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David M. Apatang

The Saipan Mayor’s Office has requested the help of the Legislature after being notified by a government agency that it will be charged tipping fees for waste disposal.

The Saipan Mayor’s Office asked the Legislature to intervene after the Department of Public Works informed the Saipan Mayor’s Office that, starting Oct. 1, 2018, they would start charging and collecting tipping fees from government agencies that dispose of solid waste at the government-operated solid waste disposal facility.

The Saipan Mayor’s Office pointed out that in their fiscal year 2019 budget request, the office omitted the ask for the additional expense.

“The debris that we haul for disposal at the centers are primarily solid waste generated from unlawful dumping and litter along public roadways and public places,” Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang wrote to House Speaker Rafael Demapan (R-Saipan), Senate President Arnold Palacios (R-Saipan), and Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation chair Rep. John Paul Sablan (R-Saipan).

The letter suggests that the Legislature may do one of two things: appropriate enough funds to cover the estimated annual tipping fees of the Saipan Mayor’s Office or introduce and pass legislation that excludes the office from DPW’s new charge.

“…Our island beautification project includes clearing of vegetation along road shoulders and public places, debris removal, scrap metal and junk car removal, disposal of white goods, among other things, which generates tons of solid waste in any given year,” said Apatang. “The only proper place to dispose of all solid waste we generate from our islandwide beautification projects are either the Lower Base Transfer Station or [the] Marpi Landfill,” he added.

Apatang noted that the creation of staging areas where they collect the garbage is only temporary and must be cleared of any stockpile of debris within a given period of time to avoid creating an open, unauthorized dump.

He noted that his office is projected to pick up 214 junk cars and other scrap metal debris, perform 26 land clearings, e.g., funeral parking, clearance of rights-of-way, etc., 76 tree pruning, and 789 debris removal and disposal.

“The amount of solid waste we expect our projected activities in the next fiscal year will generate will be very substantial, which we estimate will exceed five tons,” he wrote. “Because the amount of solid waste will vary from fiscal year to the next, we would appreciate your time and help with our request.”

As of publication, the Legislature has yet to respond to Apatang’s letter.

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Democratic Party of the Northern Mariana Islands Inc. board chair Daniel O. Quitugua speaks during the party’s convention last Saturday at the GrandVrio. (Jon Perez)

Democratic Party of the Northern Mariana Islands Inc. board chair Daniel O. Quitugua said their convention last Saturday marks a new beginning for their group in their bid to revive their presence in the local political arena.

The local Democratic Party had already produced two governors—Carlos S. Camacho as the CNMI’s first elected chief executive in 1978 and Froilan Tenorio, who served from 1994 to 1998. Camacho’s lieutenant governor was Francisco C. Ada while Tenorio’s deputy was Jesus C. Borja.

The Democrats also produced the CNMI’s first female senator in Sen. Maria Frica T. Pangelinan, who topped the 2005 race for Saipan. She served one term in the 15th Commonwealth Legislature and chose not to run for re-election.

Quitugua told Saipan Tribune that he was happy with the outcome of their party’s convention. “I am elated. I’m extremely happy and proud that former central committee members were able to come together to this convention.”

“This means a lot, not only for our own members, but also for the community.”

The Democrats had long been dormant in the Commonwealth’s political scene but had small successes, with some of their bets managing to win seats in the CNMI Legislature.

They fielded a gubernatorial ticket in 2014, with Quitugua as Edward M. Deleon Guerrero’s running mate. They finished fourth in the general election and afterwards endorsed the tandem of then governor Eloy S. Inos and Senate President Ralph DLG Torres for the runoff.

The Democratic Party also announced early this year that they are fielding former Senate president and Rota mayor Joseph S. Inos, Eloy’s brother, as its gubernatorial candidate but withdrew his candidacy after two weeks.

“Yes, we’re dormant before. You know, we have a lot of good history and we also have some disappointing [ones]. But all of those are in the past now and this is a new beginning,” said Quitugua.
 
‘People want change’

The convention was held on Aug. 4, the birthday of former President Barrack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, who ran in 2008 under the campaign slogan “Change.”

And Quitugua said that this is also what the people of the CNMI want.

“Based on what we’ve been hearing in the community, it’s very basic. They feel that the government doesn’t belong to them,” he said when asked what would be the critical issue in this year’s election.

“They feel that the government not only does not represent their interests, but also misrepresent it. Something is definitely wrong. I think, in that sense, they are calling for change.”
 
Endorsing independents

The Democratic Party is fielding two candidates for the House of Representatives: Glenn Manglona (Precinct 1) and Peter Muña (Precinct 5). They have joined forces with some independent candidates.

