Flashback August 11, 1999-2002

[B]August 11, 1999

Move class suit in California to CNMI[/B]

The garment manufacturers and retailers named in the $1 billion class action suit filed in California asked the Central District Court Monday to transfer the case to the federal district court of the Northern Marianas, saying this venue would be more convenient for both parties. The defendants argued that the plaintiffs, witnesses, documents, evidence, and all conditions relating to the case are all on Saipan.

[B]House grants Inos expending power over PSS CIP projects[/B]

The House of Representatives yesterday amended a recently-signed law that appropriated nearly $30 million for Public School System’s infrastructure development plans to grant expenditure authority to the education commissioner. But the legislative body also agreed to alter the amount of funding set aside for two projects on Rota, slashing $600,000 from the $1.8 million allotted for the completion of Sinapalu Elementary School to increase funding for construction of new public school libraries on the island.

[B]CPA moves to contain oil spill on Tinian[/B]

A repossessed and dilapidated fishing vessel sank on Tinian Harbor early Tuesday morning causing an oil spill in the surrounding area. The Commonwealth Ports Authority, together with the Emergency Management Office, U.S. Coast Guard and the Commonwealth Development Authority, carried out containment efforts to prevent any harmful effects on the environment.

[B]August 11, 2000

Delinquent borrowers face CDA foreclosure[/B]

Amid the increase in delinquency rate, the Commonwealth Development Authority will foreclose the properties of those who have continuously ignored to settle their loans with the government lending agency. The CDA board has agreed to push through with the foreclosure proceedings after it has given up hopes to recover money from borrowers who have failed to meet their financial obligations, said Executive Director Marylou S. Ada.

[B]DPS taps Hong Kong Interpol[/B]

The Department of Public Safety has sought the help of the Hong Kong Interpol to provide them with information regarding the slain Hong Kong Chinese national and his possible killers. The police agency has written to the Hong Kong Interpol recently to help them assist in establishing leads, according to sources from the department. No arrest has been made so far by the authorities.
This was revealed after the Federal Bureau of Investigation has stepped into the murder case to help the local police in apprehending the killers of Mr. Tse, who was shot in a restaurant in Chalan Piao.

[B]No more free parking at seaport[/B]

Starting Monday, Aug. 14, 2000 the Commonwealth Ports Authority will activate the automated public parking system at the Port of Saipan parking lot. Under the new system, vehicles may enter or exit at the newly constructed white concrete parking booth on the north side of the parking lot near the Seaport building. When entering the parking lot, drivers will have to take a parking ticket from the automated parking machine. When they exit, they will turn in the ticket to the parking lot attendant to pay the parking fee.
[B] August 11, 2002

Church offers advice to cure moral ills[/B]

In an age seemingly bombarded with endless adversities–the skyrocketing crime rate, worsening financial crisis and global security worries—how does one cope and manage to go on with life? Is there hope for brighter days ahead? A promise of a better future? The CNMI’s most influential Catholic Church leader says there is.

[B]Babauta says he’s far from violating law on salary cap issue[/B]

Gov. Juan N. Babauta clarified that, far from violating any laws on the salary cap issue, he is still very much within the parameters set by the Salary Compensation Act. Babauta explained that, under that Act, if the Governor wishes to hire a person at a salary that exceeds the ceilings set by law, the law requires him to write to the Legislature and justify why he should hire somebody at a salary higher than the default limit of $50,000 per annum.