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A painting of a coconut crab, locally called the ayuyu, is a welcome sight for all students and visitors at Kagman High School. (Jon Perez)

Kagman High School will be celebrating its 15th birthday this year, with a plan to honor past graduates.

“It’s our 15th year and we want to celebrate the accomplishments of our alumni who have come through these doors, and turned into the leaders that we have in our community today,” said school principal Leila Staffler.

“We thank all of our alumni that have graduated and are contributing to our society. When we see you in the stores, or at seaports and airports wearing your uniforms or just doing your job, we’re very proud of you,” added Staffler.

There are no plans yet on how the celebration would go but, for now, they want to hand out specially printed shirts to some of their alumni.

“We actually plan to partner with some of our T-shirt vendors, so that we can do some T-shirts commemorating Ayuyu love out there—the Kagman family of graduates who have graduated and now are doing great things in our community.”

That’s why Staffler said they are challenging their students, specially the graduating class, to give their best this school year. “We encourage our kids to take chances and give their best effort to try something new. Who knows, it might be a career path that they never knew existed.”

“We want to encourage our kids to explore all the diffcareer opportunities that are out there so that they can come back to our community and become contributing partners,” she added.

KHS is currently trying to locate their alumni by using Google survey. Former KHS students can log on to http://goo.gl/6gTqaN, which is case sensitive, to encode basic information like what year they graduated.

So far, 30 KHS graduates have responded on their survey where some had attended Northern Marianas College, University of Guam, Willamette University in Oregon, Solano Community College and Grossmont College in California, Kapi’olani Community College in Hawaii, and Shoreline Community College in Washington State.

Some of their graduates who took the survey are also studying in the Philippines.

Staffler said there are more who have yet to answer the survey. “I know we have many students at the ports police and other airport jobs. Christian Pangelinan is one success story and he is a Customs officer now. There are several KHS [graduates who have become] customs officers.”

She added Kobe Tomokane and Catherine Dela Cruz are also two KHS alumni who are now police officers.

Some KHS teachers and staff are also giving back to the learning institution where they finished, like vice principals Nina Demapan and Ben Jones Jr., teachers Loremel Hocog and Ryan Camacho, and office staff Kimberly Camacho.

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In this file photo, Mount Carmel School’s 2017 Teacher of the Year Filmah Buenaflor, who teaches AP Computer Science Principles, helped many of her students earn a 3 or higher on the College Board test for the course. (Contributed Photo)

Mount Carmel School students fared very well in the recently administered SAT-10 and College Board AP national standardized tests, according to a school statement yesterday.

The results show significant improvement in all subjects across all grade levels. On average, students performed at or above the 50th percentile on the SAT-10 and improved from previous years, the statement said. For the complete 2018 battery, the average performance of all students was in the 50th percentile, up from the 48th percentile in 2016.

National percentile ranks indicate the relative standing of a student in comparison with other students in the same grade in the norm reference group who took the test at a comparable time.

Based on the school’s results, students at Mount Carmel School scored, on average, scored better than 50 percent of the rest of the nation, the school said.

Performance on specific subjects and grade levels also showed marked improvement from previous years. The average performance in math increased from the 51st percentile in 2016 to the 52nd percentile in 2018, while the average performance in reading increased from the 44th percentile in 2016 to the 46th percentile in 2018. First grade students reached an impressive 77th percentile for the complete battery, which included achieving 70th percentile in reading. Juniors and seniors performed well in math, reaching 72nd percentile and 69nth percentile, respectively.

High school students also performed well on a number of College Board AP Tests, especially in AP Computer Science Principles, which the school launched for the first time on island last school year. On that test, a majority of students passed the test with a score of 3 or higher, with four students earning a score of 4 and one student earning a perfect score of 5.

School president Galvin Deleon Guerrero attributed the success to the school’s consistent emphasis on instructional quality.

“Under the leadership of our principal, Frances Taimanao, and our vice principal, Barbara Merfalen, our teachers are blending innovative techniques with proven instructional methods to help all our students succeed,” he said. “It’s important that student success is not limited to just a handful of gifted students; we must ensure that all our students learn and grow.” (MCS)

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The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. is trying to complete several hazard mitigation projects to ensure power and water supply and distribution on all three islands even in the event of a disaster.

CUC executive director Gary Camacho said that CUC is almost done with replacing all power poles as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s $7.2-million grant—coordinated through the Capital Improvement Project office—after Typhoon Soudelor swept through Saipan three years ago.