The party is backing eight independent candidates led by the gubernatorial ticket of former governor Juan N. Babauta and Dr. Rita A. Sablan, a former CNMI State Public School System commissioner.

The party is also endorsing the senatorial candidacies of former House speaker Heinz Hofschneider and former local Labor secretary Edith Deleon Guerrero.

The Democrats are also supporting the re-election bid of Rep. Edwin Propst, who is running as an independent for a third time, and fellow Precinct 1 candidates Samantha Birmingham-Babauta and Franklin Babauta.

The party is also endorsing former representative Tina Sablan, another independent candidate. She is running at Precinct 2 after serving in the 16th Legislature representing Precinct 1.

They are also backing CNMI Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan’s bid for a sixth term in Congress.

“When the situation presented itself…we put aside politics and decide to join hands,” Quitugua said. “The best interest of the Commonwealth must be the driving force behind any participation for public service, because the current administration failed to achieve that. That gives us the motivation in getting together and working together to provide the people of the Commonwealth with a government that represents them.”
 

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Both Saipan and Rota will be playing host to Konfitma 18, an annual full-scale exercise, during the week of Aug. 14 to 17, 2018.

The exercise will involve the CNMI Office of the Governor, CNMI Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, in coordination with the U.S. Army Pacific Weapons of Mass Destruction out of Hawaii, along with Civil Support Teams from Washington, Guam, Utah, Hawaii, and Tennessee. 

Multiple chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives-related scenarios will be simulated for first responders to act upon on Saipan and Rota.

In certain instances, events may occur simultaneously which may cause first responding agencies to break out into separate teams.

“This will be good exercise for the CNMI. Konfitma is where and when first responders can effectively identify gaps and determine where faulty operating procedures are, so it can be adjusted accordingly,” said acting I HSEM special assistant, Pedro A. Leon Guerrero. 

Expect an increase in first responding-related activities and traffic that include but will not be limited to explosions, heavier flow of emergency vehicle operations and the sounding off of sirens throughout the week.

Although the public is being provided advanced notice, HSEM maintains the stance on public awareness, “If you see something, say something.”

HSEM encourages Saipan and Rota to remain vigilant and report any suspicious occurrences in case activities may be happening unrelated to Konfitma 18.

Agencies expected to participate along with HSEM and USARPAC are the departments of of Public Safety and Fire & Emergency Medical Services, Commonwealth Ports Authority, the Ports Police, Customs, the Commonwealth Utilities Corp., the Commonwealth Health Care Corp., Public School System,   Aircraft & Rescue Fire Fighters, Bureau of Environmental & Coastal Quality, Land & Natural Resources’ Division of Fish & Wildlife, Marianas Regional Fusion Center, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Transportation Security Administration, the Courts of Justice U.S. Marshalls Office, the Federal Protective Services, and the U.S. Navy HSC 25. 

Konfitma dates back to June 2010. These exercises present opportunities to assist in implementing current emergency plans by identifying capability and interoperability gaps.

For more information on Konfitma 18, contact Nadine C. Deleon Guerrero, HSEM external affairs officer, at ncdlg@cnmihsem.gov.mp. (PR)

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The Office of Minority Health Resource Cente has developed a culturally-relevant curriculum on sexuality in Micronesia within an HIV and AIDS context to address the myths and misconceptions and strategies in initiating crucial dialogue about sex and disease prevention. (Contributed Photo)

The Division of Public Health Services under the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. is looking to recruit 25 Chamorro men and women, ages 18 years old and above, to participate in the implementation of a 10-lesson curriculum titled, “Navigating Personal Wellbeing and Sexuality.”

This curriculum was developed by the Office of Minority Health Resource Center after conducting an evaluation identifying the need for capacity building in the U.S-affiliated Pacific jurisdictions in 2009.

The evaluation indicated that discrimination and shame still remain as barriers to health seeking behaviors in the Micronesian region.

Health delivery systems and prevention efforts are often challenged by certain misconceptions and taboos about sex and sexuality. Hence, the evaluation identified the need for the development of a culturally competent curriculum on human sexuality and HIV and AIDS related discrimination and shame among Chamorros.  
In an effort to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV transmission among residents of Guam, the CNMI, and Chuuk, the OMHRC embarked on the development of learning resources about sex, human sexuality and sexual orientation that reflect the Chamorro’s and Chuukese’s unique cultures and histories, attitudes, beliefs, and learning styles.    

