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[
"Ferdie De La Torre",
"Dennis B. Chan",
"Mark Rabago"
] | 2016-08-26T13:15:01 | null | 2016-08-23T20:05:15 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Ftropical-depression-passes-near-saipan-tinian-moves-toward-ni%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Tropical depression passes near Saipan, Tinian, moves toward NI | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | A tropical depression that may become a tropical storm today, Wednesday, brought strong winds and rain as it approached near Tinian and Saipan last night and moved north toward the Northern Islands.
As of 8pm yesterday, a tropical storm warning was in effect for Agrihan, Pagan, and Alamagan islands. It means that tropical storm conditions, including winds of 39 miles per hour or more are expected within the next 24 hours.
The U.S. National Weather Service Guam cautioned people on Agrihan, Pagan, and Alamagan to prepare for damaging winds late Tuesday night as Tropical Depression 14W is expected to pass near Alamagan at sunrise today, Wednesday.
Acting governor Victor B. Hocog advised residents of the CNMI to stay informed on the latest statements and advisories, which will be available through local media sources and weather radio broadcast.
As of 7pm yesterday, packing maximum sustained winds at 35 miles per hour and moving north, the center of Tropical Depression 14W was 30 miles south of Tinian, 35 miles south-southwest of Saipan, 45 miles northeast of Rota, and 100 miles northeast of Guam.
NWS said Tropical Depression 14W is expected to continue quickly moving northward, passing west of Tinian and Saipan Tuesday night and to near Pagan early morning today, Wednesday.
As of 6:30pm yesterday, the tropical disturbance’s center was about 20 miles northeast of Rota.
Hazardous surf of 12 feet will initially occur on south exposures, but will then spread to southwest and west exposures early Wednesday morning.
Minor coastal flooding is possible as rainfall of 3 to 5 inches is likely to occur from early Wednesday morning through midday Thursday.
Scattered to numerous showers and isolated thunderstorms were expected Tuesday night, with the heaviest rain for Rota and Guam.
Combined seas of 5 to 7 feet will build to between 7 and 10 feet overnight Tuesday with the highest seas east of the islands.
NWS cautioned the public who are planning any outdoor or marine activities to stay informed on the latest statements and advisories. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/tropical-depression-passes-near-saipan-tinian-moves-toward-ni/ | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/dc940d92027869c3ee8b1d7b4b52e9908e6ca6e7187da3a1ddc078b84384778c.json |
[
"Ferdie De La Torre",
"Joan L. Taitano"
] | 2016-08-29T02:53:58 | null | 2016-08-28T20:06:47 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fcop-facing-sexual-abuse-charges-granted-request-bail-modification-hearing-rota%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Cop facing sexual abuse charges granted request for bail modification hearing on Rota | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Superior Court Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho on Friday granted the request of Melvin Maratita Manglona, a Rota police officer facing charges for sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl, to hold a hearing on Rota to modify the $100,000 cash bail as his defendant’s proposed third party custodian is unable to travel to Saipan.
At a hearing on Saipan, Camacho ruled that the court requires proposed third party custodian to be present in court.
The judge set the bail modification hearing for Oct. 7, 2016 at 10:30am at the Rota Courthouse.
Camacho ordered the Department of Corrections to bring Manglona to Rota at the bail modification hearing.
Camacho said the conditions of the bail order dated Aug. 17, 2016, still remains.
Arraignment will be today, Monday, at 9am.
Manglona, through counsel assistant public defender Tillman Clark, requested that the court modify the $100,000 cash bail to allow his release upon posting of a property bond through an appearance bond and a mortgage.
Clark proposed Augustine SN. Maratita, 58, to serve as third-party custodian.
A 10,000 square meters of land was offered as the property bond.
Clark said unfortunately, Maratita is unable to afford airfare to travel to and from Saipan and would be unable to pick up Manglona from the Department of Corrections.
“As such, in the interests of ensuring that the citizens of Rota enjoy the equal rights and privileges as citizens of Saipan and Tinian, Manglona respectfully requests that the court schedule this hearing on Rota at the soonest date available,” said Clark in the motion for bail modification.
Under Commonwealth law, Clark said, all persons arrested from criminal offenses other than first degree murder “shall be entitled a matter of right to be released on bail” before trial.
At the Aug. 23 preliminary hearing, Camacho found probable cause to believe that the crimes of two counts of sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree and one count of disturbing the peace were committed and that the 48-year-old Manglona may have committed the offenses.
Camacho ordered Manglona to answer the charges.
The judge dismissed the charge of assault and battery because it is a lesser included offense of sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree.
It means that it is not necessary to charge assault and battery as it is already included in sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree.
Assistant attorney general Shannon Foley stated in the information that Manglona sexually abused the girl in July and Aug. 11, 2016 on Rota.
Foley said the defendant touched the girl’s private part last Aug. 1, and caused her to have suicidal thoughts from July 2016 to Aug. 11, 2016.
A Rota police detective stated in her report that the girl revealed that Manglona has been sexually abusing her since she was 9 years old and that the recent sexual encounter happened just last Aug. 11. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/cop-facing-sexual-abuse-charges-granted-request-bail-modification-hearing-rota/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/3e26006c8b917bc7d2f808bfbf91b48c71325bff230b4edc80206b92db895867.json |
[
"Press Release",
"Ferdie De La Torre",
"Rudy M. Sablan"
] | 2016-08-30T04:52:39 | null | 2016-08-30T03:03:10 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fbreaking-news-uscis-announces-cw-decision%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | BREAKING NEWS: USCIS announces CW decision | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Delegate Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Ind-MP) said today that the Department of Homeland Security has decided to offer an opportunity for relief to some foreign workers affected by the cut-off of fiscal year 2016 CW-1 permit renewals, announced in May.
“Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas called to inform me of the decision, and I received a detailed letter from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Leon Rodriguez today, explaining how USCIS intends to address the humanitarian issues arising from its May announcement to close applications for CW-1 permits for the rest of fiscal 2016,” said Sablan.
For long-term workers in the Marianas whose CW-1 permits have lapsed or will lapse before Oct. 1, the department will now consider “deferred action,” Mayorkas told the congressman.
A grant of deferred action will allow the workers to continue to reside legally in the Marianas.Applicants for deferred action will need to demonstrate exceptional circumstances or justifications, however, and applications will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Individuals with specific questions about the new policy should visit the USCIS website at https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/temporary-workers/cw-1-cnmi-only-transitional-worker/temporary-relief-workers-expiring-cw-1-nonimmigrant-status or the USCIS Saipan Application Support Center.
The decision will not affect workers who have already left the Marianas. But those who have remained after their permits expired, or whose permits have not yet expired, will be able to apply for deferred action.
If granted deferred action, the workers would maintain lawful presence during the deferred action period. They may also then apply for employment authorization. If their application for a fiscal 2017 permit is approved, the worker will be required to leave the Commonwealth for consular processing of a new visa, and then reenter.
“I thanked Deputy Secretary Mayorkas for this decision, and for his personal concern for the Marianas now and going back to his days as Director at USCIS,” Sablan said.
“Today’s news will be welcomed by those CW-1 workers who may now eligible for deferred action. It is also good news for their families, their employers, and everyone in our community whose economic interests are tied to having a stable and adequate workforce.” (PR) | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/breaking-news-uscis-announces-cw-decision/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/efce41086f364ad39c51d5c5aad04a0089404057f936101116b757d5ccb31395.json |
[
"Jon Perez",
"Contributing Author",
"Pete Jambs"
] | 2016-08-30T00:54:40 | null | 2016-08-29T20:06:09 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fschools-need-cautious-spending%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | ‘Schools need to be more cautious in spending’ | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | CNMI State Board of Education member Marylou S. Ada is asking school principals and administrators to become cautious in spending their annual budget. She is advising that all schools should make an annual plan on the things they would need for the entire school year.
Ada said that she was disappointed to see that some schools spend the money in buying non-essential things so they could zero out the fund that was given to them. “When I was BOE chair a few years ago, I was so disappointed on things that I’m seeing on their [purchase orders].”
“These are last-minute things that they are buying so they could spend all of their money. Don’t they plan in the beginning on what are the things they wanted to buy for the school year?.” added Ada, who did not elaborate on what are some of the items.
She said that these are not the usual things that you would buy for the schools. “It is not really something that would benefit the students or the school. These are things like really something that is out of the ordinary.”
“Like it won’t last long. It is not for long-term use. They just want to spend and zero out their budget. Sometimes they don’t plan,” Ada added.
She said that for example the school is allocated $40,000 and by the end of the year they still have $30,000 and they would spend it buying non-important things just to have a zero amount or else the remaining money would be taken away from them.
“It could have gone to fixing classrooms, renovating the bathrooms, fixing their WiFi, or anything that would improve the school and benefit the students. But when I see this entire PO, because they wanted to spend all of their money by the end of the fiscal year. It really makes me sad that something that would need,” said Ada.
Budget meeting
PSS human resources director Cindy Deleon Guerrero, in last week’s Senate budget hearing, said that they always meet and sit down with all the school principals and administrators, and program managers to go through their budget needs.
“When preparing the budget, we call on the principals and program managers. Sit down with them and we go through their staffing patterns and give them the opportunity to tell us what their schools need so that we can include it on the budget request,” said Deleon Guerrero.
“It goes through a series of planning events, not only once. The budget we submit and propose is always the collaboration and work of all administrators and school principals. If there is a cut, it is between what we requested and what we received. We request what we need, what the principals ask for, what we get is a different story.” | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/schools-need-cautious-spending/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/7306306dfa8cabc91ce4063dc2776d17fcea938946c85a64ea408f7d51e1a42d.json |
[
"Dennis B. Chan",
"Press Release",
"John S. Del Rosario Jr.",
"Rudy M. Sablan",
"Erwin Encinares",
"Capt Wtf",
"Chamoru First"
] | 2016-08-26T13:16:54 | null | 2016-06-21T20:06:38 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fshipping-company-close-shop-indefinitely-july%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Shipping company to close shop indefinitely in July | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | A shipping company delivering supplies to stores and residents on Tinian from Saipan is expected to close shop this July as its workers are being sent back to their home countries after their contract worker permits expire.
Michael San Nicolas, who runs the SN-5 Shipping Company, said they will be sending these employees back to the Philippines, where they hope to process their papers for a few months. Their employees are all leaving at different dates in July, he added.
San Nicolas’ shipping company is one of the many small businesses in the CNMI that are expected to feel the strain or close down with some 1,300 foreign workers leaving the Commonwealth, after the federal government announced in May that the CNMI had breached its CW worker cap and the affected employees not in the cap would have to leave within ten days of their permits expiring.
“My dad has been running this shipping between Tinian and Saipan for 26 years,” since 1990, he told Saipan Tribune in an interview yesterday.
“When he died three years ago, the children, myself included, took over the business.
“We just got caught up with this cap,” he said, adding they were late by two weeks in sending applications to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
San Nicolas said they have seven contract workers, all of which are skilled workers, like engine mechanics, a mason, and shipping crew.
San Nicolas says they ship goods every week to stores on Tinian and used to ship supplies to the Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino when it was still running.
He stresses they are not the only company who ships goods, though, to Tinian.
“We are just hoping and crossing our fingers we will continue because we are looking at the future with hotels opening on Tinian and we want to continue our father’s business. The children want to continue Dad’s business,” he said.
San Nicolas, when asked, said they would try to hire local workers, “but my men—they’ve been working on our boat for 15 to 20 years—and they know it inside out.”
“I am deeply saddened to see a local company that has been in service since 1990 have to close down,” said Rep. Edwin K. Propst (Ind-Saipan) yesterday, when sought for comment. “They provide a valuable service between Saipan and Tinian and many stores depend on SN-5 and residents depend on them for goods.”
Propst added many of these positions lost are skilled workers and if local workers wants these jobs they can apply but it was sad to see long-term workers and families being forced to leave island.
As the contract worker crisis continues, business and labor groups have sought solutions outside administrative fixes by the federal government to alleviate the strain on the contract worker cap.
Business groups last week, for one, asked the Saipan casino and another developer to pull all their construction visas not on the ground for their hotel developments to alleviate the strain on the quota.
The Saipan Chamber of Commerce, Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Society of Human Resources Management asked Best Sunshine International, Ltd., the Saipan casino, and Honest Profit International, Ltd., to cancel these visa applications.
The groups fear economic collapse next fiscal year with some 7,000 construction workers under the CW cap in the pipeline replacing many longtime workers that run the day-to-day businesses of the Commonwealth. Some 1,200 construction workers occupy the CW quota for this year.
The Saipan casino, who has boasted plans to complete a high-class casino resort in Garapan by 2017 and begin the first phase of its $7-billion dollar casino industry on Saipan that is still seeking its investors to fund large swaths of the project, has still not responded to emails from Saipan Tribune on the groups’ request to pull out their construction worker visas. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/shipping-company-close-shop-indefinitely-july/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-06-21T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/422009f77322e53751322f11b31b1cd529552770f3d398bc26c81643a4130fee.json |
[
"Erwin Encinares",
"Press Release",
"Roselyn Monroyo"
] | 2016-08-29T20:52:27 | null | 2016-08-29T20:06:38 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fseptember-proclaimed-cultural-heritage-month%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Cultural-Heritage-Month-pix-2-150x150.jpg | en | null | September proclaimed Cultural Heritage Month | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | The celebration of Cultural Heritage Month in the CNMI this coming September officially kicked off when Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and Lt. Gov. Victor Hocog signed the proclamation at the Carolinian Utt last Sunday, Aug. 28.
September is the month for the annual Cultural Heritage Month, the official recognition and celebration of Chamorro and Carolinian roots.
Carolinian Affairs executive assistant John I. Tagabuel said Cultural Heritage Month is the time to show the world what makes the CNMI special.
“Basically, when we cater to tourists, we want to make sure that we are showing our tradition and culture because it shows what kind of people we are and where we came from,” he said.
The celebrations also highlight the various cultural identities of the CNMI. “The theme of celebration is celebrating who we are. We really want to promote that aspect of celebrating who we are as a Chamorro and as a Carolinian,” said Tagabuel.
The activities of the Cultural Heritage Month include a bonfire/story telling night on Sept. 2, a speech competition and traditional fashion show on Sept. 9, the Island Cuisine Night on Sept. 16, the Aghurubw Day Celebration on Sept. 17, the 13 Fishermen 30th Memorial Celebration on Sept. 23, the Island Family Fun Day on Sept. 24, the RMS Sunset Open Mic Presentation on Sept. 25, a cultural symposium on Sept. 28 and 29, and the Uumw Chaha Night on Sept. 30.
Also worth noting is that for every Saturday of September, the International Festival of Cultures would be open at Paseo de Marianas Garapan. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/september-proclaimed-cultural-heritage-month/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/b606b030f9824dfa4c18fc5b90e21539c6c1658ae257d46e5ecf81be23a1d7e0.json |
[
"Jon Perez",
"Daisy Demapan"
] | 2016-08-30T20:53:59 | null | 2016-08-30T20:06:11 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fmiura-introduces-community-concept-learning%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Miura-pix-150x150.jpg | en | null | Miura introduces ‘community-concept’ learning | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Various types of visual aides, computers at the back of the room, and a different type of seating arrangement are the things that you’ll notice once you enter Saipan Southern High School’s classroom C-104. Welcome to the tiny kingdom of Mathematics teacher Dora Miura.
Miura is among the hundreds that were selected to receive the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching as representative of the U.S. territories—American Samoa, Guam Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Students’ seats are arranged closely into groups of four instead of the usual rows. And this is one of the things that make Miura’s instructional methods unique, especially that she’s teaching Math—a subject feared by most students.
Instead of rows, the chairs are closely grouped into four as Miura encourages close interaction among her students. “You can see in my class that the chairs are close together, promoting the concept of community and building relationships.”
“The seating arrangements are grouped into four because I encourage them to talk to each other. So if one of them does not know how to do long division, they can help each other out,” Miura told Saipan Tribune.
“The seats are not arranged by rows or columns. A lot of things that we do in the workforce require teamwork and so we have to prepare our kids for that. If we’re just going to do rows and columns, then we are not preparing them.”
“But of course they must be accountable for their own work, that’s what quizzes and exams are for and they need to do that by themselves When they are practicing on learning concepts, I encourage teamwork, but I can also respect if they want to do something by themselves.”
She added that she also encourages talking among her students when it comes to seatwork or problem solving during their lectures. “During the process of practice, I want them to talk and make sure they understand the lessons.
“I want them to say to their teammates in our class practices, ‘don’t just show me the answer, show me how it’s done’ and ‘tell me how it works that way.’ You can always hear that in my class,” said Miura, who teaches four classes each day and with a total of close to 150 students.
“When I hear that kind of thing, whether questioning each other and asking for reason, then I know that I created a community. So they are also build relationships between themselves and also with me. And for me, those are key components for every classroom to be very successful.”
She said that this concept and setup is also applicable to other subjects. “The concept of community and relationships is not only applicable in my subject but also in others. It facilitates interaction.”
“That’s why if you walk into my classroom, it may be a little noisy. And I like that as long as they are talking about the lesson and solving problems then I’m good with that. I’m always listening to them,” added Miura, who is married to Paul T. Miura.
Extensive process
Miura, who will be receiving the award this Sept. 8, said the process of being selected as one of the awardees was extensive and would require much of your time. Fellow teacher Chris Cabrera submitted her name for nomination.
Miura was nominated by Cabrera last year and found out that she was one of the recipients of the award two weeks ago. “I’m honored that Mr. Cabrera thought I would be a viable candidate for the award.”
“Being nominated is easy, but the process of being selected is quite extensive. You have to answer some questions and these are questions that would allow you to reflect on your teaching. These are more of an essay type questions,” said Miura.
“I also needed to make a video of myself teaching that would show how I interact with my students. The afterwards, I have to watch the video and reflect on the way I teach. It is not a quick application process and it is really quite extensive,
She said that she needed to consult her husband before agreeing to undergo the extensive process of being a recipient of the award that honors the teachers of the 50 states, Washington, D.C., and the five territories.
“And I have to think about it if I wanted to go through the whole process. It requires much of my time and my thought. After consulting with my husband, he said okay and I went ahead with it. The application process is rigorous, judging too, panel of people who screen the candidates.” | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/miura-introduces-community-concept-learning/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/126c7ff39ce21516d9fade2ed18eaf21ee60cf128703ba244864cdd28a903fc8.json |
[
"Jon Perez",
"Press Release",
"Roselyn Monroyo"
] | 2016-08-26T12:59:37 | null | 2016-08-24T20:10:44 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fsshs-miura-gets-presidential-award-math-science-teachers%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Dora-pix-Miura-150x150.jpg | en | null | SSHS’ Miura gets presidential award for Math and Science teachers | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching recognized the efforts made by Saipan Southern High School’s Dora Borja Miura as an educator. She won the award representing the U.S. territories.
Miura was among the more than 100 Mathematics and Science teachers that were given the PAEMST award, which is administered by the National Science Foundation through the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Miura, according to the PAEMST website, has been part of the CNMI Public School System for more than 20 years where she also taught at the then San Antonio Elementary School and for the last seven as an advanced algebra and geometry teacher at SSHS.
She was also a CNMI distance education high school geometry instructor and a Math methods adjunct instructor at the Northern Marianas College. She is one of the outgoing officers of SSHS’ Parent-Teacher-Student Association where she served as secretary.
“I am honored to represent the many exceptional teachers in mathematics. I believe this award promotes the teaching profession and encourages our best and brightest to consider this career,” Miura was quoted on the PAEMST website.
Her job as an educator goes beyond the classroom as she holds daily lunch and afterschool peer tutoring groups that help struggling students to improve on their Math skills and understanding of the subject. Top students help her in the afterschool program.
Miura is also one of the movers in having a CNMI-wide mathematics competition that aims to have all students in the Commonwealth to appreciate math more. She shared her research about ethnomathematics, which studies the relationship between Math and culture especially CNMI students, to other PSS instructors.
Miura graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration at Georgetown University and earned her Masters in Education Administration at University of Hawaii at Manoa, the same institution where she finished her Doctorate in Education.
She is a certified CNMI elementary and high school teacher and was named the 2016 CNMI State Teacher of the Year. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/sshs-miura-gets-presidential-award-math-science-teachers/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/d1c1a7252b8ca9476701527bdc2cda9939157642f2a989bcfdfffbc0bfacdd6b.json |
[
"Jon Perez",
"Ferdie De La Torre",
"Press Release",
"Citizen Of The Cnmi"
] | 2016-08-26T13:18:18 | null | 2016-08-22T20:06:32 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fnmcs-project-proa-center-finally-opens%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/NMC-pix-1-150x150.jpg | en | null | NMC’s Project PROA Center finally opens | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | The Northern Marianas College’s Project PROA Center finally opened yesterday with the hopes of further promoting and nurturing the indigenous culture to the youth, especially those of Northern Mariana Descent. The ribbon cutting ceremony was held yesterday at the NMC campus.
Project PROA or Promote Retention Opportunities Advancement is intended to help promote the Chamorro and Carolinian culture to indigenous students that come from low-income families or those who have disabilities who need academic support.
Program director Maria Hofschneider Aguon said Project PROA would provide tutoring, advising, mentoring, and outreach, academic, and cultural activities to the students in the 11th and 12th grades, and first year for college.
Project PROA is a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education worth $269,000 and Aguon said that their goal is to sustain the program in the next five years. “We received the grant in October 2015 but because of Typhoon Soudelor, we were behind in implementing it.”
“Now we’re kicking it off. Today is a special day for NMC since the center would serve indigenous students, Chamorro and Carolinian. Our goal is to sustain the program that it continues to grow. The whole thing of the grant is to be able to sustain it in the future,” she added.
The program would pay for the Chamorro and Carolinian classes of first year college students, while the 11th and 12th graders will get academic support, mentoring, and tutoring as well as taking part in various outreach, academic, and cultural activities.
“So that they [indigenous students] can grow and develop their cultural heritage. The project is also in collaboration with the CNMI Public School System and the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs,” said Aguon.
“The DCCA has been a big part of the program with the support of Jack Sablan and Gloriana Teuira, where they helped in the showcase of artifacts of the Chamorro and Carolinian cultures,” she added.
Aguon said the center is also open to students who are from other nationalities. “But the priority is Chamorro and Carolinian students, but we also wanted to embrace the cultures of the other students because we want them to know who we are.”
“The cultural activities will be a part for them to learn our culture. [Exchange students] could come at the center and learn about the indigenous culture. So when people ask who are the Chamorros and Carolinians, we can say ‘this is who we are and we celebrate our culture.’”
Rep. Felicidad T. Ogumoro (R-Saipan) said that the Legislature is also doing its part in promoting the indigenous culture by recently passing House Bill 19-127, which aims to establish the Northern Marianas Cultural Center.
“The center will undertake programs and projects that will protect, preserve, promote, and enhance the indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian cultures, heritage, and traditions for the interest and benefit of persons of Northern Marianas Descent,” said Ogumoro.
“It will help create jobs and contribute to the growth of the Commonwealth’s economy. The NMCC will encourage the practice of our traditional ways of life by showcasing and promoting the unique culture, heritage, and tradition of our Chamorro and Carolinian people of the CNMI.”
The bill, which would create NMCC and serve as a cultural repository of historic and artistic materials, is now in the Senate awaiting their approval. (Jon Perez) | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/nmcs-project-proa-center-finally-opens/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-08-22T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/aa54f62d8b16d588b0759ada417a6ffda216333133b4a2b9196fca768c5f1dc4.json |
[
"Jon Perez",
"Press Release",
"Roselyn Monroyo"
] | 2016-08-26T13:14:24 | null | 2016-08-24T20:00:02 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fpss-hunt-jrotc-instructors%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/PSS-pix-2-150x150.jpg | en | null | PSS in the hunt for JROTC instructors | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | CNMI State Public School System acting commissioner Yvonne R. Pangelinan is optimistic that they would fill all vacant instructors of the JROTC program within the year particularly in Rota’s Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Junior-Senior High School, which lost their program instructor.
Pangelinan, in last Tuesday’s Senate Fiscal Affairs Committee hearing, said filling the vacancies of JROTC instructors has been one of the issues that bother her. “The program has been an issue that is weighing heavily in my heart now but we have been actively recruiting.”
The U.S. Army Cadet Command’s 8th Brigade at Joint Base LewisMcChord in Washington State is the one in charge of the Army JROTC programs.
“They set the regulations for the program and the instructors that come in and teach in PSS. There are some vacancies but we’re going to fill them soon, Pangelinan told Saipan Tribune after the budget hearing.
Rota’s JROTC team represented the CNMI in the Unarmed Category in the Golden Bear West Coast Nationals Drill meet in Torrance, California this year. A total of 45 schools representing the Air Force, Army, Marine Corp, and Navy JROTC programs from the West Coast competed.
The RHI team earned the right to represent the CNMI in the nationals after winning the overall title in the Unarmed Category last February. They went back to the CNMI with one first place trophy, three runners-up, and third and fourth finishes.
They placed first in the Unarmed Varsity Regulation and second each in the Overall Unarmed Sweepstakes, Unarmed Varsity Color Guard Drill, and Tapout. They also came in third in the Unarmed Varsity Exhibition and fourth in the Unarmed Varsity Commander.
Pangelinan said Saipan Southern High School’s lead JROTC instructor is currently assigned to supervise the program on Rota. “He will be there for a month and if we don’t get another instructor on board [in September], then we will be rotating the responsibilities with our instructors on Saipan.”
An officer in the Army and must be retired for no longer than five years are some of the requirements for a JROTC instructor. “So you can imagine, it is not a very easy task of finding instructors,” said Pangelinan, who assumed the acting commissioner role two weeks ago.
“We have vacancies on Rota, Tinian, and a couple on Saipan. We finished interviews for District Army instructor for Saipan and we have several applicants on the list for Tinian and Rota as well.”
She added that they would do more interviews before filling all vacant positions in the JROTC program. However, they must still wait for 120 days for the JROTC instructor to get certified from the 8th Brigade even if they have completed the interviews. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/pss-hunt-jrotc-instructors/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/edd87e166cdda5cfc8e164752906f692c1347d81658beda3fc75581ecdf93b21.json |
[
"Ferdie De La Torre",
"Press Release",
"John S. Del Rosario Jr.",
"Ed Stephens Jr."
] | 2016-08-26T13:12:24 | null | 2016-08-24T20:00:31 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Ftropical-depression-14w-moves-away-mariana-islands%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Tropical Depression 14W moves away from the Mariana Islands | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Tropical Depression 14W moved farther away from the Marianas, prompting acting governor Victor B. Hocog to declare “all clear” conditions for Agrihan, Alamagan, and Pagan as of 2pm yesterday.
As of 7pm yesterday, the center of Tropical Depression 14W was 280 miles north-northeast of Agrihan, 325 miles north-northeast of Pagan, 355 miles north-northeast of Alamagan, and 530 miles north of Saipan, according to the U.S. National Weather Service Guam.
NWS said packing maximum sustained winds at 30 miles per hour and moving north at 28 mph, the tropical depression is expected to turn slowly northeast Wednesday night and today, Thursday, with a gradual decrease in forward speed.
NWS cautioned people of Agrihan, Pagan, and Alamagan to stay out of the water until hazardous seas, surf, and rip currents subside. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/tropical-depression-14w-moves-away-mariana-islands/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/c9475288ee0946014c8fcab811344cf43bfbd87d52ef717d37bf27843f5d187b.json |
[
"Russ Mason",
"Special To The Saipan Tribune",
"Jon Perez",
"Press Release",
"John S. Del Rosario Jr."
] | 2016-08-26T13:17:15 | null | 2016-08-25T20:00:19 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fneed-lose-weight%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Need to lose weight? | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | It’s no secret that many of our locals are grossly overweight and need to slim down. It’s not easy to do.
I don’t mean to single out the Chamorro people or other islanders, but if you look around, they are fatter than most others. You rarely see a fat Chinese person, or a Filipino, or even an American (former Attorney General, Edward Buckingham, was an exception).
Being fat wouldn’t be so bad, except that it contributes to a broad spectrum of disease, primarily diabetes, heart disease and (most likely) cancer.
American Samoa takes the prize for the fattest island people, but recent research has shown that people on American Samoa have a “fat gene;” that is, a genetic disposition to becoming obese.
You may remember the wonderful Hawaiian singer, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, who sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” with his ukulele. He was of American Samoan ancestry.
“Throughout his life, Kamakawiwoʻole was morbidly obese and at one point weighed 757 pounds. He endured several hospitalizations because of health problems caused by his weight. Beset with respiratory, heart, and other medical problems, he died at the age of 38 on June 26, 1997.” (Source: WikiPedia).
Although I know of no locals in the “700 club” many are still fat, and this needs to be addressed. It’s a matter of life and death, truly.
Today I will share with you some tips on how to get rid of the excess baggage, and this will not only improve your overall health, but you will feel better. You’ll have more pep too.
I write this because my deep concern for our beautiful islanders; they are killing themselves by the amount they eat and drink.
Much has been written about the benefits of exercise, and it certainly is beneficial. But it’s not the best way to shed the flab.
Eat less
That’s the secret. If you want to start dropping excess weight, eating less is essential.
The notion that each person needs three meals a day is out-dated, especially for people who are overweight. The fat they carry is an excellent source of energy, and will break down if the body can get into “survival mode.”
The best way to accomplish weight loss is to eat only one meal per day, preferably breakfast or lunch. Eat nothing after 6pm (You may drink all the water you like, and have any other sugar-free beverage, such as tea or coffee. Do not drink any “diet” beverages either).
How it works
When you eat food, your body spends the next 3 to 6 hours breaking down the nutrients and then sending them out to the bloodstream. At the 12-hour mark, the body switches into “survival mode” because no more nutrients are available. As a result, the body begins to break down fat for energy, and this is good.
If you can go an entire day—24 hours—without food, your “survival mode” will shift into high gear and the fat will begin to disappear. You won’t die, and you won’t starve, but yes, you will be hungry. When that happens, drink a big glass of water; it will fill you up and it will temporarily block the hunger cravings.
It takes a strong-willed person to do this, but it’s not impossible. I dropped 30 pounds this way, and I have kept it off.
It’s important to state that, this is a permanent change—once you achieve your weight goal. It may take some months, but after you lose all that weight, you can’t go back to your old unhealthy eating habits. Big mistake! No, this new diet is for life: one meal per day, and no snacking at parties.
You might think that eating fresh vegetables, such as celery, carrots, or lettuce is OK. This is incorrect, because it starts the cycle of digestion all over again, and you won’t lose an ounce.
As Dr. Tony Stearns has often said, eat all the vegetables you like—they won’t cause any weight gain. But the trick is to eat the vegetables with your meal, not as a snack.
Some weight loss aids
There are two health products I use every day. I call them “fat blockers” and “starch blockers.” The real name for the fat blockers are Chitosan, or Liposan—which absorbs fats in the digestive tract and then carry them out of the body, unabsorbed.
Starch blockers are known as “Phase 2” and they are made from white kidney beans. They are especially helpful if you are eating rice, noodles, bread, or anything else starchy—even corn. They will help to prevent the starches from entering your bloodstream and help to keep you fat-free.
Although these products are not available locally, you can certainly find them on the Internet. If you’re serious about shedding some flab, they can help greatly.
Cut out most sugar
A piece of chocolate, or a can of Coke, won’t kill you, nor will a slice of birthday cake. What will negatively impact your health and weight-loss regimen is the amount of sugar you take in. This also includes alcohol, which converts to sugar in the digestive tract.
If you truly want to slim down, avoid anything with sugar, especially soft drinks. If you’re thirsty, drink water. If you want something tastier, then add a squeeze of lemon to the water. This is a very healthful drink and tastes good. You can drink this any time, day or night.
The real problem
The real problem for those who want to lose weight is willpower, or lack of it. It’s so easy to cave in to a buffet full of wonderful food, and then go back for seconds.
Whenever I see a fat person I think, “That person has no will-power.”
You might think, “Well, I can pig out this one time.” No. Sorry. Those days are over. If you’re really determined to shed the flab, it takes courage and self-discipline. Learn to eat a healthy meal, once a day, and then stop.
If you can do it, the health benefits are enormous. If nothing else, you will significantly cut your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and (probably) cancer.
As a friend of mine once observed, “Nothing tastes as good as slim feels.” He was right. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/need-lose-weight/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/aca13b780034234d9eb6b39bd3eca8caaf9887847deaf1f1a39c8e7f5f974e25.json |
[
"Dennis B. Chan"
] | 2016-08-26T13:17:19 | null | 2016-08-23T20:06:46 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fmaratita-wants-pachinko-funds-rota-dialysis-patients%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Maratita wants pachinko funds for Rota dialysis patients | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Rep. Glenn L. Maratita (R-Rota) has authored a couple of local appropriation bills to tap e-gaming and poker and pachinko funds for Rota dialysis patients and island tourism activities.
Maratita is set to introduce House Local Bill 19-72, which taps funds specifically allotted to the First Senatorial District, or Rota, under Public Law 18-30, for “Gaming and tourism enhancement activities.”
The bill appropriates $25,935 of these funds allotted to Rota.
Maratita has also authored House Local Bill 19-71, which proposes to appropriate $20,000 from local license fees collected for poker and pachinko slot machines on Rota, to provide monthly allowances to Rota dialysis patients, among others.
“…There is a need to provide a subsistence allowance for residents of the First Senatorial District who are undergoing dialysis and treatment for terminal illnesses; the Rota Scholarship Fund, and other programs,” the bill states. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/maratita-wants-pachinko-funds-rota-dialysis-patients/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/6af15d54d1055b65df5ca22fc14fe467f93d672ec678e9174537ab031145c2cc.json |
[
"Ferdie De La Torre",
"Jon Perez",
"Hombre Lobo",
"Jennifer Cepeda",
"Henis Nedlic",
"Tinalakattne Yantitiyas",
"Cnmi Private Investigator",
"Peter Kang"
] | 2016-08-26T13:19:11 | null | 2016-08-16T20:06:41 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fretiree-arrested-allegedly-sexually-abusing-4-year-old-girl%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Retiree arrested for allegedly sexually abusing 4-year-old girl | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | A 54-year-old man was arrested on Monday night in Talafofo for allegedly sexually abusing a 4-year-old girl and two other women when they were still minors.
Michael Barry Murphy, a retired U.S. Army Reserve, was arrested for sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree, and assault and battery.
At a hearing yesterday, Superior Court Associate Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio increased to $50,000 cash bail from the initial $25,000 cash bail.
Preliminary hearing will be on Aug. 24 at 9am.
Kim-Tenorio ordered Murphy to hire his own lawyer after she found him not eligible for court-appointed counsel.
Assistant attorney general Chester Hinds appeared for the government at the hearing.
