FLASHBACK – November 24, 2011

SBA pledges to provide $1 million grant to NMI[/B]

The U.S. Small Business Administration has pledged to provide a $1 million grant to the Commonwealth Development Authority in the year 2000 if it can successfully administer the $330,00 loan program sponsored by SBA. CDA Executive Director Marylou Ada said SBA will make an evaluation based on the demand and needs of the Commonwealth. “They want to see how we run the program, how quickly we dispense the money and what type of projects are we promoting,” said Ms. Ada. SBA, which usually provides assistance only in times of disaster, has expanded its portfolio through a Microloan Program. CDA will be able to lend money to various small businesses on the island by as much as $25,000.

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio has approved the budget request of the Tinian municipality amounting to $3.6 million, nearly two-thirds of which have been allotted for personnel of the treasury department and the casino gaming commission. He said he signed the local budget bill in fear that employees of the Tinian Casino Gaming Control Commission will not be able to receive their pay checks as what happened in the last few months. But the governor asked lawmakers to revisit a provision in the measure passed by the Tinian legislative delegation on Nov. 11 to address his concerns regarding authority to go on continuing appropriations in the island municipality if the CNMI budget for FY 2000 is not passed in time.

Heinz asks House to weigh AGO report on PCB[/B]

Rep. Heinz S. Hofschneider has prodded the House leadership to seriously consider a report prepared by the Attorney General’s Office in connection with the polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination in Tanapag. He expressed concern that failure by the government to act on its recommendations could aggravate the problem while residents continue to suffer with the environmental and health effects. In response to his request, Speaker Benigno R. Fitial immediately instructed the House legal counsels to assist legislative committees in looking into the report.

Organized directly under the dean of Continuing Education, NMC’s Community Programs’ mission is to provide quality opportunities for personal and professional development for all community members within the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The program strives to provide quality, short-term courses for adults and youth, paying much particular attention to the areas of computer technology, communication skills, languages, fine arts, home economics, cultural studies, sports and recreation. A recent Tour Guides Training Course is one example of the program’s commitment to providing quality training.

CPA gaming machines bill revived by House[/B]

Proposed legislation that would allow the operation of amusement machines at CNMI airports and seaports was revived by the House of Representatives this week, in a move to empower the Commonwealth Ports Authority to realize more revenues for the improvement of the islands’ ports services. The recycled piece of legislation-the Airport and Seaport Amusement Machines Waiver Act or House Bill 13-221-was re-introduced by Rep. Daniel O. Quitugua. Rep. Norman Palacios first floated the bill during the 12th CNMI Legislature. T Quitugua, in an interview, explained that the measure is eyed to increase CPA revenues so that the autonomous agency can better assist signatory airline companies.

The Department of Lands and Natural Resources is launching a “Buy Local” campaign, according to DLNR Secretary Tom Pangelinan. Pangelinan sent letters to the Saipan Garment Manufacturers Association and the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, urging them to buy locally grown fruits and vegetables that are available at the weekly Sabalu market. He pointed out that hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets should visit the Sabalu market and meet directly with the farmers. The Sabalu market is an open air market with many stalls located on Beach Road, just south of the Civic Center, which opens every Saturday morning, from 6am until noon. The Sabalu market is also open every Tuesday evening, from 6pm to 9pm.