The OMHRC developed a culturally-relevant curriculum on sexuality in Micronesia within an HIV and AIDS context to address the myths and misconceptions and strategies in initiating crucial dialogue about sex and disease prevention by offering those at-risk with information to make informed and sound decisions about sex and sexuality, fostering open and honest discussions about sex, and by contributing to people’s positive and safe experiences of sexuality. In addition, the curriculum also incorporated general well-being lessons around the topics of family violence, drug and alcohol use/misuse, suicide prevention, and working together for a better community.  

The impact objective in running the curriculum is for at least 70 percent of the participants attending the workshops will increase their knowledge and skill set on HIV/STD prevention education. The information will be evaluated for usefulness and behavior change on Saipan.  

The lessons will be taught over five days on Aug. 21 and Sept. 13, 14, 20, and 21, 2018, between 5:30pm and 7pm at the Kanoa Resort.  

If you are interested and would like to register to participate or if you learn more information about the curriculum, you can call 664-4050.  Seats are limited with registration on a first-come-first-serve basis. The last day to register is on Aug. 16, 2018. (PR)

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Sablan

The GOP bet of Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and running mate, Senate president Arnold I. Palacios, got the No. 1 slot on the ballot at the Nov. 6 election.

Former governor Juan B. Babauta and his running mate, Dr. Rita A. Sablan, who are independent candidates for governor and lieutenant governor, respectively, will be the No. 2 on the ballot.

This came after the Commonwealth Election Commission held a drawing of slots for all candidates last Friday. The respective committee-to-elect chairpersons picked up the number for the governor and lieutenant governor.

CEC election register clerk Robin Sablan said for the delegate position, Delegate Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Ind-MP) will be No. 1 on the ballot, while Rep. Angel A. Demapan (R-Saipan) will be No. 2.

Sablan said the slot drawing is important so they can now order the printing of ballots.

Meanwhile, Sablan said they will start receiving requests for absentee ballots on Aug. 23.

He said Oct. 12 is the last day for application for absentee voting by electronic/mail.

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Former Rota Mayor Joseph Inos and other supporters join independent gubernatorial candidate Juan N. Babauta and Delegate Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Ind-MP) at the roadside waving along Beach Road in Susupe last Saturday. Sablan is seeking his 6th term. (Ferdie De La Torre)

“I think we have a runaway government,” according to former governor Juan N. Babauta in an interview during the independent candidates’ picnic/rally at the Civic Center in Susupe last Saturday.

Independent candidates, backed up by some Democratic Party officials and members, lined up the shoulder of both southbound and northbound Beach Road in front of Civic Center starting at 10am. Waving placards to show their candidates, some even used the traffic refuge island.

Shortly before 12noon, the candidates and supporters moved to Civic Center for lunch and drinks. A live band entertained the crowd.

Babauta said what the CNMI now has is a government that feels that they are no longer accountable to the people.

Babauta said there is an old philosophy that says that this government is an instrument of the people, it was created by the people.

The former governor said it seems that in the current government structure, the people are afraid of their government.

Babauta said it is because of this lack of transparency, lack of accountability, and fear for losing their jobs.

“It’s really should be the other way around. Government should fear its people. That’s kind of the message here. We have a government that feels that they can do whatever they want. And the people are out here to see that that changes,” he said.

On the picnic/rally turnout, Babauta said he is just so happy and that he appreciates the participation of all of their supporters from the independent candidates.

He said Delegate Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Ind-MP), and those who are running for senators and for House of Representatives had brought in their supporters as well.

“It really shows how enthusiastic they are about making changes in our community. They want to see change. We want more accountability in government and transparency,” he said. Babauta said accountability in government and transparency are really the kind of the two messages that are resonating in the community.

He said the people are excited about the prospect of making this change in the community for the better.

“So we are out here generally speaking to make the lives of our people better. And the only way that we make it better is if we bring government back to the people,” he said.

Among those who showed up at the picnic/rally were the CNMI’s first governor Carlos Camacho, former lieutenant governor Jesus Borja, former Saipan mayor Jose “Pito” Sablan, former Rota mayor Joseph Inos, former Tinian senator David Cing, and Sen. Paul A. Manglona (Ind-Rota).

Borja said he is a member of the Democratic Party and that he came to support the independent candidates being endorsed by their party.

Borja said the Democratic Party has joined forces with independent candidates.

Borja said if the independents would not join the Democratic Party, but if they like the support of the Democratic Party, if they believe in the principles of the Democratic Party, then they would join forces.

“Pretty good. People came out. We’re hearing slogans, shouting of time for a change, we want a change. The people want a change,” said Borja when asked about the turnout of the picnic/rally.