CUC personnel have been replacing wooden power poles with concrete ones as part of the 406 Hazard Mitigation project. They are replacing a total of 787 power poles that were damaged during Typhoon Soudelor.

Power poles are being replaced by areas and CUC customers could expect momentary outages. FEMA’s deadline is at the end of the month and Camacho is asking the public’s patience over the temporary outages.

“We’re going to order more power poles, about 209 concrete power poles, as part of FEMA’s hardening mitigation program. We’ve given all our efforts to harden our systems after Typhoon Soudelor. Our efforts are equally distributed on all three islands—Saipan, Tinian, and Rota—since they are all CUC customers,” said Camacho.

He added that water supply is also part of their hazard mitigation project where the new system would allow water to be distributed to CUC customers even in the event of a disaster.

“Also, the return of Power Plant 3 will power the wells at Isley Field and Obyan area, which again will be distributed in the event of a disaster,” said Camacho. “In addition, CUC will still generate water in the event of a scheduled power outage. All of these are currently ongoing.”

He said the projects involved all of CUC’s divisions in trying to secure power and water distribution and supply won’t be interrupted in case of emergencies or disaster.

“The current wooden power poles are being replaced with concrete. Some are also being removed and put underground because the idea is to harden it in an event of a disaster,” said Camacho.

“So we can turn it on if the overhead system gets affected. The idea is to remove the dependency on the power plants in these areas and have them self-generate. …If the distribution system breaks between here to Isley Field, it would be okay. Isley field will have a generator to put power back and turn those wells on.”

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In a privileged statement that he entered into the Congressional Record this week, Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) called for more rigorous enforcement of the U.S. Department of Labor’s foreign labor certification program.

Citing a department statement, Sablan said that Labor recently issued 1,668 foreign labor certifications that enabled Saipan casino operator Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC to use H-2B visas to hire foreign workers.

On July 27, it was reported that IPI contractor Pacific Rim, a company that promised to add U.S. workers to the casino construction crews, would now be laying off its workforce. Pacific Rim called the lay-offs “temporary leave,” pending contract renegotiations with IPI. And IPI expressed optimism that the contract would be resolved within a week. That has not happened.

Sablan acknowledged the importance of Imperial Pacific to Marianas economy. “Even half-finished,” he said, “the Imperial Pacific International casino has lifted the economy of the Marianas. So, local news has focused on reassuring the public that work to complete the casino and its associated resort would continue.

“But these reassurances mean little to the U.S. workers who have lost their jobs, or to their families,” said Sablan. “It also raises the question of why the U.S. Department of Labor, as it has reported to me, issued 1,668 foreign labor certifications to Imperial Pacific International to hire the H-2B visa holders, who are now taking the jobs of U.S. workers, in apparent contravention of U.S. labor law.”

In his statement Sablan reviewed how U.S. workers are supposed to be protected from competition from workers with H-2B visas.

On July 26, Sablan met with Assistant Secretary of Labor Katherine Brunett McGuire to alert her to how U.S. workers were being laid off and to ask for the Labor Department’s intervention. To date there has been no action.

“By giving the situation more prominence in the Congressional Record it is my hope that we will get more attention from Labor and our U.S. workers will get the help they need,” Sablan said.

In 2017, a death and multiple injuries led to a proposed fine of $193,750 for violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. And this year, the U.S. Labor Department finalized a settlement with IPI subcontractors of $13.9 million for violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act. In addition, a raid of the site by the Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed that subcontractors there had been unlawfully employing persons who entered the United States as tourists.

“This record in itself should have raised red flags at the U.S. Department of Labor,” Sablan said. …“The U.S. Department of Labor, after enabling IPI by granting 1,668 foreign labor certifications, must take immediate action to step up enforcement and ensure IPI maintains absolute compliance with U.S. law.” (PR)

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—More than $1.34 million in fiscal year 2018 grant funding under the Coral Reef and Natural Resources initiative has been approved for the U.S. territories and the freely associated states.

Office of Insular Affairs director Nik Pula was in American Samoa this week to co-chair the 40th U.S. Coral Reef Task Force Meeting where he announced the funding.

