Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio said Saturday the influx of illegal Chinese immigrants has filled the immigration holding centers in Guam, forcing authorities from the neighboring island to divert to Tinian a boat carrying at least 157 nationals believed to be from mainland China.

The Saipan Garment Manufacturers Association issued a warning to all its members to be careful where they allow their employees to purchase fruits, vegetables and other items that may be sold by persons not allowed to legally conduct business in the CNMI.

Two pending legislation under review by the US Congress is seeking duty-free breaks to apparel made in countries on the Caribbean Basin subject to few conditions, posing yet another blow to the garment industry in the CNMI.

The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation may issue yet another request for proposal (RFP) on a water desalination facility for central Saipan after the initial project was dropped due to high costs and little support from residents.