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Delegate Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Ind-MP) has published his biannual Report to Constituents. The four-page, newspaper style report highlights the work of the Marianas congressional office so far in the 115th U.S. Congress and previews issues that will be a focus in the next, 116th Congress. The report is mailed to over 16,000 residents and can also be picked up at the congressional offices on Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. Online readers can find the report at the official congressional website https://sablan.house.gov.

“This is our fifth report to Constituents,” Sablan said. “As usual, there is a lot of news to pack into four pages. There are stories about the new laws we enacted, the Northern Mariana Islands U.S. Workforce Act, Public Law 115-218, and the Northern Mariana Islands Economic Expansion Act, Public Law 115-53.

“There is an update on the water funding that we have to get reauthorized every fiscal year. We are up to $73 million total over the last nine years; and you can see how that money is making 24-hour water possible on Saipan.

“There are also updates about how funding that we got into federal law in previous Congresses is now being used in our schools and to increase benefits for families who need help from the nutritional assistance program. So much of what we do in Congress has more than a one-time effect. It keeps paying off year after year,” added Sablan.

Vets a focus in the 115th Congress

Almost an entire page of the report is devoted to Sablan’s work for veterans. At the beginning of this Congress, Sablan asked for and received a special waiver to join the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, adding a third committee to his portfolio. Members are generally limited to serving on two committees, but the Democratic leadership sometimes makes exceptions for those who have served in Congress for a number of years and have a proven track record of keeping up with multiple responsibilities.

“Even without membership on Veterans’ Affairs, I was able to add a feasibility study for expanding the Saipan Exchange store in Public Law 111-383, the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act,” Sablan recalls. “That feasibility study proved the need and the expanded Exchange is now open.

“But our veterans and active military and their families deserved more. So, I hired Tina Sablan to be my Outreach Coordinator in 2015 and made her first responsibility to work with those in the Marianas who have served our nation. We got the House of Representatives to put a Wounded Warrior Fellow, Randy Johnson, on the Marianas congressional staff last year. And then, when the opportunity to be on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee came up, I took it.”

Legislatively, Sablan’s major accomplishment on the Veterans’ Committee is another feasibility study: to look at establishing a Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in the Marianas, staffed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He put the necessary language, Section 213, into the VA Mission Act, Public Law 115-182, this year.

“We already have part-time, VA-contracted physicians who provide health care to veterans,” said Sablan. “And we made a push to make everyone aware of the Veterans Choice program by bringing the CEO of TriWest out to Saipan, Tinian, and Rota to conduct workshops for providers and veterans. That effort tripled the number of community health care providers in the Marianas that veterans can go to and have the VA Choice program pay for.”

To support the Community-Based Outpatient Clinic, or CBOC, feasibility study, Congressman Kilili is currently conducting a veterans registration drive. The more veterans there are on record, the better the chances of getting the VA-run CBOC. He is also working to establish a Vet Center and has been advocating for the VA to hire a full-time social worker to be stationed in the Marianas.

“But our primary, long-term goal has to be a CBOC, our own health clinic,” said Sablan. “That is what I have my sights on in the next Congress, if the feasibility study gives us the green light.”

Facing the Medicaid ‘cliff’

Sablan’s report also advises constituents on what other federal policy and legislative actions lie ahead. The congressman said he is looking forward to the results of the Rota National Park study that he had authorized in Public Law 113-291. The study should be reported to the next Congress. If a Rota National Park is deemed suitable and feasible, Congress will then make the decision on whether to designate certain areas of Rota as having unique, national importance worthy of a National Park. Sablan is a senior member of the House Natural Resources Committee, which will make the initial decision.

Congress will also be making decisions on whether the U.S. military will contribute to any public infrastructure on Tinian. “I know that there has been some talk about the military already agreeing to put money into ‘outside the fence’ civilian infrastructure,” Sablan said. “That is a little misleading. Congress specifically barred the military from spending any money in that way on Tinian in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act. But I am looking forward to participating in those decisions in the coming years, depending on what level of military activity the Commonwealth government chooses to allow on Tinian.”

Sablan’s main concern in the next Congress, however, is the pending end of the extra Medicaid funding for the Marianas that he was able to put into Obamacare in 2010. That money expires in September 2019.

“The Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. depends on Medicaid for over one-quarter of its revenues,” Sablan reports. “So, losing the extra $12 million per year that Obamacare provides is going to create a significant financial problem.

“CEO Esther Muña told me long ago that without that Obamacare money the hospital would have closed its doors, after the Commonwealth Legislature cut off funding during the Fitial administration.”

In Washington, the Marianas congressional office has already taken the lead in arranging a series of brainstorming sessions with House and Senate committee staff to address the coming “Medicaid cliff.”

