Flashback – Nov. 2002-Nov. 2004

Nov. 4, 2002

GHLI privatization an ‘old’ issue

The administration of former Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio has recognized that maintaining health insurance would result in an aggravated financial difficulty by the government. This is why he established the Healthcare System Review Commission as early as 2000. The commission, however, became defunct when the Babauta administration took the helms of power in the CNMI government, leaving the recommendation shelved. Richard Ludders, a member of the defunct commission, disclosed this, saying that the commission had already recommended that the CNMI government privatize the government’s health insurance program. The Group Health and Life Insurance Program is being managed by the Northern Mariana Island’s Retirement Fund.

Land compensation draft rules, regs up for approval

The Land Compensation Task Force has finished its fifth draft, which is up for approval this week by the Marianas Public Lands Authority Board of Directors. MPLA Deputy Commissioner Henry Hofschneider said the proposed rules and regulations will be submitted for the board’s approval during its special meeting on Friday. “We’ll make the draft available. We’ll ask the board to review and adopt it on November 8,” Hofschneider said in an interview. He said the agency had brought in other people, who made recommendations and suggestions. The completion of the rules and regulations is a requisite in the release of funds for land compensation.

Nov. 4, 2003

NMI gears up for Veterans Day ceremonies

The Office of Military/Veterans Affairs and the Veterans Day Committee yesterday extend invitation to the members of the community to join in the remembrance of war heroes who have lost and risked their lives in the name of freedom. “We are reminding the public to come out and join us as we celebrate and honor those brave patriots who, with unwavering dedication and purpose, sacrifice their personal comforts to keep the world safe, and secure the freedom we enjoy,” organizers said in a media statement. The main ceremony for this year’s Veterans Day celebration will be held at the Rota Veterans Memorial Park ‘s Songton beach area on Nov. 11, 2003. The ceremony is expected to begin around 11am.

NMC to lobby for funding in January

Citing a “lameduck” Legislature, officials of the Northern Marianas College have decided to postpone their legislative funding lobbying for January 2004 when the new elected lawmakers are sworn in. In a meeting Friday, when the NMC board approved a $150 increase for all adjunct faculty effective spring 2004, the board noted the need to convince the Legislature of the urgent financial need at NMC. The NMC felt that it failed to persuade the Legislature during its recent protest rally in efforts to restore a $1 million cut in its 2004 funding. The dialogue actually gave lawmakers, particularly Speaker Heinz Hofschneider, the chance to lecture the NMC staff and students about the NMC’s shortcomings as a community college.

Nov. 4, 2004

Senate approves hemodialysis bill

The Senate voted 8-1 yesterday in favor of the $5.8 million reprogramming of funds for the completion of the hemodialysis center on Saipan. The measure, House Bill 14-258, aims to shift $5.8 million from the pending Kagman wastewater project to complete the Public Health and Hemodialysis project. The bill also transfers $2 million from the Dandan sewer project or the expansion of the Agingan sewer treatment plant to the Kagman III road paving project. Sen. Luis Crisostimo, who voted against the bill, said he could not agree to the use of funds that have already been allotted to another important project.

New online guide aims to improve college access

The Pathways to College Network has created a systematic, research-based online resource to help schools and college outreach programs increase the number of students preparing for postsecondary education. College Readiness for All: A Practitioners Toolbox helps educators learn what works from research and examples, assess their present situations and plan change, access resources for implementing their plans, and monitor progress toward achieving the goal of college-ready high school graduates. The toolbox is available without charge on the PCN website at www.pathwaystocollege.net.