Saipan Tribune

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FLASHBACK - March 21, 2013

Mar. 21, 2004

Funding OK’d for fishing derby, JSA, Lib Day

The Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation passed on Friday an appropriation measure dividing $165,000 among two major events and the Junior Statesmen of America Program. Members of the local delegation approved $40,000 for the 20th Saipan International Fishing Derby, $50,000 to subsidize local students’ participation in the JSA program, and $75,000 for the 2004 Liberation Day festivities. The appropriation measure or House Local Bill 14-9, offered by Rep. Arnold I. Palacios, was unanimously supported by SNILD members during a session Friday afternoon. Prior to the bill’s passage, SNILD members listened to Insular Affairs Field Rep. Jeff Schorr and JSA Program contact person Karen Prosser elaborate on the summer school program, which provides students across the nation with the opportunity to participate in political activities.

Funding OK’d for fishing derby, JSA, Lib Day

The Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation passed on Friday an appropriation measure dividing $165,000 among two major events and the Junior Statesmen of America Program. Members of the local delegation approved $40,000 for the 20th Saipan International Fishing Derby, $50,000 to subsidize local students’ participation in the JSA program, and $75,000 for the 2004 Liberation Day festivities. The appropriation measure or House Local Bill 14-9, offered by Rep. Arnold I. Palacios, was unanimously supported by SNILD members during a session Friday afternoon.

Mar. 21, 2005

House OKs $11M for with-in-grade increases, retro pay

The House of Representatives has unanimously approved a $10.9 million appropriation for fiscal year 2005 to raise government employees’ salary, pay off retroactive compensation, as well as retirement and health insurance contribution. Authored by Rep. Jesus Attao, House Bill 14-304 aims to allocate $10.9 million to settle “unpaid frozen steps, with-in-grade increases and retroactive adjustments” for the last five years and 14 years, respectively. Attao said “it is only fair and appropriate for the government to settle the long overdue payments so that former and current employees can enjoy their rightful salary and to avoid any litigation.”

PBDC gets $250K from feds

The Pacific Basin Development Council has received $250,000 “mission” grant from the Department of the Interior. In a March 11 letter to Gov. Juan N. Babauta, who is the president of PBDC, DOI acting deputy assistant Secretary Nikolao Pula said that the department could not give financial assistance for the regional body’s endowment fund as it is prohibited under federal regulations. “However, we are pleased to provide $250,000 to support PBDC’s mission,” said Pula. He said it is allowed under Public Law 108-188, which provides that “sufficient funds shall be made available for a grant to the PBDC.”

Mar. 21, 2006

King-Hinds: I will resign post as regent

Northern Marianas College Board of Regents chairwoman Kimberly King-Hinds may not renew her term as regent next school year, as she is planning to take up graduate studies in the U.S. mainland. King-Hinds confirmed yesterday that she has been applying for graduate studies with several universities and colleges in the United States. She said it’s about time that she upgrades and updates her skills and knowledge in the field of her choice. The BOR chair said she has already told her fellow board officers and members of her intention. “But no one is taking me seriously,” she said, adding that she really is serious about her plans, which might push through before the summer ends this year.

Judge raise Elyeisar bail to $10,000 cash

Superior Court Associate Judge David A. Wiseman increased by 10 times the bail amount that he earlier imposed for the temporary release of Akilino P. Elyeisar. Wiseman modified the bail from $1,000 to $10,000 after the CNMI government, represented by assistant attorney general Kevin Lynch, moved to increase the bail on the ground that Elyeisar had two felony convictions. In granting the government’s request, the judge said the court believes that the defendant poses a danger to the community. Besides the aggravated assault and battery conviction, Wiseman noted that Elyeisar’s 1995 conviction for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition case was also serious.