“Having been in Congress in 2009 and at the meetings with President Obama when the extra Medicaid money was agreed on, I know that we cannot wait until next year to work on this problem,” Sablan said. “We are going to need hundreds of millions of dollars in offsets to continue Medicaid for the insular areas at the current levels. Even having been there and done that before, I am concerned about how difficult it will be to fix this problem.

“Especially,” Sablan added, “given that Republicans want to put a cap on Medicaid spending nationwide.” (PR)

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In 1982, President Ronald Regan declared Aug. 14, National Navajo Code Talkers Day. Between 1942-1945 young Navajos were recruited to serve with the U.S. Marines during World War II. These men devised an unbreakable code in their native language that allowed the United States to transmit vital wartime messages in the Pacific.

In honor of these brave men and to remember their ingenuity and sacrifices, American Memorial Park is hosting two events:

True Whispers: The Story of the Navajo Code Talkers

When: Aug. 14 from 5:30pm to 6:30pm at American Memorial Park Theater

True Whispers is a moving testament to the Navajo Code Talkers and their wartime contributions. The film combines breathtaking images of the Navajo reservation with original music, WWII footage, archival photos, historical re-enactments, and interviews with Navajo historians and leaders of the Navajo Nation. True Whispers is produced by Valhalla Motion Pictures and Red-Horse Native Productions.

Reading Rangers: The Unbreakable Code by Sara Hoagland
For youths (kindergarten through 4th Grade)

When: Aug. 14, 9:30am-11:30am and Aug. 18, 9:30am-11:30am

Reading Rangers is a youth reading program that highlights a variety of books that touch on the park’s mission to honor the American and Marianas people who gave their lives during the Marianas Campaign of WWII. During each session children will be guided through The Unbreakable Code by Sara Hoagland and have the opportunity to participate in fun and educational activities.

Pre-registration is not required. To participate, meet at the American Memorial Park Visitor Center on the date and time of the session you would like to attend.

For more information on events at American Memorial Park, contact lead ranger Brooke Nevitt at 234-7207 x 2020 or via email at: brooke_nevitt@nps.gov. (PR)

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Half of the senior class at Saipan International School performed at a high enough level to earn an AP Scholar Award in their AP exams, according to the College Board’s Advanced Placement Program. (Contributed Photo)

Nearly half of the senior class at Saipan International School performed at a high enough level to earn an AP Scholar Award in their AP exams, according to the College Board’s Advanced Placement Program. That’s about 10 students of the class.

SIS headmaster Ron Snyder expects that number to increase when the seniors take additional exams in May 2019.

“I have nothing but respect for the incredible work ethic and dedication of our AP students throughout their tenure at SIS,” added Snyder.

Last May, 31 SIS students took a total of 73 Advanced Placement exams. Of the 73 exams taken, 74 percent received a score of 3 or better, earning them college credit and/or advanced placement at university for successful performance on the exams.

Anna Calvert, Surui Huang, Junhee Lee, and Tania Tan were all named AP Scholars for having earned a score of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams.

Andrew Hudkins and JunBum Huh earned the added distinction of AP Scholar with Honors by averaging at least 3.25 on all AP exams and a 3 or higher on four or more exams.

Michael Lee, Alex Park, Hyeonjoon Park, and Prunella Pellegrino were all awarded with the top honor, AP Scholar with Distinction, scoring at least an average of at 3.5 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on five or more exams.

This surpasses both the CNMI passing average of 20 percent and the national passing average of 61 percent, demonstrating the level of hard work and dedication of the SIS students and teachers throughout the school year.

AP offers academically prepared students the chance to take rigorous, university-level courses during their high school years.

During the 2017-2018 school year, SIS expanded its course offerings to include AP courses in: Language and Composition, Literature, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, and Statistics.

This year, SIS is further expanding its course offerings to include Calculus and Human Geography with plans to offer Physics and Environmental Science in the coming year.

SIS is also the only school in Micronesia that is authorized to offer the AP Capstone Diploma. This innovative program is designed to equip students with the independent research, collaborative teamwork, and communication skills that are increasingly valued by colleges and SIS’ first class will take the first Capstone exam in May 2019. (PR)

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There will be a scheduled power interruption on Thursday, Aug. 16, and Saturday, Aug. 18, as the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. will be replacing some power poles.

The power outage on Thursday will occur from 5am to 10am, affecting Chalan Laulau. Water service will not be affected. One power pole will be replaced.

On Saturday, the power outage will occur from 5am to 10am affecting As Lito. This will also affect water service to As Lito, Tottotville, South San Vicente, Upper Dandan, and Naftan. Three power poles will be replaced.

