Flashback May 27, 2009-2003

Legislators dare rights group to show proof[/B]

Northern Marianas lawmakers yesterday shrugged off the latest attack against the Commonwealth after a human rights group accused the island of trafficking and abuse of its foreign workers. They also defended U.S. House Majority Whip Tom DeLay (R-Texas) from criticism of “improperly” using his position to stall legislation that will impose federal takeover of labor and immigrations laws in the CNMI. “I feel that DeLay is just doing what is necessary to address the CNMI position against any federal takeover that has been overlooked otherwise,” said House Majority Floor Leader Ana S. Teregeyo.
[B] Dr. Chong gets two years probation[/B]

Former health official Dr. Jose L. Chong was yesterday sentenced to two years probation and was ordered to return to the CNMI government close to $100,000 in illegal payments he received from a US-based health care provider for consulting services. In yesterday’s sentencing at the court jampacked by relatives and friends, the 74-year-old Chong told US District Court Judge Alex Munson that he was sorry The sentencing concluded more than a three-year investigation and court hearings involving the former director of then Department of Public Health and a division of the San Diego Hospital Association or SHARP.
[B] MAY 27, 2002

CPA alerted for possible attacks[/B]

The Commonwealth Ports Authority has implemented additional security measures at all CNMI airports in light of the newest terror alert issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The additional security measures will subject travelers to a more stringent inspection that includes scanning and inspection of even the smallest objects carried by departing passengers. CPA Executive Director Carlos H. Salas disclosed Friday that hats, watches, shoes, jackets, and belts are but some of the newest addition to the long list of objects that need to be inspected prior to boarding.
[B] Top graduates inspire crowd[/B]

Marie Nora P. Coleman and Betty J. Leonard—the valedictorians of the Northern Marianas Colleges’ graduates of 2002—didn’t exactly meet the profile of a traditional student. In between classes and academic commitments, they were also career and family women, making their way through college alongside students much younger than themselves. But despite the demands of a multi-faceted lifestyle, both managed to finish at the top of their class, graduating Summa Cum Laude in their chosen fields. Coleman completed her Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration with the highest honors while Leonard topped the first ever batch of NMC students to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education.
[B] MAY 26, 2003

CNMI honors war heroes[/B]

The Northern Marianas and the United States honored fallen and surviving members of the military for their strong commitment to keep the torch of freedom and democracy burning. U.S. Pacific Command Representative Rear Admiral Patrick Dunne said that 180 soldiers who fought in the recently won war in Iraq had been added to the list of thousands of other war heroes who died in the service of their country and their people. “This Memorial Day would be celebrated with a personal note. We have a great country, a great history, and great people,” said Dunne during the Memorial Day ceremony held at the Veterans Memorial Park in Susupe.
[B] Teacher: ACT can’t force itself[/B]

The Association of Commonwealth Teachers could no longer force itself upon teachers or the government because it lacks consent and recognition as the representative of all public school teachers, according to Kagman High School teacher representative Ambrose Bennett. Bennett made the remarks in response to ACT’s letter to Gov. Juan N. Babauta, which, he said, is not only disrespectful to teachers but also to the governor’s office. “ACT has not only disrespected teachers, ACT is now trying to intimidate your office,” said Bennett in his own letter to Babauta yesterday.