Flashback June 20, 2000-2002

[B]June 20, 2000

OIA backs CNMI’s clamor for direct flights[/B]

Pressed by the Commonwealth government’s clamor for direct international flights to the island from major Asian cities, the United States Department of the Interior has thrown its support to the CNMI’s protest against persistent treatment of Saipan and Guam as co-terminals by Continental Micronesia. Insular Affairs Director Ferdinand Aranza assured the Commonwealth Ports Authority and the CNMI government that concerned federal agencies are now working at providing better air transport service to the Northern Marianas.

[B]CDA minimizes loans for laundromats, groceries[/B]

There is only one thing you should remember if you are looking at launching a business venture and you intend to secure loans from the Commonwealth Development Authority for startup capital: “Submit fresh business ideas.” Marylou S. Ada, CDA executive director, said the government-controlled lending agency has taken steps to minimize the approval of loan packages intended to finance business ventures that are already crowding the local market.

[B]BOE reviews priorities under FY 2001 budget[/B]

The Public School System has conducted minor modifications to its proposed $45 million budget request for FY 2001, reassessing the number of fulltime equivalents it has acquired and released since the start of the ongoing fiscal year. The school system is currently looking into several options, devising some alternatives in case it has to endure another year under a continuing resolution.

[B]June 20, 2001

Education is still first priority, assures Teno[/B]

Amid depleting government coffers, Governor Pedro P. Tenorio maintained yesterday that education will continue to be the administration’s top priority. Despite a $16 million slash in the Public School System’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2002, the local chief executive assured that he would not hesitate to re-program funds to support education whenever the need arises.

[B]’I will sign stay limit suspension'[/B]

The bill suspending the three-year stay limit is virtually assured of passage after Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio yesterday said that he will immediately sign the measure as soon as it reaches him. During yesterday’s launching of the American Red Cross’ annual fundraiser, Tenorio said the bill has not reached his desk yet but he said that as soon as the Senate hands over the bill to him, he will sign it forthwith.

[B]Revenue report out next month[/B]

Government finance managers are expected to submit a comprehensive revenue projection report next month, to pacify concerns on the Administration’s ability to meet the projected $239 million revenues for Fiscal Year 2002. Legislators have asked administration officials to immediately launch a study that would determine if the local economy can sustain the government’s anticipated $239-million operational expenses in the next financial year.

[B]June 20, 2002

Babauta unveils educational plan [/B]

With the goal of becoming the best educated people in the Pacific, the Babauta administration yesterday unveiled its Education Execellence Initiatives, consisting of five legislative proposals aimed at putting more resources into CNMI classrooms to raise academic performance. Highlights of the initiative include increases in salaries and a tax credit for out-of-pocket expenses for teachers, a pilot program aimed at promoting adolescent health, a requirement for universal kindergarten, and establishment of a charter school system that would allow existing public schools to become independent of the Public School System.

[B]HANMI seeks representation on tourism task forces, talks[/B]

Branding Managaha Island as the Commonwealth’s top recreational attraction, the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands expressed serious concern over the recent bacterial contamination of its waters and the continuing erosion of Saipan’s beaches. This, as the hotel association offered its help to solving these problems, which, it said, would have adverse impacts on the tourism industry.