CCC looks into IPI’s dispute with vendors

The Commonwealth Casino Commission is currently investigating disputes between Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC and some of their vendors, based on claims made during the Dec. 19, 2019, commission meeting.

IPI assured yesterday that it strives to be a responsible corporate citizen of the CNMI. “We honor our business commitments and financial obligations,” it said.

In a commission statement yesterday, it said the commission received a letter on Dec. 19, 2019, that was addressed to executive director Edward DeLeon Guerrero, urging the commission to act on reported claims of breaches of contracts to licensed professionals in the Commonwealth.

“This matter is taken seriously and the commission is launching its own investigations to ensure that IPI complies with its contractual, regulatory, and legal agreements,” the statement said.

“The commission notes that there are defenses to these allegations and not every nonpayment or late payment automatically constitutes a breach. Issues such as nonpayment, nonperformance, and substantial performance are often questions of fact which require investigation and determinations by a neutral finder of fact. It is further noted that every vendor is unique and each contract is different,” the statement added.

The commission statement said it is grateful to these vendors for bringing the matter to the commission’s attention. “The commission will reach out to the vendors for additional documentation and information, when necessary. The vendors can rest assured that the results of the investigations will bring forth appropriate actions.”

In a separate statement, IPI said it has been working with a number of vendors to verify products and services provided, and develop mutually agreeable settlements of claimed obligations.

IPI said the main disputed area is construction contracts, especially the ones with Pacific Rim and USA Fanter.

“We are conducting an audit on their work and their full cooperation is required. We strongly urge both companies collaborate with IPI on the audit,” the statement said. “We expect to complete the verification within a month and will take legal action if fraud is found.

“We respect the authority of the Commonwealth Casino Commission and will fully cooperate with its inquiries.

“We will continue to do our best to complete the casino project and contribute to CNMI economic growth.