FLASHBACK – December 2, 2011

Forbidden Island now more accessible[/B]

It is a window to a naturally artistic sight: the picture of the Forbidden Island, an isolated rock formation off southern Saipan, against the backdrop of the vast deep ocean that fades from azure to a dark distant blue as it meets the sky in the horizon. That is the sight that would greet you once you step into the newly inaugurated Forbidden Island Lookout, a windy spot hundreds of feet above sea level that serves to make the majestic view accessible to the public. Department of Lands and Natural Resources Secretary Tom Pangelinan and Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela yesterday led DLNR officials in inaugurating the Forbidden Island Lookout.

Superior Court Presiding Judge Edward Manibusan has approved the request of Bank of Saipan receiver Antonio Muna to begin paying off the professional services rendered to the bank and the receivership-including his own fee-totaling more than $100,000. Manibusan also approved Muna’s report covering the period from his appointment to the receivership in late September until the end of October. Muna’s fees totaled $20,393.33. But unlike his predecessor, Randall Fennell, who got flak from some shareholders for charging at a rate of about $100 per hour, there was no reported opposition to Muna’s fees.

Demolition of NMI’s first hotel OK’d[/B]

The Coastal Resources Management has approved the proposed demolition of the old Royal Taga Hotel, the first hotel and modern tourist facility in the Northern Marianas after World War II. The CRM approved the demolition plan Friday, amending a major siting permit of the Saipan World Hotel, the former Saipan Diamond Hotel. Earlier, CRM director Joaquin D. Salas indicated his agency’s inclination to allow the demolition due to safety concerns. Historic Preservation Office director Epiphanio E. Cabrera Jr. approved the planned demolition prior to the CRM approval, noting the structural deficiencies in the old Royal Taga.

The Commonwealth Ports Authority disclosed yesterday that the proposed Saipan International Airport Modernization Plan is anticipated to generate more funds, with plans to include more concessions, malls, and other leisure-related facilities. CPA executive director Carlos H. Salas said the agency is now waiting for proposals from companies that are interested to carry out the project. Among the possible facilities the CPA is hoping to include in the Saipan International Airport master plan are more food concessions that may be hosted in a food court, a movie theater, and other convenience shops. The plan also includes the construction of an expanded parking area, as well as some improvement works at the sides of the existing terminal.

CHC gets $65K grant for reverse osmosis project[/B]

The U. S. Department of the Interior has awarded a $65,000 grant to the Commonwealth Health Center for the purpose of testing a reverse osmosis system that could potentially provide potable water to the hospital. The grant was requested in October and awarded in November, through the efforts of Washington Rep. Pete A. Tenorio and the Office of the Governor. A firm from Taiwan that specializes in water purification, Kintech Technology Company Ltd., has offered to provide the equipment and conduct the testing for free, provided that the Commonwealth construct a concrete platform for the equipment and a shelter to protect it from the elements. The Commonwealth’s estimated cost for the construction is $65,000, and that was the amount awarded in the grant.

Gov. Juan N. Babauta urged government employees to avail of the half-price tuition offered by the Northern Marianas College to students working in the public sector. In a Nov. 30 memorandum, Babauta announced that NMC is again offering a 50-percent discount in per-credit tuition to all government employees enrolled at the college. The Government Employees Professional Development Assistance Program was implemented starting last year to encourage civil servants to further their education. “I want to encourage all employees of the government to take advantage of this opportunity for further their education [at] the Northern Marianas College.