Flashback Jan. 5, 1999-2003

Jan. 5, 1999

US insists on steering CNMI rudder on labor

President Bill Clinton has said the existing situation in the Northern Marianas does not guarantee protection of workers’ rights provided under federal laws and pressed local officials to establish policies that will address the problem. The US leader strongly proposed to Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio that his administration agrees with the National Labor Relations Board on the commonwealth’s treatment of collective bargaining agreements, employees covered by the NLRB-filed charges and reinstatement remedies in settlements approved by the federal agency and ordered by courts. Clinton underscored the need to establish clear policies along this line because “the current situation does not ensure adequate protection of workers’ rights under federal law.”

MHS gym still searches for funding

The Marianas High School gymnasium may accommodate the graduation of batch ’99 in June provided the Public School System will secure the $32 million funding as scheduled in early part of this year. According to PSS architect Christopher Fryling, funding for the second phase construction of the gymnasium will come from the $32 million raised from the CIP money and the $16 million loan. Based on earlier reports, the second phase will need around $700,000 to finish the interior part of the gymnasium. Fryling said PSS will secure its CIP funding by February, but the $16 million loan as matching money is still awaiting final nod. Representatives from the California State Financing Corp. were scheduled to finalize the deal since October last year.

Jan. 5, 2001

House ponders changes to labor bill

The House Commerce and Tourism Committee is preparing amendments to legislation that is patterned after the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act before regular sessions resume by the end of this month. This will be one of key priority measures which the leadership in the lower house is expected to push, according to House Floor Leader Oscar M. Babauta. The committee met the other day to discuss changes to the bill sponsored by House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial who has earlier instructed them to hasten review of the proposal. Comparisons will be made with existing labor laws as well as administrative regulations prior to drawing up a new draft of HB 12-134, said Babauta.

MPLT eyed to fund scholarship

The government may tap funds from Marianas Public Land Trust to finance a proposed new scholarship program that will cater to indigenous people trained to work in the private sector. Sen. Richardo S. Atalig, chair of the Senate education committee that is drafting the legislation, has disclosed provisions of the proposal, but said final details are still forthcoming. “It’s going to be a loan system, not just a grant given to you and that’s it. It’s not going to be like in the past,” he told in an interview. The committee hopes to present the plan by this month once the review of all the different pending bills and existing laws tackling the scholarship program is complete.

Jan. 5, 2003

Tighter seaport security coming

Commonwealth Ports Authority Executive Director Carlos H. Salas yesterday disclosed that the 300-foot security rule at the seaport will be implemented as soon as the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Coast Guard set the date for its enforcement. Salas pointed out that enforcement of the security rule will automatically follow the federal agencies’ issuance of a specific date, regardless of the ongoing discussion with the Marianas Public Lands Authority for additional public land at the Port of Saipan. He added that the discussion on the 300-foot security rule at all U.S. seaports included additional funding needed for the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, which was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2002.

MPLA outlines procedures on land compensation payments

To ensure fast processing of claims, the Marianas Public Lands Authority called on claimants to complete their documentation based on the newly approved rules and regulations on land compensation claims. The rules, among others, require that all private property acquired by the Commonwealth must be certified, declared or determined for acquisition by the Governor. This certification must include boundary surveys and/or legal description, and identification of encumbrances and disputes, if any.