Flashback October 18, 1999-2001

PCB contamination spreads to Lower Base[/B]

A recent study conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers revealed that the contamination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) has spread to the Lower Base area close to the cemetery.

Due to these findings, the Division of Environmental Quality and representatives from the various federal agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry as well as the U.S. Army Corps will discuss the issue of toxicology and human health risks of PCBs.

“We will wait for the federal government’s answers because even the clean up will depend on the results of the public meeting,” said DEQ Director Ike Cabrera.

U.S. lawmakers step up takeover campaign[/B]

House Floor Leader Oscar M. Babauta has warned that some U.S. lawmakers advocating federal takeover in the CNMI have increased their pressure on other members of Congress to persuade them to support pending legislation affecting the islands.

He likewise expressed concern that these bills seeking extension of federal laws on immigration, minimum wage and even abolition of trade privileges granted the Commonwealth could be attached to popular measures, like appropriation, up for voting in Congress.

Since it is election year in the United States, it is likely that some of CNMI’s allies in Washington D.C. may be influenced to boost the federal takeover agenda being waged by the Clinton administration, according to the Saipan representative.

In its bid to increase non-aviation revenues in order to reduce airport charges, the Commonwealth Ports Authority is mopping out plans to provide casino-gaming facilities at the West Tinian International Airport.

Board Chair Roman S. Palacios said CPA has been informed by the Tinian Casino Gaming Control Commission that a license from the agency is needed only when the activity is going to be held at a hotel-casino complex.

Palacios said TCGCC has made it clear that the Tinian Casino Gaming Control Initiative does not include gaming activities in airports, thereby, making it easier for CPA to pursue the proposed revenue-generating project.

Budget deadlock looms[/B]

House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial yesterday expressed doubts the Legislature would be able to pass a current budget in light of the narrow-minded approach the Senate is taking on the omnibus spending package.

“No matter how hard we try to get it [the budget measure] going, it’s just not possible because our good senators have already closed their minds and are not willing to budge an inch,” said Fitial.

Fitial was reacting to statements made by Senate President Paul A. Manglona that were critical of the House leadership, supposedly for “assuring the public that it will have a budget passed.”

Alarmed over a rash of fake bomb threats that has been springing up all over the CNMI, Sen. Jose M. dela Cruz said he would be introducing a bill that would criminalize “terroristic threatening.”

Under the proposed measure, which would be known as the Terroristic Threatening Act, those convicted of this crime will be imprisoned for five years or less.

Dela Cruz pointed out that the integrity of the Commonwealth’s schools, courthouses, hospitals and other public buildings is suffering because of an increase phone threats and other activities that are terroristic in nature.

“The productivity of these public institutions is impaired as a result of the emergency evacuation of public buildings in order to ascertain whether the threats are real and thus guarantee the safety of the public,” a part of his proposed measure reads.