According to a police report, the 4-year-old girl is the daughter of a 20-year-old woman, who alleged that Murphy also sexually abused her when she was 9 to 12 years old between 2005 and 2008.
The other woman, who is now 26 years old, is a relative of the mother-and-daughter victims. She alleged that Murphy also sexually abused her when she was 9 to 14 years old.
Police Detective Catherine B. Pangelinan stated in her report that she started the investigation on Monday at noon after she received a call from an official of the Department of Public Safety about a sexual abuse of a minor case.
Pangelinan said the 20-year-old woman, in an interview, stated she wants to file a complaint against Murphy who allegedly sexually abused her several times when she was 9 to 12 years old.
Pangelinan said the 20-year-old woman added that when she came back home last Aug. 5 at 2am, she was shocked and scared upon seeing Murphy sexually abusing her 4-year-old daughter in the room.
The mother then later took a video of her daughter, who was crying and telling her how Murphy touched her private parts.
Pangelinan said the 26-year-old woman in an interview was also crying and very emotional when she recalled how Murphy sexually abused her when she was 9 to 14 years old at a house in Capital Hill and in a jungle in Obyan. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/retiree-arrested-allegedly-sexually-abusing-4-year-old-girl/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-08-16T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/39a828576e6e6140b0950af44f7a742418a02d8406078df6bda5beaf6b641311.json |
[
"Press Release",
"Jon Perez"
] | 2016-08-30T20:55:11 | null | 2016-08-30T20:00:18 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2F30-japanese-visitors-sign-plumeria-swim%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | 30 Japanese visitors sign up for Plumeria Swim | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Marianas Visitors Authority has announced that 30 off-island swimmers and snorkelers from Japan have registered so far for the 2nd Annual Plumeria Swim that will be held this Saturday at Kilili Beach.
Local swimmers are urged to register early and no later than the Sept. 2 deadline. The Plumeria Swim, formerly the Saipan International Open Water Flipper Race, will bring swimmers to the historic World War II tanks in the Saipan lagoon.
“It’s all systems go for next weekend’s Plumeria Swim,” said acting MVA managing director Judy Torres. “We are in close communication with our Japan office, which is working with the swimmers coming to Saipan for the event. We’re looking forward to hosting the event at the new location, which is also more convenient for participating residents.”
Entry forms are still available on the Events Calendar at www.mymarianas.com.
The event has four race categories and welcomes swimmers with or without flippers. The cost for CNMI residents with valid I.D. is $20 for the 500m or 1,500m swim; $25 for the flipper race; and $60 per team for 2,000m relay swimming—up to four members per team. The flipper race requires swimmers to use wetsuits or life jacket and fins along with mask and snorkels.
The race will begin at 8:30am, followed by an island-style breakfast and awards ceremony at the beach. Awards will be given to overall male/female, junior male/female, and male/female by age. Mandatory orientation and the last day to register will be from 4:30pm to 5:30pm this Friday at Paseo de Marianas. Participants must be in good health with snorkeling or diving experience.
The event is jointly organized by MVA and the Community Sports Center Foundation of Japan. Additional sponsors include Japan Marine Recreation Association, Japan Recreational Diving Industry Association, Japan Scuba Association, Japan Wetsuits Manufacturers Association, University Life Sport Education Society, and Northern Mariana Diving Operators Association. Co- sponsors include Delta Air Lines, Japan Saipan Travel Association, Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, DFS, and the CNMI Division of Public Health.
For more information, visit the MVA Events Calendar at www.mymarianas.com or call MVA community projects specialist Ed Diaz at 664-3210 or email ediaz@mymarianas.com. (MVA) | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/30-japanese-visitors-sign-plumeria-swim/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/622dae0820b11375e29bf2c47f10fd7da3bb8ea73bab2fba36f9ff7310bc15f1.json |
[
"Jon Perez",
"Contributing Author"
] | 2016-08-29T20:53:28 | null | 2016-08-29T20:06:10 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fboe-no-plans-hiring-commissioner-off-island%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/BOE-pix-150x150.jpg | en | null | BOE: No plans in hiring commissioner off-island | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | CNMI State Board of Education chair Herman T. Guerrero said the Public School System commissioner must know all the issues and needs of all public schools in the Commonwealth and that’s why they are lukewarm to the idea of having off-island applicants.
Guerrero said the BOE has extended the appointment of PSS acting commissioner Yvonne R. Pangelinan as they finalize the requirements within the week and a job vacancy announcement will be put out. Former commissioner Dr. Rita Sablan decided to retire after eight years.
“We are not quite there yet. First we need to review the requirements and see if it is still aligned with our strategic priorities. The JVA also needs to be aligned with the [CNMI] Constitution. We can’t circumvent it,” said Guerrero during a break in last Thursday’s BOE board meeting at the Office of Pupil Transportation conference room in Lower Base.
“That is something to look into. The PSS commissioner needs to know the dynamics of working with the Legislature. If [he or she] doesn’t know, then that would complicate things. Who will defend the budget?” said Guerrero when asked if off-island applicants are welcome.
Guerrero added that an off-island commissioner might not fully understand the role that is specifically stated in the CNMI Constitution.
“Not only about teaching but every aspect. Like the budget, we need to have someone who knows how to work with the Legislature and would defend it. That person has to go to and represent the PSS in the Legislature,” said Guerrero.
He said the board must need to finalize all requirements and revise it so it is aligned on what the CNMI Constitution says about the PSS commissioner post before releasing the JVA that will be announced for one month.
“We need to review and fine-tune it a little bit because we have the same job description from 20 years ago and we need to upgrade it so it will be more aligned with our strategic priorities,” said Guerrero.
Guerrero said that aside from teaching experience the education commissioner must have administrative and leadership skills. He added that there are a lot of qualified people at the PSS central office for the commissioner’s post.
“Most of the people at the central office have teaching experience. They have a master’s in education degrees. How about a doctorate? That is something to look at. Having a doctorate degree doesn’t mean that you know more than some who has a master’s degree. It doesn’t mean that you are an expert in everything.” | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/boe-no-plans-hiring-commissioner-off-island/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/92fb1e2d31683a9fa232f27f5a8286a30088e6b08de4049d12b2626fda3a1caa.json |
[
"Press Release",
"John S. Del Rosario Jr.",
"Ed Stephens Jr.",
"Chamoru First"
] | 2016-08-26T13:16:18 | null | 2016-06-13T20:00:19 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fguam-governor-remains-focused-ocean-resources-ancestors%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Guam governor remains focused on ocean resources, ancestors | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | TUMON BAY, Guam— Guam Gov. Eddie Calvo opened the 166th meeting of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council last week in Tumon Bay, Guam, with words of respect and love for the ocean. “We have limited land spaces and a sacred view of the ocean,” Calvo said. “The council discussion is extremely important.”
Calvo said Guam and the council have worked on numerous projects together. He was particularly pleased with the Americans with Disabilities Act compliant fishing platform at Hagatna, which served a dual purpose as a viewing platform during the Festival of Pacific Arts, which ended Sunday. He encouraged the council to continue work on extension of the platform.
He also singled out regional fishery concerns about shark predation and sea turtle regulations as well as a recent partnership with the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands for a nationally competitive Saltonstall-Kennedy (S-K) grant. Calvo said the S-K funds will be used to collect commercial fisheries import and export data as well as local fisheries data.
Calvo concluded his remarks noting that the people of Guam, like the people of many other island territories and nations, believe that ancestors who have died are still present and can be called on for their strength and goodness. “We understand the value and importance of our land; the importance and value of our ocean. As we move forward and work with each other and our federal partners, particularly in Washington, DC, our love for our islands is even greater than those tasked with the job. … The voices of the Pacific must be heard.”
Following a full day of presentations and reports, the Council voted to pursue the following Guam fisheries-related undertakings:
• To work with the Government of Guam to fund marine preserve markers and signs.
• To work on an educational video on fisheries in the Mariana archipelago.
• To help develop a permanent display in the new Guam museum to highlight the indigenous fishing practices of the Mariana Islands.
• To ask the National Marine Fisheries Service’s Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center to study seasonal fishes, migration and fish behavior in Guam.
• To communicate the fishing community’s concerns to the Guam Department of Agriculture regarding the potential overexploitation of sea cucumbers in Guam and assist in developing options for a moratorium on sea cucumber harvest under the Administrative Adjudication Law until an assessment of the sea cucumber populations can be conducted.
• To work with its advisory body members, the CNMI and Guam governments, the Mayor’s Council of Guam, and representatives of Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Philippines and Japan to share information and management regimes, if any, and to discuss green sea turtle populations in the region.
• To work with Guam Department of Agriculture and the Mayor’s office in Yigo to identify an area in the village to build a boat ramp and to have this project included in Guam’s Marine Conservation Plan. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/guam-governor-remains-focused-ocean-resources-ancestors/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-06-13T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/8d3695a5c15d48036edd3be4471cb84740fd5addefc8afbc968254c658c6a8f2.json |
[
"Roselyn Monroyo",
"Erwin Encinares"
] | 2016-08-30T20:55:15 | null | 2016-08-30T20:00:18 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fshirleys-sets-duel-vs-fiesta-finals-slot%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/tanholdingspix-5-150x150.jpg | en | null | Shirley’s sets up duel vs Fiesta for finals slot | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Shirley’s Coffee Shop crushed JP Mambas, 57-38, in the playoff game in the 2016 Tan Holdings Inter-Company Basketball League last Friday at the Gillette Multipurpose Gymnasium to remain in contention for the last finals berth.
Shirley’s will face defending champion Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan this Friday for a spot in the finale, while JP Mambas has been eliminated. The winner of Shirley’s-Fiesta duel will challenge Kanoa Resort in the title game. Kanoa had earlier secured the first finals berth and will have a twice-to-beat advantage in the championship round after pounding Fiesta in the winner’s bracket semifinals, 77-55.
Aaron Pamintuan made sure Shirley’s will still have a chance for the second finals ticket after knocking in the early triples that allowed his team to gain a sizeable lead against JP Mambas. He scored Shirley’s first 8 points, including back-to-back treys and then drained three more shots from the parking lot in consecutive fashion midway in the opening canto.
Pamintuan, who hit most of his outside shots as JP Mambas defense or the lack of it gave him more time and space to eye his target, recorded all his 19 points in the first half, lifting Shirley’s to a 34-17 halftime advantage. Shirley’s doubled up JP Mambas after 20 minutes of play as the former capped the opening half with two straight triples—one each from Isaiah Bordon and John Jugos.
Jugos brought his good shooting in the early minutes of the second half, as he fired Shirley’s first 5 markers to keep their safe lead. The rest of Jugos teammates also hit several easy shots in the second half as JP Mambas continued to give the opposing squad open looks at the basket.
Shirley’s finished off JP Mambas by burying three consecutive triples—two from Deion Sabino and one more from Bordon. Shirley’s had a total of 11 triples in the match, while JP Mambas posted only one.
Meanwhile, Fiesta will have the psychological edge in its make-or-break game against Shirley’s this weekend, having beaten the latter in their first three meetings.
Shirley’s 57 — Pamintuan 19, Pollisco 9, Jugos 8, Sabino 6, Bordon 6, Nicdao 5, Catungal 4.
JP Mambas 38 — Ong 11, De La Torre 8, Raho 6, Rabago 5, Calibo 4, Chan 4.
Scoring by halves: 34-17, 57-38. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/shirleys-sets-duel-vs-fiesta-finals-slot/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/de41d18866deb214fec4f9e9754673db31a72600501dc25f1f62e28e825ec0cb.json |
[
"Dennis B. Chan",
"Jon Perez"
] | 2016-08-26T13:08:11 | null | 2016-08-25T20:06:12 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fhouse-sends-budget-act-senate%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | House sends budget act to Senate | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | The House of Representatives yesterday approved a bill to fund the operations of the government for the next fiscal year, sending the measure to the Senate with no additional amendments.
After a debate over a proposed amendment by Rep. Edwin K. Propst (Ind-Saipan) to shift over some of the lawmakers’ operations budget to the mayors of Rota, Tinian, and Saipan, the House voted with 17 yes to 2 no votes to send the budget to the upper house at about 4:20pm yesterday afternoon. Propst and Rep. Ralph Yumul (Ind-Saipan) voted against.
The budget act, or House Bill 19-196, appropriates $142 million from government resources to fund government departments and agencies.
Propst’s proposed amendment shifted the House and Senate’s operations budget increase from FY 2016 to FY 2017—an amount of $585,155—to the Saipan Mayor’s Office at $423,736, the Rota mayor at $80,710, and Tinian mayor at $80,710.
Propst called their 27-percent increase an increase more than what was given to other offices and agencies, and said that in light of the needs of the CNMI, its agencies, people, and government’s outstanding obligations, the increase was “excessive.”
“We all need to do our part to be as fiscally conservative as possible, Mr. Speaker,” Propst said. “This is substantial amount that could go into beautification efforts and could clean up the island. We wouldn’t have to do as much from our office. We could actually let the mayor be able to operate and do more with this increased budget.
Broken down per the 29 members of the two houses, the 27-percent increase amounts to $21,178, Propst later said.
In arguing against the amendment, Rep. Antonio Sablan (Ind-Saipan), the chair of the Ways and Means Committee that produced the budget act, said his committee and the administration did not ignore allotting more funds to the respective municipalities.
He noted an increase in the amount of half a million each to Rota and Tinian mayors, and $550,000 to the Saipan and Northern Islands.
His committee, he said, funded in the amount of $400,000 additional money to Rota to finally retire the long standing debt to Rota civil service employees owed salary adjustments from Public Law 7-31.
“The public law number itself should be a concern,” he said. “This is the 19th Legislature. That’s over 24 years since the passage…to this year.”
He also said he has introduced a bill that would basically give the mayor of Saipan close to over $300,000 in additional funding for its operations and beautification projects. “So it’s not like the committee is not mindful of the needs of our respective mayors. Again, we also have to be mindful…that we also have an obligation to provide the service that is expected of us as members of this body. The roughly $400,000 [for the House] that we are trying to move around here I can assure—in communicating with the various members of this body—could afford the members the opportunity to do more,” he said.
“I know some member’s employees are being laid off periodically because of lack of funding.”
House vice speaker Joseph Deleon Guerrero (Ind-Saipan), for his part, said the more important question is where the funding should go, admitting no objection to more funding for the mayor but reminding lawmakers they’ve heard testimony for more funding for the veteran’s cemetery, which he has felt has been “shortchanged.”
The vice speaker also underscored funding needed to secure expertise or advice in producing their bills. “I am happy that we finally included in our payroll an economist and fiscal analyst. We don’t have the luxury like the U.S. Congress, with its research arm. If we want to give [the funds] to the legislative bureau so we can hire more expertise then I will support it, but let’s not just for the sake of taking, reduce ourselves,” he said. “…[the funds] can be used for the right [purposes] and that is why we are here to do better bills and have more research done on the bills that we do introduce.” | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/house-sends-budget-act-senate/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/6755dcf8a630e89111348f7ec33db5f322c6aae72baf56da2f368579e4355173.json |
[
"Press Release",
"Rudy M. Sablan",
"Contributing Author",
"John S. Del Rosario Jr."
] | 2016-08-29T20:53:24 | null | 2016-08-29T20:06:51 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Ffree-workshop-world-geography-coins-jkpl%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Free workshop on world geography through coins at JKPL | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Local youths above 5 years old are invited to the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library in Susupe this Saturday, Sept. 3, from 10am to 11:30am in the Pacific Room.
Come and learn the many countries of origin for foreign coins that were brought to Saipan. Each youth will be assigned actual foreign coins for them to find out what country it came from. Each coin will then be glued onto a large world map for permanent display at the public library. Over 50 coins will be displayed on the map when finished as the community’s coin collection for all to see.
The map and education instruction will be provided by the Mariana Stamp and Coin Club. Interesting foreign coins are provided by the American Red Cross’ Saipan local office. These coins were donated to the American Red Cross into their many coin donation boxes located in many locations such as the Joeten Stores.
U.S. coins are donated in the American Red Cross and support their many local activities. Sometimes people put foreign coins into these donation boxes. These foreign coins can be used to teach local youths about world geography. The American Red Cross is grateful for any and all donations.
The Mariana Stamp and Coin Club is pleased to partner with the American Red Cross to increase awareness of world geography and the fun of coin collecting with our local youths.
For any questions, please call the library (670)-235-7322 or Mariana Stamp and Coin Club (670) 484-8971. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/free-workshop-world-geography-coins-jkpl/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/382c02222e6b70a3a14c92166b30e13f046309a22cf10c58b665aa42c8d148ee.json |
[
"Press Release"
] | 2016-08-29T20:54:09 | null | 2016-08-29T20:00:04 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Ftukuitonga-honored-outstanding-contribution-pacific-health%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Dr.-Tukuitonga-award-150x150.jpg | en | null | Tukuitonga honored for outstanding contribution to Pacific health | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | AUCKLAND, New Zealand—Pacific Community director general Dr. Colin Tukuitonga has been honored with a Life Award from the Pasifika Medical Association in recognition of his outstanding contribution and active commitment towards improving Pacific health services and training.
Tukuitonga is one of four recipients to receive the prestigious Life Award last Aug. 25 at the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) conference in Auckland, New Zealand.
“I am deeply humbled by this acknowledgement from my peers. It has been my life-long ambition to make a valuable contribution towards improving health services in the Pacific and I am privileged to continue this work with the Pacific Community,” Tukuitonga said.
Service Awards were also given to PMA members who have shown exceptional commitment to a health service organization or community.
In an official announcement released by the association, PMA Patron Dr. Joe Williams noted that “these are individuals who have shown passion and commitment to Pacific health service in New Zealand and the Pacific region. They have contributed excellent services at community level, and offer outstanding support and dedication within the health sector.”
Tukuitonga, who is from Niue, served as the Pacific Community’s Public Health Division director before his appointment as the international organization’s director general in January 2014.
Prior to joining SPC, Tukuitonga served as chief executive officer of the New Zealand government’s Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs; Associate Professor of Public Health and Head of Pacific and International Health at the University of Auckland; Director of Public Health with New Zealand’s Ministry of Health; and Head of Surveillance and Prevention of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases at the World Health Organization in Switzerland.
Additionally, he was a commissioner for the World Health Organization global Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity from 2014 until its conclusion in early 2016.
The PMA is a network of Pacific health professionals, working collaboratively to strengthen Pacific health workforce capacity and capability and meet the health needs of Pacific people in the region.
The association is hosting its 20th Anniversary conference which concluded last Aug. 26. (PR) | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/tukuitonga-honored-outstanding-contribution-pacific-health/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/44a38c41b6bec527585c8119c681c57409910f05d33fd1aa354eb3fee483f5a1.json |
[
"Roselyn Monroyo",
"Saipan Tribune",
"Joan L. Taitano",
"Erwin Encinares",
"Mackenzie Perez"
] | 2016-08-29T20:53:13 | null | 2016-08-29T20:00:50 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fbold-guys-girl-prevails%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/nmivapix-1-150x150.jpg | en | null | Bold Guys and The Girl prevails | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | The Bold Guys and The Girl won the 4-person competition in the 2016 Endless Summer Beach Volleyball Classic held last Sunday at the Hyatt Regency Saipan
The champion squad was composed of Randy Steele, Chris Nelson, Bruce Berline, Dave Rillera, and Kriszell Esteves. The Bold Guys and The Girl was perfect in the 10-team double-elimination playoffs, capping their winning run in the weekend competition with a 21-17 triumph over Can You Dig It, which had Steven Beyer, Natalie Hill, Greg Elliot, and Russ Quinn as members. Team Birru of Linda Anastacio, Dale Roberts, Nick Gross, Jessica Delos Reyes, and Tyler Willsey rounded out the Top 3.
Team Birru and Bold Guys and The Girl took the Top 2 seeding after the pool play and joined No. 3 Big Mac Meal, No. 4 Not Those Guys, No. 5 Can You Dig It, No. 6. Tinda Katne, No. 7 Slammed I am, No. 8 Misters, No. 9 Ace, and No. 10 Docomo in the playoffs.
Can You Dig It and Team Birru went on to advance to the second round following their 21-19 and 21-9 victories over Not Those Guys and Misters, respectively. The Bold Guys and The Girl, which topped Slammed I am, 21-16, and Tinda Katne—a 21-9 winner over Big Mac Meal—also marched into the winner’s bracket quarterfinals.
A 21-9 victory over Can You Dig It kept Team Birru in the winner’s bracket and in the semis, while the Bold Guys and The Girl gained the same spot following a 21-15 triumph versus Tinda Katne. The Bold Guys and The Girl extended its streak with a 21-16 win over Team Birru to claim the first finals berth.
Team Birru fell to the loser’s bracket and faced Can You Dig It in a battle for the second and last finals ticket. Can You Dig it, after bowing to Team Birru in the second round, got back at the latter following a 21-14 win in the loser’s bracket semis. Can You Dig It also prevailed against Slammed I am, 21-11, and Not Those Guys, 21-18, to remain in contention and challenge Team Birru for the last finals seat.
With Can You Dig It coming off the loser’s bracket, it was pressed to beat the undefeated Bold Guys and The Girl in the championship round twice. However, the eventual winners made sure there will be no rubber match after taking Game 1 of the finals. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/bold-guys-girl-prevails/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/ca59b5059d766b59155244fb26c2bf08f0fc408e729c94781adc75884033d737.json |
[
"Erwin Encinares"
] | 2016-08-26T13:13:37 | null | 2016-08-23T20:06:06 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fmaster-blacksmith-returning-saipan%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Blacksmith-pix-150x150.jpg | en | null | Master blacksmith returning to Saipan | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Master blacksmith Francisco Lizama is once again returning to Saipan for a presentation of blacksmith culture awareness on Aug. 27, 2016 at the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library. The presentation is aimed at teaching the people of the CNMI the art of blacksmithing.
Blacksmithing is the art of manipulating metal in such a way that is softened, and then once again hardened to become everyday items.
“The presentation will discuss the history of blacksmithing in the Marianas, introduction to blacksmithing, identification of typology of metal, forging, and the Chamorro tradition of making the customary tools and other practices,” said Donna Cabrera of the Saipan and Nothern Mariana Islands Municipal Council office in an email.
Cabrera also mentions that Dr. Michael Bevacqua would be present in the event. “The master blacksmith himself Mr. Francisco Lizama and Dr. Michael Bevacqua will share with you their goal of the blacksmith culture awareness through educational series, to preserve and perpetuate the art of blacksmithing that is almost extinct on Saipan, Rota, and Tinian.”
The event is named “Where is your Village Blacksmith.” The event would be hosted by the Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council Leadership and is open to everyone.
Lizama, a retired Guam Fire chief and U.S. Army Reserve, is a member of Guam’s Council of Arts and Humanities Agency and has been practicing blacksmithing for over 25 years. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/master-blacksmith-returning-saipan/ | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/4b4261ac9ccae9cfafc6021708341a52a0896cdea9652e8d0a5fdd1f23eba562.json |
[
"Jon Perez",
"Contributing Author"
] | 2016-08-29T20:52:22 | null | 2016-08-29T20:06:09 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fschools-need-cautious-spending%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | ‘Schools need to be more cautious in spending’ | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | CNMI State Board of Education member Marylou S. Ada is asking school principals and administrators to become cautious in spending their annual budget. She is advising that all schools should make an annual plan on the things they would need for the entire school year.
Ada said that she was disappointed to see that some schools spend the money in buying non-essential things so they could zero out the fund that was given to them. “When I was BOE chair a few years ago, I was so disappointed on things that I’m seeing on their [purchase orders].”
“These are last-minute things that they are buying so they could spend all of their money. Don’t they plan in the beginning on what are the things they wanted to buy for the school year?.” added Ada, who did not elaborate on what are some of the items.
She said that these are not the usual things that you would buy for the schools. “It is not really something that would benefit the students or the school. These are things like really something that is out of the ordinary.”
“Like it won’t last long. It is not for long-term use. They just want to spend and zero out their budget. Sometimes they don’t plan,” Ada added.
She said that for example the school is allocated $40,000 and by the end of the year they still have $30,000 and they would spend it buying non-important things just to have a zero amount or else the remaining money would be taken away from them.
“It could have gone to fixing classrooms, renovating the bathrooms, fixing their WiFi, or anything that would improve the school and benefit the students. But when I see this entire PO, because they wanted to spend all of their money by the end of the fiscal year. It really makes me sad that something that would need,” said Ada.
Budget meeting
PSS human resources director Cindy Deleon Guerrero, in last week’s Senate budget hearing, said that they always meet and sit down with all the school principals and administrators, and program managers to go through their budget needs.
“When preparing the budget, we call on the principals and program managers. Sit down with them and we go through their staffing patterns and give them the opportunity to tell us what their schools need so that we can include it on the budget request,” said Deleon Guerrero.
“It goes through a series of planning events, not only once. The budget we submit and propose is always the collaboration and work of all administrators and school principals. If there is a cut, it is between what we requested and what we received. We request what we need, what the principals ask for, what we get is a different story.” | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/schools-need-cautious-spending/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/9136631270cd45c7a05abc7d77b4946ff18d5aceb8c5d83a4bb9f11af5cf1c77.json |
[
"Roselyn Monroyo"
] | 2016-08-26T13:00:33 | null | 2016-08-24T20:00:40 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Ftwo-row-torres%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Trenchpix-150x150.jpg | en | null | Two in a row for Torres | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Team Liquid Soul/Rage’s Vince Torres earned his second straight victory in Rites of Passage after outclassing Spike 22 Guam’s Joey Crisostomo in their lightweight bout in ROP 20: Conquer last Friday at The Warehouse.
Torres, who prevailed in his ROP debut in April this year after a TKO win over Khalil Toves in the first round, this time went the distance against Crisostomo, settling for a split decision after three tightly fought rounds. The first and second judge scored the bout, 30-27 and 29-28, for Torres, while the second picked Crisostomo the winner, 29-28.
The match started with the debuting Crisostomo accidentally hitting Torres on the groin. The Saipan bet, fortunately, recovered quickly and engaged his foe in a grappling match the rest of the way. Torres, in the closing minutes of the opening round, tried to employ a triangle choke on Crisostomo, but the latter managed to get free.
In the second round, both fighters had more exchanges on the ground, as they switched positions and tried to neutralize each other’s movement. However, no one was willing to give in. In the closing minute of the third and final round, Crisostomo appeared to have a good chance of stopping Torres with a rear-naked choke, but the Team Liquid Soul/Rage’s fighter survived and stood up. The bout ended with Torres throwing a couple of punches to Crisostomo’s back, while the latter was trying to hold down the former.
Meanwhile, other winners in ROP 20 were Don “The Body Builder” Mendiola, Jordan “The Machine” Manglona, JJ “Superman” Ambrose, Giovanni Taitingfong, Feric “The Medic” Aguon, Blaise Delos Santos, Ko “Pak Pak” Palacios, and James Rego.
Rego of Purefood Guam used his long arms and legs to score a submission win via triangle choke on Team Strike Force Saipan’s Ken Santos at the 1:14 mark of the second round. Palacios also won via submission (arm lock) over Team Chaos’ Ray “Major’ Duenas just 1:21 into Round 1. Delos Santos and Aguon got TKO victories over Willdon ‘The Beast” Camacho and “Sugar” Sean Castro in Round 3 (59 seconds) and Round 2 (1:43), respectively. Taitingfong, on the other hand, used a RNC to finish off Gerard “The Killa” Quichocho at the 1:36 mark of the second round.
In one of the three K-1 matches. Mendiola was awarded the win after the second round when Dicky Feria, a last-minute replacement for Alfred Santos, did not answer the bell in Round 3. The last two kickboxing bouts went the distance with Manglona and Ambrose earning unanimous victories over Hayashida Yuuma and Ken “Kamakazi” Tanzawa, respectively. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/two-row-torres/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/3e4bec13c93ae5fdb83af7f43b077c1a325e5452e99ea379ccc95c569e50dcbb.json |
[
"Contributing Author",
"John S. Del Rosario Jr.",
"Jon Perez",
"Ross Garcia"
] | 2016-08-29T02:53:55 | null | 2016-08-28T20:06:59 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fbudget-pss-courts-marijuana-education%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | The budget, PSS, our courts, and marijuana education | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Given the budget, PSS and the new Drug Court are front and center in today’s news and talk over the Coconut Wire over money issues I thought it would be only fitting and proper to remind readers that I told you so about the legalization of marijuana. The CNMI has literally been facing a budget crisis for over a decade even though we have passed budgets. When the President went public on legalization and criminal justice reform over two years ago I was also inspired to go public to support legalization and I told readers then that if our leaders truly wanted to end this continuing cycle of budget crisis that we should legalize marijuana, which is a billion dollar industry and growing by leaps and bounds almost daily.
Well, here we are again arguing over a limited supply of funding that is not enough to do what needs to be done and the question is why isn’t there anything on the table or the drawing board to bring about an end to our suffering economically. We all know the casino is not and will not be the total solution and yet it seems we are playing politics with the one thing that is on the horizon that has the potential to be the final solution in concert with the casino—legalization. Not only are we arguing over the budget, PSS and the criminal justice system are being forced to borrow more money that our budget and revenues are not prepared to pay back and we are already in debt up to our necks in the hundreds of millions! We continue to put our debts off on our children’s future with our inability to pay for our needs today instead of doing the work to generate new revenues like every citizen and especially parents who are forced to find a way to earn more money. We the people who are for legalization are not asking our government to do any more than we have to do ourselves—but the problem is the lack of political willpower!
I put my heart into trying to help the people of the CNMI over the past two decades. More recently I even stayed out of the newspapers for the most part in an attempt to work behind the scenes trying to convince our leaders to not delay and to act expeditiously on putting legalization on the ballot this year like 23 other states have done. But it seems the powers-that-be have decided to play with me and voters by making legalization a political football game for re-election with no score for the people. The issue is now going in circles like a dog chasing its tail instead of doing the work to get legislation on the ballot for the people to decide upon. All I can say without pointing a finger is that conducting Senate hearings during election season on a marijuana bill that won’t get to the people for another two years is a bunch of “you know what” and if you don’t know what it is you need to ask someone who does know! But you can count on me that I won’t give up progress and I now have two more years to at least make sure we get legalization RIGHT! The average citizen doesn’t know the present bill has ignored critical research on the controls and enforcement.
I just feel sorry for our education system, our criminal justice system and the people in general who are literally being ignored for election season politics. But it wouldn’t be this way if PSS, the judicial system, and community leaders would speak up and do more to compel our leaders to act on legalization. The leaders of the Judicial Branch truly needs to speak out on this issue as they have to know our president and U.S. Attorney General are pleading with states to reform criminal justice systems. Reforms designed to decrease prison populations and to allow for states to legalize marijuana and stop locking up people, especially youth, for marijuana use. Someone in the criminal justice system really needs to fight for what is right and just publicly given the truths we have learned about marijuana. I refuse to believe that our judges don’t care about the president’s plea to reform the justice system. I refuse to believe the Drug Court wants to deal with frivolous marijuana crimes that are outdated in America. I refuse to believe that our judges don’t care that illegal marijuana is now a major medium of exchange for “ice” instead of cash. I refuse to believe that our judges don’t care that they are putting a financial burden on our children by borrowing money that could come from the sale of marijuana? I refuse to believe that our judges want to spend time on marijuana crimes when “ice” crime is taking over. I refuse to believe that law enforcement wants to be bothered and hampered with frivolous marijuana crimes when they need to be chasing “ice” and the real criminals! I refuse to believe that some of the smartest people in our government are just going to sit back and say nothing to help the people or their branch of government. The people really need for someone in the criminal justice branch to speak up as your voice will weigh much more heavily on our leaders—please!
PSS also needs someone to speak up about the need to legalize marijuana. Marijuana is no longer a taboo issue like homosexuality once was and it wasn’t until homosexuality was completely out of the closet that we the people started to learn how to live with and deal with homosexuality. We must get marijuana out of the closet so we can educate our children and teach them how they should deal with marijuana as kids are not stupid and telling them the lie that marijuana is dangerous won’t work anymore—they know better. PSS is technically the “third” parent of our children as some children even spend more time with their teacher than they do their parents. I know from experience as I had a student to ask me how she should tell her parents she was pregnant because she didn’t know how or what to do. PSS must address the parenting responsibilities of education on marijuana use that can only be addressed properly once it is legalized.
On a personal note: I genuinely tried to help PSS by authoring a textbook and other educational materials and as a board member but I was fought against by a previous board member who thought I could not contribute or write local educational materials because “I was not local”—so sad. Yet our children are still not being educated from a local perspective just following the perspective of U.S. mainland-based textbooks that don’t even mention the CNMI and we wonder why the culture is dying. I also tried to help the board with making sure we never had a problem with teachers nor a teacher shortage like PSS has continued to experience and now the teacher population has reach a critically low level. Teachers need to be protected in their job if PSS truly wants to retain teachers. PSS should have established the “feeder institutions” at various colleges and universities as I suggested because it would all but guarantee a constant and limitless supply of teachers.
Finally, PSS needs to become the leader in transforming the local workforce to replace the alien workers by shifting to a vocational and academic curriculum as an estimated 70 to 80 percent of our graduates don’t have a real plan for college. I actually offered the ideal research-based and proven public service program that would cover all the professions and skills in addition to decreasing the teacher demand but it was also shot down. I have always said that time was on my side and just maybe now the board is willing to listen given I am being proven right and that I am also the only other person other than Dr. Sablan who has been certified by the Board of Education as being qualified to be the Commissioner of Education. PSS needs new revenues and supporting legalization will transform PSS like the Colorado school system that is now literally over funded thanks to legalization and their students did not go crazy smoking pot. Credentials are great but a people person with vision who is a fighter and culturally oriented is what PSS truly needs as a leader, not a Phd from the mainland with a lot of credentials but doesn’t know the first thing about the culture, the people, our politics and most importantly our children. I am hoping and praying for the sake of our children that the next commissioner will be a fighter for PSS and out spoken in supporting legalization. We must free ourselves through legalization to progress as humans who can openly educate ourselves and our children about marijuana.
Ambrose M. Bennett
Kagman | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/budget-pss-courts-marijuana-education/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/25a2f5cafdc72db421f472c42e337903675cb84ca67bcdc10a265d779ada3a8b.json |
[
"Dennis B. Chan",
"Press Release",
"Jon Perez",
"Roselyn Monroyo",
"Peter Kang",
"Taotao Cnmi"
] | 2016-08-26T13:17:58 | null | 2016-08-22T20:03:51 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Ftorres-says-military-display-hawaii-training-crucial-informative%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Torres-pix-150x150.jpg | en | null | Torres says military display of Hawaii training crucial, informative | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Gov. Ralph DLG Torres says a two-day visit to U.S. training areas in Hawaii last week was “crucial” to their ongoing relations to the U.S. military, which proposes to set up live fire training ranges on Tinian and Pagan and a divert airfield on Tinian.
