Flashback May 23, 2000-2002

Illegal drugs seized[/B]

Surprise inspections conducted by a combined team from the Department of Public Health, Attorney General’s Office and Department of Public Safety on five health clinics on Saipan revealed that some of these establishments were dispensing controlled substances and possessing medical devices illegally. This led to the arrest of one Chinese individual suspected of performing unlicensed medical procedure. The Chinese businessman was released pending the filing of appropriate charges. His acupuncture clinic was closed for operating without a sanitary health permit and a medical license.

Amid hardships in all the other business activities in the Northern Marianas, the local finance sector continue to manifest resilience as bank assets soared 10 percent in the first three months of the year to $596.308 million from $544.429 million during the same period of last year. This translates to almost $52 million in additional bank assets in just a 12-month period, or an increase of more than $6 million since end-December 1999. A report obtained from the Banking and Insurance Division of the commerce department disclosed bank assets reached $589.9 million by end-1999.

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio has ordered departments and agencies to turn power off after office hours and check faucets for leaks as part of his effort to cut down government utility costs amid its mounting debt to the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation. He issued a memorandum last week after CUC Board Chair Jesus T. Guerrero had asked him to implement drastic conservation measures while the administration is seeking ways to reduce outstanding balance that has now reached at over $12 million.

CNMI steps up fight vs international criminals[/B]

CNMI law enforcement agencies have pledged anew support to international efforts that aim to curb fraudulent activities amid fears that illegal operations especially in the international scale have taken more sophisticated forms. High-ranking officials from throughout the Pacific rim convened in Honolulu last week to renew cooperation efforts during the annual Pacific Basin Customs Service Conference.

The Northern Islands Mayor’s Office officially unveiled a 90-page-thick plan containing a well-studied proposal to develop the Northern Islands. Copies of the development sketch have been distributed to local leaders, lawmakers, and members of the community in a bid to spread the word of NIMO’s seriousness with regard to following through its long-term goals.

Commonwealth Automobile Dealers’ Association President Carlos Camacho believes the 32 percent increase in car sales during the first four months of 2001 was spurred by the stronger rally of the local economy. In the January-April period, the four dealerships on the island have already sold a total of 382 units. During the same period last year auto dealers sold only 290 units.

Tribune reporter wins US-EPA award[/B]

Saipan Tribune’s commitment to the preservation and protection of the environment bore good fruits, with no less than the federal government’s lead environmental agency recognizing this devotion. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has selected Saipan Tribune reporter John Ravelo to be one of this year’s recipients of the 2002 Environmental Achievement Award.
[B] CNMI’s recoverable funds reach $7.09M[/B]

The Commonwealth government can potentially recover more than $7.09 million if it applies itself in getting back these monies, which comprises unpaid land lease rentals, overpayments in service contracts, and improper expenditure of public funds. An Office of the Public Auditor tracking report on the CNMI agencies implementation of audit recommendations showed that the recovery of these public funds hinges on the actions of the Attorney General’s Office and the agencies concerned.

Alarmed over a report that the U.S. Department of Agriculture may soon scrap its Underserved 502 Funds for Tinian and Rota due to a lack of demand, Rota Sen. Ricardo S. Atalig is now scrambling to make sure that the funds remain open for the two islands. Atalig said he has instructed his Senate staff yesterday to look into the matter and he will be communicating with the Northern Marianas Housing Corp. for an explanation why they were not made aware of this.