FLASHBACK – Apr. 16, 2012

Apr. 16, 2002

Pete A. assures $11M in CIP funding

Washington Rep. Pete A. Tenorio assured that the U.S. Congress is supportive of President Bush’s budget plan that seeks to maintain capital improvement assistance to the CNMI at $11 million in Fiscal Year 2003. “The U.S. Congress supports that. I don’t see any resistance. The appropriate committees of Congress that are in-charge of this particular authorization and appropriation have no qualms about it. We’re doing very well there,” Tenorio said in a recent interview. He emphasized that the U.S. Congress fully understands the need for a full funding in the next fiscal year for capital improvement.

Babauta withdraws Maratita nomination

Gov. Juan N. Babauta has withdrawn his nomination of former senator Edward U. Maratita to the Board of Directors of the Commonwealth Development Authority. In a letter addressed to Senate Vice President David M. Cing dated April 12, the Governor said he is withdrawing Maratita’s nomination after it came to his attention that the former senator is a client of the CDA. Legislative sources said this means that Maratita has an outstanding loan at the CDA and, if his nomination to the CDA Board is confirmed, this could result in a conflict of interest for the former lawmaker.

Apr. 16, 2003

NMIRF adopts new formulary

The NMI Retirement Fund’s Board of Trustees has adopted a new formulary-a list of drugs covered under the Group Health and Life Insurance Program-to give its members more flexibility in their choices of prescription medicines.The new formulary, which was adopted during a special meeting yesterday afternoon, now goes to the Office of the Governor and the Attorney General’s Office for approval. It becomes effective once the Executive Branch gives it the thumbs-up.The new list of covered drugs supplants the previous formulary that the Board adopted last March 18.

Babauta pins hopes on OTEC plan

The Babauta administration is not giving up on Sea Solar Power International’s proposal to build a $50-million Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion plant in the CNMI, despite the controversy that has developed between the company’s president and Saipan Senator Ramon S. Guerrero. (See related story on page 9) In a press statement, Gov. Juan N. Babauta pronounced yesterday that his administration has no intention of abandoning the exploratory project “before it even gets off the ground.” “This administration is committed to exploring solutions that will benefit our islands for years to come. Ocean thermal energy conversion may very well provide the energy and fresh water that we will need as our population continues to grow,” said the Governor.

Apr. 16, 2004

Babauta’s IFP under scrutiny

The House Committee on Ways and Means would scrutinize the Integrated Fiscal Plan submitted by Gov. Juan N. Babauta to get a clearer picture of its potential impact on affected industries and consumers. Based on the proposal, the government anticipates to shake loose an additional $13.6 million under the IFP by increasing the nonresidents workers’ fee by $100, increasing in drivers and motor-related fees by 50 percent and commercial transportation by 25 percent; reducing income tax rebates by 10 percent; increasing in hotel occupancy tax by 10 percent; and an increasing the user fee by .7 percent. House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial has begun soliciting comments from affected industries, particularly Saipan’s apparel companies, since it would be affected by the nonresident workers’ fee and the user fee hikes.

Babauta presents plaque to goodwill envoy

Gov. Juan N. Babauta presented a plaque on Monday to businessman Kunihide Miyake of Japan, who has been appointed goodwill ambassador for the Commonwealth. Miyake first visited the CNMI in February 2004 to consider the Commonwealth as a potential investment site for his business, United Power Co., which provides products in the fields of informational and telecommunications technology. The company has over 45,000 employees. “Mr. Miyake has since then frequented our islands, intrigued by its possibilities and its people. In the last two months, Mr. Miyake has made three trips to the CNMI,” according to statement issued by the Office of the Governor.