Torres and members of the Tinian leadership and officials of the Commonwealth Ports Authority visited Hawaii last week on an invite from the U.S. Pacific Command’s Lt. Gen. Anthony Crutchfield, the single point of contact for the CNMI for Defense projects in the NMI.
“This visit to the facilities of Pacific Command was informative and productive to our relationship with the U.S. Department of Defense. The opportunity for the leaders of Tinian to see and express their views on the proposed activities on their island is a crucial component of our ongoing relationship,” Torres said yesterday. “This, along with our continued dialogue under the 902 consultative process is an important part of ensuring that our voices and concerns are heard and that decisions are made with the most information possible.”
According to an itinerary of the trip, copies of which were obtained by Saipan Tribune yesterday, the CNMI officials Wednesday schedule included briefings from U.S. PACOM, the Pacific Air Forces, and the Marine Corps Forces Pacific. Wednesday’s schedule also included a Pearl Harbor Barge Tour and military hosted evening social.
Last Thursday’s schedule included activities the MARFORPAC, broken up into a briefing at a Radar Tower, a tour of machine gun/rifle firing ranges, a tour of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, and a display of amphibious assault vehicles, and “Military Operations on Urban Terrain” training.
The activities with PACAF included a tour of the Courtyard of Heroes, a PACAF Command brief, a display and tour of a KC-135, a military refueling aircraft. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/torres-says-military-display-hawaii-training-crucial-informative/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-08-22T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/c4b8cf86d232e1da5da45ffc668c9e43ffe292c89314a364afbaa65e9d947465.json |
[
"Rudy M. Sablan",
"Press Release",
"Contributing Author",
"John S. Del Rosario Jr."
] | 2016-08-29T20:53:20 | null | 2016-08-29T20:00:38 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Four-covenant-our-doom%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Our Covenant, our doom? | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Sounds a little harsh? You bet it is. It’s a little short of grandstanding. But how else should we approach the root of the many problems we face today and as written, can potentially spell our doom in the future? With a handshake and a smile followed by endless mother, may I’s? Maybe not. Why did our Covenant negotiators were so willing to hand off our sovereignty to the United States under the Covenant? But they did. Did we understand sovereignty then? Do we really understand sovereignty now? What does it mean? Does it impact us? Our livelihood and our ability and desire to govern ourselves? Sovereignty is a real serious issue. In my opinion, sovereignty is our soul. It is the soul of our government, the very foundation that holds the Chamorros, the Refaluasch, the Chamolinians together.
When we signed the Covenant, we gave away that binding foundation, the authority and the right to govern ourselves in a global sense. The U.N. Trusteeship Council back then said that we were a sovereign nation. And we were sovereign, and that creates sovereignty. We had sovereignty. We had had that sovereignty since the day we were born in East Asia, and as we left East Asia and crossed the Gobi, crossed China. and traversed the vast China Sea, plowed through the Philippines, and the Malay Peninsula, and braved another vast ocean crossing into the now Guam. Our mother island. Our sovereignty came with us. Sovereignty cannot be torn away from the bearer. And each one of us, wayfarers, is sovereign. Our ancestors in Guam, they got leaders. Sovereign and sovereignty. And they argue with the Americans about it. They, too, know about being sovereign and sovereignty. All the while, our sovereignty migrated with us. That’s because sovereignty cannot be extricated or torn away from us. It’s an integral part of us. It is the authority and right to govern ourselves and to usher our people into an organized group. If you remove that, you get chaos. Helter skelter. Doldrum.
When we handed over to the Americans our sovereignty, we destroyed our foundation, our very soul which came with us from East Asia, and we placed ourselves at the mercy of this multi-ethnic country America. Our sovereignty is sitting in Washington, not with us. We handed it away. Because the U.S. has our sovereignty, it can come and make demands. It took away our control of our own immigration as well as our submerged lands and wetlands and swamps. That’s a nice way of putting it. The truth is, the United States took advantage of our unique relationship knowing very well that we were in our political infancy back then. We were to be brought up gradually into the 20th century so we don’t destroy our culture and traditions. So say the American anthropologists. President Kennedy didn’t agree. He sent in the Peace Corp, and the AESCP people to hasten our education. So now, we’re not that naive. But for the record and those who do not know any better, we are not a U.S. territory, we’re not under the U.S., we’re not a possession of the U.S. Commonwealth is a kind of government, a political partnership, which we adopted from Puerto Rico, instead of the Cook Island.
We allowed the U.S. as our overseer. Not possessor. Do not let the term commonwealth fool you. It is a kind of political status that’s amendable. Period. Despite the Covenant, the U.S., unilaterally, took over our immigration and submerged lands. Was it vengeance? Abramoff and DeLay? Objection to the garment labels? It didn’t want us to live in comfort? Congressman George Miller, the friend of the garment factories in California? In 1976, we voted for a political union with the U.S., and with that we handed over our sovereignty on a silver platter. Why did we do that? Is it because we are humble people? In deep humility? “Con respeto, saina, na magof hao ya un atiende i bisita?” In Sablan v. Inos, 3 N.M.I 418 (1993) court case, it says in part, “they did not enter into the Covenant to become a territory or possession of the U.S.” In reviewing the Covenant and discussing it with several Con-Con delegates involved in the Covenant negotiation, our aspirations, and the U.S. purpose, should be kept in mind. Our aspirations? Grant-in-aid, citizenship, food stamp (NAP), etc. A welfare state. What about the U.S.? What exactly did it want? Our archipelago. The entire Marianas archipelago. U.S. defense forward echelon, a blocker for the West Coast against Asia and the Vladivostok-Kamchatka line?
Is ANZUS not adequate? Wabol v. Villacrusis, 1 N.M.I. 34 (1989), rev’d, 11 F.3d 124 (9th Cir. 1993) says, in part, “All acts of U.S. Congress and NMI Legislature relevant to Covenant should be interpreted consistent with Covenant, unless a contrary intention is clear.” The U.S. actions on our immigration and submerged lands signify a contrary intention in that both actions had the potential to negatively impact our ability to self-govern. They knew that, but acted against our interest. Why did these happen and why has the U.S. ignored our cases and pleas? Not exactly what we had in mind when we had the plebiscite. Our problems did not just surface yesterday. Take a long hard look at cases brought before the 9th Circuit Court and you’ll begin to understand that our political partner has, in fact, abused our relationship because of one word “sovereignty.” This clause “under the sovereignty of the United States” has to be taken out. No excuses. We were sovereign once until some people, somehow, willingly surrendered it. The following excerpts on sovereignty highlight the issue: 1. The Covenant is a solemn agreement entered into between the U.S. and us. The U.S. and we, mutually, agreed on the level as two separate but equal sovereign entities. The Covenant governs the relationship between the parties. Sablan v. Inos, 2 N.M.I. 388 (1991). 2. The Covenant is a permanent, binding and solemn agreement entered into between two sovereign peoples, the U.S. and us. Wabol v. Villacrusis, 1 N.M.I. 34 (1989), rev’d, 11 F.3d 124 (9th Cir. 1993). Our issues, problems, and countless challenges now and in the foreseeable future, say we need change. The notion that by dumping dollar handouts for funded programs and projects, we shall remain minions of a political partner is an insult to us. The submerged lands. The U.S. took from the ocean floor up to what used to be our 200-mile economic zone. Manganese nodules, oil platforms, oil refinery up north, etc. And what about our wetlands? The hagoi, the sisomyan Susupe-Chalan Piao, the Sadog Tasi, the Sadog Mamis, the Sadog Dogas, the sisomyan Achugao, the sisomyan Puntan Flores, etc.? Who says these are under U.S. jurisdiction? And our designated endangered species—flora and fauna and marked off-limits. Who decided that? Sovereignty?
Finally, for now anyway, the issue of our immigration control. If we do not control our immigration, we’ll continue to be under U.S. mercy, and hopes of economic survival and prosperity are diminished substantially. The visa-waiver policy for China, the ill-conceived and applied CW program and the restrictions under the E2C and H2 programs are not helping us whatsoever. They are choking our economy and our hopes and chances at successful self-government as mandated by the U.N. The CW program has been drawing down and capped with an end date of Dec. 31, 2019. This does not mean that when it ceases, all the CW workers must then exit. The program has a set duration of 12 months only for each and every applicant. Those who expire on Jan. 1, 2019 must exit within 10 days unless they convert to the more expensive and restrictive H2 program.
So our CW workers and many business operators, will go, barring anything big that could not be handled. By the way, do you know that we have many Chinese workers and since China is not included in the H2 program, they simply do not qualify and must leave as well? Bye, bye most small businesses. Bye, bye employees. Welcome to our version of hell on earth. So, 902 team, Governor Torres, 19th Legislature, and soon to be 20th Legislature, take heed. Seek solutions to our Covenant casualties and our economy. Do you understand what is economy and economics, for that matter? Galbraith? Keynes? Macro-economics and Micro-economics? We have many educated residents who majored in economics, and could easily unravel those questions. Now, let’s restructure the legislature—unicameral—nine senators. Use the initiative process. Governor Torres, reorganize the administration. Cut or merge offices, divisions, departments performing similar or duplicate projects, goals and objectives, especially those who are not sure what’s their departments’ goals and objectives. Take SHEFA out of the Saipan Mayor’s Office and merge it with the Commonwealth scholarship office. Re-program the money of those offices you closed. Take back CUC, abolish the board, and put it under DPW as before. You save money. Move DPL back to re-merge with land management office in DLNR and abolish the board. Save money and duplicity. We do not have forever for a solution and neither do you. Neither do we have enough operating money. We owe more gazillions than what we have. Whooping liabilities and minute assets, and even a pinhead capital. We owe the world millions of money, and even if kingdom come, we’ll still owe Lucifer (figure of speech) tera-billions. Re-arrange our source of money to save as much as possible so we could pay our zillions of debts. Roundup those economic majors, political science majors, finance experts, management experts, and see what you can get out of them. And include Red Foxx, Texas oil tycoon. He came to buy Saipan, and hire the High Commissioner as manager. We could have sold Saipan to him had not the High Commissioner objected to the proposal. But, you won’t regret it if you do.
Rudy M. Sablan
Garapan | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/our-covenant-our-doom/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/7791866ae501b7c0417d9c76b404eb8e79cb7313ba04a129fe95788917277acd.json |
[
"Press Release",
"Russ Mason",
"Special To The Saipan Tribune"
] | 2016-08-26T13:12:05 | null | 2016-08-25T20:00:02 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Faddressing-slow-health-progress-across-pacific%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Addressing slow health progress across Pacific | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | AUCKLAND, New Zealand—The Pacific is struggling to confront a widening gap with the rest of the world in terms of progressing health despite overall improvement across the region.
This was a clear message by Pacific Community Director General Dr. Colin Tukuitonga, to regional health professionals while delivering his keynote address at the Pasifika Medical Association 20th Anniversary Conference in Auckland, New Zealand, yesterday.
“If we draw attention to life expectancy, many countries in our region are displaying continued improvement. On the same note, a number of Pacific Island countries have experienced plateau over the last 20 years with no sustained improvement in life expectancy and this is cause for serious concern,” Tukuitonga said.
“This has been the case in one of the larger Pacific Island countries for approximately 25 years for instance. Life expectancy for males and females have plateaued at 64 years and 69 years respectively due to premature adult mortality which is likely a result of the devastating impact of non-communicable diseases. In another Pacific country the figures are even more alarming with males expected to live to their mid-fifties and females around 60 years old,” Tukuitonga added.
Referring to the 2014 Mortality Trends in Pacific Island States report produced by the Pacific Community (SPC), Tukuitonga noted that infant mortality as well as under five mortality in the region have also registered commendable improvement with most Pacific Island countries displaying a consistent decline.
However, the report also revealed instances of infant mortality rates and under five mortality rates at unacceptable levels compared to expected norms, with countries such as Papua New Guinea and Kiribati recording greater than 40 deaths per 1000 live births despite a consistent downward trend.
“We’re making strides but if we are to achieve our healthy islands vision for the Pacific, we need strong leadership, accountability and investment. We also cannot ignore the basics which are essential for healthy and productive communities such as access to clean water which is still a problem for many small Pacific Island countries and territories,” Tukuitonga said.
“It is also critical for us as health professionals to draw from each other’s expertise and experiences and work together to improve the health and wellbeing of people in our region and I commend the Pasifika Medical Association for facilitating this space.
“The association is positioned to build leadership and strengthen public health capacity, encourage reporting and accountability which are vital for informing and strengthening health policies and strategies and can play an important role in supporting health advocacy across the Pacific,” he said.
The Pasifika Medical Association is a network of more than 800 Pacific health professionals that are working collaboratively to strengthen Pacific health workforce capacity and capability as well as meet the health needs of Pacific people in the region. (PR) | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/addressing-slow-health-progress-across-pacific/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/57da329db1029684bbb050a41a759a1c729d44828e28c38462064fcf3b900a34.json |
[
"Dennis B. Chan",
"Press Release",
"Jon Perez",
"Roselyn Monroyo"
] | 2016-08-26T13:17:37 | null | 2016-07-04T20:09:54 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Ftorres-says-continue-encourage-feds-cw-fixes%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Torres says they continue to encourage feds on CW fixes | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Gov. Ralph DLG Torres says they continue to encourage federal immigration officials to address immediate fixes to the effects on businesses and foreign workers with a breached cap on contract workers this fiscal year.
In an interview last week, the governor said he has met with several businesses recently and they echoed numerous concerns that the capping on contract workers “hampers our economic growth.”
“Because without labor you cannot have growth,” he said. “So we are encouraging the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) and work with them to continue to look at the immediate solution because we have immediate impact that is happening now, we continue to experience that.”
About 1,300 affected foreign workers who’ve had their petitions rejected due to the breached capped of 12,999 have been leaving or are expected to leave the Commonwealth before the end of the fiscal year.
During a presentation last week, Department of Labor Secretary Edith DeLeon Guerrero—representing Torres—shared some of the “administrative fixes” or short term Torres and his team proposed to federal counterparts in trip to Washington, D.C. earlier last month.
Among others, they recommended that USCIS allow affected CW-1 workers to remain lawfully in the CNMI until Oct. 1, 2016, the start of the new fiscal year and when their employer may submit a new petition on their behalf.
This can be done in two ways: USCIS may establish a “cap-gap” relief system to affected contract workers, patterned after the cap-gap program used for F1 visas transiting to the H1-B visa program.
Using its discretion under immigration law, federal officials could grant on a case-by-case basis to certain individuals to apply for the cap-gap.
The CNMI also recommended that the federal government use its discretionary authority to grant humanitarian parole or parole in place on a case-by-case basis to affected CW workers, to address the humanitarian issue of separating families.
The CNMI recommended that USCIS recalculate the 2016 cap to adjust available permits for 2016 to 13,998.
The CNMI also asked that contract workers be given additional time to leave, or more than the 10 days given after their permit expires.
The CNMI also recommended that a two-track system be developed in processing permits that prioritizes renewals over new applications, with quota reserved for eligible and long-term CW-1 workers.
The CNMI also recommended that they allow Chinese nationals to submit H2-B visa petitions. Right now, China is not a treaty country under the program and a Saipan casino, Best Sunshine International, Ltd., has shown a preference for hiring these contract workers, in the thousands, under the contact worker program, eating a huge amount of quota space that could have gone to long-term workers in the Commonwealth.
The CNMI also recommended long-term recommendations including permanent status for long-term guest workers in the CNMI, better federal-CNMI cooperation and data sharing, entering in a MOU to provide the CNMI with Earned Income Tax Credits to incentivize movement into the workforce, and to support legislation by U.S. delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) to extend the contract worker program, a transition program set to expire in 2019, to 2029 with an option to grant an additional five-year extension after a 2027 review.
The legislation would also increase the CW cap to 18,000, which is 4,000 permits less than the available permits at the start of the transition period, or CW program. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/torres-says-continue-encourage-feds-cw-fixes/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-07-04T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/703fc1eeee319bfc82d5b867a1170fc8fd61762f35c7d5c10a09a29e41a1a73f.json |
[
"Jon Perez",
"Ferdie De La Torre",
"Erwin Encinares",
"Press Release"
] | 2016-08-31T00:55:40 | null | 2016-08-30T20:06:03 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fcheers-jeers-uscis-decision%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Cheers, jeers on USCIS decision | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Joy and disappointment greeted the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ decision of deferred action for capped out workers under the CNMI-Only Transitional Worker nonimmigrant visa.
While CNMI officials thanked USCIS Director Leon Rodriguez for addressing the issue; others, however, called it a little too late with more than half of the affected workers having already left the CNMI as they followed the USCIS’ strict rules that one must exit the CNMI if your CW-1 visa is about to expire.
In a letter addressed to Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and Delegate Gregorio “Kilili” C. Sablan (Ind.-MP), Rodriguez said they understood the impact of the CW-1 cap to the CNMI’s economy and the workers themselves including their families, most of whom have underage children.
“We understand the potential impacts of the CW-1 numerical limits on transitional workers and their families, and we recognize that the current circumstances affect long-term workers and residents whose CW-1 nonimmigrant status cannot be extended and may create particular uncertainty and hardship in some cases,” Rodriguez said in the letter.
USCIS decided to grant a 240-day extension to employees who will have expiring CW-1 visas. This means the employee whose CW-1 visa that was previously approved, had already expired can still work for the next eight months.
This rule, however, applies if your current employer has already filed a CW-1 petition asking to continue your previous approved employment; the employer files the petition before the employee’s CW-1 status expires; and the employer asks to extend the stay of the employee in the petition.
Torres thanked Rodriguez for the concern he has shown on the current situation of the CNMI. He said his administration made a huge effort in relaying the situation to the proper channels to avoid any economic or humanitarian effect.
“Since learning of the economic and humanitarian effects of the CW cap being reached early
this year, I have made every effort to explain and relay the situation on the ground and why immediate action is necessary,” said Torres.
“I sincerely appreciate today’s announcement, but recognize that we have much work to do in ensuring this transition period achieves its goals with the least possible harm to the fragile CNMI economy and the many families who call our islands home,” he added.
“There are many good, hardworking people in USCIS and the Department of Homeland
Security who have listened to the CNMI’s concerns in both 902 consultations and bilateral discussion and have worked hard to provide this relief to many.”
Sablan, in a statement, also echoed the same statement adding that Rodriguez’s department “intends to address the humanitarian issues arising from its May announcement to close applications for CW-1 permits for the rest of fiscal year 2016.”
He said the USCIS considered a deferred action to long-term CNMI workers whose CW-1 permits had already expired or will expire before Oct. 1, the start of fiscal year 2017.
“The decision will not affect workers who have already left the [CNMI]. But those who have remained after their permits expired or whose permits have not yet expired will be able to apply for deferred action,” Sablan added.
240-day rule
Here are some points of the 240-day rule, according to the USCIS, the additional employment authorization period begins on the date the employee’s CW-1 status expires and continues until USCIS issues a decision on the petition or until 240 days after the CW-1 status expires, whichever comes first. The terms and conditions must remain the same as those previously approved.
Furthermore, if the employer’s petition requesting an extension of stay is granted, the period of authorized employment under the 240-day provision ends on the date of the decision. The employee’s CW-1 status is extended, and the employee may continue employment with the same employer during the validity period of the extension.
If the employer’s petition is granted, but the application for extension of status is denied (referred to as split decision) the employee’s work authorization under the 240-day provision ends on the date of the decision.
If the employee’s CW-1 status has already expired, the employee must stop working at that time. The employee is eligible to obtain CW-1 status based upon the approved petition, but can only do so by leaving the CNMI, obtaining a CW-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad, and returning to the CNMI no earlier than 10 days before the approved employment start date of the petition.
If the employee does this and is admitted to the CNMI in CW-1 nonimmigrant status, then the employee may work in the approved employment during the approved validity dates of the petition.
If the employer’s petition is denied, and the employee’s CW-1 status has already expired, the employee’s work authorization under the 240-day provision ends on the date of that decision. The employee must stop working.
Mixed reactions
Members of the community had mixed reactions on the USCIS ruling with the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands chair and Marianas Visitors Authority board member Gloria Cavanagh thanking Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Torres, and Sablan for the efforts they have shown in trying to find a solution to the issue.
“This is good news for those remaining CW-1 employees that are facing much hardship with the fiscal year cap. This will also alleviate worsening conditions with our delicate labor shortage. Our plight for an opportunity to grow our economy is directly tied to having an adequate labor pool. We need a more realistic cap in order to do this,” said Cavanagh.
“Although I don’t totally understand the mechanics nor the politics of this kind of consideration, I am led to believe that this is a huge accommodation for the CNMI. For this HANMI is very thankful.”
Cavanagh, however, said the issue has been tough to some CW-1 workers’ families especially individuals who have kids here. “I must admit though that it is still tough dealing with the splitting up of families that have already occurred over the last couple of months.”
“Personally speaking, we have sent all but one employee back to their homeland to wait for approval of their CW-1s under the new fiscal year. A few of them still have young children being taken cared of by close relatives.”
She said the next thing that needs to be done is the CNMI getting an increase in the cap in order to get the needed workforce that would help sustain the Commonwealth’s economic growth. “The next job is to work on getting approval of the needed increase in our cap.”
“The CNMI is growing exponentially. The original cap was to afford the supply of labor for the operations of the then economy. With growth the way it is now, we are going to fall short very soon with our labor market again.”
Saipan Chamber of Commerce president Velma Palacios also welcomed the news of USCIS’ deferred action that would be beneficial to all CW-1 workers that were affected by the cap, their families, and employers.
“This deferred action provides relief for eligible workers. Since the announcement that the CW-1 cap had been reached in May, businesses had to make adjustments within their operations as some of their employees affected had to leave island,” said Palacios.
“Businesses have instituted training programs and created partnerships to address their human resource requirements. CW-1 workers and their families have made hard decisions: to separate their family or to leave their home altogether.”
She said the CNMI’s renewed economic activity, especially on Saipan, needs the sufficient labor force to support. “Businesses need to maintain those who would be eligible to support their operations. With the continued economic growth in our islands, we need a workforce to support and sustain this growth.”
“Our economy is on recovering from five years ago. We have many new hotel developments that have started construction and some are now in the planning stage. New businesses including restaurant franchises have opened.”
“In addition to the local workforce capacity, we still require our CW-1 workers. We thank Congressman Kilili Sablan and Gov. Torres for working with USCIS.”
CNMI Chinese Association director Rose Chan said although it is a welcome news, it would be better to have a more long-term solution on the issue and the case of long-term guest workers here that spent most of their lives helping the CNMI whether on its best or lean years.
“It’s good news for the employees and the employers. We just hope the USCIS can make a long-term solution on this issue since the CNMI’s economy is getting stable,” said Chan, who owns several businesses on Saipan including Canton Restaurant in Garapan.
Chan added that some Chinese businesses had to temporarily shut down their operations due to lack of employees as they need to exit the CNMI because of expiring CW-1 visas. She is hoping for a better and long-term solution.
“A long-term solution would improve and secure the CNMI’s future. These are employees who stayed and worked here for 10, 20, or 30 years. They have become part of Saipan and called the islands their home.”
She, however, felt bad for those who had already left the CNMI since they have no choice but to follow the USCIS’ ruling. “Those who have expired CW-1s need not leave but I really felt sad for those who went home and followed the law.”
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services district director David Gullick, when he spoke to members of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce early this month, said employers and employees should check the dates of their I-94s and make sure they exit before the expiry date.
Mami Ikeda, who was one the community volunteers that helped victims of Typhoon Soudelor last year, said she was thankful for the USCIS ruling but at the same time sad for those who had already gone home and are waiting for their documents to be released.
“[It’s] sad to know nothing applies to those who complied to their [USCIS] rules and left the island. That they required people to file the application, which I hope is for free. Required the people to apply for [an employment authorization document], which is going to [cost] $390 and takes months to get approved,” said Ikeda.
“Most of all, they still require you to leave the CNMI once your new CW-1 is approved, get a visa, and come back. Is this what we wanted?”
Katrina Punzalan, who was born on Saipan to Filipino parents and is now studying at the University of Washington, said it was ironic to learn about the deferment plan given by the USCIS to those who have expired CW-1 visas.
“It’s ironic how the new deferment plan gives leeway to those who overstayed after their documents expired—exactly what the USCIS has been warning people not to do—before this plan was announced,” said Punzalan, whose parents needed to exit as they were affected by the fiscal year cap.
“I think it’s unfair and a little insulting for any side—federal or local—to think that this is near an adequate response to the issue. It’s a slow response announcing this after over half of the affected individuals have already been forced to flee. They don’t benefit from this at all. Those that are eligible to in the future aren’t even guaranteed protection due to having to demonstrate ‘exceptional” circumstances,’ said Punzalan.
United Filipino Organization president Bong Malasarte, whose group helped in collecting information of long-time CW-1 workers that was part of the USCIS’ requirement, said the 240-day extension is a big help unlike the 10-day grace period which wasn’t enough to process documents or find a new employer.
“We are very thankful to Gov. Ralph [DLG] Torres for sharing the status and concerns of CW-1s to the USCIS. Also thank you to all that supported our signature campaign that we submit to the Governor’s Office and the USCIS recognized the current situation of our long-time foreign workers in the CNMI,” said Malasarte.
“I salute both sides, for those who went back home because they don’t want to risk their current status and also those who made risks for the sake of their families here. For me, there is always a chance to come back.”
He, however, cautioned all CW-1 employees to be cautious of individuals who would take advantage of the situation and at the same time feeding false information. “I hope all CW-1 employees would use the 240-day period the right way. This is a huge chance given to us by the USCIS.”
“This is the time to help each other. Help those who are in need of work to the best of their abilities. Also, know the right information and the correct details. Don’t just settle for second-hand information or from what you’ve heard from others. The information is available from credible sources,” added Malasarte.
Rene Reyes, the Marianas Association for Humanitarian Affairs Ltd. founding president, said it was a positive development in the ongoing plight for improved status of all long-term foreign workers.
“It is welcome news to all and I thank all the individuals who made it happen. But for those who had already left and were not included in the deferment, it is frustrating. These foreign workers were the ones that were affected by the cap, they are the ones that needed to exit to the extent of leaving their children.” | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/cheers-jeers-uscis-decision/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/7b84ee6cde9d9409e71ca846e79bb4edb2f8ee951d2b60a19b963eada74fa022.json |
[
"Press Release",
"Erwin Encinares",
"Dennis B. Chan"
] | 2016-08-28T20:53:14 | null | 2016-08-28T20:00:50 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fuog-host-forum-decolonization%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/UOG-pix-Camacho.jpg-150x150.jpg | en | null | UOG to host forum on decolonization | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | The University of Guam Division of Social Work and Chamorro Studies Program at present the latest in their Community Forum Series: “From New Caledonia to Guahan: Status Updates on the Decolonization Process.”
The focus of this joint effort, targeted primarily at students, is to help develop a deeper understanding of decolonization, since many will vote in the near future, said Assistant Professor of Social Work Dr. Lisalinda Natividad.
“The whole reason why we do this is to reach the student population so that they become informed and recognize the importance of this unresolved issue,” she said.
The forum will feature two guest speakers, journalist and researcher Nic Maclellan and attorney Leevin Camacho. Maclellan writes for Islands Business magazine in Fiji and has written widely on issues pertaining to the decolonization process in New Caledonia. Camacho is an advocate for the preservation of Guam lands, the environment, and Chamorro culture and successfully assisted We Are Guahan and the Guam Preservation Trust in their lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Defense over the proposed buildup and use of Pågat as a live round training and firing range by the U.S. military.
The forum will be held on Thursday, Sept. 1 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at the University of Guam College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) Lecture Hall.
For more information, contact Dr. Lisalinda Natividad at natividadl@triton.uog.edu. (PR) | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/uog-host-forum-decolonization/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/1a03e32f4da831606ffb455ae9ef0da3525d2ccbdc052d21e5a92bc34de20d54.json |
[
"Ferdie De La Torre",
"Jon Perez",
"American Lonewolf"
] | 2016-08-26T13:16:37 | null | 2016-08-25T20:06:25 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Frota-mayor-says-death-mv-luta-crew-freak-accident%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Rota mayor says death of M/V Luta crew a freak accident | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | A 62-year-old crew of cargo vessel M/V Luta died after he reportedly fell into the water from the boat, which was anchored at the West Marina Commercial Port on Rota Tuesday night.
Rota Mayor Efrain Atalig, in a phone interview yesterday, said although police investigation is ongoing, he believes that there was no foul play and that it was a freak accident. He said he was in the area when it happened and witnessed how Fidel Mendiola and others retrieved the victim.
Mendiola is among the owners of M/V Luta, a 150-foot long 500-ton cargo ship.
“What happened to the victim was unfortunate,” Atalig said.
Atalig said he immediately called police and an ambulance.
A witness also told Saipan Tribune yesterday that he too believes that there was no foul play involved as there were several people at the port at that time and that he even saw Mendiola and the boat’s captain jump into the water to save the victim.
The witness said he and Rota Mayor Atalig, along with several others, were eating in the warehouse at the port because they just finished unloading cargo from M/V Luta, which had just arrived from Saipan that same night.
The witness said Mendiola was outside the warehouse talking with someone on the phone and saw the victim fall from the boat.
He estimated that the warehouse is only about 60 feet away from the boat.
The witness said when Mendiola shouted that the victim fell from the vessel, they all ran outside from the warehouse.
He said the victim actually fell into one of the tires attached to the pier so they used a rope to bring him down to the water.
“He was facing up with his legs tangled on the tire. His face was in the water,” the witness said.
The witness said their retrieval was done fast, but the victim was already not moving.
Department of Public Safety acting spokesman Jason Tarkong said that on Tuesday at 11:36pm, Rota DPS Police received a call about an injured person at the West Marina Commercial Port, prompting police and Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services ambulance to respond to the area.
Tarkong said preliminary interview with witnesses at the scene revealed that the victim, a 62-year-old Filipino male, fell off from M/V Luta boat and into the water.
Members of the boat crew assisted in diving into the water and pulling the victim from the water onto shore.
Tarkong said the victim had no pulse and was not breathing and first responders attempted CPR.
The victim was transported to the Rota Health Center and pronounced dead on arrival by Dr. Gregory Kotheimer at 12:04am, Wednesday.
Tarkong said the victim’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
“The investigation into this case is ongoing,” Tarkong said. No other details were provided.
The witness said the height from the boat to the water was about 5 feet.
The witness said Mendiola and the captain managed to get to the victim quickly, while police and ambulance later arrived.
The witness said he learned that prior to the fall, the victim and another crew were watching TV in one of the boat’s room. He said the victim then went outside his room and later fell from the side of the boat.
The witness said the victim, a Filipino-American, was an engineer who came on Rota along with the boat from Louisiana, U.S.A., last March.
He said he knows that the victim does not drink alcoholic beverages.
He said the victim was telling other crew that his son from the Philippines came to the U.S. after he successfully petitioned him.
The witness said apparently the son, however, got into an accident at a swimming pool in the U.S. and became comatose.
The witness also disclosed that the victim and the boat’s other crew were complaining about not getting wages lately.
Last May, former Department of Public Lands Secretary John DelRosario filed a taxpayer’s lawsuit against Lt. Gov. Victor B. Hocog and Department of Finance Secretary Larissa Larson over the alleged adoption of a Rota Legislative Delegation resolution without public notice that purportedly authorized payment of $400,000 to a private company owned by relatives of Hocog.
Rota Legislative Delegation Resolution 19-03 was approved “to authorize the Department of Finance to pay for fuel, lubrication, and other costs necessary for the maiden voyage of the vessel from Louisiana to its new home port on Rota, and to provide for the personnel and operational costs of the Office of the Mayor of Rota.”
The M/V Luta was supposed to reduce the waiting time for shipments to come in since the barge is having a hard time to come in to the dock.
M/V Luta was recently used to pick up a 20-member environmental group that was stranded on Pagan for close to a week. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/rota-mayor-says-death-mv-luta-crew-freak-accident/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/1dce21e4f20fe0edf8e94062cd15dfec8dbc35eca2e3fab4c45a80aa5fd99d1a.json |
[
"Ferdie De La Torre"
] | 2016-08-29T20:53:40 | null | 2016-08-29T20:00:58 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fmanglona-jurors-dont-need-experts-help-understand-tourists-driving-behavior%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Manglona: Jurors don’t need expert’s help to understand tourists’ driving behavior | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Commonwealth jurors do not need expert assistance to understand how tourists drive, according to U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona.
Manglona made such ruling yesterday in reconsidering her previous decision that denied the U.S. government’s motion to exclude defendant Zhaopeng Chen’s proposed expert witness testimony of former lawmaker/police officer Christopher Leon Guerrero about alleged erratic behavior of Chen’s two Chinese co-defendants.
Manglona now grants in part the U.S. government’s motion to exclude Leon Guerrero as expert witness.
The judge said she has reconsidered her decision after receiving the U.S. government’s reply.
The indictment charged Chen, Xi Huang, and Shicheng Cai with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine over the shipment of 4.9 lbs of “ice” worth $850,000 in 2015.
Chen’s jury trial will commence today, Tuesday.
Huang and Cai both pleaded guilty. Huang was recently slapped with 188 months or 15 years and eight months of imprisonment. Cai has yet to be sentenced.
Last Wednesday, Manglona denied without prejudice the U.S. government’s motion to exclude. The judge said the U.S. government may renew the motion at an appropriate time in the course of Chen’s trial.
Manglona said Chen’s expert, Leon Guerrero, would be a rebuttal witness, and the court has yet to determine whether the U.S. government’s witness will be permitted to give expert testimony.
The judge said if the U.S. government’s witness is permitted to so testify, the court will be inclined to allow the defense a rebuttal expert.
The U.S. government informed the court and Chen that it would substitute out Drug Enforcement Administration agent Kirk Johns’ testimony for that of case agent Ray Renguul.
In her reconsidering order yesterday, Manglona said law enforcement officers may give expert testimony as to driving behavior that fits “the modus operandi of persons conducting surveillance while transporting drugs.”
Manglona said if the U.S. government shows that its proposed expert witness, Renguul, is qualified to give such testimony and that the testimony will assist the trier of fact, this expert testimony will be allowed.
Chen, through counsel David Banes, has notified the U.S. government that it intends to call Leon Guerrero to give an alternative explanation for co-conspirators’ driving behavior as drivers from the People’s Republic of China, including offering videos of Chinese tourists driving in Saipan.
Manglona said such testimony would not be proper expert rebuttal on counter-surveillance but would be direct testimony about how Chinese tourists drive.
Manglona said as the proponent of expert testimony, Chen has not met his “burden of proving the factual prerequisites necessary to the admissibility of expert testimony by a preponderance of the evidence.”