“[Doug Domenech, U.S. Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary, Insular and International Affairs] and I are pleased to provide these grants to the U.S. territories and the freely associated states and help protect coral reefs and marine resources,” said Pula. “From rehabilitation of corals, to outreach, restoration, and removal of invasive species and pests, these projects support an important aspect economies and livelihood for people [on] the islands.”

-American Samoa Coral Reef Advisory Group will get $173,200 to restore and rehabilitate coral reefs at the Ofu-Olosega islands in American Samoa that have been damaged by an algae outbreak of Valonia fastigiata. Project managers will be working closely with the National Park Service.

-The Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality in the CNMI will get $166,949 to support several projects including participation in the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force Meetings; Laolao Watershed Management Plan Development; and the Coral Nursery Development Project.

-The Guam Bureau of Statistics and Plans will get $220,231 to support several projects including Marine Tour Operator Workshop; Coral Reef Management; Coral Reef Conservation Outreach and Education; 4) Removal of an invasive bamboo plant, Bambusa vulgaris from priority watershed areas; the Tasi Guides Program; and the geotechnical investigation of rainfall-induced landslides in Piti-Asan watershed.

-The U.S. Virgin Islands Division of Coastal Zone Management will get $122,791 to support coral restoration and coral nursery operations, and for its participation in U.S. Coral Reef Task Force meetings.

-Women’s Aquaculture Farming Initiative, Republic of the Marshall Islands: $134,582.

-The Hawaii State Museum of Natural and Cultural History and the Palau International Coral Reef Center: $185,503.

-Micronesia Islands Nature Alliance: $142,000 to support the Tasi Watch Ranger Program which was developed to build and strengthen CNMI youth and community’s involvement in management of coastal and near-shore marine resources. This project includes efforts to remove invasive tangan tangan trees, leucocephala, and restore native species of trees and plants that were lost during Typhoon Saudelor in 2015.

Earlier this year, $200,000 was provided to support the 2018-2020 National Coral Reef Management Fellowship Program in American Samoa, Guam, the CNMI, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Funds are made available through the Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs’ Coral Reef and Natural Resources Initiative. Applications are generally submitted from October through May 1st each year. Funds are awarded once OIA receives appropriations from the U.S. Congress until they are exhausted. (DOI)

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Grants totaling $3 million for the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the CNMI have been approved to address critical deferred maintenance needs of schools.

The U.S. Department of the Interior identified these needs through the Insular Area Assessment of Buildings and Classrooms initiative. The grants are for the fiscal year 2018 Maintenance Assistance Program.

Doug Domenech, assistant Interior secretary for Insular and International Affairs, also announced grants to the U.S. Virgin Islands to address impacts following Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. Puerto Rico, while also a U.S. territory, is not eligible for this funding.

“Infrastructure and maintenance needs at schools in the U.S. territories outweigh the resources available,” said Domenech. “While [Interior] Secretary [Ryan] Zinke and I are happy to provide this assistance, we acknowledge that the need is greater and will advocate for more assistance.”

Funding provided are as follows:

American Samoa Department of Public Works: $750,000 to upgrade bathroom facilities and upgrade electrical systems at schools in the Manu’atele District, including three on the island of Ta’u and one on Olosega.

Guam Department of Education: $750,000 to repair and replace canopies and make drainage improvements identified through the Insular ABC’s initiative. These projects, identified as addressing critical health and safety issues, are currently underway and will be completed this year.

The Guam Internal Audit Office also received an additional $34,579 to train and enhance GDOE audit and accounting personnel skills and knowledge in monitoring, managing, and safeguarding local and federal funds.

CNMI Public School System: $750,000 to make electrical, mechanical, and plumbing improvements, as well as roof, door, window, and fire alarm replacements in the schools.

U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Education Office of Instruction: $750,000 for maintenance-related projects for schools in the St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix school districts damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. Funds will support fiber optic and cyber-security training/certification; and provide equipment to increase resiliency in the face of extreme weather events such as backup batteries, specialized vehicles, fiber and cable maintenance, server upgrade/support, and solar panels as back-up energy sources.

VIDE has received funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to repair school infrastructure damaged by the hurricanes as well as the Immediate Aid to Restart School Operations grant for the 2018-2019 school year.

Funds are made available through the Maintenance Assistance Program at the Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs. Applications are submitted annually from October through May 1 each year by the governments and other entities within the U.S. Insular Areas for consideration. Funds are awarded once OIA receives appropriations from the U.S. Congress until they are exhausted. (DOI)

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Corrections Commissioner Vincent S. Attao and DOC director Gregory Castro have settled with William Kapono Mathewson and 13 other inmates to resolve the department’s alleged failure to provide them with adequate medical care.

