Flashback October 14, 1999-2003

[B]October 14, 1999

CUC holds off action on Saipan power plant[/B]

Independent experts yesterday unsealed the results of their months-long evaluation of various bids on the controversial Saipan power project that generally countered an earlier decision by the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation to award the $120 million contract to Marubeni-Sithe. But the CUC Board withheld its selection of the firm to build the 80-megawatt power plant for the next three months pending further review of the report made by Burns & McDonnell as well as an assessment of the need for the project with such a magnitude on the island.

[B]Manglona quits from CUC board[/B]

Members of the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation Board yesterday elected a new secretary to replace board director Laura I. Manglona, who has apparently resigned following controversies surrounding her appointment. Frank T. Flores, a board director representing Saipan, assumed her post after more than two months since Manglona was elected by the same board last July.

[B]Garapan Street Market unveiled[/B]

With the slowdown in the island’s tourism economy, Garapan, the island’s main commercial district, has seen a decline in business activity. But beginning Dec. 2 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the “little Ginza” will have a new face with the establishment of a Garapan Street Market. Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio and Lt. Gov. Jesus R. Sablan commended efforts of various government agencies and the private sector to help revive the ailing tourism industry.

[B]October 14, 2002

NMC eyes over $26M ADB loan[/B]

The Northern Marianas College is asking for over $26 million loan from the Asian Development Bank to finance the construction of new college facilities, including laboratories, dormitories and classrooms. NMC president Kenneth Wright, Ph.D., said the amount is half of the total project cost of $53 million. “I requested ADB half of that amount. We made a proposal to the ADB which is in the process. That would be a substantial amount of money that would help us construct the facility and get the equipment to train the teachers and so on. The other half, we’ve got to find a way to find that here within the CNMI,” Wright said in an interview.

[B]’Four-year courses not an NMC priority'[/B]

Offering more bachelor degree programs is possible but it is not a priority at this time at the Northern Marianas College, according to NMC president Kenneth Wright, Ph.D. “We have no immediate plans to offer more four-year programs. It’s possible, but it’s a big task that we’re not prepared to do at this time,” Wright said in an interview.

[B]Secondary road repairs need millions[/B]

The Saipan Mayor’s Office needs millions of dollars to finance the paving of all secondary roads on the island, Mayor Juan B. Tudela said. In an interview, Tudela said that the Laulau Road repair and pavement alone, costs about $1 million. “For this single project alone, we already need $1 million. This covers the paving [and] drainage work,” he said.

[B]October 14, 2003

‘What about our businesses?’
[/B] Garapan business owners lament lack of govt concern
Shop owners on Third Street in Garapan have expressed dismay over the government’s alleged lack of concern for them in view of impending business disruptions brought on by the planned construction of a $6.4-million pedestrian mall in the area. Made in Saipan store manager Wendy Kim said that, while she welcomes the mall project, she is certain it would mean losses for business during the expected nine-month construction period.

[B]PBDC to reorganize, invite Hawaii back[/B]

The Pacific Basin Development Council will reorganize and implement needed reforms to ensure its viability and regional responsiveness, according to its current president, CNMI Gov. Juan N. Babauta. Babauta, who recently convened a semi-annual PBDC conference on Saipan, said that part of the plan is to invite Hawaii back to the organization.