The judge said if Renguul gives expert testimony on counter-surveillance, Chen may make an offer of proof if he still wishes to call Leon Guerrero to give true rebuttal testimony that co-conspirators’ driving behavior was not consistent with counter-surveillance methods. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/manglona-jurors-dont-need-experts-help-understand-tourists-driving-behavior/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/d9b435aa6d11362a268944f73100c660f649cc3b659040299a794c4d971cf634.json |
[
"Erwin Encinares",
"Press Release",
"Jon Perez",
"Roselyn Monroyo"
] | 2016-08-26T13:18:07 | null | 2016-08-23T20:06:41 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fnmtis-goal-become-community-college%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Rotary-pix-2-150x150.jpg | en | null | ‘NMTI’s goal is to become a community college’ | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Agnes McPhetres, CEO of Northern Marianas Trades Institute, said the ultimate goal of the school is to become a community college to decrease the amount of imported manpower that specializes in various hotel, restaurant, and hospitality operations in the CNMI.
In an exclusive interview with Saipan Tribune yesterday after speaking at the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Saipan where she’s a member, McPhetres said NMTI becoming a community college has already been discussed by the school and the government, with the latter already designating a site.
“We have been working with the government and they have designated a site for the NMTI in the future, in the southern part of the island close to Saipan Southern High School,” said McPhetres. Additional funding, however, is still necessary. “We would still need funding to do a physical master plan in the area.”
The NMTI also plans to provide topnotch training in hotel and restaurant operations. “What we would also like for the NTMI is to have world-class combination of culinary and hotel hospitality in our school because that is our major industry here so that we don’t have to import people,” said McPhetres. “We would be able to produce U.S. citizens to be part of the economic development in that area.”
McPhetres claims that one of the goals of the NMTI is to be a good training center to play a larger role in the economic advancement of not just the CNMI but of the Western-Pacific as a whole. “Our goal is to really be a good training center in the area of technical vocational programs, not just for the CNMI but for the whole Western-Pacific, so that we can help stimulate the economy of the island as well as that of the region,” said McPhetres.
NMTI plans to add more courses, but the lack of funding is keeping them back. “We have electronic drafting, we have renewable energy, but there are some areas that we would like to explore into, and also get more in-depth in the area of construction trades such as fine carpentry, so students could be making cabinets, etc and become businessmen themselves,” said McPhetres. “In all the specialized areas of construction trades we don’t want to turn out with workers, we want specialists.”
McPhetres also adds that with extra funding, the NMTI will be more efficient. “If you have good instructors, the product would also be good,” concluded McPheters. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/nmtis-goal-become-community-college/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/6df342b1aa8b7dbe3c437216d39d6c09f9d2cc473bc29c58ab18b65605447941.json |
[
"Press Release"
] | 2016-08-28T20:52:46 | null | 2016-08-28T20:06:06 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2F282k-released-guam-housing-corp-trust-fund%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | $282K released to Guam Housing Corp. Trust Fund | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | HAGÅTÑA, Guam—Bill No. 293-33 (COR), now Public Law 33-168, replenishes the Guam Housing Corp.’s Housing Trust Fund by $760,000.
As of last week, $282,000 of the $760,000 has been released to the Guam Housing Corp. This will help approximately 30 families fulfill their dreams in owning their first homes. It is expected that these funds will stimulate the economy by about $17,500,000.
For the second time, Speaker Judith Won Pat authored public laws that transferred escheated funds to the Guam Housing Corporation’s Housing Trust Fund. The Guam Housing Corp.’s Housing Trust Fund was established in 2012, as part of P.L. 31-166, to support the affordability and accessibility of housing for residents of Guam, and to finance support services that assist low-income households in obtaining and maintaining affordable housing.
In the 32nd Guam Legislature, Speaker Won Pat authored P.L. 32-36 which transferred $2.1 million to fund the first-time home ownership program. These grants yielded over $53 million in Real Estate, Banking, Escrow, Appraisers, and Title Insurance activity. It provided 289 families homes.
Speaker Won Pat will continue to fight for the remaining balance that was appropriated to the fund which will help additional families fund their homes. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/282k-released-guam-housing-corp-trust-fund/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/ec2906dfb82626b0158805299bdb43e4b6d50b3ee1ec3ea8ca866337f5b6ff8e.json |
[
"Ferdie De La Torre"
] | 2016-08-26T15:13:56 | null | 2016-08-23T20:06:56 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fprobable-cause-found-rota-cop-sexual-abuse-minor-girl%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Probable cause found against Rota cop in sexual abuse of minor girl | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Superior Court Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho yesterday found probable cause to charge Rota Police Officer Melvin Maratita Manglona over the allegations that he sexually abused a 14-year-old girl.
At the preliminary hearing, Camacho found probable cause to believe that the crimes of two counts of sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree and one count of disturbing the peace were committed and that the 48-year-old Manglona may have committed the offenses.
Camacho ordered Manglona to answer the charges.
The judge dismissed the charge of assault and battery because it is a lesser included offense of sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree.
It means that it is not necessary to charge assault and battery as it is already included in sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree.
Arraignment will be on Aug. 29 at 9am.
At the hearing, assistant attorney general Shannon Foley called to the witness stand Rota Police Detective Chloe Hocog, who narrated to the court about their investigation that led to Manglona’s arrest.
Assistant public defender Tillman Clark served as counsel for the defendant.
After the hearing, Manglona was remanded into the custody of the Department of Corrections.
AAG Foley stated in the information that Manglona sexually abused the girl in July and Aug. 11, 2016 on Rota.
Foley said the defendant touched the girl’s private part last Aug. 1, and caused her to have suicidal thoughts from July 2016 to Aug. 11, 2016.
Hocog stated in her report that the girl revealed that Manglona has been sexually abusing her since she was 9 years old and that the recent sexual encounter happened just last Aug. 11. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/probable-cause-found-rota-cop-sexual-abuse-minor-girl/ | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/7c028c99981e13ca824103bf3c6a89b07e53bc65a9f54748587bbcda8dde4d19.json |
[
"Press Release",
"Erwin Encinares"
] | 2016-08-30T20:54:58 | null | 2016-08-30T20:00:31 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fptc-signs-green-gala-emerald-sponsor%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | PTC signs on as Green Gala Emerald Sponsor | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Through its contribution, Pacific Trading Co. has signed on as the latest sponsor supporting Micronesia Islands Nature Alliance’s work in conserving the islands’ natural resources. PTC’s $5,000 in-kind donation was made to support MINA’s Green Gala fundraiser, to be held on Friday, Sept. 2, 2016.
The leading conservation nonprofit organization in the Commonwealth, MINA has worked to implement various conservation projects, including the Plastic Bag Challenge, the Schools for Environmental Conservation workshops, the Marine Debris Prevention program, Tasi Watch Program, the Adopt-A-Bin Project, and Managaha Pride Campaign.
In order to continue its efforts to preserve and protect the CNMI’s environment and biodiversity, MINA is seeking the community’s participation in the Green Gala event. The organization is supported by project grants and from generous contributions from local businesses and community members.
In addition to lively entertainment, dinner and a variety of beverages, the Green Gala will feature highlights from MINA’s projects, a silent auction, and many other activities that promise a memorable evening to celebrate over ten years of working with island communities for conservation.
To become a sponsor of the Green Gala, please contact Becky Furey at 233-REEF (7333), or email minaoutreach@gmail.com. (PR) | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/ptc-signs-green-gala-emerald-sponsor/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/f24274708e8a2bdf5bc6a3219eb844f4fa328bb8e19b34b0b1c7cb5ea5221ebf.json |
[
"Press Release",
"Jon Perez"
] | 2016-08-29T20:52:38 | null | 2016-08-29T20:06:20 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fbeach-road-pathway-hit-vandals%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Beach-Rd-pix2-150x150.jpg | en | null | Beach Road Pathway hit by vandals | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | The newly re-lit Beach Road Pathway was hit by vandals on Tuesday night, Aug. 23, according to the Marianas Visitors Authority.
The MVA received a report Wednesday, Aug. 24, of damage to one of the lights across from the SASHA building near Quartermaster Road. The optical glass diffuser was found broken on the ground, the three parts of the light were missing: the LED corn-shaped light, light socket, and light socket base.
“We cannot express deeply enough how disturbing this is for the MVA. The damage done to the pathway lighting only delays the completion of this much anticipated destination enhancement project,” said MVA managing director Christopher A. Concepcion. “We urge our law enforcement partners to do their proper investigations and vehemently seek out those responsible for this crime. Crimes that go unpunished ultimately encourage criminals to continue their misdeeds, to the detriment of our entire society. This has to stop now.”
An official police report is still pending. Individuals with information that may help authorities are urged to contact the Department of Public Safety or Crimestoppers at 234-7272.
In June 2016 the MVA re-lit the Beach Road Pathway after several years of it being dark at night. Copper wire thieves have successfully targeted the pathway several times, including during the MVA’s current rehabilitation.
“The last copper wire theft that took place at the pthway was unacceptable,” said Concepcion. “To date, we have no information regarding any arrests made for that theft. We hope law enforcement agencies are still working on this case as no one has been made to answer for that crime, yet.”
The MVA expects to spend a total of $965,591.99 to relight the entire pathway before the holiday season. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/beach-road-pathway-hit-vandals/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/86915f8d30e3082664de28f1a3687b1f8dcf338d67c45f0f13269dfd3657130b.json |
[
"Press Release",
"Ferdie De La Torre",
"Erwin Encinares"
] | 2016-08-30T20:53:37 | null | 2016-08-30T20:06:26 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fsyp-holds-professional-mentorship-meal-exchange%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/SYP-pix-150x150.jpg | en | null | SYP holds professional mentorship meal exchange | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | The Saipan Young Professionals Committee held its first mentorship event on Monday, Aug. 29, 2016 at Giovanni’s Hyatt Regency Saipan.
The goal of the event, dubbed professional mentorship meal exchange, was to further engage the SYP with Saipan Chamber of Commerce members by providing a casual setting to network and connect with some of the most successful business people on island. The mentors provided insight to their field of expertise and offered advice to SYP’s budding entrepreneurs.
SYP would like to thank the following Chamber members who generously donated their time to mentor at this event: David Largent (Imperial Pacific), Donna Krum (Friends First Marketing), Alex Youn (AC Pacific dba I Love Saipan), Tyrell Pauling (Hyatt Regency Saipan), Sylvan Tudela and Adora Tudela (Chelu Photos), Perry Inos, Jr. (Triple J), Chris Concepcion (Marianas Visitors Authority), and Alex Sablan (Century Insurance).
The mission of the Saipan Young Professionals Committee is to inspire, network, and engage to influence positive change and foster growth that will shape the future of the Marianas. If you are interested in being a part of this prestigious group, please call 234-7150 or email administrator@saipanchamber.com. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/syp-holds-professional-mentorship-meal-exchange/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/974b146ecf2bd225d9ba36b653417ba71ca63b699724513332c4723271d2ba7c.json |
[
"Ferdie De La Torre",
"Jon Perez",
"Roselyn Monroyo",
"Press Release"
] | 2016-08-26T13:11:58 | null | 2016-08-24T20:03:04 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fus-govt-wants-exclude-proposed-expert-testimony-ex-lawmakercop%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | US govt wants to exclude proposed expert testimony of ex-lawmaker/cop | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | The U.S. government wants to exclude a defendant’s proposed expert witness testimony of a former lawmaker/police officer about the alleged erratic driving behavior of two Chinese co-defendants who both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine or “ice.”
U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona, however, yesterday denied without prejudice the U.S. government’s motion to exclude defendant Zhaopeng Chen’s proposed expert witness testimony of former representative/police officer Christopher Leon Guerrero.
Manglona said the U.S. government may renew the motion at an appropriate time in the course of Chen’s trial.
Manglona said Chen’s expert, Leon Guerrero, would be a rebuttal witness, and the court has yet to determine whether the U.S. government’s witness will be permitted to give expert testimony.
The judge said if the U.S. government’s witness is permitted to testify, the court will be inclined to allow the defense a rebuttal expert.
The U.S. government informed the court and Chen that it would substitute out Drug Enforcement Administration agent Kirk Johns’ testimony for that of case agent Ray Renguul.
Manglona noted that each party complains that the qualifications of the other party’s proposed expert witness have not been disclosed, as required by Rule 16 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
Manglona pointed out that given that both witnesses Leon Guerrero and Renguul have had long careers in local law enforcement and are well known in the local legal community, the delay in adherence to this disclosure obligation is unlikely to have prejudiced either party.
The judge ordered each party to provide the other with its expert witness’ qualifications no later than Friday, Aug. 26.
In the U.S. government’s motion in limine to exclude Chen’s proposed expert witness testimony, assistant U.S. attorney Garth Backe said they received notice last Aug. 13 through a letter from defendant’s counsel that defendant intended to call Leon Guerrero as an expert witness at trial.
Motion in limine refers to a request made before the start of a trial asking that the judge rule that certain evidence may, or may not, be introduced to the jury in a trial.
Backe said according to the notice, Leon Guerrero will testify that there is an alternative explanation for the alleged driving behavior of Chen’s co-defendants Shicheng Cai and Xi Huang, generally, but particularly as they are drivers from the People’s Republic of China.
The notice also stated that Leon Guerrero will also testify that even if Cai and Huang were driving in an anti-surveillance way, it does not follow that Chen understood what Huang was doing.
The notice added that generally, Leon Guerrero’s testimony will rebut the opinion of Renguul.
Backe said Chen has not provided the bases and reasons for Leon Guerrero’s opinions or even his qualifications.
Backe said Chen wants Leon Guerrero to testify in an expert capacity that Huang and Cai could have been driving erratically because they are from China, and furthermore, that Huang’s manner of driving does not mean that he understood what Huang was doing.
“But the conclusion that a tourist might have difficulty driving in a foreign country is not an expert opinion; it is an expression of common sense,” the prosecutor said.
Backe said the same goes for the conclusion that Huang’s driving does not prove Chen’s knowledge of the drug transaction.
In Chen’s opposition to the motion, attorney David G. Banes said the court should deny it because the defendant provided proper notice, even though the U.S. government has not yet complied fully with Rule 16 concerning its experts.
Banes said there is also no legal basis or authority for the U.S. government’s demand that Chen be precluded from offering testimony on the same topic as the U.S. government’s proposed expert, and such a request is patently unfair.
Banes said the U.S. government has noticed its intent to introduce expert opinion testimony from a law enforcement officer that the vehicles driven by Cai and Huang were engaged in “counter-surveillance” tactics, such as speeding up, slowing down, and pulling over to the side of the road.
Banes said Chen has provided notice to the U.S. government of the expected expert testimony despite the U.S. government’s failure to describe qualifications of their new expert.
Banes said if expert opinion testimony about the meaning of how Cai and Huang were driving is a matter of common sense as the U.S. government argues it is, then the U.S. government’s expert is improper under the same reasoning.
The indictment charged Chen, Huang, and Cai with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine over the shipment of 4.9 lbs of “ice” worth $850,000 in 2015.
Chen pleaded not guilty. His jury trial will commence on Tuesday, Aug. 30.
Huang and Cai both pleaded guilty. Huang was recently slapped with 188 months or 15 years and eight months of imprisonment. Cai has yet to be sentenced. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/us-govt-wants-exclude-proposed-expert-testimony-ex-lawmakercop/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/519bcabb7fb5f85d6073c470177a271c41d54ff0e919e3bb541b4ab458ec27ae.json |
[
"Erwin Encinares",
"Ferdie De La Torre",
"Jon Perez",
"Press Release"
] | 2016-08-30T20:53:29 | null | 2016-08-30T20:06:37 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Ffbi-shares-dos-donts-active-shooter-scenario%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Rotary-pix-4-150x150.jpg | en | null | FBI shares do’s and don't’s in active shooter scenario - Saipan News, Headlines, Events, Ads | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | A Federal Bureau of Investigation program that instructs public schools and offices on what to do in the event of an active shooter situation was discussed by FBI agents Haejun Park and Jay Wolfe yesterday at the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Saipan at the Hyatt Regency Saipan.
Park, along with colleague Wolfe, shared that active shootings and stabbings occur more often than thought. Park said it can happen anywhere, as it has once already happened here on Saipan. “[The shooter] started out at the Kannat Tabla Shooting Range, ended up in Marpi with the actual gunman taking his life. We don’t mention his name. We don’t want to memorialize him,” stated Park.
Another mass shooting incident was the 1999 Columbine High School shooting. It was this shooting that started the Advance Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training or ALERRT.
“In response to the Columbine shooting, the U.S. came up with a program, ALERRT, or the Advance Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training,” said Park. “The FBI, in partnership with the University of Texas of San Marcos, came up with a training program so we could go around the country, worldwide as well, to teach law enforcement officers how to respond to active shooters.”
Park also told Rotarians of what an active shooter is by using the past incident on Saipan. “Here on Saipan back in 2009, that was an active shooter in its truest definition. The gunman has access to weapons, randomly killing people, indiscriminately spraying into a crowd. That’s the definition of an active shooter. Somebody who wants to create as much havoc, to take out the largest number of people as he can,” said Park.
“In this program, we want to promote worldwide, not only in the U.S., Saipan, and Guam, but we want to promote it in Europe, in Asia, everywhere across the world, so that law enforcement knows how to respond to this,” said Park. “The reasoning behind the ALERRT program is for responders to have a universal system to recognizing allies from foe. Because in the past, there have been crazy responses. So many different law enforcers show up, and we don’t know who’s friendly who’s not. So we have a coordinated training program to help combat that situation.”
Schools on Saipan are also front and center of the program. “We give them [schools] guidance with how to respond to an active shooter. Somebody who’s trying to create as much havoc inside the school program,” said Park.
Rotary Club of Saipan secretary Eli Stoilova asked if hotels would be included in the program for the safety of the tourists.
Park responded with, “We can provide these to hotels, but normally, for now, it is designed for schools and offices and things like that. But yes, we can provide a general training. Every hotel’s layout is different, but normally, if you can’t run, barricade yourselves in. Get into a room, barricade that door. Don’t let anybody in. those are the same principles the local public schools adhere to.”
Park stated that the main goal of the responders to mass shootings are to stop the killings no matter what.
“Our lives at that point are regardless. That’s why we took an oath, that’s why we are sworn to our duty. Our duty at that moment in time, that split second, is to stop the killing. Whether it be addressing the gunman by ourselves, we got to do it quickly and safely. That’s our main goal,” said Park. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/fbi-shares-dos-donts-active-shooter-scenario/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/64067af5c78a4bb2c927c7d05ffbab97ee58ce7d7ac940e2434cca06583cf1a6.json |
[
"Ferdie De La Torre"
] | 2016-08-26T13:03:35 | null | 2016-08-24T20:00:47 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fman-allegedly-catches-girlfriend-new-boyfriend-breaks-room-machete%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Man allegedly catches girlfriend with new boyfriend, breaks into her room with machete | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | A man armed with a machete allegedly tried to break into the bedroom of his girlfriend after he caught her together with her a new boyfriend in As Lito on Saturday night.
Danilo Dinong Ibrao, 50, was arrested for criminal mischief, assault, disturbing the peace, and violating a court’s protection order.
At a hearing on Tuesday, Superior Court Associate Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio imposed a $2,000 cash bail and set the preliminary hearing for Sept. 2 at 9am.
Assistant public defender Tillman Clark was appointed as counsel for Ibrao. Assistant attorney general Chester Hinds appeared for the government.
Police Detective Peter A. Aldan stated in his report that prior to the incident, the victim was able to obtain a court’s order for protection against Ibrao. She alleged that Ibrao sent her text messages, threatening he would kill her by chopping her if he would find out she is seeing someone.
Aldan said preliminary investigation showed that while the victim and her current boyfriend were resting in her room on Saturday at 10:10pm, they were surprised when they noticed that the window-type air-conditioner was being pulled out.
Ibrao then shouted to open the door so he could kill her and her boyfriend. The victim and her boyfriend ran to the living room.
Using a machete, Ibrao damaged some louvers and cut a hole on the screen of the living room window. The victim called for police’s help.
Ibrao was shouting that he would kill them both. Ibrao then walked to the bedroom and tried to climb on the window, where the air-conditioner is.
When he heard that she was talking to police on the phone, Ibrao climbed back down and fled.
When two police officers arrived at 11:04pm, Ibrao was no longer there. He was arrested on Sunday afternoon.
The victim was so traumatized that she was transported to the women’s shelter, police said. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/man-allegedly-catches-girlfriend-new-boyfriend-breaks-room-machete/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/f2f6c14371789c116f94e6e6e44b54f0425c96d564d82344b550a4c54d61dff7.json |
[
"Ferdie De La Torre",
"Dennis B. Chan",
"Press Release"
] | 2016-08-26T12:48:47 | null | 2016-08-25T20:06:56 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fman-accused-sexual-abuse-minor-gets-5-years-jail%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Man accused of sexual abuse of a minor gets 5 years in jail | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | A 29-year-old man accused of sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl twice last year, entered a guilty plea yesterday in the Superior Court and was slapped with the maximum sentence of five years imprisonment.
Kevin Jason Kaipat signed a plea deal with the government and pleaded guilty to the offense of sexual abuse of a minor in the third degree.
Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho accepted the plea agreement and sentenced Kaipat to the maximum of five years imprisonment to be served day for day, without the possibility of parole, probation, early release, and work release.
Kaipat was given credit of 50 days for time served. He was ordered to pay a $25 court cost, register with the CNMI Sex Offender Registry, and submit to examinations focusing on sex offender counseling.
The defendant, through counsel, made an oral request to surrender himself to the Department of Corrections on Sept. 6, 2016. Assistant attorney general Shannon Foley, counsel for the government, objected to the request.
Camacho denied Kaipat’s request. The judge told the defendant that he has pled guilty to the charge and that he is no longer presumed innocent.
Camacho said the Department of Corrections is not a hotel and defendant does not choose when to check in and out.
After the hearing, the judge ordered the court marshal to take Kaipat back into the custody of DOC to start serving his sentence.
The Office of the Attorney General originally charged Kaipat with sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree, assault and battery, and disturbing the peace.
The OAG yesterday moved to amend the information by dismissing the charge of sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree, an offense that carries the maximum sentence of 30 years imprisonment.
The OAG requested to charge Kaipat instead with sexual abuse of a minor in the third degree, an offense that carries a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment.
AAG Foley said after careful review of the investigative reports and the applicable legal authority, the government seeks to amend the charge.
Chief Public Defender Douglas Hartig and assistant public defender Cindy Nesbit, counsel for Kaipat, did not object.
Camacho granted the motion to amend.
Foley said the victim supported the terms of the plea deal.
According to the factual basis of the plea agreement, Kaipat unlawfully engaged in sexual contact with the girl when he fondled her private part on Sept. 8, 2015 on Saipan.
Police said Kaipat sexually abused the girl twice in Dandan and in Kagman in 2015.
Police said the girl stated that the first incident happened at a house in Dandan after Typhoon Soudelor struck Saipan in August 2015.
The girl also told police that the second incident happened inside a tent that was given by the American Red Cross at a house in Kagman last Sept. 8. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/man-accused-sexual-abuse-minor-gets-5-years-jail/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/90ffb39c8467fa401b852e4013e11f17f3fcfff34b2988211df5635c7cc66447.json |
[
"Press Release"
] | 2016-08-30T20:54:40 | null | 2016-08-30T20:00:53 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fcoast-guard-partners-enforce-security-zone-kailua-bay-oahu%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Coast-pix-4-150x150.jpg | en | null | Coast Guard, partners to enforce security zone in Kailua Bay on Oahu | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | HONOLULU—Coast Guard personnel, federal, state and local law enforcement partners will enforce a temporary security zone in waters of Kailua Bay, Oahu, Hawaii beginning Tuesday and running through Friday.
The temporary security zone is necessary to ensure the safety of a distinguished visitor.
The security zone will be in effect from 4pm Aug. 30 to 11:30pm Sept. 2, 2016, unless canceled earlier by the Captain of the Port Honolulu, Capt. Michael Long.
The Coast Guard is coordinating with the Honolulu Police Department, Marine Corps Base Hawaii and other federal, state, and county law enforcement agencies to conduct patrols of the area under the direction of the U.S. Secret Service.
The Coast Guard has established a temporary security zone on waters of Kailua Bay off the eastern coast of Oahu. The security zone includes all waters in Kailua Bay to the west of a line connecting two points beginning at the shoreline of Kapoho Point and thence westward at a bearing of 227 degrees T to the shoreline at the southeastern corner of Kailuana Loop in Kailua. In addition, the security zone includes the adjacent channel beginning at Kapoho Point to a point along the channel approximately 150 yards south o the N. Kalaheo Avenue Road bridge. An orange marker will be placed in the canal to indicate the perimeter of the security zone.
Under the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations 33 CFR 165.33, the temporary law prohibits any unauthorized person or vessel from entering or remaining in this security zone. Any person entering the zone without the permission of the Coast Guard captain of the port is subject to a penalty of not more than $40,000 for each violation or a criminal penalty resulting in imprisonment of not more than 25 years and a fine of not more than $250,000. Offending vessels may also be seized and held liable for any monetary assessments. (PR) | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/coast-guard-partners-enforce-security-zone-kailua-bay-oahu/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/617b6ca2c8fd5477252cd26326912f278b2997399ea06740abf98fc3b5c48595.json |
[
"Press Release",
"Ferdie De La Torre"
] | 2016-08-29T20:53:45 | null | 2016-08-29T20:00:43 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fsubmarine-force-opens-new-trainer-guam%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Submarine force opens new trainer in Guam | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | SANTA RITA, Guam—Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific (NSTCP) detachment (det) Guam held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the brand new Mobile Trainer (MT) 1000 submarine firefighting trainer on Polaris Point, Guam, Aug. 26.
The MT-1000 is the hottest firefighting trainer in the U.S. Navy and can run until temperatures reach 700 degrees Fahrenheit at five feet above the deck. It is designed to train service members in both basic firefighting and responsive team training to improve the casualty response of forward deployed units in the Western Pacific.
“The addition of the MT-1000 reinforces the Navy’s commitment to ensure our submarine force is trained to the highest degree of readiness and that our crews are ready to handle emergency situations underway,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jarrod Trant, NSTCP det Guam Officer in Charge. “The MT-1000 is the newest, hottest firefighter trainer in the U.S. Navy, putting our front line submariners through rigorous firefighting scenarios, which provides invaluable training.”
One of the MT-1000’s two fireplaces simulates a switchboard electrical fire, and the other is a bilge fire with a flashover capability that shoots propane across the ceiling, which rapidly raises the temperature inside. Training is routinely conducted around 200-300 degrees Fahrenheit, which can be reached within a couple of minutes at full burn. The MT-1000 can train two hose teams of four Sailors each simultaneously and is closely monitored by staff to ensure safety and compliance with proper firefighting techniques.
“This top-of-the-line trainer will benefit the submarine force and the fleet by developing team skills with real-life firefighting scenarios in a controlled environment,” said Trant. “We want to ensure the teams have the tools they need to be successful should similar situations arise underway.”
The MT-1000 is specially designed to improve firefighting capabilities aboard submarines with a side watertight door and topside hatch over a vertical ladder to simulate firefighting conditions and accesses on submarines. The trainer also has moveable metal panels to simulate different scenarios and increase the difficulty.
Capt. Michael Martin, NSTCP Commanding Officer, was present for the ceremony and is excited about the new systems coming online.
“The MT-1000 is another addition in a series of new training capabilities coming to Guam,” said Martin. “Over the last three years, NSTCP det Guam has expanded from a small office of four instructors to a staff of 20 by the end of the year, running a state of the art Attack Center, Submarine Bridge and integrated navigation trainer, Ship Control Operator Trainer (SCOT) and the new MT-1000 along with an advanced engineering Virtual Interactive Display Equipment (VIDE) trainer coming online in November.”
The new facility was built by Kidde Fire Trainers, Inc. and shipped from Groton, Connecticut, to Guam in July. The MT-1000 has been undergoing acceptance testing throughout August and will be ready to train submariners in September.
“The submarine force and Submarine Learning Center (SLC) have provided considerable resources to buy, build and man this schoolhouse,” said Martin. “Guam continues to provide excellent state of the art training to the forward deployed submarines equal to any submarine homeport.”
NSTCP det Guam is located at Polaris Point in Apra Harbor, Guam and shares a building with Commander, Submarine Squadron 15. Together, they are responsible for providing training, material and personnel readiness support of four Los Angeles-class attack submarines stationed in Guam and submarines deployed throughout the Pacific Ocean. The submarines and submarine tenders USS Frank Cable (AS 40) and USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) are maintained as part of the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed submarine force and are readily capable of meeting global operational requirements.
For more news from Commander, Submarine Squadron 15, visit http://www.csp.navy.mil/css15 and https://www.facebook.com/SubmarineSquadron15/.
For more news from Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific detachment Guam, visit https://www.facebook.com/NSTCPDETGUAM/.
For more news from NSTCP or SLC, visit http://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/slc/nstcp/.
Thinking of being stationed in Guam? Check out http://www.csp.navy.mil/go-guam/ for more information. (PR) | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/submarine-force-opens-new-trainer-guam/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/ba504de8c890ee84f493117cde6fdf2d30917ad5611bef0895e49c29fc7f4087.json |
[
"Press Release",
"Jon Perez"
] | 2016-08-26T13:14:55 | null | 2016-08-23T20:06:04 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fnew-underwater-robotic-vehicle-tested-guam%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Schmidt-pix.jpg-150x150.jpg | en | null | New underwater robotic vehicle tested in Guam | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | APRA HARBOR, GUAM—After a month of completing rigorous tests in the open ocean off the island of Guam in the western Pacific, the new Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) SuBastian is returning to shore. Schmidt Ocean Institute (SOI) has been working this summer, testing and integrating its new ROV from aboard its 272-foot oceanographic research vessel Falkor.
The 25-day testing placed ROV SuBastian in real-world conditions, demonstrating its functionality as a modern research tool with innovative systems. The ROV tests and trials included 22 dives and more than 100 hours underwater. Now that the vehicle has been tested, the team is working on making tweaks and improvements so that SuBastian is ready for its first research cruise later this year, visiting the Mariana Back-Arc in Guam. The 4K high-resolution video footage collected with SuBastian will be openly shared with scientists and interested public around the world.
Wendy Schmidt, co-founder of Schmidt Ocean Institute, has watched SuBastian go from concept to a full-functioning vehicle.
“I am very proud of what our team has been able to accomplish in the past year. With ROV SuBastian, we will help make life on the ocean floor real to people who will never visit the sea, so they, too, can begin to appreciate the importance of ocean health and make the connection between life in the deep sea and life on land. You don’t have to be a scientist at sea to recognize the importance of the marine environment, and we are only at the beginning of our understanding. We never anticipated discovering the world’s deepest living fish, the ghostfish, back in 2014, and are excited about the life we will discover next,” she said.
The ROV is connected to an umbilical tether that powers and transfers data for live video telepresence operations, resulting in SuBastian’s ability to potentially stay submerged and explore for multiple days at a time. This is the first submersible vehicle that SOI, founded by Eric and Wendy Schmidt, has designed and built. ROV SuBastian was built to meet the needs of scientists aboard Falkor, while considering the well-being of the entire marine environment. The ROV is designed to go to depths of 4,500 meters (2.8 miles), and will be suitable to support high-resolution seafloor mapping, photomosaicing, video and image gathering, and collections of rocks, animals, and seawater samples. SuBastain is equipped with a versatile array of power and data interfaces to enable integration of a wide range of add-on deepsea instruments and samplers that oceanographers may need to support their deep sea research.
Schmidt Ocean Institute provides collaborating researchers and scientist’s free access to research vessel Falkor, as well as expert technical support in exchange for a commitment to openly share and communicate the outcomes of research, including the raw observations and data. With many ROV research cruises foreseen through at least 2018, there certainly will be lots to learn with SuBastian.
Data collected using SuBastian will be openly shared with the public and interested researchers. “This is just the start of SuBastian’s life,” said ROV Project manager David Wotherspoon, “The team is incredibly focused and ready to put SuBastian to use. SuBastian will now be used by scientists to investigate the deep sea, acting as eyes, ears and hands miles beneath the ocean surface.”
Schmidt Ocean Institute was created by Eric and Wendy Schmidt in 2009 to enable research that expands understanding of the world’s ocean using advanced technology, intelligent observation, and the open sharing of information. Annually the organization invites select scientific teams from around the world to carry out collaborative oceanographic research and technology development aboard its 272-foot research vessel, Falkor, launched in 2012. For more information please visit www.schmidtocean.org. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/new-underwater-robotic-vehicle-tested-guam/ | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/0f6cb01bc384e6de333daafaabacc99779d531487a14c3e4851f6067cbaba08c.json |
[
"Press Release"
] | 2016-08-26T13:11:41 | null | 2016-08-25T20:06:45 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fvolunteers-needed-amps-1st-day-service%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Volunteers needed for AMP’s 1st Day of Service | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) and Park Superintendent Jim Richardson invite residents to join the first Day of Service to help clean up American Memorial Park this Saturday, Aug. 27, from 7am to 11am.
Meet and sign in at the Amphitheater. Volunteers will be able to assist with a variety of projects in the memorial grounds, the Visitors Center, and the wetland areas of the Park. Please wear protective clothing and shoes suitable for outdoor work. Water, refreshments, gloves, sunscreen, and other supplies will be provided. Volunteers under 18 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian.
Register in person at the American Memorial Park Visitors Center or online at https://americanmemorialparkdayofservice.eventbrite.com, or simply show up at the Park Amphitheater on Saturday morning. For more information, contact the congressional office at kilili@mail.house.gov or (670) 323-2647. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/volunteers-needed-amps-1st-day-service/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/cb5c8e9ac78558c12e7f831eb0d576d16fde1c1b620d4c0531a28f3f332469eb.json |
[
"Press Release"
] | 2016-08-26T13:11:16 | null | 2016-08-24T20:06:22 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fsubmarine-force-open-new-trainer-guam%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Submarine force to open new trainer in Guam | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | SANTA RITA, Guam—Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific (NSTCP) detachment Guam is holding a ribbon cutting ceremony for the brand new Mobile Trainer (MT) 1000 submarine firefighting trainer Aug. 26 at 8:30am.
The MT-100 is the hottest firefighting trainer in the U.S. Navy and can run until temperatures reach 700 degrees Fahrenheit. It is designed to train service members both Basic Firefighting and Responsive Team Training to improve the casualty response of forward deployed units in the Western Pacific.
NSTCP det Guam is a located at Polaris Point in Apra Harbor, Guam and shares a building with Commander, Submarine Squadron 15. Together, they are responsible for providing training, material and personnel readiness support of four Los Angeles-class attack submarines stationed in Guam and submarines deployed throughout the Pacific Ocean. The submarines and submarine tenders USS Frank Cable (AS 40) and USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) are maintained as part of the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed submarine force and are readily capable of meeting global operational requirements.
