Saipan Tribune

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Flashback - Sept. 2000-Sept. 2002

Sept. 26, 2000

CJPA disburses funds for armor vests

The Criminal Justice Planning Agency has been granted by the U.S. Dept. of Justice some $145,444 in total funds for the purchase of bulletproof vests to be distributed among law enforcement agencies in the CNMI. The award under the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 1998 is tailored to protect the lives of law enforcement officers by helping states and units of local and tribal governments equip authorities with armor vests. The grant represents the total funding sought by CJPA for Fiscal Years 1999 and 2000 from the federal government. “We have asked for a waiver on the 50 percent local matching funds. So we have received 100 percent subsidy,” said CJPA Executive Director Harry Blanco.

Airport project stirs optimism on Tinian economy

Tinian lawmakers have expressed a sigh of relief with the groundbreaking of the much-anticipated new airport runway project, describing it a key to economic growth in the island municipality. They also underscored its significance in enticing more tourists and investors into Tinian, while ensuring success of their fledgling casino industry. The four members of the local legislative delegation attended the groundbreaking ceremony held last Friday at the Tinian airport which also drew other CNMI officials and business leaders.

Sept. 26, 2001

NMI beefs up anti-terrorism efforts

The United States' war against terrorism has resulted in an intensified campaign in the Commonwealth, as an anti-terrorism committee finalizes a comprehensive plan headed for the approval of Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio. At the same time, the federal government has required the committee to coordinate with them through the US Department of Justice, while assuring the CNMI of more federal grants in its anti-terrorism drive. The Commonwealth Anti-Terrorism/Hazardous Materials Planning Committee is meeting this week to finalize an anti-terrorism response plan to augment the existing CNMI Emergency Operations Plan, said Emergency Management Office Deputy Director Mark S. Pangelinan.

Reyes 'saw' CUC's surcharge program coming

“I told you so.” So says an exasperated Senate floor leader Pedro P. Reyes, in reaction to recent reports that the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. may soon implement a surcharge program that would pass on to customers any increase in the cost of fuel. Reyes, chairman of the Senate Committee on Resources, Economic Development and Programs, said this is exactly what he had anticipated when he tried to prevent the court from ruling on the case between the CUC and the Commonwealth Development Authority. “I have been talking about this on the top of my lungs, that if we don't do anything, this is going to happen,” he said.

Sept. 26, 2002

Muslim-American group donates books to library

The Muslim-American Society yesterday donated several books and a two-year free subscription of a Muslim Journal to the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library. Khalid Abdullah Islam, a representative of the group, presented books on understanding Islam, its culture and other vital information that would help not only the Muslim community on Saipan but also those who want to know more about the religion. Islam said that, while the books will give a comprehensive explanation about the subject, the Muslim Journal-a weekly newspaper publication circulated worldwide-will be a good source of information about other happenings, events, and important details concerning the Muslim community around the world.

Govt offices undergoing energy audit

An audit on the energy consumption of the different government agencies and offices is now ongoing as part of efforts to tame the runaway utility bill of the entire CNMI government. It is expected to be finished by December. During Tuesday's proclamation signing for the Energy Awareness Month, acting Gov. Diego T. Benavente disclosed that the Energy Office of the Department of Public Works is now conducting an energy audit to find better and more efficient ways for the government to save on energy costs. Although there are no dollar figures yet on the amount of energy that the entire CNMI government is wasting, DPW Secretary John Reyes projected that the Commonwealth government can actually save 30 percent on its utility payments if it implements conservation costs.