Mathewson is serving a 15-year prison term for stabbing a Rota physician with a fishing spear. The 13 other inmates are Steven Aguon, Ray Anthony Babauta, Joseph Barto, George Cruz, Donald Hocog, Nena Langu, Wei Lin, Joaquin Lizama, Daniel Mauricio, Carlos Ramangmau, Alfredo Reyes, Price Shoiter, and Xinqiang Zheng.

The inmates are suing Attao and Castro in federal court for allegedly providing them inadequate medical care and mental health treatment, and subjecting them to solitary confinement.

The inmates alleged that they were subjected to excessive solitary confinement, in violation of the 8th and 14th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution.

The settlement deal, however, does not mean that Attao and Castro are admitting liability. They dispute the inmates’ claims.

Attao, Castro, and the 14 inmates inked the settlement agreement.

Northern Marianas Protection & Advocacy Systems Inc. legal counsel Jeanne H. Rayphand is representing the inmates. Assistant attorney general Hessel E. Yntema is cousel for Attao and Castro.

Following the settlement, Rayphand and Yntema asked the U.S. District Court for the NMI to dismiss the lawsuit with prejudice. That means the inmates can no longer re-file the case.

The settlement resolves the issues of medical care, mental health care, dental care, eye care, medications, sanctions matter, records, and DOC rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Attao and Castro disclosed that they are in the process of hiring a physician to provide on-site medical care at the prison beginning Sept. 1, 2018.

Attao and Castro have agreed to set an appointment for each of the 14 plaintiffs to be examined and treated by a physician on or before Sept. 15, 2018.

If hiring the physician is delayed, each of the 14 inmates will be scheduled for an appointment with another medical doctor on or before Oct. 1, 2018.

If an appointment is not available before the Oct. 1, 2018, one shall be made as soon as possible after.

The physician shall be asked to examine and prescribe treatment and care for the following inmates:

-Aguon, for shoulder pain, tonsilitis, joint pain, and heart condition.
Hocog for injuries and pain in his feet.

-Langu for back pain.

-Lin for head injury and continuing pain.

-Lizama for back pain and pain in elbows and knees.

-Ramangmau for seizures and injuries received during seizures.

-Shoiter for continuing pain in his knees and shoulders.

-Zheng for injured knees causing pain.

On mental health care, the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. has recently employed a psychiatrist.

Attao and Castro shall, among other terms, schedule an appointment with the psychiatrist for Aguon and Mathewson to be examined and treated as soon as possible but no later than Oct. 1, 2018. If an appointment is not available that date, one shall be made as soon after.

Attao and Castro shall also schedule an appointment with a dentist for Babauta, Barto, Hocog, Ramangmau, Reyes, and Shoiter to be examined within 60 days. Attao and Castro have agreed to provide continuing dental care.

An ophthalmologist will be contracted to see and treat Cruz, Lizama, Mauricio, Reyes, Shoiter, and Zheng within 60 days.

Prescribed medicines would also be made available.

DOC officials have also agreed not to impose solitary confinement longer than 15 days, without the agreement of a psychiatrist, a physician, or mental health provider.

Before imposing any sanction resulting in solitary confinement, Attao and Castro shall consider the facts on which the sanction is based and impose a commensurate sanction.

On records issue, Attao and Castro shall provide NMPASI with all of the inmates’ records, both medical and their files held by DOC. Such records to be provided for inspection within 24 hours of a request from NMPASI.

Regarding rules, regulation, policies, and procedures, Attao and Castro shall, among other things, develop and implement a plan to eliminate the risk of serious harm to prisoners due to inadequate medical care, mental health care, dental care, and eye care.

The merits of the inmates’ complaint have yet to be decided by the court.

Rayphand and Yntema said the agreement is made for the purpose of settling all claims against Attao and Castro, and any and all claims arising from or related to the allegations.

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The first-ever education summit in the CNMI aims to, among other objectives, build a long-term education plan in the Commonwealth.

According to a statement from the Northern Marianas College, Saipan Tribune learned that representatives from NMC, the Public School System, the Northern Marianas Trades Institute, Saipan Chamber of Commerce, Department of Commerce, and the CNMI Scholarship Office have been working together in the past few months to hammer out the details of the CNMI Education Summit.

