Flashback – Oct. 26, 1999-2001

Island economy to grow 1- 2 percent[/B]

Despite predictions that the island’s economy will hit rock bottom in the last quarter of 1999, the Northern Marianas is expected to post a growth of 1 to 2 percent next year, according to an economic report prepared by Bank of Hawaii.

But the report said the modest growth rate will still depend on improvement in tourist traffic. Specifically, it said more passengers from Korea will pull out the economy from distress.

The report, prepared by Dr. Wali M. Osman, regional economist of the bank, also said the local economy will increase to 3 to 4 percent in the year 2001. The bank’s economic analysis is made every two years.

“Had air service between CNMI and Korea continued, the impact of the Asian financial crisis on both Korean and Japanese travelers, while significant, would not have been as large,” the report said.

Local leaders hope to draw support from their allies in the U.S. Congress in a bid to block the latest attempt to extend federal immigration laws to the Northern Marianas, according to lawmakers.

House Speaker Diego T. Benavente underscored the need for the CNMI to maintain the “status quo,” saying there are still commitments in the Covenant that have yet to be fulfilled by Washington, particularly a strong local economy to ensure self-sufficiency.

“Because of the fragile economic conditions on the island, we need to be able to control our labor and immigration and to have the decision on our hands,” he told in an interview yesterday.

“We cannot depend on Congress several thousands of miles away to have that decision,” added Benavente.

Officials see fed tax credit as boost to local economy[/B]

The Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council is upbeat on the multiplier effect to the local economy of some $10 million worth of federal tax credits which are now being made available to local families following its implementation in the mainland U.S. in 1998.

In a resolution, the Council said the U.S. Child Tax Credit will bring financial relief to many local families who are now in need for additional funds, as well as revitalize the CNMI economy through increased consumer spending.

Council Chair Gregorio Deleon Guerrero said efforts of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service to fast-track the implementation of the federal tax credit into the Northern Marianas and other insular areas should be recognized.
[B] NMI leaders want Japan to recall travel advisory[/B]

CNMI officials and business leaders on a three-day visit in Japan will appeal to Japanese authorities to remove the Northern Marianas from the list of unsafe destinations for their travelers, according to a member of the delegation.

Rep. Norman S. Palacios, chair of the House Committee on Federal and Foreign Relations, said this would be one of their key goals when they hold meetings with Japanese government officials, lawmakers and businessmen.

Aside from the Tinian representative, the delegation is composed of Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio, House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial, Vice Speaker Alejo M. Mendiola, Commerce and Tourism Committee chair Rep. Bobby T. Guerrero and Rep. Malua T. Peter.
[B] October 26, 2001

Health experts brace for smallpox[/B]

The anthrax scare may be far from over but the federal government is already bracing against the use of another potentially dangerous weapon for bioterrorism—the smallpox virus.

Public Health Medical Director Richard Brostrom said that, although there is a slim chance for terrorists to use this weapon, it remains to be a potential threat as a biological weapon.

Unlike the anthrax bacteria, smallpox infection can be transmitted from one person to another, explained Brostrom.