FLASHBACK February 2, 1999-2001

Garment sector, gov’t must ally[/B]

A top executive of the leading U.S. apparel company Liz Claiborne Inc. yesterday issued stern warning to CNMI officials against Saipan becoming a “ghost town” when it risks losing a competitive edge in the multi-billion dollar global clothing trade. Unless they form a strong partnership with the garment sector to deal with serious problems, the local industry will lose out to other countries competing for the huge domestic market in the mainland, according to Paul R. Charron, chairman and chief executive officer of the New Jersey-based firm. “You should be bold and courageous in confronting the very serious threat to your economy,” he told local lawmakers in a meeting at the House chamber.

With the initial success of its promotional campaign, Japan Airlines will provide discounted air fare to Saipan on three special occasions in May, June and July to entice more Japanese tourist to come here. According to Kaishun Nishigaya, JAL general manager, the airline will provide special rates on Mother’s Day on May 9, Father’s Day on June 20 and Tanabata (Festival of the Weaver) on July 7. The reduction in rate was part of the airline’s commitment to help the CNMI increase its market share in Japan. Last month, the airline launched its “JAL-Saipan Campaign” targeting some 15,000 additional visitors.

Mobil hikes oil prices by 4 cents[/B]

Mobil Oil Mariana Islands Inc. increased the prices of its three major oil products by four cents beginning yesterday, a senior company official disclosed, citing external market forces which have forced international market prices up since January. The oil company has been forced to adjust the prices of regular and premium fuel, as well as of diesel, because of the continuous rise in prices of petroleum products in the Singapore regional market. Mobil gas stations in the islands yesterday started selling regular unleaded fuel at $2.02 per gallon from the previous $1.98, while premium fuel is now sold at $2.09 per gallon from $2.05 last month.

Marubeni Corporation broke its silence yesterday for the first time to deny allegations that it bribed Commonwealth Utilities Corporation Executive Director Timothy P. Villagomez to win the contract on the controversial Saipan power project. The Japanese conglomerate does not have any relations with certain Mr. Kobayashi of the NK3 Corporation, nor it has ties with that company, according to a statement issued by its lawyers on Saipan, Carlsmith Ball. The charges linking Marubeni, one of the bidders on the mothballed 80-megawatt plant, to the purported wrongdoing committed by Mr. Villagomez were part of an affidavit that it said had already been discredited by the Attorney General’s Office.

Fitial joins gubernatorial race[/B]

Armed with a strong campaign platform that lays down concrete plans on making education accessible to all and the determination to alleviate CNMI’s economic woes, House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial announced he is running for governor in the November polls. He joins three other prominent personalities who have officially announced plans to run for the hotly-contested seat in Capitol Hill come general elections in a little over eight months. A seasoned lawmaker, Mr. Fitial enjoys the strong support of the business community due to his optimistic visions on the capabilities of the local economy to flourish given the right utilization of available resources.

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio will convene his finance managers to explore solutions to the growing concerns on the government’s overdue utility bills that necessitated the release of disconnection notices to 40 agencies and offices. Mr. Tenorio will meet with officials from the Department of Finance, headed by Secretary Lucy Dlg. Nielsen to ensure the continued supply of power in all government offices amid disconnection notices from the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation. “I called up the secretary of finance and I will be meeting with the staff to find out what we can do to resolve this issue,” said the local chief executive in an interview after signing a proclamation commending contributions by the Boy Scout in the community.