FLASHBACK May 28, 1999-2002

AGO begins probe of consumer prices[/B]

Backing move to probe consumer prices on the island, the Attorney General’s Office has assured legislators that an investigation has started into claims of excessive shipping charges by carriers serving the CNMI which may have pushed the cost of importing goods here. But the AGO said it has met difficulties in pressing the matter due to the financial crisis that has prevented them from hiring outside lawyers who could help them bring the case to federal authorities as well as to the U.S. Congress. “Outside counsel is necessary in this matter as the Attorney General’s office simply does not have the manpower or other resources necessary to pursue such a case,” said Assistant Attorney General David Lochabay in a letter Rep. Melvin Faisao.

U.S. House Resources Committee Chairman Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) has defended the Northern Marianas against proposals to slap tariffs on its garment exports to the mainland, calling them “outdated and not constructive” in dealing with the problems confronting the island. He said taking away the trade privileges granted the Commonwealth would hurt the local economy and lead to more federal doleouts to the island which has managed to become self-sufficient unlike other U.S. territories. Young underscored findings of his committee, which deals with island issues, during their visit to the CNMI last February, saying its garment industry should not be blamed for most of the labor problems here.

Graduates asked to seek local employment[/B]

A fresh batch of Northern Marianas College graduates were greeted Saturday with a new challenge that poses to eliminate what is perceived to be an outdated system of employment in the local scene. Public Auditor Mike Sablan, the keynote speaker during NMC’s 20th graduation rites, urged 142 successful students to wrestle with an employment system which he said is driven by wrong stereotypes of local graduates and resident workers. “Your graduation charges you with a new responsibility. It’s more than just a graduation today and a job tomorrow. It also means to change past and outdated employment practices,” said Mr. Sablan.

The House of Representatives asking the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation to stop collecting payment from consumers for the days when water delivery services are not available. In a letter, Rep. William S. Torres asked CUC to map out a mechanism that would allow commercial and residential consumers to offset credit on monthly flat rate during the days when water supply is interrupted. This, even as CUC officials said customers who receive water 24 hours a day naturally pay a higher premium than those like Garapan, who only have it every other day.

Saipan streets named this year [/B]

The Saipan Mayor’s Office yesterday assured residents that roads and houses on the island will be named and numbered before the year ends. This, as contractor Henry K. Pangelinan and Associates completed negotiations for the procurement of materials that will be used for street signs and names, Mayor Juan B. Tudela disclosed in an interview. Tudela said the long-delayed Saipan street-naming project will be completed within the year, adding that the project was awarded right after the release of the $600,000 funding.

Psychology experts from the Columbia University in New York City are now considering providing their services to the CNMI for free in a bid to help the Commonwealth stem the rise in suicide among its youths. Commonwealth Health Center psychiatrist Anthony Andrew Bottone, MD told Gov. Juan N. Babauta in a letter that he has been in touch with some of his colleagues at the Columbia University and they are now thinking of helping out, as long as there is community support and local implementation of the project in coordination with the CHC’s Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics. Bottone explained that these experts have already developed a sophisticated suicide prevention program employing screening tools and training of school and clinic personnel.