Flashback August 12, 1999-2003

[B]August 12, 1999[/B] [I]Chamber president Deets quits[/I]

In a surprise move, Saipan Chamber of Commerce president Kerry M. Deets yesterday resigned from her post amid reports of infighting among the board of directors of the island’s only business group. Deets, who was installed as Chamber head in January 1999, cited her new job with GTE Pacifica and her family as the main reasons for her decision in quitting the job.

[I]89 asylum-seekers from China sent to US[/I]

At least 89 asylum-seekers, who were passengers of the fishing vessels intercepted by federal and local authorities, have been sent to mainland U.S. for “possible further processing,” according to a court document. The 89 were among the 537 undocumented aliens from China who were held in the “tent city” on Tinian. Those detained were crewmen and passengers of five boats, which were intercepted by Coast Guard on separate occasions in April and May of this year.

[I]Nielsen tells legislators: Follow regulations[/I]

Finance Sec. Lucy DLG Nielsen yesterday defended her department against criticisms from members of the Legislature that they are making it difficult to release funds for their travel expenses, saying they are just complying with the regulations. She claimed some of the legislators still have huge outstanding travel vouchers that they have yet to file with the Department of Finance as part of the requirements before they can draw down again from their respective accounts.

[B]August 12, 2002[/B] [I]DLNR also expecting a deficit[/I]

Even as the government is projecting a budget shortfall due to the current spending levels of the departments of Public Health and Public Safety, another government agency divulged it is also anticipating a budget deficit this fiscal year. The Department of Lands and Natural Resources said it is projecting a $133,000-fiscal deficit, mainly due to holiday pay and within-grade increases on salaries of personnel.

[I]Kumoi opposes hike in user’s fee[/I]

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Resources, Economic Development and Programs has expressed opposition to the proposed increase in the user’s fee, saying this will hurt not only the garment industry but up to 15 other industries in the Commonwealth. At the same time, committee chairman Sen. Ramon S. Guerrero said the bill is ill-conceived in that it penalizes the garment industry to support the CNMI’s other industryÑtourism.

[I]NMI to benefit from Rota aid[/I]

The federal aid that the Federal Emergency Management Agency will extend to Rota will benefit not only that particular island but also the entire Commonwealth. Rota Legislative Delegation Chair Sen. Ricardo S. Atalig disclosed this, saying that the federal aid would consist of three forms of assistance: public assistance, hazard mitigation grant program, and assistance classified as others.

[B]August 12, 2003[/B] [I]Govt tightens fist on spending[/I]

With just 50 days more to go before the end of the fiscal year, the Babauta administration is plugging all spending loopholes to make sure that it does not go a cent beyond the mandated budget for this fiscal year, set at $217.96 million. In a directive to all Executive Branch employees, departments and agency heads, Gov. Juan N. Babauta expanded the government’s cost-cutting measures by prohibiting purchases of any items unless authorized in advance by his office. It also prohibits agencies and departments from entering into any contracts without his prior approval.
[I] Lizama retention, casino initiatives make it to November midterm polls[/I]

CNMI voters will decide on November 1 whether to retain or reject Superior Court Judge Juan T. Lizama, whose term expires on July 14, 2004. The Election Commission Board approved Friday to place on the ballot the question: “Shall Judge Juan T. Lizama be retained in office?” Voting yes would mean that Lizama will remain as Superior Court judge for another six years. He was sworn in as judge on July 17, 1998.

[I]Heinz and Stanley are mulling independence?[/I]

Republican representatives Heinz Hofschneider and Stanley Torres could end up running as independent candidates for the mid-term polls, after Gov. Juan N. Babauta reportedly said he is not going to campaign for the two. The governor, a Republican himself and the titular head of the party, allegedly said during a meeting with Republican officials Thursday evening that he has no plans of supporting the candidacies of Hofschneider and Torres, who have both been vocal in their criticism and opposition to some of the governor’s policies and actions.