Flashback: July 2006-July 2008

July 4, 2006

Govt layoffs may spare some
Some temporary workers may be spared from termination after the government found that little savings would result from laying them off. Press secretary Charles P. Reyes Jr. disclosed that this point was raised during yesterday’s Cabinet meeting. Reyes quoted Attorney General Matthew T. Gregory as saying that some excepted service employees have accrued enough annual leave to last them until the fiscal year ends on Sept. 30, 2006. This means that they will be entitled to about the same compensation regardless of whether they continue working or take their vacation leave credits. If these employees are terminated, the government will not only lose their services, but also make no savings out of it, at least for the remaining period of FY 2006.

MVA beefs up marketing staff
Tasked with the big job of raising tourist arrivals to 1 million by 2008, the Marianas Visitors Authority has began adding up on personnel, starting with its marketing team. Acting MVA managing director Tess Castro said three marketing assistants who can speak Japanese, Korean, and Chinese were hired recently. They are Henry Sasaki, a former employee of Japan Airlines, for the Japanese market; Unhui Kim Babauta for the Korean market; and Leng Bai for the China market. “We wanted to hire people who can speak the languages of the people we’re trying to reach. It’s all part of our efforts to implement our five-year strategic plan,” said Castro in an interview.

July 4, 2007

Full steam ahead for today’s LibDay parade
It’s a celebration of freedom today as the CNMI commemorate the 61st year of the liberation of Northern Marianas residents from Camp Susupe and the 231st birthday of the United States of America. “This year’s Liberation Day theme, focusing on the ‘Challenge of Liberation for Peace and Freedom,’ considers the CNMI’s history after the war and contemplates our current political and economic efforts to continue meeting the challenges of maintaining peace, freedom, democracy and prosperity in our Commonwealth and around the world,” said Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez in their official public message. They said the Commonwealth continues to build on the tools provided it when it agreed to join the American political family in 1978.

House backs suspension of tax incentive program
The House of Representatives has passed a bill suspending the qualifying certificate program for a year and a half. Under the program, tax benefits are given to entice businesses to put up new investments in the CNMI or to assist existing investors in expanding their operations. House Bill 15-125 would suspend this investment incentive for 18 months. Rep. Ray N. Yumul introduced the bill. Reps. Jesus SN. Lizama and Arnold I. Palacios are co-sponsors. House members recently voted to approve the bill. It will become law after it is approved by the Senate and then signed by the governor.

July 4, 2008

‘Let immigration officers withdraw contributions’
CNMI immigration officers who will lose their jobs due to “federalization” should be allowed to withdraw their pension contributions regardless of eligibility, according to the Senate Committee on Fiscal Affairs. The Division of Immigration employs 65 officers. Most of these employees have retirement benefits that have accrued in the defined benefit plan, the Senate committee said in a report. Currently, only government employees who have been paying to the defined benefit plan for 15 years or less can withdraw their contributions.

Budget woes cancel fireworks exhibition
A short stretch of Beach Road from the National Office Supply to the Garapan Fishing Base is ground zero today, with thousands expected to throng both sides of the highway to celebrate this year’s Liberation Day with a parade, speeches, dances, and a carnival. One thing that will be missing, though, is the traditional fireworks display, which has been scrapped due to the lack of funds. Despite this, scores of families have begun camping out along Beach Road to reserve the best spots in preparation for today’s parade, and thousands more will be lining the road when the parade begins at 2pm.