The summit, which would be held on Sept. 6 to Sept. 8, 2018, at the Saipan World Resort aims to “lay the foundation of a long-term education plan for the CNMI” through a forum where key issues such as occupational and career trends, along with the building of economic and education opportunities, are discussed.

“The summit will also include presentations from the Commonwealth Development Authority and other groups,” the statement from NMC noted, adding that “key workforce data” would be presented, including job trends in the CNMI.

While there is no fee to attend the summit, NMC reminds the public that seats are limited and encourages those interested in attending the summit to register through the website at www.marianas.edu as early as now.

NMC president Dr. Carmen Fernandez expressed her gratitude toward the summit planning committee, who have invested their “time and energy” to ensure the “success of the Education Summit.”

“We are looking forward to engaging all stakeholders and partner agencies to formulate a plan that will guide the long-term education landscape of the CNMI,” she said in a statement to Saipan Tribune.

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One of the twin brothers who were allegedly involved in a hit-and-run of a Chinese tourist was allowed Friday to post just 10 percent of his initial bail of $25,000.

Superior Court Associate Judge Joseph Camacho granted the bail modification request of Vicente Muña that would allow him to post bail.

Vicente Muña and his twin brother, Anthony Muña, allegedly mowed down a female tourist who was walking with a female friend on the shoulder of Beach Road. The two were also allegedly involved in several robbery cases victimizing tourists in Marpi and in Garapan.

Vicente Muña’s bail modification came with restrictions, prohibiting any contact with his brother and that he would be closely supervised by his third-party custodian, Brenda Muña.

Muna is also prohibited from traveling and he is required to show up for all court hearings as well as keep in contact with his probation officer.

According to Saipan Tribune archives, the Muña twins were arrested on charges of attempted robbery, conspiracy to attempted robbery, driving on highways laned for traffic, driving on right side of highway, reckless driving, driving under the influence of drugs, and accident.

In a separate case, Muña was arrested on two counts of conspiracy to theft, theft, criminal mischief, and burglary, while his brother, Anthony Muña, 22, was arrested on charges of two counts of conspiracy to theft, and one count of theft.

Muña was served with an arrest warrant back in July.

Camacho imposed $50,000 cash bail each on defendants for the robbery case and imposed the $25,000 cash bail each on defendants for the hit-and-run case.

In the hit-and-run case, Department of Public Safety received a call about the incident last June 8 at 1:31pm, in which a dark four-door sedan hit one of the two female tourists who were walking on the northbound shoulder of Beach Road.

The victim suffered abrasions to the body and head injuries.

Further review of the surveillance footages of the incident showed the right headlamp of the car had damage due to the collision.

The footage also showed that the front passenger attempted to snatch the tourist’s purse.

After an extensive search around the island, the vehicle—a turquoise 2010 Toyota Corolla with license plate ACA-729—was found.

The car, which had damage on the right front headlamp, was then impounded for evidence.

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Commonwealth Utilities Corp. executive director Gary Camacho said autonomous agencies like the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. have been slowly settling their accounts, making their payables current.

“We receive payments and we’ve got a wonderful payment programs with [the Public School System] and other autonomous agencies and with the central government,” said Camacho.

“The Governor’s Office and the Secretary of Finance [Larrisa Larson] have been working with CUC in the last couple of months. They work the arrears down to a current, roughly to about $1.9 million, which brings down their accounts to current.”

PSS, the central office, and public schools spends at least $2 million a year and are slowly settling their dues with CUC.

Camacho said they are also working with CHCC and the Commonwealth Ports Authority “in addressing their arrears. There are some things that we’re working out and it has to be a little creative because both parties’ interests have to be addressed.”

“But, by the same token, like any other customer, services have to be paid. I think we need to be fair across the board as we are with all residential and commercial customers. We have to be the same with the government.”

CHCC recently had a groundbreaking on a Photovoltaic System Parking Shade Structure at the Commonwealth Health Center parking lot, a project that chief executive officer Esther L. Muña said would lessen their electricity costs.

“So we all know the situation with CHCC and CUC, that there’s obviously a lot of expenditures. We spend about $300,000 a month on power consumption. So any reduction basically is savings,” said Muña.

