security measures to ensure safety of passengers. CPA has been strictly monitoring suspicious travelers.

[B]Bill to void 3-yr. limit hurdles first obstacle[/B] The fate of nonresident workers toiling in the CNMI now hinges on the hands of the Senators. This, after the House of Representatives yesterday passed in first and final reading legislation that would repeal Public Law 11-69, or which places a three-year limit on the stay of nonresident workers in the Northern Marianas. House Bill 12-317 was sent into the upper chamber of the CNMI Legislature after 11 of the 13 lawmakers present during the lower house session approved its passage. Rep. Dino M. Jones abstained from the voting citing conflict of interest. She said his employing a nonresident worker disqualifies his vote on the bill.