FLASHBACK – October 29, 2011

Ships carrying nuke wastes sailed near CNMI waters[/B]

The chairman of the House Federal and Foreign Relations Committee yesterday expressed concern over the potential impact of allowing ships carrying nuclear wastes to pass within the territorial waters of the CNMI without informing the island government. Rep. Melvin O. Faisao said the federal government should have brought to the attention of the Commonwealth on instances when it permits these ships to pass in the Western Pacific regionAccording to Faisao, based on the information received by his office, there ships carrying “large amounts of weapons grade plutonium” that sailed from Europe to Japan on July 2 and came within a few hundreds miles of the CNMI—with U.S. blessing.

Community volunteers, including government officials, school principals, teachers, and youth leaders will make themselves available at the newly opened Youth Learning Center for free tutorial services to students who need academic assistance. The new youth center, a brainchild of Rep. Malua T. Peter, opened its doors Wednesday. “The youth learning center is an after-school program that will focus on tutoring, and guidance counseling,” Peter said. “The program envisions strong collaborative relationships with schools and local social programs serving our youth and families.” Volunteer tutors offer to help students who are having trouble with basic writing and reading in English and Math.

NMI sees rising cases of diabetes[/B]

The number of diabetes cases in the CNMI is going up, as the disease remains one of the leading causes of death in the Commonwealth. Department of Public Health Medical Director Richard Brostrom said the situation in the CNMI does not reflect the trend in the mainland US where diabetes cases are reportedly declining. Although the DPH’s statistical report on the health status at the Commonwealth is still pending, Brostrom said there have been more than 50 deaths caused by diabetes or its complications this year. Last year, diabetes mortality reached 45. Of this number, 25 and 14 died due to heart disease and stroke, respectively, while six died directly from the disease.

A group of Tanapag residents has threatened to hold mass demonstrations against the on-site treatment of some 20,000 tons of soil contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyl, a day after they walked out from a meeting with government officials to discuss about the plan. Tanapag Action Group Chair Juan Tenorio said they will stage a rally to express opposition against the on-site treatment of PCB-contaminated soil proposed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The proposal was conditionally approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency. “We started organizing a [series of] mass, community demonstrations,” disclosed Tenorio. He said the indignation rally will be staged within a week and a half’s time.

FEMA OKs $1 million for Rota[/B]

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved more than $1 million in federal funds to reimburse government and public entities on Rota. These funds-for the cost of repairing public property as a result of damage caused by Tropical Storm Chata’an-will reimburse 75 percent of disaster-related expenses, including road improvements and repair of infrastructure for facilities. FEMA’s Public Assistance Program enables government entities to apply for help with the cost of repairing or replacing disaster-damaging infrastructure to its pre-existing condition. Eligible costs include those associated with debris removal, emergency protective measures and repairing disaster-damaged roads, bridges, public buildings and public utilities.

A literacy program classroom that would also serve as daycare center for student parents is being pushed by the Northern Marianas College’s Adult Basic Education Program. ABE Director Fe Calixterio said the pilot project is part of the goals to expand the college’s family literacy program. Under the plan, the classroom will be equipped with computers and other necessary tools to promote family literacy. “It will ultimately benefit our students. They can drop their children there and get them back after class,” Calixterio said. She added that the pilot room caters primarily to parents who are taking ABE classes.