FLASHBACK January 8, 1999-2002

PSS travels cost $400K[/B]

The Public School System has spent $417,256.76 for travels from October 1997 to December 1998, and Board of Education members say this does not speak well of the school system at this time when the education budget is running short. BOE member Ester Fleming calls the spending “excessive.” “This looked like we satisfied ourselves first,” Fleming said. The funds were drawn from local and federal sources and went toward training of staff and BOE members and attendance of conferences.

A group of Japanese investors met with two key government officials yesterday to discuss a proposal to convert the Royal Taga Hotel into a clinic to cater to the elderly Japanese in the CNMI. The plan is expected to drive up tourist arrivals from Japan and resuscitate the ailing CNMI tourist industry. The investors, whose company was not known as of press time, made initial discussions with Marianas Visitors Authority board Chairman David M. Sablan and Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez. Their meeting was closed to the press.

Wiseman named Superior Court judge[/B]

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio has nominated prominent lawyer David A. Wiseman to the Superior Court to fill a vacancy following the appointment last year of Justice John A. Manglona to the Supreme Court. The governor submitted his name last Thursday to the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Governmental Investigations for his confirmation. Mr. Wiseman, 58, expressed elation for the appointment, saying being a judge has long been a goal and aspiration after spending most of his professional life in the CNMI.

The Commonwealth Ports Authority strongly supports the economic revitalization plan of the CNMI government, as it ensured cooperation so long as the agency’s capability to meet its debt requirements is not compromised. Board Chair Roman S. Palacios said a detailed analysis of the ports authority’s projected revenues and expenditures was specifically made to determine whether CPA can heed to calls for lower airport charges. According to Mr. Palacios, the financial review showed a modest increase in actual revenues compared to budgeted expenses which allowed CPA to adjust airport rates and extend the implementation of the Airline Incentive Program.

Teachers, parents discuss proper childcare[/B]

The Public School System and the Department of Public Health yesterday gathered teachers and parents throughout the island for a whole-day conference on early childhood care that was presented by the HeadStart Program. The Second Annual Health Symposium, “Show you care, Stay Healthy, Live Healthy” seminar, which was held at the Saipan Diamond Hotel, gathered education and medical experts in presenting a variety of techniques on childcare. Experts tackled the importance of prenatal care, postpartum care and immunization. They also discussed ways to prevent the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, as well as the importance of dental care and the five strategies of the Virtues Project.

Sen. Joaquin G. Adriano yesterday branded as “bogus” earlier reports that senator-elect Diego M. Songao and Sen. Ramon Guerrero will be joining the Republican Party to ensure a GOP-controlled Senate in the 13th Legislature. Adriano insisted that the original composition of the 13th Senate leadership is still intact “and that it’s going to remain like that. There are no changes.” This comes even as rumors continue to fly over a possible upset in the Senate leadership in the run-up to the January 14 inauguration. Earlier reports said Songao, a Covenant Party member from Rota, and Guerrero, an Independent from Saipan, are being wooed to join the GOP to give the Republican Party majority control of the upper chamber.