Flashback – Nov. 16, 1999-2001

Tanapag residents eye class action suit[/B]

Some Tanapag residents are considering the filing of a class action suit against the U.S. Department of Defense for the contamination of the village with cancer-causing polychlorinated biphenyls and dioxin.

These hazardous chemicals, left by American troops in 1960s, are being blamed by residents for a number of unusual diseases that have plagued the community, as well as for the destruction of the environment.

According to former Lands and Natural Resources Secretary Benigno M. Sablan, he was given authority by 24 residents to tap the services of lawyers who would help them in the legal battle against DOD. He said the lawsuit may also include the Office of Insular Affairs, CNMI government, and the Department of Lands and Natural Resources.

For the second time in a row, Senate President Paul A. Manglona will keep his position as presiding officer of the upper house when the 12th Legislature convenes next year. The Rota senator was reelected into a new four-year term during the Nov. 6 midterm polls.

There is no major changes in the Senate leadership where Republicans corner six seats of the nine-member legislative chamber. Aside from the stunning defeat of Sen. Juan P. “Morgen” Tenorio who lost his re-election bid on Saipan, seven members will join the next legislature.

Former Commonwealth Utilities Corporation Executive Director Ramon S. “Kumoi” Guerrero is so far the only newcomer to the Senate after winning one of Saipan seats in the last elections.

NMC: Pay or else [/B]

A percentage of Northern Marianas College students stand to forfeit their chances of completing their two-year college degrees beginning next semester should they ignore the NMC Business Office’s warning to start fulfilling their financial liabilities to the college.

The college has vowed to step up its tuition collection in renewed efforts to recover close to $3 million unpaid fees.

Contemplating a possible decrease in student enrollment, the Business Office said it is set to implement more stringent tuition payment terms that will compel students to pay up or relinquish the privilege to avail of NMC’s services.

Implementation of the Microloan Program by the Commonwealth Development Authority resulted in the increased participation of local women in the business sector, Board Chair John S. Tenorio said yesterday.

Of the 14 microloans sealed by the CNMI government’s lending arm in financial year 2000, six were issued to women-owned businesses, Mr. Tenorio said during the formal closing of additional loans for the program with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Tinian underscores benefits of recycling[/B]

The Tinian Municipal Council passed seven municipal resolutions during a regular session on November 13, several of which will be forwarded to the Tinian Legislative Delegation for review and action.

Council chairman Juanita M. Mendiola introduced a resolution addressing the ongoing Tinian Landfill Project. Municipal Resolution 8-049 outlined the need for a comprehensive plan for reducing waste and reusing, recycling and composting materials as part of the $3.2-million landfill relocation project.

“The plan involves using a source separation system with containers located next to each other in each public location, and aggressive education simultaneously with the establishment of the Tinian Landfill, use of signs, and on-site monitoring to direct the public to use the correct bins for cans (aluminum, steel and tin cans), plastic (recyclable plastic bottles), glass (recyclable glass, glass bottles, jars), and cartons (paper, newspaper, corrugated cardboard),” said Mendiola.

The Sixth Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council handed out plaques of recognition to two local businesses on Saipan for their contribution to the development and growth of the CNMI.

Municipal Council Chair Gregorio V. Deleon Guerrero, Vice Chair David A. Indalecio and Council Secretary Jesus SN. Lizama recognized the contribution of Bank of Saipan and JALPAK International Micronesia Inc.

The Bank of Saipan was established in the CNMI on June 19, 1979 to provide financial assistance to qualified individuals, firms, and corporations. It has one nonresident and 50 local workers.