For more news from Commander, Submarine Squadron 15, visit http://www.csp.navy.mil/css15 and https://www.facebook.com/SubmarineSquadron15/.
For more news from Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific Detachment Guam, visit https://www.facebook.com/NSTCPDETGUAM/. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/submarine-force-open-new-trainer-guam/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/cb19320e44d44c05cc8e25f09940fc16e7e791918ae93589b0feba27817b5b0c.json |
[
"Ferdie De La Torre",
"Press Release"
] | 2016-08-26T13:17:45 | null | 2016-08-25T20:00:31 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Ffederal-prosecutor-assures-plural-pronouns-used-appropriately%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Federal prosecutor assures plural pronouns to be used appropriately | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Assistant U.S. attorney Garth R. Backe has assured that plural pronouns will be used when it is appropriate during the jury trial of Zhaopeng Chen, one of three Chinese nationals charged in federal court over methamphetamine or “ice” shipment.
Backe, counsel for the U.S. government, said they understand that unfair confusion could arise if plural pronouns are used inappropriately.
Backe said for instance, in the example given by defendant Chen—“they were in the hotel room and [co-defendant Shicheng] Cai made the call about the drugs”—the U.S. government fully expects Cai to testify that “they were in the hotel room when he (Cai) called Sunleader” because all three defendants were in the hotel room.
David G. Banes, the court-appointed counsel for Chen, has filed a motion requesting the U.S. District Court for the NMI to issue an order prohibiting witnesses, interpreters, and counsel from using plural pronouns in formulating questions or providing answers in the upcoming trial.
“Such an order from the court will stave off potential confusion, will reduce the possibility that the jury will be mislead as to defendant Chen’s involvement, presence or knowledge, and will better allow the jury to complete their truth-seeking junction,” said Banes in Chen’s motion in limine.
Motion in limine refers to a request made before the start of a trial asking that the judge rule that certain evidence may, or may not, be introduced to the jury in a trial.
In the U.S. government’s response to the motion, Backe said it is also likely that a law enforcement officer will testify that “they traveled north on Isa Drive toward San Vicente in the FJ Cruiser,” because the evidence will show that Huang and Chen were both in the vehicle when that occurred.
Lastly, Backe said, the U.S. government expects Cai to testify that Huang made statements to him before he picked the paint bucket from Sunleader to the effect that “we will follow and watch out for you,” because Cai will further testify that Huang used that plural pronoun himself.
Thus, Backe said, there is nothing unfair—let alone “substantially unfair” as used in Rule 403—about using plural pronouns in these type of situations.
The indictment charged Chen, Huang, and Cai with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine over the shipment of 4.9 lbs of “ice” worth $850,000 in 2015.
A routine Customs inspection at the Port of Saipan of a 40-foot container from Guangzhou, China, reportedly resulted in the discovery of the 4.9 lbs of “ice” hidden in three plastic bags in one of the nine 5-gallon paint containers on Dec. 2, 2015.
Joint federal and local enforcers investigated the discovery of the “ice” that later led to the arrest of the three defendants.
Huang and Cai both pleaded guilty. Huang was recently slapped with 188 months or 15 years and eight months of imprisonment. Cai has yet to be sentenced. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/federal-prosecutor-assures-plural-pronouns-used-appropriately/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/9712193cbffacc23860f22e22d3beeb0f703b80ae32403608c5fa644d68b5d95.json |
[
"John S. Del Rosario Jr.",
"Contributing Author"
] | 2016-08-26T13:16:01 | null | 2016-08-23T20:06:12 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2F234842%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Ginagau Chochu` Gi Casino | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | John S. Del Rosario Jr. | Contributing Author John DelRosario Jr. is a former publisher of the Saipan Tribune and a former secretary of the Department of Public Lands. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/234842/ | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/8c13409c2163a9c15228a6223947399ebecf83d2ab67fede2490113b7e451915.json |
[
"Dennis B. Chan",
"Press Release",
"Jon Perez"
] | 2016-08-26T13:07:57 | null | 2016-08-24T20:00:40 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fsenate-passes-bill-green-lighting-renovation-guma-hustisia%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Senate passes bill green-lighting renovation for Guma Hustisia | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | The Senate on Monday unanimously approved a House bill to allow the CNMI to fund renovations and expand Judicial Branch buildings through a loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
House Bill 19-126, HD2, HS1 will now be sent to Gov. Ralph DLG Torres for his action.
It authorizes the CNMI government to enter into a loan with the USDA for the refinancing of the Guma Hustisia loan and to renovate and expand judicial facilities on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, and the Office of the Attorney General and the Public Defender’s Office.
The Senate committee on Fiscal Affairs recommended the bill’s passage in a committee report on Aug. 19.
The committee found that $4.5-million mortgage loan owed to the Settlement Fund has matured and has not been paid in full. The committee said current terms has the CNMI pay about $120,000 per month but the Judiciary only collects about $50,00 to $60,000 a month in court fines and fees to partially service the debt.
The committee noted that the Retirement Settlement Fund has proposed a refinancing plan to repay the loan over 10 years at 7.75 percent interest, but if the CNMI government enter into a loan with the USDA’s Rural Development program, the CNMI can pay-off the outstanding mortgage on the Guma Hustisia, and make necessary renovations and expansions on judicial buildings across the CNMI and on the attorney general and public defender officers,” at a fixed rate of 2.75 percent interest and free of pre-payment penalties.”
The Senate believes that the USDA loan payments can be less than the Judiciary’s monthly collections of $50,000 to $55,000.
The bill “presents a highly valuable solution in servicing the current mortgage…while at the same time significantly lowering the monthly payments and renovating the existing government facilities,” the committee said. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/senate-passes-bill-green-lighting-renovation-guma-hustisia/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/ef0d1e33b5c1b9ac0f76dd2958fad457cc57c0f8092c3a8527e3fe0ac33eb845.json |
[
"Jon Perez",
"Ferdie De La Torre",
"Contributing Author"
] | 2016-08-29T20:53:09 | null | 2016-08-29T20:06:13 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Ftorres-asks-senate-speed-passage-budget%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Torres asks Senate to speed up passage of budget | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Gov. Ralph DLG Torres is asking the Senate to quickly pass the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2017 so he would have the chance to review and sign it before the Sept. 30, 2016 deadline. House Bill 19-196 or the budget act is now at the Senate after the House of Representatives passed it last week.
HB 19-196 appropriates $142 million of the government’s resources to fund its departments and agencies for the coming fiscal year, which starts on Oct. 1, 2016. The bill, by a vote of 17-2, passed the House with no additional amendments last Thursday and sent to the Senate for further review.
Torres said his administration is waiting for the final review of the Senate but is asking them to speed up the process. “We’re just waiting for them [Legislature]. We respect the process that it needs to go through the House and the Senate.”
“But I wanted to ask them to speed up the process, so we could move forward and give the agencies the funding that they need. Because I need to have ample time to review and sign the bill before Sept. 30,” Torres told Saipan Tribune in last Sunday’s proclamation signing declaring September as Cultural Heritage month at the Chamolinian Utt in Garapan.
He added that his administration, which is dedicated in promoting and preserving the island’s culture, put in an additional $200,000 for the Cultural Affairs Office. “To increase the budget in teaching our language and culture to our kids.”
“The administration is dedicated in promoting and preserving our culture. As our culture is our identity, a part of our islands, and it is one of the things that attracts tourists,” said Torres. “Whether in navigation, through farming, raising livestock, or fishing.”
He said this is different from the CNMI State Public School System’s bilingual program. “PSS is a separate entity and it teaches the Chamorro and Carolinian languages in schools. This is for extra curricular activities outside the schools and promotion of different activities throughout the year.”
Larger slice of the pie
The CNMI State Public School System is one agency that is expecting to get a bigger share of the administration’s allotments so it could answer the needs of the schools and the more than 10,000 students spread out in the three islands. Lack of teaching personnel is PSS’ main concern right now.
CNMI State Board of Education chair Herman Guerrero and acting education commissioner Yvonne R. Pangelinan has asked the Senate, during last week’s budget hearing, to give them their proposed budget of $39.5 million. Torres is proposing $37.7 million for PSS’ budget, while the House appropriated $36.2 million.
Guerrero, in public comments made in last week’s House session, said they are thankful for any amount the Legislature would give even though it is less than what they’ve asked for. “If there are additional funds, aside from the close to $40 million that we need, I request that you would consider the needs of PSS and the schools.”
“There’s not enough money to buy toilet papers and other things but we’re trying to address the needs of the schools. We always figure out which school is willing to give up their share to other schools,” added Guerrero.
“There is only one PSS and we have to deal with all schools on the three islands and also managing the early head start program. We need all the additional funds that we can get, so if there is any penny left, give it to PSS. We believe the students deserve every penny that you are willing to give up,” Guerrero said.
The Department of Community and Cultural Affairs is another agency looking for more funding. DCCA Secretary Robert Hunter, whose agency has nine divisions that provides various services to the community, has requested over $2.3 million but will be getting $2.5 million based on the Legislature’s allotment. Torres’ proposed budget for DCCA is $2.4 million.
Hunter said the governor made a “pretty good submission” and it would help their department address minor things regarding personnel and salaries. “We will be in much better shape financially this fiscal year, rather than last year.”
“It was higher than the governor’s proposed budget and slightly higher than what we submitted. When we look at each division and program, we look into what they need and what it is in the budget,” said Hunter.
“It would help us with our personnel training, equipment, programs, and other things that kind of have been left out,” he added. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/torres-asks-senate-speed-passage-budget/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/ba646322602985857b3eace83e88bffb5f92acccf18599ec7741a6e01a891736.json |
[
"Press Release"
] | 2016-08-30T20:54:18 | null | 2016-08-30T20:00:43 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fuog-receives-1m-doa%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | UOG receives $1M from DOA | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | The University of Guam thanks the U.S. Department of Administration for releasing two checks for the total amount of $1 million yesterday. Last Thursday, DOA staff indicated that the university had no checks ready.
The payment has been received and will help alleviate some of the financial constrains UOG is facing.
We have verified our records, and after the receipt of the two checks today, the shortfall has now been reduced to $20 million.
We are looking forward to working with DOA to receive the remainder of the budgeted allotment or to develop a payment schedule in the next few weeks. (PR) | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/uog-receives-1m-doa/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/8fc58f50cad339b5fc01b35feebfec714fff75c33e1241c209361da72e67da10.json |
[
"Press Release"
] | 2016-08-29T20:53:17 | null | 2016-08-29T20:00:14 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fmulti-agency-international-partners-rescue-2-uninhabited-island-pacific%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Coast-pix-3-150x150.jpg | en | null | Multi-agency and international partners rescue 2 from uninhabited island in Pacific | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | APRA HARBOR, Guam—Two mariners who were stranded on an uninhabited Pacific island in Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia, are safe, Friday, after writing “SOS” in the sand.
A Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft crew from Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 was responding to a report from AMVER vessel British Mariner of flashing lights when they spotted survivors on the beach near the makeshift sign. This information was then relayed to search and rescue coordinators at Coast Guard Sector Guam. The survivors were picked up and transferred by patrol boat Palikir to Nomwin Atoll.
Watchstanders at Sector Guam command center received notification Aug. 19 from Pan-Pacific Education and Communication Experiments by Satellite (PEACESAT) of an overdue 18 ft. vessel with two people aboard en route Tamatam Island, Federated States of Micronesia. The couple departed Weno Island Aug. 17 with limited supplies and no emergency equipment on board en route Tamatam with an expected arrival of Aug. 18.
While conducting a search pattern provided by Sector Guam’s watchstanders, AMVER vessel British Mariner spotted light signals from a nearby island Aug. 24. Based on this information, Sector Guam requested deployment of a U.S. Navy P-8 aircraft crew to investigate the source of light. The P-8 crew successfully located the survivors and Sector Guam watchstanders then contacted patrol boat Palikir who rescued the survivors Aug. 26.
During the seven-day search, Sector Guam watchstanders coordinated the assistance of 14 AMVER vessels, two aircraft crews and one FSM National Police Patrol boat, searching a total of 16,571 square miles.
AMVER, sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard, is a computer-based voluntary global ship reporting system used worldwide by search and rescue authorities. With AMVER, rescue coordinators can identify participating ships in the area of distress and request the ships’ to divert and respond. (PR) | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/multi-agency-international-partners-rescue-2-uninhabited-island-pacific/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/05acff412410c0981e7047667896d8cd4d467c03ebfa483da4fe2d3cde2865ad.json |
[
"Ferdie De La Torre",
"Jon Perez",
"Press Release"
] | 2016-08-30T20:54:37 | null | 2016-08-30T20:00:07 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Ffeds-set-settle-koreans-suit-denial-petition-naturalization%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Feds set to settle Korean’s suit over denial of petition for naturalization | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | U.S. Attorney General Loretta A. Lynch and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh C. Johnson and other U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officials are finalizing a proposed agreement that will settle a lawsuit filed against them by a Korean businessman over the denial of his petition for naturalization.
Lynch, Johnson, USCIS Director Leon Rodriguez, and USCIS CNMI/Guam Field Office District Director Stephen Green filed yesterday in federal court their stipulation with plaintiff Ho Jin Yoon.
The parties, through their counsel, requested the U.S. District Court for the NMI to extend the U.S. government’s deadline to answer Yoon’s complaint by an additional 14 days.
The parties said they made the joint request because they have been diligently working to execute a settlement agreement.
This is the parties’ fourth joint request for additional time.
U.S. Department of Justice Civil Division Office of Immigration Litigation Assistant Director Glenn M. Girdharry is counsel for Lynch, Johnson and co-defendants. Attorney Janet H. King is counsel for Yoon.
Girdharry and King informed the court that they have exchanged a draft agreement and require a short period of additional time to finalize and execute the document.
The lawyers said they will notify the court once settlement has been reached, and under the proposed terms of settlement, intend to jointly request the court hold the case abeyance pending Yoon’s voluntary dismissal of the case.
Yoon has lost his U.S. permanent resident status.
In his petition for judicial review, Yoon asked the court to conduct a hearing on his naturalization application, grant him application for naturalization, and hold unlawful and set aside defendants’ denial of his application for naturalization, and grant him U.S. citizenship.
Yoon was granted U.S. permanent resident status on Dec. 6, 1988 in Los Angeles, California. Sometime after he was granted his U.S. permanent resident status, he moved to Saipan, which at that time was not a part of the U.S. for immigration purposes.
According to King, on Sept. 10, 2002, Yoon was deferred for inspection at the Guam International Airport and was questioned about his time outside the U.S. in excess of one year.
At the Guam airport, King said, Yoon was offered the option to either appear before an immigration judge or to sign Form I-407, Record of Abandonment of Lawful Resident Status.
Plaintiff opted to sign Form I-407.
On Nov. 28, 2009, the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 (federalization of immigration law) was enacted and extended the Immigration and Nationality Act and other immigration laws in the CNMI.
On June 3, 2010, King said, plaintiff applied for and was granted an E-2 nonimmigrant status.
Sometime after being granted an E-2, Yoon filed a Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
King said that, on July 10, 2014, the USCIS denied Yoon’s Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
The lawyer said the denial was based on Yoon’s voluntary surrender of his permanent resident status by signing on Sept. 10, 2002 Form I-407, Record of Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status, before an immigration officer at the Guam airport.
Yoon timely appealed to the USCIS a Form N-336, request for a hearing on a decision in naturalization proceeding.
On June 3, 2015, the USCIS affirmed its decision denying Yoon’s naturalization application.
King said the decision states that Yoon is ineligible for naturalization because he abandoned his permanent resident status “again” by applying and obtaining an E-2 nonimmigrant status.
King said the USCIS erred as Yoon never intended to relinquish his reinstated permanent resident status as he did not voluntarily sign another Form I-407; did not voluntarily turn over his U.S. Permanent Resident Card; continued to file CNMI tax returns as a resident of the CNMI; and exhibited his continuing intent to return to the U.S. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/feds-set-settle-koreans-suit-denial-petition-naturalization/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/ec5d6457a99f415309b292255be075bff971ceae3ed4f17e97c373edaedb9336.json |
[
"Press Release",
"Ferdie De La Torre",
"Jon Perez"
] | 2016-08-28T20:52:58 | null | 2016-08-28T20:06:58 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fcoast-guard-conduct-training-w-517%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Coast Guard to conduct training at W-517 | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | ASAN, Guam—The U.S. Coast Guard will conduct training at Warning Area 517 (W-517) today, Aug. 29, from 8am to 6:30pm.
The general public, especially fishermen, commercial pilots and marine tour operators are advised to stay clear of the areas during the dates and times indicated.
W-517 is an irregular shaped polygon comprising of 14,000 nautical square miles of airspace that begins south of Guam and extends south-southwest in international waters. W-517 supports surface and aerial gunnery, missiles, and laser exercises.
For more information, contact the Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs Office at (671) 349-4055/3209. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/coast-guard-conduct-training-w-517/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/ffae8f31469c9ac272af1f57dfb9cd88239f66114506d644955da86930e51f5d.json |
[
"Ferdie De La Torre",
"John S. Del Rosario Jr."
] | 2016-08-26T13:13:27 | null | 2016-08-23T20:06:04 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fex-cuc-crew-facing-charges-burglarizing-lawyers-house-wants-judge-disqualification%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Ex-CUC crew facing charges for burglarizing lawyer’s house wants judge disqualification | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Daro Reyes Cabrera, a former Commonwealth Utilities Corp. line crew facing charges for burglarizing a lawyer’s house and engaging police officers in a car chase using a stolen CUC vehicle, wants Superior Court Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho disqualified from presiding over the case.
Assistant public defender Cindy Nesbit, counsel for Cabrera, asserted that Camacho’s appearance of neutrality may be compromised given his suggestion at the preliminary hearing that the government add a count to the charges already pending against the defendant.
In Cabrera’s motion for disqualification, Nesbit said a judge’s role at a preliminary hearing is simply to determine whether probable cause exists to sustain the pending charges, not to give hints or suggestions to the government of additional charges.
Nesbit added that Camacho treated this case differently from at least one other case by seemingly fast-tracking the matter to trial.
In an order issued yesterday, Camacho set for Nov. 2, 2016, the hearing of the motion for disqualification. He vacated the pretrial conference currently set for Sept. 21, 2016, and the jury trial currently set for Oct. 17, 2016.
Cabrera, 38, also known as Ninja, allegedly burglarized the house of attorney Bruce Berline in Puerto Rico last July 3. He allegedly stole a CUC vehicle last July 14 that ended up on that same day colliding into a police car, injuring a police officer during a high-speed chase in Papago.
Berline lost his brown Timberland Hudson commuter leather wallet worth $9.50, $150-$300 in cash, CNMI driver’s license, three credit cards, a Smiles card, a Shell rewards card, and a Subway card.
At a preliminary hearing last July 21, Camacho found probable cause against Cabrera as to eight charges—burglary, theft, theft of vehicle, resisting arrest, two counts of criminal mischief, reckless driving, and eluding police officer.
The eight charges carry a maximum penalty of 11 years imprisonment.
In Cabrera’s motion for disqualification filed yesterday, Nesbit said at the preliminary hearing, in addition to determining that probable cause exists, Camacho also suggested that the government charge the defendant with assault with a dangerous weapon.
Nesbit said at the arraignment before Presiding Judge Robert C. Naraja last July 25, Camacho’s deputy clerk stated that Camacho wanted to set this case for a status conference on July 27, a mere two days after the arraignment.
Nesbit said defense counsel and the prosecutor both stated that a status conference should not be set that soon and requested 30 days as the case was brand new, discovery had not yet been provided to the defense, and the parties needed some time to resolve this matter.
She said Naraja agreed to set this matter for a status conference for Aug. 24, 2016, but Camacho issued an order last July 26, vacating the Aug. 24 and resetting the status conference to the following day, July 27.
Nesbit said at the July 27 status conference, Camacho set the case for trial.
Nesbit said suggesting that the government add an additional charge does not promote the appearance of neutrality and may violate the separation of powers doctrine.
She noted that the government has the authority to file criminal charges, and deciding which charges to file is within the sole discretion of the Office of the Attorney General.
Nesbit said Camacho may appear to lack neutrality in this case because of the different way he chose to proceed in this case. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/ex-cuc-crew-facing-charges-burglarizing-lawyers-house-wants-judge-disqualification/ | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/4a15988f3c0c62f757864078b687e588c566eca3b230ffcc80f259673857e9c4.json |
[
"Roselyn Monroyo",
"Press Release",
"Jon Perez",
"Rudy M. Sablan"
] | 2016-08-26T13:06:41 | null | 2016-08-25T20:00:49 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fcnmi-u16-team-tough-grind%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/afcpix-1-150x150.jpg | en | null | CNMI U16 team up for tough grind | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | The CNMI U16 Girls National Team is in a tip-top shape as it leaves for China early this morning to compete in the AFC U16 Women’s Championships 2017 Qualifier.
“In the last two weeks, the girls went through tough physical training. They are in very good shape, their physical conditioning is on a high level,” said head coach Taketomo Suzuki last Monday during a send-off ceremony for the team at Kanoa Resort.
Taketomo, who will be assisted by Patricia Coleman, is bringing in a 20-player team to the qualifier, which will be held at the Luneng Football School in Weifang from Aug. 28 to Sept. 5. The CNMI roster is made up of goalies Toremy Diaz and Irish Viray, defenders Princess Alcantara, Anela Duenas, Ericka Santiago, Samantha Manacop, Patricia Surima, Grace Choi, and Franchesca Bucalig, midfielders Jerlyn Castillo, Leisha Sally, Valeria Myers, Esther Jones, Gillian Villagomez, and Jasmine Phan, forwards Katherine Magat, Jobelle Tabuena, and Ruschelle Valino and team captains Lyka Sally and Guinevere Borja. Joining the CNMI players in the Asian Football Confederation-sanctioned tournaments are delegation head Luam Khen Koo, team manage Gigi Zapanta, equipment manager Longwen Ji, team supervisor Yu Hung Lee, and physiotherapist Pam Carhill.
The CNMI players started training for the AFC event early this year, three or four times a week, while in the last two weeks, despite the uncooperative weather, they held practice sessions on weekdays. Indoor training sessions were held at the TSL Sports Complex.
The Commonwealth delegation are expected to arrive in Weifang later tonight and they will have only one day to prepare for their opening game against Malaysia at 8pm (6pm Saipan time).
Taketomo admitted they don’t know much about Malaysia and the majority of the teams they will be facing in China, so they will be relying on the players’ good physical conditioning to keep up with their foes, and put into play what they have been practicing for months.
“We have little knowledge about how Malaysia, India, and the Philippines play. We played before against South Korea, but in the lower age group (U14). However, what we know is they are strong teams so our players have to play their best so we can produce the best possible results in every game,” Taketomo said.
“The key here is to apply what we have been practicing in the actual games. I know they are excited to play and will give it their best shot,” the head coach added.
After its opening game against Malaysia, the CNMI crew will take a rest on Monday before returning to the pitch on Tuesday to challenge the Philippines, also at 8pm or after the 3pm tiff between Malaysia and South Korea. The Commonwealth bets will then face the South Koreans on Sept. 1 in the first game at 3pm. For their last assignment in the round-robin pool play, the CNMI youth players will square off against the India strikers on Sept. 3 at 3pm.
Only the top finisher in the pool (Group B) will qualify to next year’s finale and join finalists North Korea, Japan, China, and Thailand. Three other groups will have their respective qualifiers with Group A (Myanmar, Jordan, Thailand, Laos, and Guam) tournaments to be held in Chonburi, Thailand; Group C (Chinese-Taipei, Kyrgyzstan, UAE, Singapore, Iran, and Bangladesh) in Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Group D (Hong Kong, Australia, Palestine, Iraq, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam) in Hanoi, Vietnam. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/cnmi-u16-team-tough-grind/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/c23fa553a916399ada6d1cda3766e5bd4547ff0762724c953faf4ead173eea3b.json |
[
"Erwin Encinares",
"Press Release",
"Jon Perez",
"Roselyn Monroyo"
] | 2016-08-26T13:15:11 | null | 2016-08-23T20:06:41 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fnmtis-goal-become-community-college%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Rotary-pix-2-150x150.jpg | en | null | ‘NMTI’s goal is to become a community college’ | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Agnes McPhetres, CEO of Northern Marianas Trades Institute, said the ultimate goal of the school is to become a community college to decrease the amount of imported manpower that specializes in various hotel, restaurant, and hospitality operations in the CNMI.
In an exclusive interview with Saipan Tribune yesterday after speaking at the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Saipan where she’s a member, McPhetres said NMTI becoming a community college has already been discussed by the school and the government, with the latter already designating a site.
“We have been working with the government and they have designated a site for the NMTI in the future, in the southern part of the island close to Saipan Southern High School,” said McPhetres. Additional funding, however, is still necessary. “We would still need funding to do a physical master plan in the area.”
The NMTI also plans to provide topnotch training in hotel and restaurant operations. “What we would also like for the NTMI is to have world-class combination of culinary and hotel hospitality in our school because that is our major industry here so that we don’t have to import people,” said McPhetres. “We would be able to produce U.S. citizens to be part of the economic development in that area.”
McPhetres claims that one of the goals of the NMTI is to be a good training center to play a larger role in the economic advancement of not just the CNMI but of the Western-Pacific as a whole. “Our goal is to really be a good training center in the area of technical vocational programs, not just for the CNMI but for the whole Western-Pacific, so that we can help stimulate the economy of the island as well as that of the region,” said McPhetres.
NMTI plans to add more courses, but the lack of funding is keeping them back. “We have electronic drafting, we have renewable energy, but there are some areas that we would like to explore into, and also get more in-depth in the area of construction trades such as fine carpentry, so students could be making cabinets, etc and become businessmen themselves,” said McPhetres. “In all the specialized areas of construction trades we don’t want to turn out with workers, we want specialists.”
McPhetres also adds that with extra funding, the NMTI will be more efficient. “If you have good instructors, the product would also be good,” concluded McPheters. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/nmtis-goal-become-community-college/ | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/80093df5263d4860a81c398d192786e9bca3ba66c9fea86383c7685988923dd8.json |
[
"Ferdie De La Torre",
"Joan L. Taitano"
] | 2016-08-28T20:52:20 | null | 2016-08-28T20:06:47 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fcop-facing-sexual-abuse-charges-granted-request-bail-modification-hearing-rota%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Cop facing sexual abuse charges granted request for bail modification hearing on Rota | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Superior Court Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho on Friday granted the request of Melvin Maratita Manglona, a Rota police officer facing charges for sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl, to hold a hearing on Rota to modify the $100,000 cash bail as his defendant’s proposed third party custodian is unable to travel to Saipan.
At a hearing on Saipan, Camacho ruled that the court requires proposed third party custodian to be present in court.
The judge set the bail modification hearing for Oct. 7, 2016 at 10:30am at the Rota Courthouse.
Camacho ordered the Department of Corrections to bring Manglona to Rota at the bail modification hearing.
Camacho said the conditions of the bail order dated Aug. 17, 2016, still remains.
Arraignment will be today, Monday, at 9am.
Manglona, through counsel assistant public defender Tillman Clark, requested that the court modify the $100,000 cash bail to allow his release upon posting of a property bond through an appearance bond and a mortgage.
Clark proposed Augustine SN. Maratita, 58, to serve as third-party custodian.
A 10,000 square meters of land was offered as the property bond.
Clark said unfortunately, Maratita is unable to afford airfare to travel to and from Saipan and would be unable to pick up Manglona from the Department of Corrections.
“As such, in the interests of ensuring that the citizens of Rota enjoy the equal rights and privileges as citizens of Saipan and Tinian, Manglona respectfully requests that the court schedule this hearing on Rota at the soonest date available,” said Clark in the motion for bail modification.
Under Commonwealth law, Clark said, all persons arrested from criminal offenses other than first degree murder “shall be entitled a matter of right to be released on bail” before trial.
At the Aug. 23 preliminary hearing, Camacho found probable cause to believe that the crimes of two counts of sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree and one count of disturbing the peace were committed and that the 48-year-old Manglona may have committed the offenses.
Camacho ordered Manglona to answer the charges.
The judge dismissed the charge of assault and battery because it is a lesser included offense of sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree.
It means that it is not necessary to charge assault and battery as it is already included in sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree.
Assistant attorney general Shannon Foley stated in the information that Manglona sexually abused the girl in July and Aug. 11, 2016 on Rota.
Foley said the defendant touched the girl’s private part last Aug. 1, and caused her to have suicidal thoughts from July 2016 to Aug. 11, 2016.
A Rota police detective stated in her report that the girl revealed that Manglona has been sexually abusing her since she was 9 years old and that the recent sexual encounter happened just last Aug. 11. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/cop-facing-sexual-abuse-charges-granted-request-bail-modification-hearing-rota/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/11112ef02ea58a9b97461885ecc7b78dbfdf1c28d4601e95455205372ff608ea.json |
[
"Roselyn Monroyo",
"Erwin Encinares",
"Press Release"
] | 2016-08-28T20:51:54 | null | 2016-08-28T20:00:16 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fkanoa-resort-cruises-way-finals%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/tanholdingspix-4-150x150.jpg | en | null | Kanoa Resort cruises way to finals | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Kanoa Resort punched the first finals ticket in the 2016 Tan Holdings Inter-Company Basketball League after easing past Fiesta Resort, 77-55, in the winner’s bracket semis game last Friday at the Gillette Multipurpose Gymnasium.
Kanoa went to business in the second half en route to a double-digit winning margin—its 12th in as many games—and a twice-to-beat advantage in the finals. The defending champion Fiesta, on the other hand, is not out yet and will play the winner of the rubbermatch between Shirley’s Coffee Shop and JP Mambas for the second and last finals berth this Friday.
Down at the half for the first time this season, 20-23, Kanoa’s lethal quartet of Douglas Schmidt, Ernest and Matt Duenas, and Rodney Sacramento made sure their team will bounce back in the second to foil Fiesta’s upset bid.
The four key players alternately hit baskets for Kanoa to overhaul Fiesta’s lead early in the second half. By the halfway mark of the final frame, Kanoa managed to establish a double-digit lead and kept going to finish off Fiesta.
The first finalist nailed several fastbreak plays with Sacramento and Schmidt on the finishing end, while Matt, who returned to Kanoa’s lineup after missing three games due to a knee injury, and Ernest knocked in a couple of long jumpers. With Schmidt and company on fire, Kanoa’s second half-output was more than Fiesta’s production in the entire game, 57-55.
Schmidt paced Kanoa with his 20 points, while Ernest added 16, and Sacramento and Matt chipped in 14 and 12, respectively.
Arjay Nonato had 13 to lead Fiesta, which had only two players breaking into double figures with Roland Galag contributing 12. Elmer Esdrelon, who had 16 markers in their 77-51 victory over Shirley’s in the first round of the playoffs, was held to 9 markers, making only one field goal in the second half. Paul Quizon also struggled against Kanoa, recording only 2 points off a pair of charities—a far cry from his 19 markers in their win over Shirley’s. Another Fiesta player who had an off night was Adonis Macoto, as the defending champion’s guard was held scoreless and fouled out midway in the second half.
Kanoa Resort 77— Schmidt 20, E. Duenas 16, Sacramento 14, M. Duenas 12, Villagomez 7, Usi 5, Pablo 3.
Fiesta Resort 55 — Nonato 13, Galag 12, Esdrelon 9, Maratita 7, Matsutaro 4, Rivera 3, Quizon 2, Villamena 2, Lavarias 2.
Scoring by halves: 20-23, 77-55. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/kanoa-resort-cruises-way-finals/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/7c5d769552cb76e3783a783fda81b1a9de5b481e05585d5d028843f052842aa5.json |
[
"Jon Perez",
"John S. Del Rosario Jr.",
"Ferdie De La Torre",
"Press Release"
] | 2016-08-26T13:10:18 | null | 2016-08-24T20:06:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fcuc-restores-power-papago-area%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/CUC-pix-2-150x150.jpg | en | null | CUC restores power to Papago area | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Commonwealth Utilities Corp. personnel completed replacing the power pole that was knocked down by a large tree last Tuesday night and in the process restored power in some areas in Papago and nearby houses in Kagman.
The pole that was knocked down was inside the property of Lucia Palacios. Strong winds, brought by a tropical depression, uprooted the tree and knocked down the pole adjacent to it thus cutting the power supply in some parts of the aforementioned areas.
CUC had already replaced the damaged power pole and transformer, and put back the power lines from the road to Palacios’ house, thus bringing back electricity in the surrounding areas at around 3pm yesterday
Palacios’ house and the surrounding area near it was without power for more than 10 hours, but she said CUC was quick to respond and went to her property with trucks and equipment to fix the damaged pole.
“They were here even before they had their morning coffee. I was very thankful for all their help in assisting us to restore electricity in this area,” Palacios told Saipan Tribune. “I don’t know how strong the winds were in the lower areas but up here, it was really howling.”
And that was when she heard a loud crash and the power went out. When she looked outside, the tree fell down and hit the pole. Governor’s special assistant for women’s affairs Doris Reyes Drew was also quick to come to her aid.
“She [Drew] helped me because I’m disabled and under medication. And when morning came, the CUC people are here. I thank CUC [executive] director Gary Camacho, power manager Lee Lieto, supervisor Jason Reyes, and all the crew,” said Palacios.
“That tree must have been more than 100 years old. The birds come here and eat the fruit. We love that tree but it was dangerous since it is near the pole. I’ve been asking the [Saipan] Mayor’s Office for assistance in cutting down trees in the area that are near power poles but I never had the chance to talk to him (Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang) directly,” added Palacios.
Close to 30 CUC personnel arrived in Luggat Ladok with their chainsaws and other equipment to clear the remains of the tree. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/cuc-restores-power-papago-area/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/e6262d3efefa4578f514c04ee2ef9c3a019da60b51a818359b32b49cd6c585a6.json |
[
"Dennis B. Chan",
"Ferdie De La Torre",
"Jon Perez"
] | 2016-08-26T13:06:23 | null | 2016-08-24T20:03:25 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Falso-recommends-passage-bill-allowing-tax-credits-donation-judiciary-society%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Also recommends passage of bill allowing tax credits donation to judiciary society | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | The House Committee on Ways and Means has okayed a bill to allow educational tax credits for donations made to the Northern Marianas Judiciary Historical Society, which runs programs like the High School Mock Trial competition and the Attorney General’s Cup.
The Ways and Means Committee, in recommending the bill for passage in an Aug. 8 report, found that NMHS is non-profit corporation established in 2003 and qualifies under tax code as an educational and charitable organization.
