Flashback – May 9, 2000-2002

[B][U]May 9, 2000[/U][/B] [B]PCB screening begins[/B]

Seventy-year-old Frank Q. Aguon lived in Tanapag village where the electric capacitors were used as fence in front of his house. Unaware that the capacitors contained 100 percent PCB oil as well as the dangers posed by the highly toxic chemical, Mr. Aguon said he just ignored the sight of some of the capacitors leaking. After learning about the health hazards brought about by exposure to PCB, Mr. Aguon went to the newly-opened village clinic for medical screening. The clinic, which was set up by the Department of Public Health, will conduct a health evaluation of all people who have lived in Tanapag as well as conduct a special blood testing to determine the PCB level in their bodies. “I have been waiting for this to happen. I want my children to come here too because I have been worried about our health for many years now,” he said.

[B]Man who duped businessman faces fraud charges[/B]

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has uncovered an alleged scheme that gypped a Saipan-based businessman of his $130,000 by promising to double his investments by counterfeiting hundred dollar bills. The suspect, Andre Didier Tella from the central African nation of Cameroon, is now facing wire fraud charge before the U.S. District Court here after Shi Cheng Ke complained to the police. Mr. Tella, a 31-year-old tourist from Yuande, Cameroon who arrived on the island last April 4, is also facing a separate charge of theft by deception before the local Superior Court. He appeared yesterday before District Court Judge Alex R. Munson who set no bail for his release. He was detained by CNMI authorities shortly after midnight last Saturday after his arrest at a bar owned by Mr. Shi.

[B][U]May 8, 2001[/U][/B] [B]Revenues in five-year low[/B]

The CNMI government has reported a five-year low in the amount of revenues generated from taxes during the financial year 2000, as expenditures went up from the previous year. Government earnings in the last fiscal year was the lowest since 1996, according to a report obtained from the CNMI Department of Commerce. Official finance department statistics, quoted in the Fourth Quarter Economic Indicators report, showed that government expenditures went up by $1.3 million last year to $221.6 million. In Fiscal Year 1999, the cost of operating the government was only about $220.3 million.

[B]Gov’t workers paying higher premium rates[/B]

The NMI Retirement Fund recently introduced a comprehensive insurance coverage and higher premium rates after signing an agreement with an independent insurance firm last month. Group Health and Life Insurance Manager Dolores Moore yesterday disclosed that Individual Assurance Company representatives are on island to conduct routine orientation. The routine orientation was aimed at educating retirees and government employees about the new premium rates and the health program’s wider scope. Government employees went to the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe yesterday to attend workers’ orientation program administered by IAC-CNMI Manager Donald C. Barcinas.

[B][U]May 8, 2002[/U][/B] [B]Will Mabuhay go Hafa Adai?[/B]

A Northern Marianas delegation will leave today for the Philippines to negotiate the resumption of direct Manila-Saipan flights with top executives of the country’s flag carrier. Commonwealth Ports Authority Executive Director Carlos H. Salas will be leaving with Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente, Marianas Visitors Authority acting Managing Director Vicky Benavente, and CPA Board Member Roman Tudela. The CNMI delegation will discuss the possible resumption of Philippine Airlines’ nonstop flights between Saipan and Manila with airline executives headed by PAL Vice President for Sales and Marketing David Lim.

[B]Senate rallies behind Tenorio in influencing minimum wage bill[/B]

Responding to Washington Rep. Pete A. Tenorio’s call for support in signifying the CNMI’s willingness to adopt the American Samoa tiered wage system, Senate President Paul A. Manglona said he immediately faxed such a support letter on behalf of the Senate. He added, though, that the upper chamber would still come up with a resolution, expressing the sense of support for the adoption of the tiered minimum wage system in the Commonwealth. “He [Tenorio] said it was urgent so I responded right away,” Manglona said. “We will come out with a resolution regarding this but I did the letter first because of the urgency.