Flashback December 11, 2000-2003

MPLT threatens to cut housing funds[/B]

A lending program by the Northern Marianas Housing Corporation for low- and middle-income families has hit a snag after the Marianas Public Land Trust withheld funds until the end of the year.

MPLT trustees warned they may cut the entire $3.9 million loan extended in October to the housing agency to finance the program if the Legislature fails to amend or act on a legislative initiative it has strongly opposed.

Two new hotels will rise in the tourist district of Garapan as immediate result of the newly-signed law granting tax breaks to investments in the CNMI, according to a major proponent of the economic incentive program.

House Floor Leader Oscar M. Babauta, main sponsor of Public Law 12-32, said these two big projects are expected to boost the islands’ economy following more than three years of stagnant growth.
[B] December 11, 2001

Many remain unaware of economic downturn’s extent[/B]

Government transparency plus public cooperation would go a long way toward mitigating the economic ruin that is staring the CNMI in the face these days.

Thus said incoming House Speaker Heinz S. Hofschneider, even as he rued the fact that a lot of people don’t seem to realize yet the extent of the economic decline that is endangering the way of life in the CNMI.

“The best public policy that we all can really contribute is to be honest with the people, that the economy is sliding and we need to do something about the continued decline of the economy,” said Hofschneider.

NMI’s manpower pool shrinking

The CNMI has virtually stopped importing an average of 400 new foreign workers a month since last year, a scenario that paints the Commonwealth’s gloomy economic future, according to the US Social Security Administration.

Social Security Saipan Field Office Manager Michael G. Newman said that the Commonwealth government may not be able to sustain its operations due to dwindling revenues that resulted from the dramatic slowdown in business activities.
[B] December 11, 2002

Disease outbreak feared[/B]

With Rota still in total blackout, authorities fear that an outbreak of diseases may result from drinking water that may be contaminated by bacteria and other microorganisms.

This comes amid efforts by the CNMI government to have President Bush declare not just Rota but the entire Commonwealth as a major disaster area, after receiving reports that typhoon Pongsona also wreaked havoc on Anatahan in the Northern Islands.

Ravaged by Supertyphoon Pongsona’s wrath, Rota is now grappling with food, water, power and fuel shortages, island residents said yesterday.

Rota House Rep. Daniel O. Quitugua particularly described the gasoline situation as “critical”-a predicament that could escalate into fuel exhaustion if aid does not come Rota’s way soon.

CUC still awaiting FEMA funds[/B]

The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. said it has not received its expected reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for its rehabilitation work on Rota in connection with the 2002 typhoon Pongsona.

CUC acting comptroller Ed Williams said there has been no feedback about the release of funds based on his communication with FEMA Hawaii.