“Allowing for the Northern Marianas Judiciary Historical Society to be included in the list of institutions and organizations [eligible for tax credits] will allow for the contributors to receive the tax credit and allow for the historical society to continue providing for such programs and competitions,” the committee said in its four-page report on House Bill 19-173, which is authored by Rep. Vinson Sablan (Ind-Saipan).
Current law establishes a “Educational Tax Credit,” a nonrefundable tax credit, to “qualified educational institutions” provided by law, which include the Public School System, the Northern Marianas College, the Commonwealth Museum of History and Culture, the Northern Marianas Islands Council for Humanities, and the Northern Marianas Sports Association, among others.
NMHS provides programs like Judges in the Classroom Program, Judiciary Pre-Law program, the Ta Fan Eskuela (Let’s Go to School) outreach program to provide school supplies for needy students in public schools, the Law and the Freshman Legislator Seminar, and also sponsors the Law Week Essay and Poster competitions. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/also-recommends-passage-bill-allowing-tax-credits-donation-judiciary-society/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/cd5e0fda9495053e04d351c85d90baaf9d288b0a9db94966e8d6a1ef78e96423.json |
[
"Jon Perez",
"Dennis B. Chan"
] | 2016-08-26T12:57:24 | null | 2016-08-25T20:06:50 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fteregeyo-dpl-open-scrutiny%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Teregeyo: DPL open to scrutiny | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Department of Public Lands Secretary Marianne Teregeyo said her agency is always open to any member of the community who has questions about certain land deals. The former Department of Lands and Natural Resources special sdvisor to the secretary made the statement after addressing House of Representatives members regarding House Bill 19-82.
HB 19-82 aims to abolish DPL and establish the Marianas Lands Corp. with a board of trustees having the power to manage and control public lands in the CNMI. Rep. Felicidad T. Ogumoro (R-Saipan) introduced the bill.
Teregeyo read DPL’s position paper during the public comments in yesterday’s session at the House chamber. She said that it would be unconstitutional if the bill passes and becomes law.
She added that she had already made an objection when she testified in a committee hearing last year. “The way the bill is set up, it is unconstitutional. A lot of the questions that the bill raised, like the advisory board, had already been addressed and are now in effect.”
“We are open if someone has any questions about. Our books and doors are always open. Anyone who wants to question any land deal, we are open for scrutiny by the Legislature and to the public,” said Teregeyo.
“We’re very prudent and have been managing the department very efficiently. We are doing our best at the department. Best for you to come and check us, we’re always happy and ready to assist,” Teregeyo said.
She added that some of the issues in the bill like having an advisory board, having monthly meetings, and land compensation dealings have been addressed. She made the clarification after reports and a comment by Connie C. Togawa that the DPL had one questionable land deal.
Teregeyo said they gave the Office of the Public Auditor access to DPL documents when she became the head early this year. “OPA investigated one case and we don’t know the result of the investigation. We gave them everything and just opened all the files.”
From MPLA to DPL
Teregeyo said all the issues that were raised in the bill are irrelevant. “The main thing is it is unconstitutional. Before the department was under the board. The board had some questionable deals, that is coming from the committee report, that’s why the board was dissolved.”
DPL was a former division under DLNR and became a separate department in 2006 after then governor Benigno R. Fitial signed HB 15-57 that became PL 15-2, which also abolished the Marianas Public Lands Authority.
Teregeyo said she is asking the Legislature not to act on HB 19-82 and completely remove it from their order of business. “I’m against it and don’t support the bill. We reject it strongly. All issues in that bill have been addressed.”
“Keep in mind that the bill was drafted almost a year and a half ago, between that time and now, all have been addressed. One of the questions was the board never met. I attend the advisory board meetings and we already had two this month so far,” said Teregeyo.
The Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Northern Islands Mayors nominate one member each for the advisory board with one appointed by the governor. Henry Hofschneider (Saipan), David Evangelista (Tinian), Antonio Quitugua (Rota), William Torres (Northern Islands), and Manuel Mangarero (governor’s appointee) are the DPL advisory board members.
Public comments
Two made their public comments yesterday, from both sides—in favor of abolishment and not in favor. Connie C. Togawa, a former chairperson of the Land Commission that later became Land Registration, was in favor of abolishing DPL, while Bernardo Cruz was against it.
Togawa said DPL’s problem now is its decision making. “Some land transactions are illegal, and have not been reviewed and rectified,” said Togawa, who’s been working on land matters since 1957 and was certified as an expert witness on all land matters by the CNMI Supreme Court.
“I’m seeing irregularities on the way they are giving out land. It is inappropriate and only one is making the decisions. They have an advisory board but they have no power,” added Togawa.
Cruz, on the other hand, does not support DPL being abolished after MPLA took 18,000 square meters of his land in Tanapag and was not properly compensated. “I stand by myself and the witnesses. I want you to rethink your decision regarding DPL, which have been trying to correct the past mistakes.” | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/teregeyo-dpl-open-scrutiny/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/40071077f544c0a9c039ef4248aab1c0fc914166101cf52748c883ce60fbcc0b.json |
[
"Press Release",
"Erwin Encinares",
"Roselyn Monroyo"
] | 2016-08-29T20:52:34 | null | 2016-08-29T20:06:27 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fjoeten-pledges-5k-green-gala%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Joeten pledges $5K to Green Gala | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | An ardent supporter of Micronesia Islands Nature Alliance’s work, J.C. Tenorio Enterprises has shown its backing once again for conserving the islands’ natural resources through its $5,000 contribution to MINA. The donation was made as part of MINA’s annual fundraising event, the Green Gala, which will be held on Friday, Sept. 2, 2016.
The leading conservation nonprofit organization in the Commonwealth, MINA has worked to implement various conservation projects, including the Plastic Bag Challenge, the Schools for Environmental Conservation workshops, the Marine Debris Prevention program, Tasi Watch Program, the Adopt-A-Bin Project, and Managaha Pride Campaign.
“We are extremely thankful for Joeten’s contribution to this year’s Green Gala,” said interim director Becky Furey.
“Joeten has consistently shown its commitment to ensuring that work to sustain our natural environment continues. Our collaboration on the successful Choose to Reuse Campaign is an example of the type of work that can be accomplished with the commitment we have been seeing from our corporate partners.”
According to Bo Palacios, Joeten Business Development manager, “The Choose to Reuse Campaign focused on eliminating plastic waste in the CNMI. Our partnership with MINA to implement Taya Plastic Tuesdays saved over half a million bags through the use of reusable bags, boxes, and other alternatives. Our records have shown that over 30,000 reusable bags have been brought in since our partnership began.”
In order to continue its efforts to preserve and protect the CNMI’s environment and biodiversity, MINA is seeking the community’s participation in the Green Gala event. The organization is supported by project grants and from generous contributions from local businesses and community members.
In addition to lively entertainment, dinner, and a variety of beverages, the Green Gala will feature highlights from MINA’s projects, a silent auction, and many other activities that promise a memorable evening to celebrate over 10 years of working with island communities for conservation.
As the last Green Gala was sold out, organizers are encouraging those who plan to attend to buy their tickets early. Tickets for the Green Gala event can be purchased at the MINA Office in Gualo Rai or from any of the volunteer board members.
To become a sponsor of the Green Gala, please contact Becky Furey at 233-REEF (7333), or email minaoutreach@gmail.com. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/joeten-pledges-5k-green-gala/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/a8129a570ae6cb074358df46dd65c812c1f3d3869ba4024d9950135ac6c617d0.json |
[
"Roselyn Monroyo"
] | 2016-08-26T13:15:07 | null | 2016-08-23T20:00:59 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Frotas-lizama-posts-fastest-win-rop-20%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/roppix-1-150x150.jpg | en | null | Rota’s Lizama posts fastest win in ROP 20 | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Rota’s Juan “Hot Pocket” Lizama needed only 51 seconds to win his Rites of Passage debut as he scored a TKO victory over Red Ants Academy’s Jones Langu in their featherweight bout in ROP 20: Conquer held last Friday at The Warehouse.
Lizama, who is fighting out of Ground Fu Guam and drew a loud cheer during the introduction and after his win from his fans that flew in from Guam, pinned Langu down early and they grappled for a while before the former gained the advantage in position as the latter turned his back. From behind, Lizama unleashed heavy punches to Langu’s body and head. Langu, instead of counter-attacking, used both his hands to cover his head and made no effort to move away from the danger zone. Lizama threw a few more strikes and the third man on the ring, Alverick Alvarez, had seen enough and stopped the fight, awarding the Rota fight the TKO victory with more than two minutes left in the opening round.
Meanwhile, Ground Fu Guam went 3-for-3 in ROP 20 as Victor Taitano and Don Rasa also prevailed in their respective matches last weekend.
Taitano registered a win via submission (rear-naked choke) against Team Zalaka’s Bradlee “Kaboom” Manalo at the 2:31 mark of Round 1 of their bantamweight bout. Taitano was the aggressive fighter right at the get-go, while Manalo tried to get out from the former’s hold and was successful in his first attempt. However, Taitano would not be denied, as he went after Manalo anew and once down had his arms wrapped around the latter’s neck to earn the early win.
In the featherweight duel between Rasa and Trench Tech’s Mark “The Dark” Nuique, the Ground Fu Guam fighter took the win via triangle choke in the second round.
Nuique absorbed the loss despite getting points early, as he connected a couple of kicks and strikes on Rasa. The Ground Fu Guam standout then brought the duel down the canvas and made repeated attempts to neutralize Nuique with an RNC. However, Nuique managed to free himself and stand up to survive the first three minutes of the match.
In the second round, the two fighters had a brief exchange before Rasa caught Nuique anew and they went down. Again, Rasa tried to employ an RNC, hoping to stop Nuique, who for the nth time got away from the hold. Frustrated, but still persistent, Rasa attacked Nuique again and this time he also used his legs to immobilize the Trench Tech fighter and finally, he was successful, getting the victory via triangle choke at the 2:50 of the penultimate round. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/rotas-lizama-posts-fastest-win-rop-20/ | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/623670f9209d962dc80b9f2c08d27dc3336498baa878fe2b74982252bfb06770.json |
[
"Press Release",
"Ferdie De La Torre",
"Jon Perez"
] | 2016-08-26T13:15:36 | null | 2016-08-23T20:06:57 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fcommunity-briefs-aug-24-2016%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Community Briefs - Aug. 24, 2016 | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | ACH Chuuk Association meeting on Aug. 27
The ACH Chuuk Association will hold its Charter Day Celebration on Aug 27, 9:30am at the Garapan Central Park. (PR)
VA Benefits outreach on Aug. 31
The U.S. Department of Veterans Benefits Administration (Non-health) will be conducting a Veterans Benefits Outreach this Aug. 31, 2016, from 9am to 3pm at the Saipan VA Outreach Clinic, MH II Bldg., Suite 206, Marina Heights Business Park in Garapan.
A VA Benefits counselor will be available to answer Benefits questions, and assist with the claim process.
Points of contact are Ruth Coleman at 322-0035 or Chris Duenas at 1-671-648-0090/93. (PR)
Air Force, Navy to conduct training at FDM, W-517
ASAN, Guam—The Air Force will conduct training at the island of Farallon de Medinilla during the following dates and times:
• Aug. 24 from noon to 11pm
• Aug. 25 from 10am to 9pm
• Aug. 26 from 7:30am to 4pm
The Navy will conduct training at Warning Area 517 (W-517) Aug. 24 from noon to 10pm.
The general public, especially fishermen, commercial pilots and marine tour operators are advised to stay clear of the areas during the dates and times indicated.
W-517 is an irregular shaped polygon comprising of 14,000 nautical square miles of airspace that begins south of Guam and extends south-southwest in international waters. W-517 supports surface and aerial gunnery, missiles, and laser exercises.
The general location of the training on the island of Farallon de Medinilla will be on a 10-nautical mile radius on all quadrants. Farallon de Medinilla plays a special and unique role in national defense because its location provides frequent access that supports established training requirements. In addition, the air and sea space in the Farallon, located in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, provide sufficient room to conduct the many training profiles required to support aircrew combat readiness requirements.
For more information, contact the Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs Office at (671) 349-4055/3209. (PR)
ARC’s Club 200 set for Oct.15
The American Red Cross-NMI Chapter’s 27th Annual Club 200 is scheduled for Oct. 15 at Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan.
The event will feature a super hero theme that pays tribute to everyone in our community who helped others following Typhoon Soudelor. Tickets are $100 in advance and $125 at the door. Tickets include dinner, drinks, live entertainment, and a chance to win amazing door prizes.
For more information on Club 200 or how you can volunteer, contact the local Red Cross chapter at 234-3459.
The CNMI chapter was chartered on October 8, 1978. The first chairman was Gilbert C. Ada, who served for six years.
During these early years the Guam Chapter assisted the CNMI chapter in development of its services. In 1986, after a reorganization plan was implemented, a new six-member board of directors was appointed led by then senator Juan “Pan” Guerrero. Under new leadership, a chapter headquarters was set up in a war-damaged Japanese power plant near the Saipan International Airport. Currently the chapter has four paid staff members and a board of directors of 19 members.
The chapter is responsible for services on the islands of Rota, Tinian, and Saipan as well as the Northern Islands.(PR) | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/community-briefs-aug-24-2016/ | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/2410bbd677adff2ebcd4f0e18c66c79c0a804d3d3d4e074cfc6091cbfa062ce2.json |
[
"Jon Perez",
"Dennis B. Chan",
"Ferdie De La Torre"
] | 2016-08-26T13:17:42 | null | 2016-08-25T20:06:19 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fpss-eyes-40m-budget-fy-17%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/PSS-pix-3-150x150.jpg | en | null | PSS admits shortage of teachers | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | CNMI State Public School System acting commissioner Yvonne R. Pangelinan said they are hoping that the Legislature would give them a bigger budget so they could address issues like a shortage of teachers for School Year 2016-2017.
PSS, in last Wednesday’s Senate Fiscal Affairs committee budget hearing, is asking the Legislature that it be allocated close to $40 million after Gov. Ralph DLG Torres proposed a lower budget of $37.7 million.
“We hope the budget would be favorable to us so we could shift our resources to provide more support to our schools,” said Pangelinan in her report in yesterday’s CNMI State Board of Education special board meeting at the Office of Public Transport conference room in lower base.
The lack of teaching staff and the ongoing minor repair of facilities in all schools are PSS’ main concern right now especially since it has been two weeks that school year 2016-2017 started.
Some classes at Marianas High School had to trim down the number of students since classrooms were already full. Students in those classes have yet to have their new teacher.
“We need to give our schools more support so that they have the adequate staffing. We have 14 percent of our schools which have full staff in place and there is still a shortage of 86 percent in our schools,” Pangelinan said in her report.
MHS has the largest student population with 1,600 in last week’s opening and rose to 1,710 as of Wednesday. Among the elementary schools, Koblerville Elementary School had the biggest number with 600.
Pangelinan said that she is working with associate commissioner for administrative services Glenn Muna and Human Resources Office of director Cindy Deleon Guerrero to address the issues on the lack of staff.
“The instructional materials for reading and Math are now here and we are working to deliver it to schools. We are also working with [the Department of] Finance on what needs to be done to fund the facilities that need repair,” said Pangelinan.
She added that the shortage of classrooms at MHS will soon be over as they had already moved out of the central office and the rooms there are now being repaired. “There will be an additional 12 classrooms that they will be able to utilize [them] after the repairs.”
Pangelinan said most of MHS’ students come from within their zone and only a small population from the other areas. Freshmen are from the feeder schools, middle schools. “I don’t have the exact number of what grade level that has the highest increase but most of the students at MHS are within their zone.”
Aside from those problems and the threat of a possible storm last week, Pangelinan said that the school opening went rather smoothly. “We had a little bit of rough weather at the beginning of the school year but the general consensus is we had a smooth opening. I was at MHS on opening day and sure there were some problems in registration and scheduling but the administrators and department heads addressed them within the day. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/pss-eyes-40m-budget-fy-17/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/405e9a319647bc04dce38db123ea19b5b8b3f25d2bcc7ca992734ccaf18a572f.json |
[
"Ferdie De La Torre",
"Press Release",
"Dennis B. Chan",
"Taotao Cnmi"
] | 2016-08-30T00:54:43 | null | 2016-08-29T20:06:20 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Flarson-inos-directly-ordered-transfer-funds-luta-mermaid-llc%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Larson: Inos directly ordered transfer of funds to Luta Mermaid LLC | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Department of Finance Secretary Larrisa Larson disclosed that when she transferred government funds to Luta Mermaid LLC she did so pursuant to a direct order of the then-governor, the late Eloy S. Inos.
Luta Mermaid LLC owns M/V Luta, a 150-foot long 500-ton cargo ship. Larson allegedly caused $400,000 to be transferred from the CNMI General Fund Account to Luta Mermaid LLC’s bank account on March 27, 2015 or two days later after a memorandum from the Rota Legislative Delegation was sent to Larson. The memorandum stated that Resolution 19-3 was adopted by the Rota Legislative Delegation on March 20, 2015.
Larson, through deputy attorney general Lillian A. Tenorio, said any unlawful results of her actions complained of in the lawsuit of former Department of Public Lands secretary John DelRosario are the product of reasonable mistake.
Tenorio discussed the release of funds to Luta Mermaid LLC in Larson’s answer and defenses to DelRosario’s lawsuit. Tenorio said Larson is not a lawyer and cannot be expected to navigate through sometimes conflicting and complex laws as if she had extensive legal training.
Tenorio said Larson had authorized payment of public funds through resolution before pursuant to CNMI Public Laws 11-79 and 12-64, and believed that the monies transferred to Luta Mermaid LLC were for a public purpose.
DelRosario filed last May a taxpayer’s lawsuit against Lt. Gov. Victor B. Hocog and Larson over the alleged adoption of a Rota Legislative Delegation resolution without public notice that purportedly authorized payment of $400,000 to Luta Mermaid LLC, a private company owned by Hocog’s relatives.
DelRosario, through counsel Jennifer Dockter, is suing Hocog and Larson for breach of fiduciary duties, and expenditure of public funds for an improper purpose. In addition, Hocog is sued for violation of the Open Government Act.
Rota Legislative Delegation Resolution 19-03 was approved “to authorize the Department of Finance to pay for fuel, lubrication, and other costs necessary for the maiden voyage of the vessel from Louisiana to its new home port in Rota, and to provide for the personnel and operational costs of the Office of the Mayor of Rota.”
DelRosario requested the Superior Court to issue a judgment declaring, among other things, that Rota Legislative Delegation Resolution 19-3 void ab initio (from the beginning), and all acts taken in furtherance of such resolution null and void.
In Larson’s defenses to the lawsuit, Tenorio said at no time did Larson knowingly and deliberately violate her fiduciary duties and breach the public trust.
“The monies transferred to Luta Mermaid LLC were for a public purpose,” Tenorio pointed out.
She cited that it is well documented that the island of Rota has suffered severe supply shortages in the past due to the inability of cargo ships to dock at Rota when the weather was bad.
The deputy AG said the purpose of transferring the subject funds was to pay for bringing the ship, Luta Mermaid, to the CNMI so the ship could transport necessary provisions and supplies to Rota even during inclement weather.
Tenorio said the boat will also provide shipping for agricultural products and other goods produced on Rota to Guam and other islands and thereby give the Rota economy a badly needed boost. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/larson-inos-directly-ordered-transfer-funds-luta-mermaid-llc/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/58f19d6852976dba4db19851ccd28f52718418e2b0fb5a6e8756563b9b1b783e.json |
[
"Roselyn Monroyo"
] | 2016-08-29T20:54:12 | null | 2016-08-29T20:00:03 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fteam-white-sweeps-team-pink-gets-finals-berth%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/nmbapix-3-150x150.jpg | en | null | Team White sweeps Team Pink, gets finals berth | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Team White showed no mercy to Team Pink, winning all the 10 division games in their duel last weekend in the 2016 Sun Palace Badminton Team Tournament at the TSL Sports Complex.
Chris Hilario and Nate Guerrero kicked off Team White’s string of victories after sweeping Rodwealth Espana and Jojo Savellano in the men’s B doubles, 21-17, 24-22, last Friday.
Team White’s four other wins last Friday were also posted after only two games. In the men’s C singles, Hajin Oh topped Taeho Kim, 21-11, 215; Jordan Pangilinan and Malou Malasarte defeated Jen Savellano and Daniel Macario in the mixed A doubles, 21-16, 21-16; Guerrero and Oh downed Espana and Jun Banadera in the men’s BC singles, 21-15, 21-16; and Nicole Malasarte thwarted Cristy Villaflor in the women’s B singles, 21-16, 21-13.
The remaining five matches in the Team White-Team Pink pairing took place last Saturday with the winning squad playing to let up to complete the sweep. Hilario and Alyssa Velasco made it six in a row for Team White when they slipped past Kim and Villaflor in the mixed BC doubles, 21-15, 16-21, 21-19. The women’s BC doubles also went the distance with Team White’s Nicole Malasarte and Lani Santos outlasting 21-16, 18-21, 21-19.
After playing extended matches in the first two pairings, Team White’s bets took the short route to victories in the last three games. Pangilinan and Guerrero made short work of Macario and Espana in the men’s AB doubles, 21-16, 21-13; Hilario and Malasarte edged Joe and Cheng Saturno in the mixed B doubles, 21-16, 21-17; and Taka and Oh triumphed over Kim and Banadera, 21-15, 21-16.
With the sweep, Team White scored a commanding 28-2 victory against Team Red and hiked its record to 78-27 after adding the 8 points it got against Red last Sunday.
Team White and Team Red played the first five games in their pairing with the former winning three of them for a slim 8-7 advantage. The last five matches will be played today, but regardless of the results of these games, Team White is already assured of the first finals berth. The Top 2 teams in the standings after the round-robin elimination will battle for the championship and Team Red (70-35/excluding point deductions based on tournament rules) is likely to challenge Team White for the title as the three other squads (Black, Pink, and Blue) are way down the ladder.
Results of Team Red’ games and other pairings over the weekend will be reported later this week. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/team-white-sweeps-team-pink-gets-finals-berth/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/43250ae26289f3d787c98ef4c662fdc9853751a338682503895aecebea4c3ddc.json |
[
"Rudy M. Sablan",
"Press Release",
"John S. Del Rosario Jr.",
"Erwin Encinares"
] | 2016-08-26T13:18:41 | null | 2016-08-22T20:00:09 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fwhat-have-you-accomplished%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | What have you accomplished? | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Every two years here, we have an election. The regular gubernatorial election is every fours, assuming our governor is healthy and not ready to step down. The election for our Legislature is every two years, commonly called the midterm election. This year, then, is the mid-term election for some of our legislators. It’s in November. And so we look back at the whole four years, to include the two-year newbies, and, we ask, what has the Legislature accomplished during their individual terms of office, that they want to run for office again?
I’ll tell you what. One of the telltales is the mistakes they are making. I may not be a political science emeritus, but I understand enough of the legislative procedures to shake my head, and say mmm. That’s not correct. I attended several training-seminar on legislative procedures conducted by the political science department of the University of Hawaii, headed by professor Dr. Meller. The university set up a program since way back when we were still under TTPI-Mariana Islands District Legislature. And I was not the only one in attendance. One of those in attendance was the late Manuel D. Muna. His photo is on one of the walls at Hale Manoa, East-West Center, back in 1970.
One big mistake was the attempt to amend one of former governor Fitial’s executive order via bill. An executive order is simply an order by a chief executive to his or her subordinates to perform something departmental within the Executive Branch. The Legislature has no business intruding into the domain of the Executive Branch in order to manage the operation of the executive department, something not constitutionally assigned to the Legislative Branch. The principle of the separation of powers governs here.
Then I say another big mistake was the attempt to meddle in the gun control law of the U.S. government. That’s U.S. Constitution Amendment 2. The U.S. Supreme Court has decided on cases under that amendment. Its decision cascades down to every court in the United States and territories. Federal court Judge Mona Manglona is correct in setting aside the action of the Legislature regarding the banning of guns. The Legislature cannot touch the gun issue. That’s the domain of the U.S. government. So the Legislature came back and raised the gun fee to a $1,000 and approved by the OAG. I, for one, do not agree that the gun fee be raised to a $1,000 per gun. Who in this world would pay $1,000 fee for a carbine? That’s tantamount to an impediment to owning a gun. I’m not saying assault rifle, 155 mm howitzer, 50 cal. And 30 cal. machine guns, a tank, bazooka, etc. The fee should be lower to a much reasonable amount so that a decent revenue is generated. Doesn’t the Legislature want us to own a .22 short/long rifle or a “plinker” “para yangin man ehalum tano hit, pat man echiba hit?” Do the legislators really believe that we all have the “killer instinct” and go out and shoot somebody?
Does the police have records of battery or aggravated assault felons? That could be a guide when the person purchases a gun and takes it to the police for registration. So, prospective legislator, what do you have in mind to help our government get money so that it make improvements on our infrastructure, especially money for salary so we could pay CUC, CCHC, gas, food, clothing, and others.
Do you have anything in mind, other than to wait for the money from Best Sunshine? You know that we will be sharing the money from Best Sunshine casino with Tinian and Rota. Do you have any other plan to generate money for our government—the Northern Islands, Saipan, Tinian, and Rota? Unfortunately, Dynasty has fallen, and the money which could be used for the Tinian infrastructure improvement is no more, and the alcalde has to look to the Tinian delegation for financial assistance, maybe for the time being. Rota also needs money. The casino there is not really making good money for the municipality. We are poor. We have to rush around the budget to try to retain money for our municipality, much less our CNMI government.
That’s where you, as a candidate for this upcoming election must come up with an economic plan, miniscule though it would be, to help. A lot of people depend on your economic and financial planning. You don’t have to be a CFO. But you should have a short-, medium-, and long-term economic survivability plan. You must also see if we could get back our immigration system from the U.S. You must make sure that every federal agency that comes here to use our land, etc., must pay. Look at our Covenant and our constitution and see what improvement you could make on them. Look at our 902. See what you could do. Remember that the U.S. wants only two things here, set up a defense posture against Asia, and to control us via foreign policy.
Get our immigration system back, and charge money for every federal agency that comes here to claim something. Stop the Pagan war exercise, and the takeover of Westfield without payment. Let’s go to court on eminent domain reason. Negotiate for an increase in lease money on the next block of 50 or so years. Currently, there is no increase in lease money slated for the next lease year. We’ve been had. Negotiate for the return of our immigration system. Remember, we are no longer naïve nor congenial anymore. Make a demand. We should not live forever like this, being toyed around by the U.S. Do something for us. Come up with a feasible economic and financial plan. Tell me, my candidate, what do you hope to accomplish? And remember the CW and our business enterprises. Look for a good investor.
Rudy M. Sablan
Garapan | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/what-have-you-accomplished/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-08-22T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/529fdf9b10ecb9a738cd34fb6f647632ebaf6346054cf74f1431d9a22e8f670a.json |
[
"Ferdie De La Torre",
"Dennis B. Chan",
"Ang Sarap"
] | 2016-08-26T13:19:03 | null | 2016-08-22T20:06:43 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Flt-gov-hocogs-son-seeks-police-assistance-ex-rota-cop%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Lt. Gov. Hocog’s son seeks police assistance against ex-Rota cop | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Dennis Atalig Taisacan, a former Rota police officer who was arrested last July for domestic violence, was arrested again last Wednesday for allegedly violating a court order of protection and for breaking several times into an apartment unit on Saipan occupied by a former police officer, whom he accused of having an affair with his wife.
The 50-year-old Taisacan also allegedly complained of headache and injury as he refused to be taken to Superior Court for bail hearing on Friday morning.
The hearing was continued Friday at 1:30pm.
Apparently, it took five members of the Department of Corrections’ Emergency Response Team to restrain the defendant.
Citing that Taisacan poses danger to the community and is not able to follow court’s order, Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho increased to $10,000 cash bail from the $5,000 cash that the court had initially imposed.
Preliminary hearing will be on Aug. 29 at 9am.
Camacho said the court will appoint a private counsel for Taisacan because the Office of the Public Defender has conflict of interest.
Taisacan has two other pending cases—a criminal (domestic violence) and a Family Court matter.
Assistant attorney general Jonathan Robert Glass Jr. appeared for the government.
Police Detective Peter A. Aldan revealed in his report that it was former Saipan police officer Victor Val Hocog who posted bail for Taisacan in his previous domestic violence case.
Victor Val Hocog, a former Saipan police officer, is the son of Lt. Gov. Victor B. Hocog.
Aldan said Victor Val Hocog called the Department of Public Safety on Wednesday at 3:33pm about a disturbance at his apartment unit.
Two police officers responded to the apartment, where they met Victor Val Hocog, who complained that he had caught Taisacan numerous times trying to enter his unit through the sliding door.
Taisacan allegedly has assumed that Victor Val Hocog has been sleeping with his wife and that she was in his apartment.
At 4:25pm that day, police arrested Taisacan for disturbing the peace and violating a court’s order of protection.
Aldan also disclosed that on Aug. 11, Taisacan’s wife called 911 and requested police’s assistance after Taisacan appeared at her house in violation of court’s protection order and even asked $10 from her.
Taisacan allegedly arrived at his wife’s house on board a car at 7am and asked if they could work things out.
The wife got scared, refused to reconcile with him, and told him he was violating a court’s protection order for seeing her.
Taisacan asked for $10 instead and told her he knew she had money because she was “selling” herself. She told him to leave then she locked the bedroom and called 911.
Two police officers responded to the house, but Taisacan was no longer there. She requested the police to escort her to her sister-in-law’s house for fear that he would come back.
During the hearing on Friday afternoon, a DOC captain informed the court about Taisacan not cooperating and resisting to comply with DOC officers to be transported to the court for bail hearing at 10:30am that day.
Taisacan informed the court that he had a headache and an injured foot.
The captain said DOC officers provided Taisacan with two tablets of Tylenol for his headache and that DOC’s nurse also tried to provide him medical treatment but he refused.
The DOC captain informed the court that they are willing to provide the medical treatment. The DOC captain also informed the court that five members of Corrections Emergency Response Team had to restrain Taisacan and bring him to court.
The captain said they informed defendant of his rights for a bail hearing but he still refused to be brought to court.
The captain said Taisacan yelled profanities at DOC officers and called them idiots who do not know what they are doing.
Camacho expressed his appreciation to DOC officers for “showing professionalism in administering the necessary force” in transporting Taisacan to court for his bail hearing.
Last July, police arrested Taisacan for allegedly slapping his wife and hitting her on the head with a butane gas canister at their residence in As Gonno, Saipan.
Taisacan was arrested for assault and battery, and disturbing the peace. He was subsequently released after posting bail.
In this July incident, Aldan stated in his report that it was Taisacan’s 17-year-old son, who reported that his father was beating up his mother.
Aldan said investigation showed that prior to the beating, the defendant was drinking liquor that afternoon. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/lt-gov-hocogs-son-seeks-police-assistance-ex-rota-cop/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-08-22T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/dc0444808bc1015008671786dc56ce3bd2641c911ed2df101d25eda0af4b906d.json |
[
"Contributing Author",
"Jon Perez",
"Dennis B. Chan"
] | 2016-08-28T20:53:22 | null | 2016-08-28T20:06:57 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fwhat-was-the-extra-40k-for%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | What was the extra $40K for? | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | I noticed that the Guam Legislature is posting the Government of Guam annual budget on line for everyone to read in detail. Would it be possible for our Legislature to do the same?
Along the same line, I believe the CNMI Legislature now falls under the Open Government Act. Lt. Gov. Hocog recently gave the Tinian Legislative Delegation a supplemental $40,000 for the last two months before the election. Would it be possible for the executive director of the CNMI Legislature to post the expenditures made by the Tinian Legislative Delegation to date from the very ample budget they received in this year’s annual budget? The Tinian voters deserve to know how these funds were spent, and exactly why the delegation needed an additional $40,000 just before the election.
Don Farrell
Tinian | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/what-was-the-extra-40k-for/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/9104eb3a7c925bbde5920b70eeb7cad873dbe73348a3d3a71a6d659b89a81002.json |
[
"Press Release",
"Ferdie De La Torre",
"Jon Perez"
] | 2016-08-28T20:52:54 | null | 2016-08-28T20:06:04 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fhigh-surf-tuesday%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | High surf until Tuesday | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | CNMI Emergency Operations Center State Warning Point has issued a high surf advisory through Tuesday 6pm because swells generated from distant Typhoon Lion will cause hazardous surf and a high risk of rip currents along north and west facing reefs.
Based on the information received from the National Weather Service-Tiyan in Guam, surf will be hazardous at 8 to 10 feet through Monday night along north and west facing reefs. It will then fall to 7 to 9 feet Tuesday before falling below hazardous levels Tuesday evening.
Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres is advising the general public to avoid venturing near exposed reefs and beaches, especially those facing north, as rip currents will be life threatening. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/high-surf-tuesday/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/4a1c4a8ca282b12fa4bf5f6df4d192021a215945215cff5bd9fad515a365bc02.json |
[
"Dennis B. Chan",
"Press Release",
"Joan L. Taitano",
"Jon Perez"
] | 2016-08-26T13:14:19 | null | 2016-08-23T20:06:44 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Ffederal-grants-awarded-pss-dlnr%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Federal grants awarded to PSS, DLNR | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Federal grants of $226,938 and $65,000 have been recently awarded to the CNMI Public School System and the Department of Lands and Natural Resources.
Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) reported the recent awards in his newsletter on Saturday.
PSS gets its federal grant, made available by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Native Americans to preserve native languages, for its Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance program.
According to Sablan, the language immersion project, Leliyal Akkabwung (Places of Learning), will help enhance the Chamorro and Carolinian language and cultural studies curriculum that is taught in public schools.
The DLNR $65,000 grant goes to the department’s work in protecting green and hawksbill sea turtles, Sablan said, and the grant—from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration—will allow DLNR to hire a sea turtle conservation officer to reduce incidents of stranding and poaching as well as establishing a hotline and conducting a public education outreach campaign to increase knowledge and sensitivity regarding the vulnerable turtles. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/federal-grants-awarded-pss-dlnr/ | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/caa16b93370b90009248cfe4462920b45a475fff66554795799c38ef03dd63ae.json |
[
"Jon Perez",
"John S. Del Rosario Jr.",
"Ferdie De La Torre",
"Press Release"
] | 2016-08-26T13:18:14 | null | 2016-08-24T20:06:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fcuc-restores-power-papago-area%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/CUC-pix-2-150x150.jpg | en | null | CUC restores power to Papago area | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Commonwealth Utilities Corp. personnel completed replacing the power pole that was knocked down by a large tree last Tuesday night and in the process restored power in some areas in Papago and nearby houses in Kagman.
The pole that was knocked down was inside the property of Lucia Palacios. Strong winds, brought by a tropical depression, uprooted the tree and knocked down the pole adjacent to it thus cutting the power supply in some parts of the aforementioned areas.
