Flashback – May 25, 2012

May 25, 2000

Rate adjustment hikes CPA revenue

The recent implementation of new aviation rates upped the Commonwealth Ports Authority revenues by at least 23 percent in March 2000 to over $1 million from the previous year of the same month’s $893,206. CPA adjusted airport terminal and landing fees beginning March 1, 2000 following recommendation by United States-based bond underwriter Ricondo and Associates in order for the ports authority to receive rating for its airport bonds issued in 1998. A financial report prepared by CPA comptroller Dave S. Demapan disclosed airport revenues soared 16 percent since the beginning of the Fiscal Year 2000 compared with the year-ago level, from $5.782 million to $4.974 million.

BOE opposes budget percentage increase

The State Board of Education yesterday decided to maintain the current budget appropriation at 15 percent, deferring a House Committee on Education initiative to increase the Public School System’s yearly allotment to 25 percent from CNMI revenues. This, despite a recent public hearing which yielded positive feedback for the proposed legislation, stressing on vast advantages it could do to enhance the quality of education in the CNMI. BOE member Esther Fleming during a special board meeting yesterday expressed opposition to the bill due to certain amendments that have to be made in the CNMI Constitution before the funding increase can take effect.

May 25, 2001

Lawyer: Covenant makes US law on gambling applicable to CNMI

Prosecution has refuted a defense motion disclaiming the CNMI as a U.S. state or territory in reference to a statute that was used as basis to charge a woman with illegal gambling operations in the Northern Marianas. Assistant US Attorney David T. Wood, in the US government’s answer to a motion that sought to dismiss the indictment, said the defense argument is erroneous. Defendant Qian Wu, otherwise known as “Queenie,” last week moved to dismiss the charges on ground that the alleged crime she stands accused of was conducted outside a U.S. law’s definition of the term “State.”

Additional tests in Tanapag backed

Samples of harmful substances discovered in Tanapag will be submitted for an environmental assessment study immediately after the Legislature passes a bill earmarking $2 million for additional toxic tests. About $2 million of the proposed $32 million bond that will be floated by the Commonwealth Development Authority will be set aside solely for Tanapag laboratory tests and consultation expenses. House Bill 12-329 will give the Office of Public Lands license to borrow $32 million from CDA for additional Tanapag tests and settlement of over 150 land claims in the Northern Marianas.

May 25, 2004

Babauta to tackle 4 issues in DC

Plans to establish a regional pediatric center in the Commonwealth that would serve the entire Micronesia could become a reality when Gov. Juan N. Babauta takes up the issue with the U.S. House of Representatives later this month. Babauta, who would be leaving for Washington D.C. on May 30, hopes to complete four major tasks during his visit including discussion on plans to make the CNMI a pediatric center. Also, the governor said his meeting with Rep. Dan Burton, chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Government Reforms-Subcommittee on wellness and human rights, would also discuss issues on diabetes control and other health related concerns of the Commonwealth.

Diego: Economy showing good numbers

The CNMI economy is slowly picking up and signs of development abound despite reports of an impending massive layoff at the apparel industry, according to Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente. He also expressed confidence that the garment industry would never totally pull out from the Northern Marianas, noting that the industry is here due to the advantages offered by the CNMI. In fact, seven months before the worldwide lifting of the quota restrictions in January 2005, Benavente said the CNMI economy is getting better. “I see a lot of improvements and the number is showing it already. Obvious sign is better and steadier number in garment and tourist from the additional charter flights. These are signs that things are coming back,” said Benavente.