FLASHBACK – Feb. 18, 2012

CPA defends action to halt sewer project[/B]

The Commonwealth Ports Authority is still hoping that the much-delayed $4.9 million sewer line project would push through despite the refusal of the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. to shoulder the additional $175,262 imposed by the contractor. CUC executive director Timothy P. Villagomez maintains that the utilities firm is not responsible for any damages that may have resulted from the actions of the ports authority when it stopped the project on May 8, 1998. Villagomez claimed that under the signed Memorandum of Agreement, CUC shall provide funds and technical assistance for system compatibility. He added that the utilities firm has no intention of accommodating the additional cost.

The on-going efforts of the Public School System towards the inclusion of students with disabilities recently received commendation from a high ranking official in Washington D.C. According to assistant coordinator for special education Gary J. Salas, Oleai Elementary School was praised during the Pac-RIM Conference held in Hawaii early this month which gathered educators and parents all over the Pacific. Assistant Director for Developmental Disabilities Sue Swanson was impressed with its program on inclusion and considered it as one model worth replicating in other territories.

Soll sees need for more govt lawyers[/B]

Heeding a call from Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio to put the Commonwealth’s legal house in order, newly appointed acting Attorney General Herbert D. Soll vowed yesterday to look into the current assignment of government lawyers. Mr. Soll said his office is currently reviewing previous deployment of government lawyers to determine if the current number is enough to provide sufficient legal assistance to the CNMI. The newly-appointed chief government lawyer said the AGO is undermanned considering that a number of positions have been left vacant due to lack of funds. There are 10 positions unfilled at the AG’s office, he said. Specifically, Mr. Soll said there is a need to hire one assistant attorney general each for labor and immigration and the Criminal Division.

Senate Floor Leader Pete P. Reyes has lamented the failure of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife to sign the Saipan Upland Mitigation Bank Agreement which has resulted in serious delays and cancellations of development projects. In a letter to Robert Smith, Pacific Islands manager, Mr. Reyes expressed his disappointment over the indecision of the former’s office to complete the agreement which would have paved the way for the construction of the Marpi landfill. The Legislature had put in place a measure that will create the mitigation bank several years ago and has even set aside lands for such purpose following the request of the U.S. Division of Fish and Wildlife.

DPH introduces diabetes screening for all over 30[/B]

With 3,019 Northern Marianas Islanders diagnosed with diabetes as of 2001, the Department of Public Health is introducing widespread screening programs. Starting this year it will ask all adults who are at least 30 years of age to undergo glucose screening every year. Dr. Richard Brostrom, medical director for public health, said the planned policy on blood sugar examination would be given to these adults regardless of their reasons for visiting the Commonwealth Health Center. The public health department also aims to find at least 500 previously undiagnosed cases of diabetes in 2002 by offering free glucose tests every month in places like stores and schools.

The Division of Environmental Quality yesterday said it has not received new funding from the federal government, dismissing earlier reports that quoted Washington Rep. Pete A. Tenorio. Tenorio previously noted that there is an increased fund for the local environmental protection agency in the amount of more than $1 million. DEQ public information officer Rebecca Snider said this report has caused some employees to speculate about salary increases. “It’s misinformation,” according to Snider, who said that some employees were asking if they are going to have their respective raises.