FLASHBACK – October 25, 2011

Oct. 25, 1999

Teno extends state of emergency anew

For the third time since July, Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio has declared a state of disaster emergency in the CNMI after a volcano north of Saipan remains to be a danger for residents due to potential major eruptions within the next few months. In extending an earlier warning issued last Friday, the governor has kept the island of Alamagan at high risk for habitation and travel, thus restricting activities there only to scientific expeditions to monitor the volcano. Residents of Alamagan, however, have already fled the northern island after the government forbade travels to the area. According to the governor, the area is still unsafe for human habitation.

GMA urges fair coverage of CNMI issues at WTO

When the World Trade Organization meets late next month in Seattle, organizations ranging from labor unions and consumer groups to hard-line environmentalists and Third World peasant movements are planning major demonstrations. The Saipan Garment Manufacturers Association has urged the Seattle Times to rethink its past coverage, particularly of partial settlements by clothing retailers named in the class action lawsuits filed last January. Stories in the Times and throughout the stateside media presented this as a big victory for workers and the human rights groups supporting them, which proves that all claims of bad treatment and worker abuse on Saipan are true.

Oct. 25, 2000

CPA eyes reinstatement of overtime work

The Commonwealth Ports Authority is seriously looking at the possibility of allowing employees to work beyond the regular 80 hours per pay period but only under specific situations that may require their presence either at the airport or the harbor. CPA Board finance chair Roman T. Tudela said the agency’s current financial situation can allow the reinstatement of overtime compensation, which was previously suspended due to austerity measures, but only under strict enforcement. In order to prevent possible abuse of the proposed reinstatement of overtime compensation, Mr. Tudela said Executive Director Carlos H. Salas or his designee should have the sole authority and discretion to approve overtime requests.

Hire ’outsider’ for OPA post

The chair of the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigations yesterday backed a recommendation from outgoing Public Auditor Leo L. LaMotte to hire an outsider to replace him. Sen. Joaquin G. Adriano said that while he is leaving the appointment of new chief of Office of Public Auditor to the governor, the government should recruit from off-island or from the U.S. mainland. “That position should [be filled by someone from] the outside. I will support it based on the recommendation of Mr. LaMotte,” he told reporters in an interview. The EAGI chair expressed preference for an outsider in order to ensure “balance of power” in the critical position.

Oct. 25, 2001

Teno OKs website for CNMI youths

The administration may be scraping the bottom of the barrel when it comes to funds but it certainly is not scrimping when it comes to its kids. Underscoring the value that the administration places on its youths, Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio signed into law two bills that would establish a youth webpage and a council for youth affairs. Both measures were authored by Rep. William S. Torres. In a transmittal letter to legislative leaders, Tenorio yesterday said that Finance Secretary Lucy Nielsen has assured him that there is money available to fund the development, implementation and maintenance of a CNMI Youth Webpage.

Activiation of NMI’s Army Reserve eyed

The US Pacific Command is considering the request of Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio for help in detailing more men to guard the Commonwealth’s airports to comply with federally mandated security level. Tenorio’s request was coursed through Rear Admiral Tom S. Fellin, the US Navy’s commander for the Naval Forces Marianas. Fellin is the Guam Representative to the US Pacific Command. Fellin’s public affairs oficer, Lt. Monica M. Richardson, said Tenorio’s proposal to activate the CNMI’s Army Reserve is being studied. “[Rear] Admiral Fellin and his staff are reviewing the request,” said Richardson via telephone from Guam.