Flashback May 01, 2000-2002

[B]May 01, 2000

Petition begins for filing of class suit[/B]

A petition for possible filing of a class action suit against the U.S. government for the widespread contamination of polychlorinated biphenyl in Tanapag has now begun. Rep. Dino M. Jones, chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources, started the ball rolling last Friday with a call to island residents to attend a town meeting scheduled for May 8.

[B]24 firms interested on Tinian airport project[/B]

At least 24 companies have signified intentions to participate in the bidding for the multi-million-dollar improvement of the West Tinian International Airport during an ocular inspection with Ports Authority officials Friday. CPA Board Chair Roman S. Palacios and Executive Director Carlos H. Salas spearheaded the delegation to the island for a tour of different sites that are up for repair under the West Tinian International Airport improvement project.

[B]CNMI may bring case vs Continental to IAGI[/B]

The CNMI government may be forced to bring the problem it face on the unavailability of sufficient direct international flights between Saipan and Asian countries to the federally-established Inter-Agency Group on Insular Affairs. If this happens, the island’s air transport service woes will be the first problem to be brought to the attention of the IAGI, a high level federal group created by the Clinton Administration to help insular areas achieve economic growth.

[B]May 01, 2001

On Saipan’s garment sector US Congress sees true picture[/B]

Local garment industry officials are pleased that members of US Congress are now aware of the real conditions inside Saipan garment factories despite continuous attempts by the CNMI’s critics to malign the industry. Saipan Garment Manufacturers Association Executive Director Richard A. Pierce lauded a recent “Dear Colleague” letter from US Rep. John T. Doolittle (R-California) recognizing the “overwhelmingly positive” improvements made in Saipan’s garment companies over the last few years.

[B]HANMI bats for cleaner isles[/B]

The Hotel Association is calling on the government to raise environmental awareness levels to ensure that protection of the natural resources and promotion of tourism go hand in hand. “Tourism is not only about getting people to come over to our islands. It is also about ensuring that our visitors are provided a clean and safe environment,” HANMI President Ronald D. Sablan said.

[B]Bill: Extend homestead permits to 10 years[/B]

Recognizing weaker consumer buying power due to economic difficulties, the legislators yesterday recommended the passage of a measure aimed at extending the effectivity of homestead permits up to ten years. Members of House Committee on Natural Resources who reviewed House Bill 12-186 endorsed its passage, citing the need to assist homesteaders in fulfilling the requirements that will allow them to keep their homestead lots.

[B]May 01, 2002

Double whammy for banking sector Bank of Saipan supports government intervention[/B]

The Bank of Saipan’s board of directors has vowed to cooperate with a government move to appoint an outside expert to temporarily manage the banking institution’s financial affairs, amid the latter’s fears of depositors committing a bank run. Robert Goldberg, counsel for the BoS corporation, told Presiding Judge Edward Manibusan during a hearing yesterday afternoon that the bank supports the move to tap a “receiver” to oversee the bank’s operations.

[B]Hong Kong Bank closing Saipan branch this year[/B]

Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation will close down its Saipan branch by the end of 2002, the HSBC Holdings Board announced yesterday. The decision is in line with the banking institution’s move to reposition and reduce its operations in the Mariana Islands, HSBC Guam/Saipan Chief Executive Officer Guy Priestly said in a statement.