CUC had already replaced the damaged power pole and transformer, and put back the power lines from the road to Palacios’ house, thus bringing back electricity in the surrounding areas at around 3pm yesterday
Palacios’ house and the surrounding area near it was without power for more than 10 hours, but she said CUC was quick to respond and went to her property with trucks and equipment to fix the damaged pole.
“They were here even before they had their morning coffee. I was very thankful for all their help in assisting us to restore electricity in this area,” Palacios told Saipan Tribune. “I don’t know how strong the winds were in the lower areas but up here, it was really howling.”
And that was when she heard a loud crash and the power went out. When she looked outside, the tree fell down and hit the pole. Governor’s special assistant for women’s affairs Doris Reyes Drew was also quick to come to her aid.
“She [Drew] helped me because I’m disabled and under medication. And when morning came, the CUC people are here. I thank CUC [executive] director Gary Camacho, power manager Lee Lieto, supervisor Jason Reyes, and all the crew,” said Palacios.
“That tree must have been more than 100 years old. The birds come here and eat the fruit. We love that tree but it was dangerous since it is near the pole. I’ve been asking the [Saipan] Mayor’s Office for assistance in cutting down trees in the area that are near power poles but I never had the chance to talk to him (Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang) directly,” added Palacios.
Close to 30 CUC personnel arrived in Luggat Ladok with their chainsaws and other equipment to clear the remains of the tree. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/cuc-restores-power-papago-area/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/f7f482b349feab8d3e29eff5f9edda116e69f943c916376f0b4e98332aee505e.json |
[
"Ross Garcia",
"Contributing Author",
"John S. Del Rosario Jr.",
"Jon Perez",
"Dennis B. Chan"
] | 2016-08-28T20:51:07 | null | 2016-08-28T20:06:12 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fpss-also-recruiting-bilingual-teachers%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | PSS also recruiting bilingual teachers | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | The CNMI State Public School System is also short of teachers for their bilingual education program. The program requires all public schools to teach Chamorro and Carolinian languages to all grades as a way of preserving the indigenous language.
PSS associate commissioner for instructional services Jackie Quitugua said they have been doing their part in following what is required for them but getting qualified personnel is the biggest challenge.
“We are pretty much doing what is required for us but the only struggle that what I have mentioned is recruitment. Getting the personnel,” Quitugua told Saipan Tribune.
“But not all schools have problems with bilingual teachers. There are some schools that are pretty much well set but the others are pretty much struggling when it comes to bilingual teachers.”
She added that PSS has already put out request for proposals. “To see if there are members in our community who want to come and work for us and provide the services for our children.”
Quitugua said that although they were not able to get the numbers that would address the shortage, PSS is working with those who are already teaching and those applicants who want to be part of the program.
“We work with those who come in and are revisiting other solutions to get the teaching personnel. We have standards and benchmarks, and trainings are ongoing. There are also regular meetings with our teachers to know their needs and get updates on the program,” added Quitugua.
She said instructors in the bilingual education program have been creative in making sure they teach students of what is under the curriculum. “We are happy with what they’ve been doing in teaching the kids.”
“Some schools have been creative and working out what they needed to do to be able to teach
We are happy with what they’ve been doing in teaching the kids. The continued support is there for our teachers and the school.”
“That’s why the actions and decisions [of PSS officials] want our schools and teachers to be provided with the materials needed under the bilingual language program,” said Quitugua. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/pss-also-recruiting-bilingual-teachers/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/1910a0a25bed865b467acc73adb21ceb57e82ec56e78bd8d64ac50e12f7b82e1.json |
[
"John S. Del Rosario Jr.",
"Contributing Author"
] | 2016-08-30T20:54:50 | null | 2016-08-30T20:00:27 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fklaru-na-sentimentun-publiku%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Klaru Na Sentimentun Publiku | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | John S. Del Rosario Jr. | Contributing Author John DelRosario Jr. is a former publisher of the Saipan Tribune and a former secretary of the Department of Public Lands. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/klaru-na-sentimentun-publiku/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/43fafd841cc13e268ae8799083989699d3250829f7084d204a3625f7690ce99b.json |
[
"Jon Perez",
"Press Release",
"Ferdie De La Torre",
"Dennis B. Chan"
] | 2016-08-28T20:51:10 | null | 2016-08-28T20:00:39 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fnew-truck-address-junk-car-issue%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Mayor-pix-2-150x150.jpg | en | null | New truck to address junk car issue | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | The Saipan Mayor’s Office acquired a new truck that would help collect junk cars and put them in a holding area before being shipped off-island. The funding that bought the truck came from an appropriation by the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation.
Rep. John Paul Sablan (R-Saipan) is the SNILD chair and they appropriated $136,000 to the Saipan Mayor’s Office, which then purchased the truck from South Korea.
Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang, along with field operations director Joan Aquino and safety officer Mac Chargualaf, presented the new truck to House of Representatives members.
Apatang said the truck, which has a claw, is the one that they needed to pick up the junk cars in some areas of the island. Some car owners, whose vehicles are either no longer working or have some problems, just abandon them.
“There have been a lot of complaints about junk cars and all other trash. We’re going to use this for trash removal. So this is the one truck that can help us in picking up heavy trash,” said Apatang during a recess in last Thursday’s House session at the Jesus P. Mafnas Memorial Building.
“We bought it from Korea. It is a special truck since it has a claw, where it can pick up [heavy] typhoon debris and junk cars around the island,” added Apatang.
He said the truck would make things easier for them. “It will make things faster for us. The truck will claw the debris, load it, and then the trash will be taken to the landfill. Everything goes to the landfill.”
“We have two staging areas before, one in Kagman and the other one in Koblerville. But we removed everything out and moved it all to the landfill,” said Apatang, who added that they asked the Department of Public Lands, through Secretary Marianne Teregeyo, for a piece of land.
“We’re working with DPL so they could give us a place in Lower Base where we can stock all of the junk cars temporarily until those guys that have junkyards can secure them and ship it off-island,” Apatang said.
“We need to clean the community of junk cars because mosquitoes use it as a breeding ground and rats as a nesting place.”
He thanked SNILD for their assistance and again wrote Sablan for additional help in providing the money to purchase one more truck. “I already wrote a letter to the local delegation. I’m still looking for another truck where the delegation could help me out.”
“This is a truck that would help cut trees and branches that are almost near the phone and power lines. It is like a bucket truck just like the one used by [the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.] but smaller. We don’t want the big one, the smaller one is enough.”
Apatang said the truck, which costs $190,000, would help them respond to numerous calls by Saipan residents who ask for assistance in cutting trees.
“A lot of people are calling our office and asking us to cut and trim their trees that is next to their houses. You can always call our office if there are also fallen trees that you need to be picked up.” | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/new-truck-address-junk-car-issue/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/a603cb8a2f85c1f3bf76740e30b259ec79faf53fdaf14e5f978987468d707c49.json |
[
"Ferdie De La Torre",
"Dennis B. Chan"
] | 2016-08-29T20:52:30 | null | 2016-08-29T20:00:10 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fcop-retired-us-army-reserve-plead-not-guilty%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Cop, retired US Army Reserve plead not guilty | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Rota Police Officer Melvin Maratita Manglona and retired U.S. Army Reserve Michael Barry Murphy both pleaded not guilty yesterday to separate charges that they sexually abused minor girls.
At an arraignment, Manglona, through counsel assistant public defender Cindy Nesbit, pleaded not guilty to the information charging him with two counts of sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree and one count of disturbing the peace.
Murphy, through counsel Janet H. King, pleaded not guilty to the information charging him with two counts of sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree.
Manglona, 48, and Murphy, 54, both waived reading of their constitutional rights.
Presiding Judge Robert C. Naraja set a status conference for Manglona on Oct. 5 at 9am and for Murphy on Oct. 4 at 9am.
Acting chief prosecutor Barbara Cepeda appeared for the government.
Manglona and Murphy remain under detention for failing to post $100,000 and $50,000 cash bail, respectively.
The Office of the Attorney General alleged that Manglona sexually abused a 14-year-old girl last July and Aug. 11, 2016 on Rota.
Manglona allegedly touched the girl’s private part last Aug. 1, and caused her to have suicidal thoughts from July 2016 to Aug. 11, 2016.
The girl told police that Manglona has been sexually abusing her since she was 9 years old and that the recent sexual encounter happened just last Aug. 11.
In Murphy’s case, the OAG alleged that the defendant sexually abused a 4-year-old girl last Aug. 6 on Saipan.
The OAG is planning to file separate charges against Murphy for allegedly sexually abusing the girl’s 20-year-old mother, who disclosed that the defendant also sexually abused her when she was 9 to 12 years old between 2005 and 2008.
Another woman, 26, also told police that the defendant sexually abused her when she was 9 to 14 years old at a house in Capital Hill and in a jungle in Obyan. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/cop-retired-us-army-reserve-plead-not-guilty/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/7d21a9f7a5c81f310ccccd8a4e7b52daa1f5d40b5c565a59f439c2842f6efeca.json |
[
"Roselyn Monroyo",
"Saipan Tribune",
"Daisy Demapan",
"Jon Perez",
"Jun Dayao"
] | 2016-08-28T20:52:42 | null | 2016-08-28T20:00:18 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fmister-nelson-top-beach-v-ball-tourney%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/nmivapix-150x150.jpg | en | null | Mister, Nelson top beach v-ball tourney | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | The tried and tested pair of Tyce Mister and Chris Nelson ruled the men’s division of the 2016 Endless Summer Beach Volleyball Classic held over the weekend at the Hyatt Regency Saipan.
Mister and Nelson, who teamed up in local and regional tournaments in the past several years, clinched the division championship after beating Russ Quinn and Guam’s Dave Rillera in the finals last Saturday, 21-12.
The eventual champions were undefeated in the double-elimination playoffs, getting the first finals berth after downing Team Blind’s Bruce Berline, 21-9, and Dan Westphal and Quinn and Rillera, 25-23, in the winner’s bracket.
Team Blind dropped to the loser’s bracket, but remained in contention after ousting Balls & Chains’ Nick Gross and Steven Beyer, 21-17. With the victory, Team Blind earned a chance to challenge Quinn and Rillera for the last finals berth and the latter prevailed, 21-19, to get a second crack at Mister and Nelson.
In the finale, Nelson and Mister enjoyed a twice-to-beat advantage and went on to secure the division title early after taking control of Game 1 en route to the 9-point victory. The winning duo built a 6-1 advantage off good ball placements and led by as much as 9, 15-6, after Quinn and Rillera hit wide shots. The second finalists ended the slump, 7-15, when Quinn went for the kill and dropped the ball at the backline with both Mister and Nelson on the front.
Nelson and Mister then won the next exchange with the latter moving their team a point away from wrapping up the match, 20-12, after his spike also fell to the backline with Quinn and Rillera anticipating and rushing near the net for a block. Nelson served for the match point and scored when Quinn received the ball, but failed to return it as the leather fell to the sand court.
Mama Duo wins
In the women’s division, Mama Duo’s Nicole LeBlanc and Kathy Winkfield also went unbeaten in the double-elimination playoffs to claim the championship.
Mama Duo, who had a perfect record in the pool play to take the top seeding in the playoffs, marched into the finals first after prevailing over Haole-Pino, 21-16, and Brinohh, 21-18, in the winner’s bracket. In the finals, Mama Duo was paired against Last Minute’s Shawn Davis and Kriszelle Esteves and won anew, 21-16. Last Minute barged into the finals after defeating Brinohh in the loser’s bracket semis, 21-18.
Meanwhile, the Northern Mariana Islands Volleyball Association-sanctioned tournament also held a 4-person competition last Sunday and results will be reported in Saipan Tribune later this week. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/mister-nelson-top-beach-v-ball-tourney/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/c09b8fffa688970116553093aeac2ae00f8731b09ef67d024d95fd4525fa6b98.json |
[
"Ferdie De La Torre"
] | 2016-08-30T20:54:11 | null | 2016-08-30T20:06:29 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fchild-molester-arrested-another-sexual-abuse-minor%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Child molester arrested again for another sexual abuse of a minor | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Steven Romie Aguon, a 36-year-old sex offender who has several prior convictions including voluntary manslaughter, was arrested again on Monday for allegedly sexually abusing a 10-year-old boy in Chalan Kanoa.
Aguon was taken to Superior Court yesterday on charges of sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree, assault and battery, and disturbing the peace.
Citing prior convictions, Associate Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio increased cash bail to $100,000 from the original $50,000 cash bail that the court imposed in issuing an arrest warrant.
Assistant public defender Cindy Nesbit was appointed as counsel for Aguon. Assistant attorney general Shannon Foley appeared for the government.
Preliminary hearing will be on Sept. 7 at 9am.
Police Detective Catherine B. Pangelinan stated in her report that three police officers responded to a residence in Chalan Kanoa on Sunday night to investigate a report about sexual abuse of a minor.
Pangelinan said the officers met a woman, who alleged that Aguon sexually abused her 10-year-old son.
Pangelinan said she also responded and during her interview, the boy’s father stated that his son came home late and revealed that he went biking around with Aguon.
The father was concerned because he is aware that Aguon was once arrested for sexual abuse of a minor. When the father felt something wrong he confronted his son to tell the truth.
The son confessed that earlier that day he was playing basketball at Chalan Kanoa District 3 when Aguon came and asked to follow him to his house to build a camp.
Aguon brought the boy to an abandoned vehicle parked outside his house. The defendant then sexually abused the boy inside the abandoned vehicle.
The father later checked on Aguon, but the suspect ran away.
The boy was taken to the Commonwealth Health Center, where a doctor examined him.
In October 2010, then-Superior Court Associate Judge Ramona Manglona imposed a two-year prison term on Aguon for sexual abuse of a minor girl.
In October 2012, U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona Manglona slapped a 24-month prison term against Aguon for immigration document fraud.
Aguon was also arrested and charged before for, among other cases, sexually abusing minor girls. He pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and served prison term over the killing of a Kosraean man in Kannat Tabla in 2001. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/child-molester-arrested-another-sexual-abuse-minor/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/cc96e705f7e6ac8c9a353adf576ee5cf8331e466cbc1b9f2443b94dc845794bc.json |
[
"Rudy M. Sablan",
"Press Release",
"Contributing Author",
"John S. Del Rosario Jr.",
"Mamaya Na Lang"
] | 2016-08-30T00:54:36 | null | 2016-08-29T20:00:38 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Four-covenant-our-doom%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Our Covenant, our doom? | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Sounds a little harsh? You bet it is. It’s a little short of grandstanding. But how else should we approach the root of the many problems we face today and as written, can potentially spell our doom in the future? With a handshake and a smile followed by endless mother, may I’s? Maybe not. Why did our Covenant negotiators were so willing to hand off our sovereignty to the United States under the Covenant? But they did. Did we understand sovereignty then? Do we really understand sovereignty now? What does it mean? Does it impact us? Our livelihood and our ability and desire to govern ourselves? Sovereignty is a real serious issue. In my opinion, sovereignty is our soul. It is the soul of our government, the very foundation that holds the Chamorros, the Refaluasch, the Chamolinians together.
When we signed the Covenant, we gave away that binding foundation, the authority and the right to govern ourselves in a global sense. The U.N. Trusteeship Council back then said that we were a sovereign nation. And we were sovereign, and that creates sovereignty. We had sovereignty. We had had that sovereignty since the day we were born in East Asia, and as we left East Asia and crossed the Gobi, crossed China. and traversed the vast China Sea, plowed through the Philippines, and the Malay Peninsula, and braved another vast ocean crossing into the now Guam. Our mother island. Our sovereignty came with us. Sovereignty cannot be torn away from the bearer. And each one of us, wayfarers, is sovereign. Our ancestors in Guam, they got leaders. Sovereign and sovereignty. And they argue with the Americans about it. They, too, know about being sovereign and sovereignty. All the while, our sovereignty migrated with us. That’s because sovereignty cannot be extricated or torn away from us. It’s an integral part of us. It is the authority and right to govern ourselves and to usher our people into an organized group. If you remove that, you get chaos. Helter skelter. Doldrum.
When we handed over to the Americans our sovereignty, we destroyed our foundation, our very soul which came with us from East Asia, and we placed ourselves at the mercy of this multi-ethnic country America. Our sovereignty is sitting in Washington, not with us. We handed it away. Because the U.S. has our sovereignty, it can come and make demands. It took away our control of our own immigration as well as our submerged lands and wetlands and swamps. That’s a nice way of putting it. The truth is, the United States took advantage of our unique relationship knowing very well that we were in our political infancy back then. We were to be brought up gradually into the 20th century so we don’t destroy our culture and traditions. So say the American anthropologists. President Kennedy didn’t agree. He sent in the Peace Corp, and the AESCP people to hasten our education. So now, we’re not that naive. But for the record and those who do not know any better, we are not a U.S. territory, we’re not under the U.S., we’re not a possession of the U.S. Commonwealth is a kind of government, a political partnership, which we adopted from Puerto Rico, instead of the Cook Island.
We allowed the U.S. as our overseer. Not possessor. Do not let the term commonwealth fool you. It is a kind of political status that’s amendable. Period. Despite the Covenant, the U.S., unilaterally, took over our immigration and submerged lands. Was it vengeance? Abramoff and DeLay? Objection to the garment labels? It didn’t want us to live in comfort? Congressman George Miller, the friend of the garment factories in California? In 1976, we voted for a political union with the U.S., and with that we handed over our sovereignty on a silver platter. Why did we do that? Is it because we are humble people? In deep humility? “Con respeto, saina, na magof hao ya un atiende i bisita?” In Sablan v. Inos, 3 N.M.I 418 (1993) court case, it says in part, “they did not enter into the Covenant to become a territory or possession of the U.S.” In reviewing the Covenant and discussing it with several Con-Con delegates involved in the Covenant negotiation, our aspirations, and the U.S. purpose, should be kept in mind. Our aspirations? Grant-in-aid, citizenship, food stamp (NAP), etc. A welfare state. What about the U.S.? What exactly did it want? Our archipelago. The entire Marianas archipelago. U.S. defense forward echelon, a blocker for the West Coast against Asia and the Vladivostok-Kamchatka line?
Is ANZUS not adequate? Wabol v. Villacrusis, 1 N.M.I. 34 (1989), rev’d, 11 F.3d 124 (9th Cir. 1993) says, in part, “All acts of U.S. Congress and NMI Legislature relevant to Covenant should be interpreted consistent with Covenant, unless a contrary intention is clear.” The U.S. actions on our immigration and submerged lands signify a contrary intention in that both actions had the potential to negatively impact our ability to self-govern. They knew that, but acted against our interest. Why did these happen and why has the U.S. ignored our cases and pleas? Not exactly what we had in mind when we had the plebiscite. Our problems did not just surface yesterday. Take a long hard look at cases brought before the 9th Circuit Court and you’ll begin to understand that our political partner has, in fact, abused our relationship because of one word “sovereignty.” This clause “under the sovereignty of the United States” has to be taken out. No excuses. We were sovereign once until some people, somehow, willingly surrendered it. The following excerpts on sovereignty highlight the issue: 1. The Covenant is a solemn agreement entered into between the U.S. and us. The U.S. and we, mutually, agreed on the level as two separate but equal sovereign entities. The Covenant governs the relationship between the parties. Sablan v. Inos, 2 N.M.I. 388 (1991). 2. The Covenant is a permanent, binding and solemn agreement entered into between two sovereign peoples, the U.S. and us. Wabol v. Villacrusis, 1 N.M.I. 34 (1989), rev’d, 11 F.3d 124 (9th Cir. 1993). Our issues, problems, and countless challenges now and in the foreseeable future, say we need change. The notion that by dumping dollar handouts for funded programs and projects, we shall remain minions of a political partner is an insult to us. The submerged lands. The U.S. took from the ocean floor up to what used to be our 200-mile economic zone. Manganese nodules, oil platforms, oil refinery up north, etc. And what about our wetlands? The hagoi, the sisomyan Susupe-Chalan Piao, the Sadog Tasi, the Sadog Mamis, the Sadog Dogas, the sisomyan Achugao, the sisomyan Puntan Flores, etc.? Who says these are under U.S. jurisdiction? And our designated endangered species—flora and fauna and marked off-limits. Who decided that? Sovereignty?
Finally, for now anyway, the issue of our immigration control. If we do not control our immigration, we’ll continue to be under U.S. mercy, and hopes of economic survival and prosperity are diminished substantially. The visa-waiver policy for China, the ill-conceived and applied CW program and the restrictions under the E2C and H2 programs are not helping us whatsoever. They are choking our economy and our hopes and chances at successful self-government as mandated by the U.N. The CW program has been drawing down and capped with an end date of Dec. 31, 2019. This does not mean that when it ceases, all the CW workers must then exit. The program has a set duration of 12 months only for each and every applicant. Those who expire on Jan. 1, 2019 must exit within 10 days unless they convert to the more expensive and restrictive H2 program.
So our CW workers and many business operators, will go, barring anything big that could not be handled. By the way, do you know that we have many Chinese workers and since China is not included in the H2 program, they simply do not qualify and must leave as well? Bye, bye most small businesses. Bye, bye employees. Welcome to our version of hell on earth. So, 902 team, Governor Torres, 19th Legislature, and soon to be 20th Legislature, take heed. Seek solutions to our Covenant casualties and our economy. Do you understand what is economy and economics, for that matter? Galbraith? Keynes? Macro-economics and Micro-economics? We have many educated residents who majored in economics, and could easily unravel those questions. Now, let’s restructure the legislature—unicameral—nine senators. Use the initiative process. Governor Torres, reorganize the administration. Cut or merge offices, divisions, departments performing similar or duplicate projects, goals and objectives, especially those who are not sure what’s their departments’ goals and objectives. Take SHEFA out of the Saipan Mayor’s Office and merge it with the Commonwealth scholarship office. Re-program the money of those offices you closed. Take back CUC, abolish the board, and put it under DPW as before. You save money. Move DPL back to re-merge with land management office in DLNR and abolish the board. Save money and duplicity. We do not have forever for a solution and neither do you. Neither do we have enough operating money. We owe more gazillions than what we have. Whooping liabilities and minute assets, and even a pinhead capital. We owe the world millions of money, and even if kingdom come, we’ll still owe Lucifer (figure of speech) tera-billions. Re-arrange our source of money to save as much as possible so we could pay our zillions of debts. Roundup those economic majors, political science majors, finance experts, management experts, and see what you can get out of them. And include Red Foxx, Texas oil tycoon. He came to buy Saipan, and hire the High Commissioner as manager. We could have sold Saipan to him had not the High Commissioner objected to the proposal. But, you won’t regret it if you do.
Rudy M. Sablan
Garapan | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/our-covenant-our-doom/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/a9714149b90dba31d77a0f91c45d778eac958151c007e4173fd87ea617244d29.json |
[
"Erwin Encinares",
"Press Release",
"Roselyn Monroyo"
] | 2016-08-29T20:53:58 | null | 2016-08-29T20:00:57 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fdiversity-showcased-anew-intl-festival-cultures%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/International-pix-1-150x150.jpg | en | null | Diversity showcased anew at Int’l Festival of Cultures | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | The 2016 International Festival of Cultures is one of the newest attractions at the Paseo de Marianas in Garapan and started since Aug. 20.
The event is hosted by the Marianas Visitors Authority and it aims to highlight all the different cultures that are present in the CNMI.
MVA Community Project specialists Ryan Calvo said that besides giving free samples of traditionally roasted pig, the International Festival of Cultures also wants to showcase the different cultures of the CNMI while giving locals and tourists something in return.
“When we started in 2014 we wanted to get all the diverse cultural groups in the CNMI together to promote the diversity of the CNMI for two targets: our local community; something for them to do too, and mainly for our tourists from abroad,” said Calvo.
A lot of pride comes with being able to participate in the festival. “I feel proud and honored to be asked to perform and promote our culture to tourists and as well as to our local community. We need to revive it by showcasing our culture heritage through songs and dances,” said Annale Sablan-Torres, one of the group leaders of the Manantigu Cultural Production Petlas Marianas Simiya Lina’la’s.
Although the festival started in 2014, the International Festival of Cultures wasn’t held in 2015 due to Typhoon Soudelor’s rampage. In 2016, the International Festival of Cultures continued. “in 2014 that was our first annual. In 2015 we wanted to do it again but unfortunately Typhoon Soudelor hit so we put everything off because everyone was busy recovering. This year we marked it as the second, a continuation,” said Calvo.
“We have majority of the same group as the first but this year we decided to have six Saturdays in order to add more to the event. The first and second Saturday is like a soft opening, where the CNMI hosts the opening.”
Calvo says more are in store for the International Festival of Cultures. With the following weeks to come, the eventwould be even more festive. “Come September 3rd, that’s where we’re going to have all the groups come in. So we’re looking at everybody coming in and it’s going to be more active; more participation and activities for everybody,” shared Calvo.
The International Festival of Cultures would be going on every Saturday at the Paseo de Marianas in Garapan from 5pm to 10pm. Starting Sept. 3, more cultural groups would be joining the International Festival of Cultures. Marshall Islands, Philippines, Tahiti, Marquesas, Cook Islands, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Japan, China, Hawaii, and Korea would be added into the list of presenters. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/diversity-showcased-anew-intl-festival-cultures/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/bb03723427b70144e9b61c93fbd0adfa864b8fd3757ac0bac2607e1823ea2bd8.json |
[
"Contributing Author"
] | 2016-08-26T13:10:00 | null | 2016-08-24T20:00:56 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2F5th-genesis-cup-youth-division-finals%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/gencup1-150x150.jpg | en | null | 5th Genesis Cup Youth Division Finals | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | null | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/5th-genesis-cup-youth-division-finals/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/a23426c52bc8acc2271849b6bbea528035db98aff43b5624a610944a532bd0bd.json |
[
"Russ Mason",
"Special To The Saipan Tribune",
"Jon Perez",
"Press Release",
"John S. Del Rosario Jr."
] | 2016-08-26T13:08:24 | null | 2016-08-25T20:00:19 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fneed-lose-weight%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Need to lose weight? | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | It’s no secret that many of our locals are grossly overweight and need to slim down. It’s not easy to do.
I don’t mean to single out the Chamorro people or other islanders, but if you look around, they are fatter than most others. You rarely see a fat Chinese person, or a Filipino, or even an American (former Attorney General, Edward Buckingham, was an exception).
Being fat wouldn’t be so bad, except that it contributes to a broad spectrum of disease, primarily diabetes, heart disease and (most likely) cancer.
American Samoa takes the prize for the fattest island people, but recent research has shown that people on American Samoa have a “fat gene;” that is, a genetic disposition to becoming obese.
You may remember the wonderful Hawaiian singer, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, who sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” with his ukulele. He was of American Samoan ancestry.
“Throughout his life, Kamakawiwoʻole was morbidly obese and at one point weighed 757 pounds. He endured several hospitalizations because of health problems caused by his weight. Beset with respiratory, heart, and other medical problems, he died at the age of 38 on June 26, 1997.” (Source: WikiPedia).
Although I know of no locals in the “700 club” many are still fat, and this needs to be addressed. It’s a matter of life and death, truly.
Today I will share with you some tips on how to get rid of the excess baggage, and this will not only improve your overall health, but you will feel better. You’ll have more pep too.
I write this because my deep concern for our beautiful islanders; they are killing themselves by the amount they eat and drink.
Much has been written about the benefits of exercise, and it certainly is beneficial. But it’s not the best way to shed the flab.
Eat less
That’s the secret. If you want to start dropping excess weight, eating less is essential.
The notion that each person needs three meals a day is out-dated, especially for people who are overweight. The fat they carry is an excellent source of energy, and will break down if the body can get into “survival mode.”
The best way to accomplish weight loss is to eat only one meal per day, preferably breakfast or lunch. Eat nothing after 6pm (You may drink all the water you like, and have any other sugar-free beverage, such as tea or coffee. Do not drink any “diet” beverages either).
How it works
When you eat food, your body spends the next 3 to 6 hours breaking down the nutrients and then sending them out to the bloodstream. At the 12-hour mark, the body switches into “survival mode” because no more nutrients are available. As a result, the body begins to break down fat for energy, and this is good.
If you can go an entire day—24 hours—without food, your “survival mode” will shift into high gear and the fat will begin to disappear. You won’t die, and you won’t starve, but yes, you will be hungry. When that happens, drink a big glass of water; it will fill you up and it will temporarily block the hunger cravings.
It takes a strong-willed person to do this, but it’s not impossible. I dropped 30 pounds this way, and I have kept it off.
It’s important to state that, this is a permanent change—once you achieve your weight goal. It may take some months, but after you lose all that weight, you can’t go back to your old unhealthy eating habits. Big mistake! No, this new diet is for life: one meal per day, and no snacking at parties.
You might think that eating fresh vegetables, such as celery, carrots, or lettuce is OK. This is incorrect, because it starts the cycle of digestion all over again, and you won’t lose an ounce.
As Dr. Tony Stearns has often said, eat all the vegetables you like—they won’t cause any weight gain. But the trick is to eat the vegetables with your meal, not as a snack.
Some weight loss aids
There are two health products I use every day. I call them “fat blockers” and “starch blockers.” The real name for the fat blockers are Chitosan, or Liposan—which absorbs fats in the digestive tract and then carry them out of the body, unabsorbed.
Starch blockers are known as “Phase 2” and they are made from white kidney beans. They are especially helpful if you are eating rice, noodles, bread, or anything else starchy—even corn. They will help to prevent the starches from entering your bloodstream and help to keep you fat-free.
Although these products are not available locally, you can certainly find them on the Internet. If you’re serious about shedding some flab, they can help greatly.
Cut out most sugar
A piece of chocolate, or a can of Coke, won’t kill you, nor will a slice of birthday cake. What will negatively impact your health and weight-loss regimen is the amount of sugar you take in. This also includes alcohol, which converts to sugar in the digestive tract.
If you truly want to slim down, avoid anything with sugar, especially soft drinks. If you’re thirsty, drink water. If you want something tastier, then add a squeeze of lemon to the water. This is a very healthful drink and tastes good. You can drink this any time, day or night.
The real problem
The real problem for those who want to lose weight is willpower, or lack of it. It’s so easy to cave in to a buffet full of wonderful food, and then go back for seconds.
Whenever I see a fat person I think, “That person has no will-power.”
You might think, “Well, I can pig out this one time.” No. Sorry. Those days are over. If you’re really determined to shed the flab, it takes courage and self-discipline. Learn to eat a healthy meal, once a day, and then stop.
If you can do it, the health benefits are enormous. If nothing else, you will significantly cut your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and (probably) cancer.
As a friend of mine once observed, “Nothing tastes as good as slim feels.” He was right. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/need-lose-weight/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/f9252014126d1124d2e7c0b7d69e40b78a7f5a2c435eb0adb6ab12071eeb3fba.json |
[
"Press Release",
"John S. Del Rosario Jr.",
"Ed Stephens Jr.",
"Russ Mason",
"Special To The Saipan Tribune"
] | 2016-08-26T13:07:34 | null | 2016-08-25T20:00:27 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fnmpasi-seeks-new-board-members%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | NMPASI seeks new board members | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | The Northern Marianas Protection & Advocacy Systems, Inc. also known as NMPASI will bid adieu to several members of its board of directors at the end of this fiscal year on Sept. 30, 2016.
Founded in 1993, the local non-profit organization is the state-designated agency for protection and advocacy services on behalf of individuals with disabilities. NMPASI relies primarily on federal grant programs to sustain its operations and to pursue its mission “To protect the civil, legal, and human rights of individuals with disabilities.”
While the office, known in part for being the “watchdog” of disability-related services, enjoys at least a small level of notoriety for its aggressive stance in support of the individual rights of people with disabilities—sometimes against our own government and other much larger establishments in the community—its staff acknowledges that none of it could have been possible without the commitment of a “solid” board of directors.
“Behind the scenes of any accomplished non-profit organization is a board of directors made up of individuals sternly committed to its mission,” according to NMPASI executive director James M. Rayphand.
“In our case,” he says, “the board is comprised of 11 people (a majority of who have to be persons with disabilities and/or immediate family members of people with disabilities) who volunteer to, among other things, develop and insure adherence to organizational policies and procedures. Additionally, the board is responsible for ‘recruiting, hiring, evaluating and, if deemed necessary, terminating and removing the executive director in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.”
As for seeking new members, the board itself re-established new term limits for membership to comply with conditions of NMPASI’s grant programs wherein “terms shall be staggered and for four years except for members appointed to fill a vacancy…a member who has been appointed to a term of four years may not be reappointed to the board for a two-year period beginning on the date on which the four-year term expired”.
Presently, the membership terms for six of our current board members are due to expire on Sept. 30, 2016 and members of our executive committee are opting to “cast a wider net” for new members by announcing the vacancies publicly.
“Ultimately, we want to identify board members who believe in our mission and who are willing to volunteer their time in support of that mission,” added Rayphand. “It helps also to have people who won’t back down when confronted with issues that could negatively impact the rights of individuals with disabilities, including but not limited to holding ourselves accountable to prescribed standards for protection and advocacy.”
The current NMPASI board members are: Ellena Sutton (president), Robert T. Torres (vice president), Felicitas “Tee” Abraham (secretary), Rita Cruz (treasurer), John “Pan” Guerrero, Jr., Daniel Ada, Helen Sablan, Augusta Palacios (Tinian member), Raymond Castro (Rota member), and Melrosa Rebuenog (PAIMI Advisory Council member).
For more on NMPASI and/or protection and advocacy services for individuals with disabilities, please contact the NMPASI Office at (670) 235-7273/4 [tel.] /235-7275 [fax/tty] or via the Internet at www.nmpasi.org. (PR) | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/nmpasi-seeks-new-board-members/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/55b4258a110ad07d83b1f86d2dec9195ce7f60c9ac4e3ef65f31b34befda3190.json |
[
"Press Release"
] | 2016-08-30T20:53:44 | null | 2016-08-30T20:06:11 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fesfdb-celebrate-opening-new-school-year-holy-spirit-mass%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/ESFDB-pix-2-150x150.jpg | en | null | ESFDB celebrate opening of new school year with Holy Spirit Mass | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | The students, administration, faculty and staff, board of directors, parents, families, and guests gathered at San Francisco de Borja Church on Friday, Aug. 26, to celebrate the annual Mass of the Holy Spirit.
The Mass of the Holy Spirit is a beloved tradition for Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja and amongst many Catholic schools.
Led by the school’s administrator and principal Carmen H. Atalig and assisted by the school faculty, the Mass began with a procession by the students with their parents, and then preceded by San Francisco de Borja parish administrator Reverend Father Isidro Ogumoro, Rev. Fr. Neil Bullos, and newly installed bishop Most Reverend Father Ryan Jimenez as the main celebrant.
“The Mass of the Holy Spirit has marked the beginning of the academic year. This Mass will open our academic year in a special way,” said Atalig.
