Regents slam absence of time-keeper in NMC By ALDWIN R. FAJARDO

Only one government agency in the Northern Mariana Islands apparently tolerates late-comers or under-timers because it does not follow the time-in, time-out policy.

Regent Manuel C. Sablan on Thursday demanded explanation from the Northern Marianas College administration on the absence of a policy requiring its personnel to time-in and time-out.

According to Mr. Sablan, the NMC does not have a single bundy clock for its over 100 employees which seemingly allows personnel to work under time or report late.

“Nobody can tell what time an employee comes in or leaves the office because the college does not even have a bundy clock,” he told NMC officials during a meeting last week.

Mr. Sablan, who is also a businessman, said the NMC has become an unwitting shelter for some employees who may not be working enough for the level of salary they get.

“NMC is the only institution in the entire CNMI government without a time clock when people should be timing in and timing out,” he pointed out.

“We should run the college like a business. Pay the people the amount they will get from the private sector if they work for the business community,” Mr. Sablan added.

While stressing that NMC continues to herald its commitment to educating CNMI youths, he said a thorough review of the college’s personnel since 1996 would yield discouraging results.

“We are doing well. We are committed. But it’s time we start valuing time. Let’s work together and do something about it,” he said.

Mr. Sablan asked the administration to come up with a written explanation why NMC falls short at implementing the government’s time-in, time-out policy.

He also sanctioned the college administration to provide a detailed report of NMC activities.

“Get me the details. We are here to serve the students. I want to know if these students are being served so give me the details,” Mr. Sablan said.