The purpose of the power interruptions is to de-energize utility lines and allow CUC linemen the ability to conduct maintenance of the power distribution system through the replacement of wooden poles with concrete poles at certain locations of the power grid. The scheduled power interruption is a continuation of CUC’s ongoing Hazard Mitigation Project that focuses on strengthening and hardening CUC’s power distribution system through the replacement of 787 wooden poles with concrete poles. Of the 787 wooden poles to be replaced, 755 pole replacements have been made by CUC and its contractor.

Because of the scale of work that will be performed, CUC asks travelers to take alternate routes or to exercise caution when driving through the working area. For more information, contact the CUC Customer Call Center (664-4282) or monitor our Facebook page for the latest updates (https://www.facebook.com/CommonwealthUtilitiesCorporation/). (CUC)

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With the new school year ready to open tomorrow, two schools on Saipan received much-needed support from Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC in ensuring that their facilities and the school environment are clean and conducive to learning.

Imperial Pacific’s Corporate Social Responsibility office, through its School Pride Project, helped Kagman High School and Koblerville Elementary School last week with various facelift and improvement work.

The School Pride Project is a partnership-based initiative that Imperial Pacific has been doing for nearly three years now. It was established with the goal of encouraging students and school personnel to join in the preservation of the beauty of the islands, by maintaining a healthy and clean school environment. (PR)

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The Marianas office of the Micronesian Legal Services Corp. kicked off its Back-to-School Project by distributing 45 backpacks with school supplies to students on Rota last Aug. 7. (Contributed Photo)

The Marianas office of the Micronesian Legal Services Corp. distributed 45 backpacks with school supplies to students on Rota last Aug. 7.

“We’ve been visiting Rota as part of our legal office outreach. Seeing the need there made us realize we needed to extend our Back-to-School Project to students [on] Rota,” said Jane Mack, directing attorney. “We’re very grateful to all those who donated early to our project, making it possible that we could help [on] Rota.”

The project reached out to elementary and junior/senior high schools for help in coordinating the Rota distribution. A Division of Youth Services representative on Rota helped with the availability of space and support staff. The project also received help from Luta Cares, which coordinated and paid for the cargo shipment to Rota.

At the distribution, children and parents were excited and grateful. “Thank you so much for your unwavering generosity. Our students will truly benefit from the …gifts,” said Denise “Tanya” King, principal of Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Jr./Sr. High School.

MLSC is continuing the distribution of backpacks with school supplies to children on Saipan and Tinian. It is accepting donations through Aug. 31, 2018. You can mail the donation to MLSC at P.O. Box 500826, Saipan, MP 96950, or drop it off at its offices at the V.S. Sablan building in Chalan Piao, or call MLSC at 234-7729 and MLSC staff will pick up your donation. You can donate online through PayPal at MLSC’s website, www.micronesianlegal.org or on its Facebook page. Or you can donate in-kind supplies at the dropboxes located at Joeten (Susupe), Modern Stationery, and National Office Supply. (PR)

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Saipan Community School is hosting its annual Open House and Parent Orientation Night tomorrow, Aug. 16, starting at 6pm.

Parents and students are encouraged to attend as well as members of the community interested in learning more about the school.

The open house will include a brief introduction to the SCS teachers, staff, and administration.  

Students and parents should meet in the church at 6pm for a general assembly before proceeding to individual classrooms. Teachers will be available in their classrooms to discuss goals for the school year, curriculum, and co-curricular activities such as MathCourt, STEM Fair, NJFL, Spelling Bee, PGFC, and mock trial, as well as athletic events.

SCS is a private Christian school that was established in 1976 as the first Protestant school on the island.

SCS offers a U.S. curriculum taught in English. It is our mission to prepare elementary and junior high school students for further studies.

If you are interested in learning more about SCS, contact Amanda Dunn, principal, via email: principal@saipancommunityschool.com call its offices at 234-6687 or visit the school on Beach Road in Susupe. (PR)

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The Korean Community of Saipan is inviting 20 high school students from Saipan to visit South Korea this October so they could experience the Korean way of lifeand culture and how it differs from life on Saipan.

Association president Jaeyeol Ling hopes the students who will join the Oct. 12-16 trip will also get to learn the history and culture of Korea.

According to Ling, students will only have to pay $500 and the rest of the expenses will be covered by the organization.

At the moment, the trip to Korea is still in the planning stages and the Korean Community of Saipan is still waiting for applicants.

Last year, 23 students were selected to participate in the program, accompanied by five translators.

They explored places such as The War Memorial, Yongin zipline, Incheon, and Itaewon, Seoul.

