‘Many issues prompted suspension’

Posted on Jun 16 2017

Tag: CNMI, Commonwealth Ports Authority, DOT, Homeland Security

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres said yesterday that several issues were behind the decision to suspend new flights into the CNMI temporarily.

Torres also clarified that the 60-day suspension only affects new international flights and not existing flights. He believes that 60 days should give his administration enough time to come up with a solid plan.

“We are still looking at the illegal bed and breakfast issues, the availability of hotel accommodations, and our current issues with labor,” he said. “This would not hamper anybody in terms of coming in.”

The full span of the suspension, which is 60 days, is still dependent on whether or not the Department of Transportation approves the Commonwealth Ports Authority board resolution.

“I am making an arrangement to meet with the secretary of DOT,” said Torres, adding that he would also be meeting with the secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The meetings between Torres and the two secretaries have yet to be formally scheduled.

Erwin Encinares | Reporter

Erwin Charles Tan Encinares holds a bachelor’s degree from the Chiang Kai Shek College and has covered a wide spectrum of assignments for the Saipan Tribune. Encinares is the paper’s political reporter.

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