Flashback May 11, 1999-2001

Power plant up for grabs again[/B]

A new bid package prepared by the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation for the Saipan power project goes out today to nine companies elevated into the second round of independent reevaluation, according to Executive Director Timothy P. Villagomez. Burns & McDonnell, the private engineering firm hired by the government-owned utility firm for the procedure, is expected to review the “best and final offers” from these companies by the end of this month or early June. “We are still on schedule as long as we’re within (the) June (time frame),” the utility chief said in an interview yesterday.

Saipan Chamber of Commerce president Kerry M. Deets yesterday recommended that the CNMI government establish a way to measure productivity in various positions which would help determine if there are non-essential jobs in the administration that must be eliminated. According to Deets, the productivity scheme would also help find out the areas in government that needs improvement, whether some people are properly compensated and the right number of staff that must be maintained. In short, such task would assist Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio in determining the right size of the government amid calls to downsize the bloated bureaucracy. At least 75 percent of the $206 million budget for this fiscal year goes to salaries and benefits of over 4,000 government employees.

Bishop condemns abortion[/B]

Bishop Tomas A. Camacho yesterday condemned attempt by some quarters to legalize abortion in the Northern Marianas as circumstances surrounding the controversial issue have slowly come to light following a closed-door meeting by the House of Representatives. He expressed sadness over reports that abortions are being performed on the island and that some individuals have come out to suggest that such practices are legal here. In a pastoral letter issued in time for the Mother’s Day celebration on Sunday, the Bishop of Chalan Kanoa reiterated the Catholic’s strong opposition against abortion which he said is a grave offense tantamount to excommunication from the church.
[B] Water Safety Task Force proposed[/B]

In light of mounting concerns on the quality of potable water on the island, a task force is being proposed by the House of Representatives to monitor the safety of groundwater resources being supplied to residential homes and commercial establishments. To be called the Water Safety Task Force. it will comprise one representative each from the Division of Environmental Quality, Department of Public Health, the hotel association, Saipan Chamber of Commerce and the Saipan Garment Manufacturers Association. The proposal, contained in the bill offered by House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial, comes amid alarming reports on the quality of water wells and other groundwater resources here, particularly on Saipan.

GHLIP: New premium rates lower[/B]

The newly-implemented comprehensive insurance coverage is one cent lower and four cents cheaper for critical illness premiums, the Group Health and Life Insurance Program disclosed yesterday. Compared with the previous premium rate of 35 cents paid by the government for each employee, it will now subsidize only 34 cents. This, after the NMI Retirement Fund entered into an agreement with an independent insurance firm last month. GHLIP Manager Dolores Moore said while the new insurance package is cheaper, the Individual Assurance Company coverage will be more comprehensive since most critical illnesses will be covered.

The federal court ordered yesterday the deportation of one of five illegal recruitment victims in a US dollar counterfeiting case after the defendant entered a guilty plea on charges of uttering counterfeit obligations and securities. US District Court Alex R. Munson ruled that defendant Rolando Lambid, 35, be removed from the CNMI on or before June 30, 2001 and be sent back to the Philippines. Penalties of the crime which the defendant had pleaded guilty to carried a maximum 15 years in prison, a maximum of $250,000 fine, mandatory special assessment of $100 and a supervised release of no more than three years.