Flashback May 19, 1999-2003

Fair Wage Act tossed back to Legislature

Rejecting claims of differences with the private sector over its regulations, the Department of Labor and Immigration yesterday tossed the pressing issues to the Legislature which must amend questionable provisions of the existing laws. DOLI Sec. Mark Zachares said legislators must deal with the concerns raised by the Saipan Chamber of Commerce against some government policies since they are responsible for passing laws that may not be suitable to doing business in the Northern Marianas.

Repatriation program suspended

The Department of Labor and Immigration has suspended a repatriation program for displaced foreign workers in the Northern Marianas as funds set aside to compensate them have been used by the island government for some 500 illegal Chinese immigrants taking refuge on Tinian. Mark Zachares, labor and immigration secretary, said yesterday the department will resume the program once expenditures are reimbursed by the U.S. government.

Chamber, DOLI meet but no diatribe

The Saipan Chamber of Commerce yesterday expressed optimism that the concerns raised by its members in connection with the implementation of The Resident Workers Fair Compensation Act will be taken into consideration by the CNMI government. Chamber officers met with Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio, Labor Secretary Mark Zachares, key leaders of the legislature and the Attorney General’s Office for three hours during which they discussed the proposed amendments to the implementing rules and regulations of Public Law 11-74. The meeting was arranged by Rep. Oscar Babauta, chair of the House Committee on Commerce and Tourism.

CUC prods govt to cut utility expenses

ROTA—The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation has prodded Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio to implement drastic conservation measures in an effort to cut government utility costs amid its failure to settle unpaid bills that now stand at over $12 million. Despite the governor’s earlier pledge to pay about $1.4 million every month to CUC, finance officials have only offered $250,000 per quarter—a proposal that will not effectively reduce the government overall debt, according to CUC Board Chair Jesus T. Guerrero.

CONTINENTAL TO CPA: Market demand dictates flight frequency

The sharp reduction in tourist arrivals to the Northern Marianas was not caused by the elimination of all nonstop Continental Micronesia international flights to Saipan but by more pressing economic factors, airline executives told the United States Department of Transportation. In its response to the protest filed by the Commonwealth Ports Authority to the DOT, Continental Micronesia president Bill Meehan said the grave slowdown in the number of Japanese tourists to Saipan has, in fact, forced the airline to streamline its operations on the island.

Borja joins gubernatorial race

Confident of his political victory in next year’s elections, former Lt. Gov. Jesus R. Borja yesterday announced his decision to run for governor under the Democratic Party.
Speaking before family members and supporters, Mr. Borja stressed the need to restore hope in the future of the Northern Marianas amid the economic recession besetting the CNMI.

Dandan pilot reading program improves

Dandan Elementary School’s reading program has significantly improved this year, according to the Pacific Resources for Education and Learning. “We’ve seen a wonderful growth in students based on our assessments,” said CNMI PREL program coordinator Jean Olopai.

DPH mulls sin tax funds for cancer prevention program

Department of Public Health officials said they will explore all possible means to get local funding for the continued implementation of the breast and cervical cancer prevention program in the CNMI amid the lack of federal funding. DPH deputy secretary for public health Pete Untalan said in particular that the department hopes to get a share of the so-called sin tax.

DEQ cites open dump operator

The Division of Environmental Quality recently cited a man for violating the CNMI Solid Waste Management Regulations by operating an open dump. In a notice of violation, DEQ directed Kwung Ki Paik to immediately stop the dump’s operation. DEQ claimed demolition debris was stockpiled at a Garapan lot along Beach Road, which was formerly known as 19th Hole Building.