For more information on the October trip to Korea, contact the Saipan Mayor’s Office student-exchange coordinator Yuki Kishimoto 670-234-6208.

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The Rotaract Club will organize the island’s very first Summer Shootout, a free throw basketball competition, as a way to fund raise for the youth organization’s future events like professional development programs for high school students.

“We wanted to hold a professional development workshop but, as we are going through the planning process, it turns out funding is a major issue,” said Rotaract Club’s Keoni Seichi during yesterday’s Rotary Club of Saipan meeting at the Hyatt Regency Saipan.

“To help with this, we will have a $20 registration fee and the total prize is $500. It goes to the No. 1 shooter in the game,” he added.

He said the Rotaract Club has been lately giving out flyers to basketball players by visiting each basketball court around the island to encourage people to join the upcoming event.

Siechi wishes for the local Rotary Club to continue maintaining community projects to strengthen its relationship with the community.

The Rotaract Club is a service, leadership, professional and community service organization for young men and women between the ages 18-30. It is under the purview of the Rotary Club.

Rotary Club of president-elect Marcia Ayuyu, meanwhile, said that last weekend’s McFun Run raised a total of $4,190 from donations and registration fees.

“It was a great turnout,” she said.

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Today marks the beginning of the school year and the Marianas High School administration has made some major improvements to improve their students’ learning experience.

In an interview with MHS principal Cherlyn Cabrera, she said that MHS staff has been working tirelessly to improve not only the school curriculum but the facilities.

“I want to tell the students that we are very excited to have them back. Every year we try to grow and improve ourselves as a staff and so this year we continue to grow and improve like how we deal with students, how we connect with them, and we really want to build relationships with them. We want to get to know them even as many as they are…and we want them to have a great experience,” she said.

Some of the major improvements this school year is a new bell schedule, new facilities, and added extra-curricular programs.

“They can expect a few changes to our bell schedule. …We will have a new cafeteria that is going to open up in September or October, we have a gym that is back in session, we have new teachers, and we will have new programs,” she said. “They should know that we’re going to continue a lot of the great things that we’ve had, such as numerous classes. We probably have the most career technical classes out of every high school and we also have the most AP classes… and the most students.”

According to MHS vice principal Melanie Sablan, MHS expects to welcome a total of 1,583 new and returning students, about the same number of students as last year

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In what he believes would make him the first CNMI resident to do so, Donivan Mendiola, an infantryman with the U.S. Army, will take on the intense and challenging Army Ranger training.

Mendiola, who recently completed the U.S. Infantry One Station Unit Training, will further challenge himself and will attend numerous military schools on top of taking on the grueling Army ranger training.

OSUT, sometimes referred to as One Site Unit Training, is a term used by the U.S. Army to refer to a training program in which recruits remain with the same unit for both Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training.

Mendiola believes he could be the first resident of the CNMI in the U.S. to take up the Army Ranger training.

“I don’t know any Ranger on Saipan. It’s a very intense and grueling type of training. You train in the toughest environments and only the strong survive,” he said.

Mendiola aims to become a Ranger medic in the U.S. Army.

“Once you’re a Ranger you are trained to…perform at the highest level of perfection and it takes a couple of months of training and then a few more to become a medic,” he said.

Mendiola said that there is a selection process to participate in the U.S. Army Ranger training.

According to Mendiola, before he was even given the opportunity to consider undergoing Ranger training, he had to prove his skill during the U.S. Infantry OSUT training where he was also recognized for his marksmanship and leadership.

‘My Infantry OSUT training was 14 weeks long. My training [included] different obstacle courses. …All of these things tested us on our strength and our fear of heights,” he said.

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Teri C. Tenorio

The Office of the Attorney General has amended the charges against four men, including a father and son, who were accused of rape.

The amended information charged 42-year-old Joseph Aquino Saimon with sexual assault in the first degree, and assault and battery.

Romeo Aquino Saimon, 43; Richmond Ray Keybond, 19; and Christopher Aquino Saimon, 38; were charged each with two counts of sexual assault in the second degree.

Romeo Saimon is the father of Keybond.

Romeo, Christopher, and Joseph Saimon are bothers.

According to the amended information filed by assistant attorney general Teri C. Tenorio, Joseph Saimon sexually assaulted the victim last June 25.

Joseph Saimon also allegedly pushed the victim, causing her to fall and bruise her knees last June 24.

Romeo Saimon, Keybond, and Christopher Saimon allegedly sexually assaulted the woman twice while she was incapacitated last June 24.

Police said the victim was drunk and was sleeping when the defendants raped her.

