FLASHBACK – May 10, 2012

May 10, 1999

CNMI’s pitch to become a retirement hub gains support

After their short stay in the CNMI, a number of military personnel have already expressed interest in establishing residency and retiring in the Northern Marianas. The Saipan Chamber of Commerce recently received a number of inquiries which prove that the islands have become more than just a destination where US Navy men and women can enjoy their brief rest and recreationAt the same time, Capt. John J. Donnelly, Chief of Staff of the US Seventh Fleet, has invited Chamber members to visit Yokosuka, Japan to promote the Northern Marianas to the officers and their families who are stationed there. He has also recommended that CNMI officials promote the Northern Marianas as a family destination to other military bases throughout Asia.

AG’s Cup tackles Article 12

A sophomore student of the Marianas Baptist Academy is this year’s Attorney General’s Cup Winner. Ramona Concepcion, who favored keeping the Article 12 but with certain revisions, bested other six speakers from various high schools in the CNMI. The 16th Annual AG’s Cup, which focused its discussion on whether land ownership should continue to be restricted to NMI descent, had gathered speakers who mostly favored the restriction.

May 10, 2000

BOE reinforces rule on attendance

The State Board of Education has reinforced a rule directing Public School System principals, supervisors, and staff to adhere to the absence without leave policy where non-compliance could lead to dismissal, Education Commissioner Rita H. Inos yesterday said. Though this rule has been in existence in the school system’s regulations for a long period of time, Dr. Inos explained PSS supervisors have had a hard time implementing this in their areas of jurisdiction. She added there has been a need to provide guidance in terms of the rule’s implementation.

House rejects proposed scholarship program

The House of Representatives yesterday axed a proposed scholarship program for government employees wishing to obtain a college degree due to potential funding problem as it would allow recipients to take a leave from work for up to four years with pay on top of the educational aid. A last-minute attempt by some members to save the measure failed as the House leadership stood pat in its decision. The 18-member chamber voted 9-7 to defeat a motion to refer it back to the Committee on Education. House Bill 12-102, offered by Rep. Jesus T. Attao, sought to create a new scholarship program funded by the government for its employees to obtain degrees in order to meet the requirements for “hard-to-fill” positions such as accountants, teachers and auditors.

May 10, 2001

Election pact OKd for teachers’ rep to BOE

The Association of Commonwealth Teachers has approved an election protocol open to all public school teachers. The protocol is the result of thoughtful deliberation and input from educators, committees and school representatives. For several months, ACT met with different school administrations to discuss the election issue. Last month, the association revised and adopted the election protocol to the Public School System School Board in hopes to allow teachers full participation in the selection process for their Board of Education teacher-representative. The ACT advised that all teachers are welcome to run for the said position. Those who wished to seek the BOE seat will be tapped to represent the CNMI teachers and to present youth programs and how to improve the teaching profession in the Northern Marianas.

3-yr. limit mix-up leads economy in greater peril

Bringing the three-year limit stay issue to the electorate would further delay moves to resolve long standing legislative measures calling for the total repeal of the existing statute. Members of the House of Representatives yesterday lamented that a delay on the resolution of the three-year limit issue would hurt the local economy deeper. In fact, the proposed referendum on the stay limit law which was offered to coincide with the November election, will bring undue burden to businessmen.