FLASHBACK – Jun. 29, 2012

Jun. 29, 2000

Govt told to pay USGS $2 million

The chairman of the House Committee on Public Utilities, Transportation and Communications has disclosed that the CNMI government still owes the U.S. Geological Survey more than $2 million for a water well drilling project on Tinian. Rep. Rosiky F. Camacho told Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio that the it is a financial obligation that must be paid by the Commonwealth, even though the debt was incurred due to a decision by former mayor of the island municipality. Mayor Francisco M. Borja has raised his concern over the “little attention” given by the central government on the issue during a recent public hearing conducted by the House committee.

Garment lawsuit moved to Saipan

The Saipan Garment Manufacturers Association yesterday applauded a decision by the U.S. District Court in Hawaii to move a class action lawsuit against the industry back to Saipan, saying that it will result in a more efficient and speedy resolution to the litigation. SGMA executive director Richard A. Pierce reacted enthusiastically to the June 27th news of the court’s transfer order that mandates that the case be heard by Saipan’s U.S. District Court. “As a trade association with a membership involved in this unfortunate litigation, SGMA feels the same, I believe, as do the Saipan attorneys representing our membership. This move from the Los Angeles Central District Court, to the Hawaii District Court, to the Saipan District Court, is in everyone’s best interest,” said Mr. Pierce.

Jun. 29, 2001

Democrats wrapping up slate

With only five months left before the general elections, the Democratic Party is still looking for congressional candidates for Precinct III — a known Republican Party stronghold. Committee to Elect Jesse Borja Chair Efrain F. Camacho revealed that the Democratic Party still has no candidates for the six congressional seats that are up for grabs in November. However, Camacho said the party is carefully reviewing a list of possible candidates. He added the party is expected to complete its selection in time for the year-end polls.

DPH mulls high-tech AIDS center

The Department of Public Health yesterday said it is putting up a technologically-updated health center that will attend to the needs of HIV patients. The “HIV-AIDS Treatment and Support Center” will be the CNMI’s premiere health center, which will respond to the medical needs of people with HIV or AIDS, said David B. Rosario, DPH public health adviser. In an interview, Rosario said DPH is working out the release of some $150,000 to start the project.

Jun. 29, 2004

Over 200 evacuate to shelters

With weather conditions from Typhoon Tingting worsening yesterday, over 200 people began to seek hiding in several schools designated as shelters. As of 3pm yesterday, seven shelters were occupied by 201 people. Housing the most people was Garapan Elementary School with 86, 30 of which were children; Koblerville Elementary School with 57; Dandan Elementary School with 17; Oleai Elementary School with 16, Kagman High School housed 13, San Vicente Elementary School had nine, while Tanapag Elementary School had three. According to GES shelter manager William T. Lieto, service to the shelter was also provided by the Public School System via school buses.

CPA: Negotiation would proceed when lots are allotted to seaport

The Commonwealth Ports Authority would begin a new round of negotiations with Horizon Lines if there would be concrete evidence that the Saipan Seaport would be allocated the needed lands for its expansion program. CPA executive director Carlos H. Salas disclosed that, if the needed lands are allocated as planned for the Saipan Seaport expansion program, CPA might return to the negotiating table to discuss transshipment operation with Horizon Lines, which pulled out from the discussion due to the CNMI’s inability to commit. “There is still high uncertainty for the CPA and the CNMI because of its inability to facilitate needs for them to call port. We need the extra lands and it is important for the regional transshipment hub operation,” said the executive director. He said once all concerns are addressed, CPA would continue its negotiation so the project could proceed as planned.