Atalig further stated that the purpose of the Mass “is to ask the Holy Spirit to be with all of us in the Luta Catholic school community; all who learn here, all who teach here, all who work here; to be able to see the presence of God in our community and the world.”
“For Bishop Jimenez, celebrating the Mass is a personal significance for ESFDB,” added Atalig. “Bishop Jimenez was hired by the late Sister Mary Benedict San Nicolas, RSM as a religion teacher for ESFDB in 1995 before moving to Saipan. Twenty-one years later, Bishop Jimenez is now our shepherd leading the flocks of the CNMI Catholic Faithfull’s.
“On behalf of Bishop Jimenez, he would like to extend a Dangkulo na Si Yu’us Ma’ase to the parents, students, family members, faculty and staff for the meaningful message of the Holy Spirit and reception,” said Atalig
“It’s always nice to see our students, staff, family and friends come together to pray for God’s wisdom and inspiration for the new academic year. The Mass of the Holy Spirit is celebrated at the beginning of the year so that students might turn to the Spirit’s aid as they prepare to take upon new areas of study,” said board chair Edward C. Maratita, Jr.
“Our congratulations to Bishop Jimenez, who will shepherd our Catholic faithfull’s in the years to come. I encourage our Catholic faithfull’s on Rota and the CNMI as a whole to rally behind our new bishop and support his new mission as our shepherd,” added Maratita.
After the Mass, a potluck dinner was served at the Roundhouse.
The administration, faculty, staff, and board of directors of ESFDB would like to extend their appreciation to the parents for their assistance in making the Holy Spirit Mass celebration a success. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/esfdb-celebrate-opening-new-school-year-holy-spirit-mass/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/ba2fbc614c6061c06595a8d028405314798a89b783e05cb758983dddcd2f6978.json |
[
"Ferdie De La Torre"
] | 2016-08-30T20:53:33 | null | 2016-08-30T20:06:51 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fsuspected-burglar-trapped-inside-tottotville-house%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Suspected burglar trapped inside Tottotville house | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | A burglar was trapped inside a house at Tottotville in Koblerville when the owners sought help from their neighbors who then surrounded the residence early Monday morning.
One of two police detectives had to kick the door of one of the bedrooms as defendant Cheyenne Sablan refused to open it.
The other detective had to calm the female owner of the house down because she was hysterical and screaming.
Sablan, 33, was arrested and taken to the Superior Court yesterday for bail hearing on charges of criminal mischief and burglary.
Associate Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio imposed a $7,500 cash bail and set the preliminary hearing for Sept. 6 at 1:30pm.
Assistant public defender Cindy Nesbit was appointed as counsel for Sablan. Assistant attorney general Shannon Foley appeared for the government.
Police Detective Daniel T. Joab stated in his report that detectives Elias Saralu and Jeffrey Norita responded to Tottotville housing on Monday after learning about a burglary in progress at 1:31am.
Outside the house, detectives Saralu and Norita met the couple, who told them that the burglar was still inside one of their bedrooms.
The detectives directed the burglar, who was later identified as Sablan, to open the door, but he refused to comply. With the consent of the male owner of the house, detective Norita kicked the door to open it. Sablan was then arrested.
A neighbor told police that he was sleeping at his house when he heard yelling and screaming. The neighbor ran to the house of the victims, who told him that a burglar was still inside one of their bedrooms.
The neighbor said he walked to the window and saw Sablan trying to break the window to get out from the bedroom. The neighbor told Sablan to relax because police were already coming.
Detective Joab said during his interview the male victim said his wife woke him up at 1:30am and told him she heard someone trying to open the room’s door.
The victim said he exited from their bedroom and noticed that the window screen was broken and saw Sablan holding his laptop inside the bedroom.
He then shouted to his neighbors for help. He and some of his neighbors then surrounded the house so Sablan could not get out and escape until police’s arrival.
The victims said the same bedroom was burglarized twice before. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/suspected-burglar-trapped-inside-tottotville-house/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/a56112b0d868919ba76b97ec710314adfda830c6a79fc31e36679a20cb10e1ac.json |
[
"Roselyn Monroyo",
"Erwin Encinares",
"Press Release"
] | 2016-08-29T20:52:54 | null | 2016-08-29T20:00:28 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fcnmi-scores-afc-u16-tourney-debut%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/afcpix-2-150x150.jpg | en | null | CNMI scores in AFC U16 tourney debut | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | The CNMI U16 Girls National Team drew first blood against Malaysia before losing the close match, 1-2, in the AFC U16 Women’s Championships 2017 Qualifier last Monday night at the Luneng Football School in Weifang, China.
Co-captain Lyka Sally put the CNMI on the board with her goal in the 22nd minute off a direct kick from fellow midfielder Gillian Villagomez. Sally and company went on to keep the lead at halftime and in the first 18 minutes and change of the second half before Malaysia equalized off a goal from midfielder Nhor Athirah in the 64th minute.
Seven minutes later, Malaysia broke the deadlock, thanks to a shot from defender Siti Burfaizah. The Malaysians hung on to the shaky lead in the remaining minutes of the match to join the Philippines in the win column in Group B of the qualifier.
“The entire team did well despite the loss. The U16 Women’s National Team fought hard despite the 2-1 loss to Malaysia. Goalkeeper Toremy Diaz was commended by the other team’s coach for her excellent goal keeping skills,” said assistant coach Patricia Coleman in a message sent to Northern Mariana Islands Football Association members and officials.
Diaz, Villagomez, Lyka Sally, Princess Alcantara, Jerlyn Santiago, Anela Duenas, Ericka Santiago, Samantha Manacop, Jobelle Tabuena, Esther Jones, and co-captain Guinevere Borja were the Commonwealth’s starting 11 against Malaysia. Defender Grace Choi also played for the Taketomo Suzuki-coached CNMI, coming in for Jones in the 72nd minute
Malaysia, on the other hand, listed Rosdianah, Anis Aishah, Norshahira Suhame, Alice Michael, Elsie Jawit, Henrietta Justine, Maizura, Emily Hellma, and Olevia besides Nurfaisah and Athirah on its first 11 roster. The winning squad used two substitutes in Ayuna Anjani and Nurfatin Binti Rozani, who both reported for the game in the second half.
Meanwhile, after a tight match against Malaysia, the CNMI players will be paired against the Philippines today. Game time is at 4pm (6pm Saipan time).
The Philippines won its debut after getting one goal apiece from midfielders Tejanee Isulat and Andrea Tiongson. Isulat found the back of the net early with her shot in the sixth minute, while Tingoson came off the bench and handed the PH its second goal in the 75th.
The CNMI-PH game will be played after the 11am (1pm) duel between Malaysia and South Korea.
After their showdown against the Philippines, the Commonwealth bets will take another break and will return to the pitch on Thursday to challenge South Korea in an 11am match. Taketomo’s wards will then close out their pool play assignment this Saturday when they take on India in another 11am tiff. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/cnmi-scores-afc-u16-tourney-debut/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/8793b491bbcf5dba1d94d4e175923b0d6805449957eca63d6650d51e2c954a1d.json |
[
"Ferdie De La Torre",
"Press Release"
] | 2016-08-26T13:02:23 | null | 2016-08-25T20:00:31 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Ffederal-prosecutor-assures-plural-pronouns-used-appropriately%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Federal prosecutor assures plural pronouns to be used appropriately | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Assistant U.S. attorney Garth R. Backe has assured that plural pronouns will be used when it is appropriate during the jury trial of Zhaopeng Chen, one of three Chinese nationals charged in federal court over methamphetamine or “ice” shipment.
Backe, counsel for the U.S. government, said they understand that unfair confusion could arise if plural pronouns are used inappropriately.
Backe said for instance, in the example given by defendant Chen—“they were in the hotel room and [co-defendant Shicheng] Cai made the call about the drugs”—the U.S. government fully expects Cai to testify that “they were in the hotel room when he (Cai) called Sunleader” because all three defendants were in the hotel room.
David G. Banes, the court-appointed counsel for Chen, has filed a motion requesting the U.S. District Court for the NMI to issue an order prohibiting witnesses, interpreters, and counsel from using plural pronouns in formulating questions or providing answers in the upcoming trial.
“Such an order from the court will stave off potential confusion, will reduce the possibility that the jury will be mislead as to defendant Chen’s involvement, presence or knowledge, and will better allow the jury to complete their truth-seeking junction,” said Banes in Chen’s motion in limine.
Motion in limine refers to a request made before the start of a trial asking that the judge rule that certain evidence may, or may not, be introduced to the jury in a trial.
In the U.S. government’s response to the motion, Backe said it is also likely that a law enforcement officer will testify that “they traveled north on Isa Drive toward San Vicente in the FJ Cruiser,” because the evidence will show that Huang and Chen were both in the vehicle when that occurred.
Lastly, Backe said, the U.S. government expects Cai to testify that Huang made statements to him before he picked the paint bucket from Sunleader to the effect that “we will follow and watch out for you,” because Cai will further testify that Huang used that plural pronoun himself.
Thus, Backe said, there is nothing unfair—let alone “substantially unfair” as used in Rule 403—about using plural pronouns in these type of situations.
The indictment charged Chen, Huang, and Cai with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine over the shipment of 4.9 lbs of “ice” worth $850,000 in 2015.
A routine Customs inspection at the Port of Saipan of a 40-foot container from Guangzhou, China, reportedly resulted in the discovery of the 4.9 lbs of “ice” hidden in three plastic bags in one of the nine 5-gallon paint containers on Dec. 2, 2015.
Joint federal and local enforcers investigated the discovery of the “ice” that later led to the arrest of the three defendants.
Huang and Cai both pleaded guilty. Huang was recently slapped with 188 months or 15 years and eight months of imprisonment. Cai has yet to be sentenced. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/federal-prosecutor-assures-plural-pronouns-used-appropriately/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/49cf335d7ef7114c2ecc2819afd2c1e49c15eaed607a4e78aeff1f5957b7fdc4.json |
[
"Press Release"
] | 2016-08-26T12:58:49 | null | 2016-08-25T20:00:22 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fcommunity-briefs-august-26-2016%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Community Briefs - August 26, 2016 | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | ACH Chuuk Association meeting on Aug. 27
The ACH Chuuk Association will hold its Charter Day Celebration on Aug 27, 9:30am at the Garapan Central Park. (PR)
VA Benefits outreach on Aug. 31
The U.S. Department of Veterans Benefits Administration (Non-health) will be conducting a Veterans Benefits Outreach this Aug. 31, 2016, from 9am to 3pm at the Saipan VA Outreach Clinic, MH II Bldg., Suite 206, Marina Heights Business Park in Garapan.
A VA Benefits counselor will be available to answer Benefits questions, and assist with the claim process.
Points of contact are Ruth Coleman at 322-0035 or Chris Duenas at 1-671-648-0090/93. (PR)
Kagman cluster schools PTSA on Sept. 1
The Kagman cluster schools—Kagman Elementary School, Kagman High School, and Chacha Oceaview Middle School—will hold its PTSA meeting on Sept. 1, 5pm.
PTSA is a place where parents can get active and do something with the schools. Your partnership and involvement is highly encouraged!
All PTSA attendees get raffle tickets to win prizes the night of the meeting and for a chance to win in the big end-of-the-year raffle. The more you attend, the more chances you have to win!
Should you have any questions and/or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at the numbers listed below.
• KagES main office: 664-3911
• COVMS main office: 664-4100
• KHS main office: 664-3780 (PR) | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/community-briefs-august-26-2016/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/83d8679895842bd9ee3247e89eee64a2d8aaecea7a108ac701dc59f03f59b9f6.json |
[
"Jon Perez",
"Press Release",
"Roselyn Monroyo",
"Rudy M. Sablan"
] | 2016-08-26T13:17:28 | null | 2016-08-25T20:06:44 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fpal-not-blame-flight-delays%2Fcomment-page-1%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | ‘PAL not to blame for flight delays’ | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Marianas Visitors Authority board director Jerry Tan said Philippine Airlines should not to be blamed on the issue of delayed flights. PAL Express’ flights have always been delayed since the Philippine flag carrier resumed operations on Saipan last June.
Delays on PAL Express flights became a major concern for CNMI customers especially those who are traveling on medical referral. Tan said that PAL is working on it and is trying to find solutions to address the delays.
“The flights from China, Beijing and Shanghai, have always been delayed but we must take into consideration that their airports are among the busiest in the world,” Tan addressed the members of the MVA board.
Tan said that PAL had always been in time when it comes to boarding their Manila to Saipan passengers, but have to wait for the connecting flights from China. “It is not because of PAL, the plane is ready to go. PAL even changed its schedule before the inaugural flight.”
He then asked the public to be more patient as PAL has been studying ways to solve the delays.
CNMI residents, especially Filipino contract workers, welcomed PAL’s decision of reviving its non-stop Saipan-Manila flights. Despite the flight delays, PAL customers still expressed their support since the direct route it offers especially for medical referral patients and vacation. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/pal-not-blame-flight-delays/comment-page-1/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/e1633c7c663dacdbb25f85c58ef11802e36490a9e4993c719f403faac1279b0e.json |
[
"Rudy M. Sablan",
"Press Release",
"Jon Perez",
"Roselyn Monroyo"
] | 2016-08-26T15:04:59 | null | 2016-08-25T20:00:26 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fplan-version-1%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Your plan-Version 1 | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | We now have a full slate of political candidates for this November election. Some are returning legislators, other are former legislators who want to try their lucks again, and still others are newbies. Never been touched. For the current legislators, I ask what have you accomplished that makes you want to continue as a legislator? “Crackerjack legislation?” What is that? Crackerjack legislation is a bill or resolution which does not do anything to the economy of the CNMI.
For example, a bill or resolution instructing the CNMI, government or business, to pay its employees on time. Another example is the resolution, which appropriates money for the ship Luta, and extended to others. The obvious error here is that a resolution is simply a document expressing a legislative concern, not appropriating money. Standard legislative procedure. Never mind the Roberts Rule of Order. To appropriate money, a legislator introduces a bill, a special kind of bill—it is called an appropriations bill, not a resolution. You want to honor Elvis Presley, do it via resolution. Of all the legislative procedure seminars that I sat in, the difference between a bill and a resolution are defined quite specifically. The last seminar I sat in was that held for the in-coming Congress of Micronesia members. Dr. Meller of the University of Hawaii, was the head of the seminar. Some members of the Mariana Islands District Legislature were also trained in legislative procedures at East-West Center back in the 1970s. Perhaps, the CNMI Legislature could negotiate or invite the University of Hawaii East-West Center for a special seminar in legislative procedures. I’m sure the university would be very happy to do that. The trainers have been here before. So, after all this suggestions, I ask again, what did you accomplish during your previous tenure as legislator?
And you’re running again. What do you have in mind to introduce? Put aside the Best Sunshine money for a moment, and think. What else could you do? Other investors—this time no tax incentive. Our government needs money, and that from Best Sunshine is simply not enough for all the things our government wants to do. Our government has goals and objectives. Split the two into three parts short-term objectives, mid-term objectives, and long-term objectives. Plug those objectives with your plans and ideas and hopes. What, then, is your individual plan? Your plan? Your idea for the party’s platform? How would you help Tinian and Rota? Their struggling infrastructure, specifically water pipes, the sewer pipes, and electricity-the high tension wires, the telephone poles, the up-transformers and the dropdown transformers, and their roads, and salary for the employees-CNMI and municipal? Would you help their delegations? Where would you get the money for all these, and more? Tinian and Rota are famous for farm produce. If the farmers need your help, would you help them? Where would you market their produce? What, then, would be your plan and platform contribution? What about a review of our Covenant and constitution? We have had three Con Cons, two of them successful presentation. If you could, which part of our Covenant would to amend? How would you do that? Would you improve the constitution? The special election, I mean? What about the land lease money, would you change the lease rate for the better for the next lease period, instead of the status quo?
Ask yourself as a favor, what would you do after the lease on Farallon de Medinilla (FDM) and Anatahan and Puerto Rico and North Field and West Field expired? FDM and Anatahan are pockmarked all over with American bombs. What about the USMC’s plan to use Pagan to practice beach-storming, to be followed by live fire?
DPL is now looking at partitioning Pagan for residential and or agricultural homesteading. That places you in a quandary, between a rock and a hard place. What would you do? And the CW? It seems as if the CW issue is settling down for a while. How do you feel? think some of the CWs want to settle here. Good for the business but questionable on the capability of our infrastructure. What about availability for regular work? And, if you let them stay here and become island citizens or someday become U.S. citizens or IR of their American citizen children, then they would have to pay FICA and income tax, CUC user fee, CCHC fee, etc. You see, all these things I hear at gatherings, cookouts, Minachum Atdao, Kilili Beach, fast food restaurants, etc. But I don’t hear from you. Would you come out on television and radio and talk about your plan and contribution to your party’s platform? I would be on the other end of the wave and screen. I vote in Precinct 3.
Rudy M. Sablan
Garapan | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/plan-version-1/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/168875cf7393bf448da7ebd6c0f3ea692b210c0ce1d49654dbf033e0eadf67d8.json |
[
"Ferdie De La Torre"
] | 2016-08-28T20:51:40 | null | 2016-08-28T20:00:44 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fhabitual-offender-moves-mistrial-theft-case%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Habitual offender moves for mistrial of theft case | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | A habitual offender has moved for mistrial in his theft case charging him for stealing a purse that contained money after the government allegedly suppressed evidence when a witness testified that a police detective showed her with a photo lineup, but the detective denied it.
Assistant public defender Tillman Clark, counsel for defendant Peter Lemei Koichi, argued that to allow the bench trial to proceed would be to sacrifice Koichi’s right to due process, right to present a defense, right to a fair trial, and right to effective assistance of counsel.
It was already in the middle of bench trial last Aug. 16 when Clark moved for mistrial for violation of his due process rights under Brady. This prompted Superior Court Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho, who presided over the trial, to suspend the proceedings to have a hearing on the issue on Sept. 14.
Brady material refers to a piece of evidence known to the prosecution that is important for establishing the innocence or reducing the punishment of a defendant.
The Office of the Attorney General has charged Koichi with misdemeanor theft for allegedly stealing
The government alleges that Koichi stole a purse from a woman while she was sitting in a friend’s garage playing cards on April 10, 2016.
At the bench trial on Aug. 16, the prosecution called several witnesses, including the alleged victim, and police officer Ralph Rangamar.
In Koichi’s motion for mistrial, Clark said the third witness testified that she was an eyewitness to the incident, and was sitting at the same table as the alleged victim when the incident occurred.
Upon Clark’s cross examination, the witness testified that while at the police station, on April 12, 2016, she was interviewed by a detective.
She testified that the detective, whose name she could not remember, typed up her oral statement, showed it to her, printed it, and then had her sign the statement.
She further testified that the same detective, prior to printing out and having her sign her statement, showed her a series of photographs and asked her if she could recognize anyone from the photographs.
She testified that she told the detective that she did not recognize anyone in the photos.
At that point, Clark said he finished his cross examination of the witness and consulted with co-counsel.
Clark then requested that the court order a mistrial in the case due to the unconstitutional suppression of exculpatory evidence by the government.
Camacho then suspended the proceedings to have a hearing on the issue.
The witness was called back in and examined by Koichi’s counsel.
Police Detective Andrew Taimanao also testified that he remembered the witness and that he took her statement, but that he did not remember showing her any photographs.
Clark said Taimanao testified that in all his cases, if he shows a photo lineup to a witness, there is only one photo lineup created, if 12 people, and that includes the suspect.
Clark said Taimanao testified that it would shock him to learn that the witness testified that he showed her photographs.
Clark cited that in Brady v. Maryland, the U.S. Supreme Court held that “the suppression by the prosecution of evidence favorable to an accused …violates the due process where the evidence is material either to guilt or to punishment, irrespective of the good faith or bad faith of the prosecution.”
Clark said the evidence in question is clearly Brady material and the government has suppressed the evidence.
Clark said it is Koichi’s position that it is incredible as a matter of fact and law to believe that the witness came into court, under oath, and made up a story about being shown a photo lineup by Detective Taimanao.
Clark said it is for more believable that a detective with dozens of active cases made a mistake than it is to believe that the witness came into court and lied under oath.
Clark said allowing the case to proceed is not appropriate since Koichi has not had any opportunity to tailor his defense to include the favorable evidence suppressed by the government, which would have vast ripple effects on the entirety of Koichi’s preparation and presentation of his case. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/habitual-offender-moves-mistrial-theft-case/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/8c3c0620a5e2ab2cfc8f885f8405ba386b488457219d65c4759c14b33bfb2d6a.json |
[
"Roselyn Monroyo",
"Jon Perez"
] | 2016-08-26T15:05:59 | null | 2016-08-25T20:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fteam-white-dominates-team-black%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/nmbapix-2-150x150.jpg | en | null | Team White dominates Team Black | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Team White prevailed in eight of its 10 matches against Team Black to cruise to a 23-7 victory in the 2016 Sun Palace Badminton Team Tournament over the weekend at the TSL Sports Complex.
The winning squad recorded sweeps in three of the first five matches last Saturday to gain cushion and earned three more wins via straight games last Sunday to improve to a 42-18 record after Week 2.
Jordan Pangilinan gave Team White its first triumph last weekend when he topped Glen Bluutjens in the men’s A singles, 21-13, 21-16. The pairs of Chris Hilario and Nathan Guerrero and Hajin and Taka registered the two other sweeps for Team White with the first duo defeating George and Eydie Uy in the men’s B doubles, 21-12, 21-17, and the second beating Uy and Tim in the men’s C doubles, 21-10, 21-11.
Pangilinan also played in the men’s AB doubles with Guerrero and needed three games to thwart Bluutjens and George, 21-16, 16-21, 21-15. Hannah Choi handed Black Team its lone win last Saturday after outclassing Malou Malasarte, 21-6, 21-10.
Team White and Team Black then returned to the court last Sunday to play the remaining five matches and although the latter won the first pairing, it was not enough to spark the squad’s comeback bid. Anna Alvarez and Loyda Ito gave Team Black a good start when they prevailed against Nicole Malasarte and Lani Santos in the women’s B doubles, 21-19, 16-21, 21-11.
Nicole had back-to-back games and this time paired with Alyssa Velasco in downing Alvarez and Roxanne in the women’s BC doubles, 21-18, 21-15. Team Black also took the three remaining matches with the pairs or Santos and Velasco, Malasarte and Guerrero, and Hilario and Velasco outlasting their respective foes.
Santos and Velasco edged Roxanne and Myrtel Cascabel in the women’s C doubles, 21-10, 21-17; Nicole and Guerrero won over Alvin Alvarez and Ito in the mixed B doubles, 21-11, 21-16; and Hilario and Velasco rallied past Ito and Uy in the mixed BC doubles, 12-21, 21-14, 21-12.
In the other pairing over the weekend, Team Pink escaped with a 16-14 triumph over Team Blue to recover from a 14-16 loss to Team Black last Friday.
Four wins in the last five games allowed Team Pink to steal the win from Team Blue. Husband and wife Jojo and Merlie Savellano sealed it for Team Pink as they outlasted Allan and Anna Omori in the mixed BC doubles, 21-19, 17-21, 21-10.
The pairs of Christy Villaflor and Cheng Saturno, Yoko and Villaflor, and Rodwealth Espana and Saturno also delivered the needed victories for Team Pink last Sunday, while Jen Savellano scored the squad’s lone victory last Saturday after sweeping Lanie Bartolome in the women’s A singles, 21-12, 21-14. | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/team-white-dominates-team-black/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/41dd445e7bd8d0044095b838cd769f304447b4a22edf8c75ee71542bfeac3589.json |
[
"Press Release"
] | 2016-08-28T20:53:18 | null | 2016-08-28T20:00:51 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fnaval-base-guam-conduct-citadel-pacific%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | Naval Base Guam to conduct Citadel Pacific | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | SANTA RITA, Guam—U.S. Naval Base Guam (NBG), along with various Navy first responders will participate in the annual Commander, Naval Installations Command (CNIC) anti-terrorism exercise called Citadel Pacific 2016 (CP16), Aug. 29-Sept. 2.
The exercise involves various training scenarios that replicate real-world events, and is designed to enhance the training and readiness of Navy security forces to respond to threats to installations and units. CP16 is not in response to any specific threat, but is a regularly scheduled exercise.
During CP16, first responders will have to react to a crisis, which may result in elevating the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) of the base. Residents and patrons are advised that during the week the FPCON will change, requiring full ID card checks at the gates. Additionally, the Trusted Traveler program – a program that authorizes DoD ID card holders to escort guests onto NBG – will be suspended during the higher FPCON. All vehicle occupants will be required to provide an approved base access credential.
There is the possibility of increased patrols and security activity on and around NBG as a result of this planned exercise. Measures have been taken to minimize disruptions to normal operations, but there may be times when the exercise causes increased traffic around bases or delays in base access.
As part of the exercise, the NBG Giant Voice (GV) system will be activated, and residents in surrounding areas of the GV speakers will hear exercise announcements regarding Force Protection Conditions throughout the week. This is just an exercise, and the use of the GV system adds realism to the events for the week. (PR) | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/naval-base-guam-conduct-citadel-pacific/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/87c2033c96efc4679470a7f31e5a81be05fd472acc3b255be5eb2ab178dea9fb.json |
[
"Contributing Author",
"John S. Del Rosario Jr.",
"Jon Perez",
"Ross Garcia"
] | 2016-08-28T20:52:09 | null | 2016-08-28T20:06:59 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saipantribune.com%2Findex.php%2Fbudget-pss-courts-marijuana-education%2F.json | http://www.saipantribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/favicon.ico | en | null | The budget, PSS, our courts, and marijuana education | null | null | www.saipantribune.com | Given the budget, PSS and the new Drug Court are front and center in today’s news and talk over the Coconut Wire over money issues I thought it would be only fitting and proper to remind readers that I told you so about the legalization of marijuana. The CNMI has literally been facing a budget crisis for over a decade even though we have passed budgets. When the President went public on legalization and criminal justice reform over two years ago I was also inspired to go public to support legalization and I told readers then that if our leaders truly wanted to end this continuing cycle of budget crisis that we should legalize marijuana, which is a billion dollar industry and growing by leaps and bounds almost daily.
Well, here we are again arguing over a limited supply of funding that is not enough to do what needs to be done and the question is why isn’t there anything on the table or the drawing board to bring about an end to our suffering economically. We all know the casino is not and will not be the total solution and yet it seems we are playing politics with the one thing that is on the horizon that has the potential to be the final solution in concert with the casino—legalization. Not only are we arguing over the budget, PSS and the criminal justice system are being forced to borrow more money that our budget and revenues are not prepared to pay back and we are already in debt up to our necks in the hundreds of millions! We continue to put our debts off on our children’s future with our inability to pay for our needs today instead of doing the work to generate new revenues like every citizen and especially parents who are forced to find a way to earn more money. We the people who are for legalization are not asking our government to do any more than we have to do ourselves—but the problem is the lack of political willpower!
I put my heart into trying to help the people of the CNMI over the past two decades. More recently I even stayed out of the newspapers for the most part in an attempt to work behind the scenes trying to convince our leaders to not delay and to act expeditiously on putting legalization on the ballot this year like 23 other states have done. But it seems the powers-that-be have decided to play with me and voters by making legalization a political football game for re-election with no score for the people. The issue is now going in circles like a dog chasing its tail instead of doing the work to get legislation on the ballot for the people to decide upon. All I can say without pointing a finger is that conducting Senate hearings during election season on a marijuana bill that won’t get to the people for another two years is a bunch of “you know what” and if you don’t know what it is you need to ask someone who does know! But you can count on me that I won’t give up progress and I now have two more years to at least make sure we get legalization RIGHT! The average citizen doesn’t know the present bill has ignored critical research on the controls and enforcement.
I just feel sorry for our education system, our criminal justice system and the people in general who are literally being ignored for election season politics. But it wouldn’t be this way if PSS, the judicial system, and community leaders would speak up and do more to compel our leaders to act on legalization. The leaders of the Judicial Branch truly needs to speak out on this issue as they have to know our president and U.S. Attorney General are pleading with states to reform criminal justice systems. Reforms designed to decrease prison populations and to allow for states to legalize marijuana and stop locking up people, especially youth, for marijuana use. Someone in the criminal justice system really needs to fight for what is right and just publicly given the truths we have learned about marijuana. I refuse to believe that our judges don’t care about the president’s plea to reform the justice system. I refuse to believe the Drug Court wants to deal with frivolous marijuana crimes that are outdated in America. I refuse to believe that our judges don’t care that illegal marijuana is now a major medium of exchange for “ice” instead of cash. I refuse to believe that our judges don’t care that they are putting a financial burden on our children by borrowing money that could come from the sale of marijuana? I refuse to believe that our judges want to spend time on marijuana crimes when “ice” crime is taking over. I refuse to believe that law enforcement wants to be bothered and hampered with frivolous marijuana crimes when they need to be chasing “ice” and the real criminals! I refuse to believe that some of the smartest people in our government are just going to sit back and say nothing to help the people or their branch of government. The people really need for someone in the criminal justice branch to speak up as your voice will weigh much more heavily on our leaders—please!
PSS also needs someone to speak up about the need to legalize marijuana. Marijuana is no longer a taboo issue like homosexuality once was and it wasn’t until homosexuality was completely out of the closet that we the people started to learn how to live with and deal with homosexuality. We must get marijuana out of the closet so we can educate our children and teach them how they should deal with marijuana as kids are not stupid and telling them the lie that marijuana is dangerous won’t work anymore—they know better. PSS is technically the “third” parent of our children as some children even spend more time with their teacher than they do their parents. I know from experience as I had a student to ask me how she should tell her parents she was pregnant because she didn’t know how or what to do. PSS must address the parenting responsibilities of education on marijuana use that can only be addressed properly once it is legalized.
On a personal note: I genuinely tried to help PSS by authoring a textbook and other educational materials and as a board member but I was fought against by a previous board member who thought I could not contribute or write local educational materials because “I was not local”—so sad. Yet our children are still not being educated from a local perspective just following the perspective of U.S. mainland-based textbooks that don’t even mention the CNMI and we wonder why the culture is dying. I also tried to help the board with making sure we never had a problem with teachers nor a teacher shortage like PSS has continued to experience and now the teacher population has reach a critically low level. Teachers need to be protected in their job if PSS truly wants to retain teachers. PSS should have established the “feeder institutions” at various colleges and universities as I suggested because it would all but guarantee a constant and limitless supply of teachers.
Finally, PSS needs to become the leader in transforming the local workforce to replace the alien workers by shifting to a vocational and academic curriculum as an estimated 70 to 80 percent of our graduates don’t have a real plan for college. I actually offered the ideal research-based and proven public service program that would cover all the professions and skills in addition to decreasing the teacher demand but it was also shot down. I have always said that time was on my side and just maybe now the board is willing to listen given I am being proven right and that I am also the only other person other than Dr. Sablan who has been certified by the Board of Education as being qualified to be the Commissioner of Education. PSS needs new revenues and supporting legalization will transform PSS like the Colorado school system that is now literally over funded thanks to legalization and their students did not go crazy smoking pot. Credentials are great but a people person with vision who is a fighter and culturally oriented is what PSS truly needs as a leader, not a Phd from the mainland with a lot of credentials but doesn’t know the first thing about the culture, the people, our politics and most importantly our children. I am hoping and praying for the sake of our children that the next commissioner will be a fighter for PSS and out spoken in supporting legalization. We must free ourselves through legalization to progress as humans who can openly educate ourselves and our children about marijuana.
Ambrose M. Bennett
Kagman | http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/budget-pss-courts-marijuana-education/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.saipantribune.com/f9938e28615b17201505b3187f1b5a17add94752070371ddf98110ea258ba422.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:48:48 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | Huron and Erie County were recently awarded a combined $87,000 to help with management and efficiency of the departments.
The Huron County Public Health | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.norwalkreflector.com%2FHealth-Care%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2FHealth-departments-get-grants-to-improve-work-processes.html.json | http://www.norwalkreflector.com | en | null | Health departments get grants to improve work processes | null | null | www.norwalkreflector.com | The Huron County Public Health department was given a $36,436 grant for “Performance management: Letting the process determine the tool of best fit.”
“It’s a grant funding opportunity through a government efficiency program,” said health commissioner Tim Hollinger. “Essentially what it is is a quality improvement grant to improve efficiency and effectiveness. It’ll allow us to bring in experts that look at how we do business, its efficiency and how to reduce costs and increase efficiency.”
Hollinger has high hopes for the result of the grant money.
“We’re hoping we’ll be able to cut costs and find better ways to be more efficient to cut costs for the public,’ he said. “We’ll develop the whole process with the vendor we choose. What happens is you choose a vendor then sit down and go through. You have to sit there — it’s painful — and you have to walk through every step you do (for each process) and they’ll say if we take this step and this step and this step and combined it this way or did this it would be better. They are process experts. They show you more efficient ways of doing your job. That’s why the number is what it is (so high) because of number of hours that needs to go into it. We’ll need to pay the vendor a lot of money.”
The department plans to spend a considerable amount of time selecting the best vendor for the process.
“So the health district isn’t really gaining money in it’s budget, it’s paying the vendor,” Hollinger said. “It’s going to be a competitive time for the vendors we think. We’ll start the process now of vetting different vendors. It’ll come down to who has most experience; have you worked with other health departments, so we can ask them how much money did it save them or did they work with another county governmental agencies so we can call them to see how much it saved them. We want real life situations that we can base it off of.”
Erie County Health Department was given a $50,818 workforce development and new employee orientation.
“It’s a cross training and employee orientation grant,” said Erie County health commissioner Pete Schade. “It’s for what the government folks call greenbelt training. It applies the japanese martial arts terms to performance management styles, which enable staff and management to come to better decision making skills and use of their time. It’s really good stuff.
“The grant will help to off set our staff budget time with the training. We have 100 staff members, so that can be a lof of hours,” he added.
“In the last 8 months we’ve trained our entire staff. We’re applying the lean six sigma quality improvement process. So we’ll examine how much paperwork we have and how it’s handled and the flow of process for it all. It cuts out duplication or unnecessary steps in the processes.”
The department has already seen improvements from when they have applied what they learned from previous grants that allowed similar situations.
“Absolutely (we’ve seen improvements),” Schade said. “When everyone on staff understands that reason you do things and you don’t only do something because it’s the way it’s been done forever, you the challenge staff to look at it and we look for better ways everyday. It’s great. So we’ll pick up where left off and get going on new projects.” | http://www.norwalkreflector.com/Health-Care/2016/08/26/Health-departments-get-grants-to-improve-work-processes.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.norwalkreflector.com/b74da54175afcde5ea4627889bd88f3ffaed038c38d4b0e46926b13f0ac2b32a.json |
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