FLASHBACK – September 20, 2011

Sept. 20, 2001

Rota appeals to shipping companies

Alarmed over the rapidly depleting stocks of food items in grocery shops across Rota Island, Mayor Benjamin T. Manglona urged Seabridge Shipping to increase its number of trips to the island. In a letter addressed to the shipping company, Manglona urged Seabridge to consider adding extra trips to Rota to avert any possible shortage of vital goods and basic produce. “It seems that we see your ships very infrequently. Please help us out if you’re able. We could use an extra trip or two to prepare for the San Francisco de Borja Fiesta on October 6 to 8,” he said.

SGMA asks Ashcroft to reconsider DOJ report

The Saipan Garment Manufacturers Association has taken its concerns over the U.S. Department of Justice’s “inaccurate portrayal of the industry” to higher levels in the federal government. SGMA Executive Director Richard A. Pierce last week wrote U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft branding as totally baseless the allegations made in a recent DOJ report that links some garment factories to the illegal drug trade. He asked that corresponding portions of the report be modified if the allegations prove unfounded. “Years of unrelenting bad publicity for the local garment industry have taken a toll, along with the slipping U.S. economy, in weakening demand for our products,” said Pierce told Ashcroft in a Sept. 11, 2001 letter. “Therefore, we are anxious that the present allegation not be allowed to stand if untrue.”

Sept. 20, 2002

MVA wants to promote NMI as ‘silver city’

The Marianas Visitors Authority is interested in promoting the Northern Marianas as a retirement haven for elderly foreigners and has introduced a proposal to develop a housing area for the retirees. MVA Board Chair David M. Sablan said the visitors authority is specifically targeting Japanese “silver” individuals or those 60 years old and over. “This is a slight deviation from the real job of MVA but we are suggesting to try to promote a housing area for the retirees. This way, they can come in and buy an apartment in the CNMI. There’s a definite market for apartments and somebody ought to take a look into this,” Sablan suggested.

Bush names Cohen US special rep

President Bush has named David B. Cohen, deputy assistant secretary for Insular Affairs, as the official United States Special Representative to meet with the CNMI to discuss the possibility of continued financial assistance from the U.S. to the CNMI. The President’s letter, which was signed Sept. 13, also designates Cohen as the President’s special representative to discuss general issues regarding the relationship between the U.S. and the CNMI. The deputy assistant secretary was thankful in his remarks. “The President’s appointments represent a challenge of which I am honored and privileged to undertake. These consultations, which are required by the Covenant that established the relationship between the U.S. and the CNMI, are important to both sides.”

Sept. 20, 2003

DPH in full compliance with CDC standards

The Department of Public Health fully complies with the bioterrorism preparedness and prevention measures set by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to DPH public information officer John P. Douglas. “CDC informed us that we’re in full compliance,” said Douglas when asked about the CDC visiting team’s onsite inspection last week. Representatives from CDC and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services arrived on Saipan Wednesday to meet with local health officials.

’Demapan opened accounts in BoH’

Former Senate president Juan S. Demapan allegedly opened a new account with the Bank of Hawaii in 1997 to channel portions of the money intended for the $2.7-million classroom construction project. To prove this, U.S. Attorney John Rice presented to the federal jury yesterday afternoon BoH manager Verna Felipe, who testified during direct examination that Demapan opened Account No. 79005380 with BoH on July 9, 1997. A check amounting to $300,000 was deposited in the account, she said. Felipe testified that checks were deposited, issued, and cashed by Demapan on behalf of his company, Demapan Engineering Construction Co.-the firm awarded the contract to build the 60 classrooms for the Public School System.