At a preliminary hearing last month, Superior Court Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho found probable cause to warrant the filing of two of four charges against Joseph Saimon.

No probable cause was found to charge Joseph Saimon with two other offenses.

No probable cause was found as to one charge against Keybond, but his counsel was ordered to file an opening brief as to two other charges.

Christopher Saimon’s counsel was also ordered to file an opening brief.

Romeo Saimon waived his right to a preliminary hearing. (Ferdie de la Torre)

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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has yet to release regulations governing the implementation of the Northern Mariana Islands U.S. Workforce Act of 2018 or H.R. 5956.

The new regulations will be implemented in the next fiscal year, with fiscal year 2019 still following the previous guidelines set in the first extension of the CNMI-only Transitional Worker visa program.

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres said they are going to release information once USCIS officials release the new regulations.

Labor Secretary Vicky I. Benanvete said, in a previous interview, that they are expecting some changes in the guidelines set by the new law. She added that they are in constant contact with USCIS and it could take them almost a month before releasing the new regulations.

Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) said his office is also not aware of any new regulations promulgated by USCIS regarding the NMI Workforce Act. He said it has been almost three weeks since he last talked with USCIS.

“When I was in a meeting with USCIS officials in the afternoon of July 25, [they] did issue a notice announcing that 8,001 CW permits were available and that petitioners needed to use new petition form [while] also [adding] $50 to petitions submitted,” said Sablan.

“That was the last development that has transpired since the President signed [H.R.5956]. That does not mean they are not working on new regulations. I am just not aware that those regulations have been published in the Federal Register,” he added.

President Trump signed H.R. 5956 on July 25 (Wednesday, Washington D.C. time) that extends the CNMI’s foreign worker program, called the CW-1 program, to 2029 and increases the cap from 4,999 to 13,000 and extends the exemption on the national cap for H-1B and H-2B workers in the CNMI.

USCIS will collect a $50 fraud prevention and detection fee for each CW-1 petition submitted by an employer aside from the current fees. The fraud and prevention fee, however, does not apply to those CW-1 petitions that were filed as of July 24, 2018, and are pending for action.

The Workforce Act has also set a new cap from fiscal year 2019 to 2029; there would only be 1,000 slots for the first quarter of fiscal year 2030.

Employees, after the expiration of their second renewal period, must also leave the CNMI and stay outside for at least 30 days prior to the submission of their third renewal petition. Starting fiscal year 2020, the CW-1 permit would be valid for three years.

Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah) re-introduced H.R. 5956 in the U.S. House of Representatives, the same bill penned by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). The bill needed to be re-introduced since the Senate version had revenue-generating sections, which needed to come from the House.

Local businesses reportedly heaved a sigh of relief after it appeared that USCIS had already accepted their petitions to extend their respective workers. WAC numbers had also been released, meaning USCIS had received their applications for extension.

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The Tinian Mayor’s Office is partnering with the Innovative Readiness Training program to renovate and improve its health clinic, the only medical facility on the island that caters to its residents.

More than 20 airmen from the Guam Air National Guard’s 254th Red Horse Squadron arrived on Tinian last week to begin the project, which will result in more than 100 hours of hands-on engineering, demolition, construction, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning training for the airmen.  

The mission is expected to be completed in about three to four weeks.

The Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operation Repair Squadron, Engineer, or RED HORSE, is the U.S. Air Force’s heavy-construction unit. Their capabilities are similar to those of the U.S. Navy Seabees and U.S. Army engineering units.

“The IRT program is a unique way for the airmen to train in our military occupations,” said Capt. Jason Cruz, 254RHS Project officer-in-charge. “This partnership between the welcoming community and the military has been a win-win for us all. The military is able to fulfill the need of a deserving mission, all the while receiving critical training for our readiness.”

Immediately upon arrival on the island, Vicente King, Public Health program coordinator, and Rodney S. Cabarles, acting resident director, provided a site tour and explained the various projects that were approved to be performed at the Tinian Health Center.

“I am very excited about this joint venture and the cooperation between our organizations,” said Tinian Mayor Joey P. San Nicolas. “I am hoping that this is just the beginning and there will be more to come for the people of Tinian. It shows that there is a strong partnership with the military and the local government. We are very supportive of this IRT program and happy that the Guam National Guard is here to assist us with these infrastructure improvements and look forward to more in the future.”

IRT is a U.S. Department of Defense training opportunity, exclusive to the United States and its territories, that delivers a platform for military service members to conduct real-world, hands-on training while providing key services with lasting benefits to American communities. Visit IRT.defense.gov to learn more about IRT, or to apply for a mission. (PR)

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