She added every penny saved by the hospital would be beneficial to all. “It definitely benefits the organization, CUC, and the patients overall. We’re working with them to reconcile our accounts. There’s some discussion on the actual amount owed. We’re working with them.”

Muña said they expect to save as much as $700,000 from their utility bills once the solar project at the hospital’s grounds is completed by next year. The Department of the Interior-Office of Insular Affairs helped fund the project, a $560,000 grant that would be completed in April 6, 2019.

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Russell Mechem II

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s designated representative and project coordinator for stipulated order number 2 has noted that the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. continues to make progress on various projects that are funded by the technical manager for oil fund.

In his court declaration, environmental engineer Russell Mechem II disclosed that Tank 104 at CUC’s power plants 1 and 2 in Lower Base has been demolished, and the area will now be used as a staging area.

The damaged and corroded roof for the drum storage area has been replaced, he added.

Bradley R. O’Brien, senior lawyer of the U.S. Department of Justice Environmental Enforcement Section, filed Mechem’s declaration in the U.S. District Court for the NMI last week in support of the U.S. government’s August status report.

Mechem said old fuel piping from Tanks 102 and 103 at Power Plant 1 has been removed.

In addition, he said, procurement is proceeding on several new Technical Manager for Oil projects. Those projects include asbestos-covered pipe removal for power plants 1 and 2; secondary containment repairs and coating on Rota; cleaning inspections; and repairs for Tanks A and D at Power Plant 4 in Puerto Rico; and some training and equipment purchases for Saipan and Rota.

Although fruitful discussions have been ongoing, Mechem said the parties will take advantage of a status conference to further define upcoming SO2 projects.

SO2 focuses on oil issues and also applies to oil spills and the remediation of the contaminated power plants.

In addition to evaluating potential projects, he said, the parties will meet to discuss how to utilize the TMO fund versus Engineering and Environmental Management Company funding.

The engineer said they will also discuss how to identify which SO2 tasks should be completed by CUC versus the EEMC, so that projects will be cost-efficient and done on time.

He said the technical teams will meet on Saipan prior to the status conference in order to inspect potential project locations and to evaluate options.

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Green Meadow School welcomed nearly 150 students to the new school year at its Chalan Kiya and Gualo Rai campuses last Aug. 13.

“Summer vacation is over, but the fun will continue as the new school year begins. You’ll get to learn new things, meet new friends, and discover something new and better about yourselves. Welcome and make your parents and GMS proud,” said GMS principal Milagros Songcuan.

She assured that GMS teachers and staff are prepared for the new school year. “Our staff went through various professional development seminars during the summer to get them equipped with sufficient knowledge and experience in the subjects they are teaching,” Songcuan said.

Aside from regular classroom work, GMS teachers have also scheduled a host of academic and extra-curricular activities for students. The Falcons will be participating in the Academic Bee, a sports festival, a retreat, Math Court, school gardening, STEM Fair, Primary Grade Forensics Competition, National Junior Speech and Debate Association, Junior Thespian Society, Harvest Day, PEP Rally, Christmas in the Marianas, and other activities and competitions for both public and private schools in the CNMI.

GMS also regularly takes part in community events and hosts family activities for its students in the pre-school, elementary, and middle school departments.

“At GMS, we aspire to have well-rounded students so we encourage them to get involved in activities in the community,” Songcuan said.

Seventh-grader Areeza Gaile Anda is also excited for what’s in store for students this school year. “I am particularly excited for the extra-curricular activities. I think this year a lot of us have a strong potential to make it to the nationals for the NJSDA and Junior Thespian. I am really hoping for a great year,” she said.

Anda also said she and her classmates know they will be facing challenges this year as they are getting closer to high school.

“Now that we are in seventh grade, it’s going to be a lot harder unlike previous years. We really have to focus and must not procrastinate. We have to get things done on time. It will be tough, but we know we can count on our teachers to help us get through these tests,” she added. (PR)

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The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. has settled the two lawsuits filed in the U.S. District Court and in the Superior Court by Zaji O. Zajradhara over his termination from CUC.

Zajradhara and his counsel, Monica Smith, and CUC executive director Gary P. Camacho and CUC legal counsel James Sirok filed yesterday in the U.S. District Court for the NMI an agreement for the dismissal of all Zajradhara’s claims with prejudice.

This means that Zajradhara can no longer re-file the case.

The terms of the settlement are being kept confidential.

Sirok informed U.S. District Court for the NMI Magistrate Judge Heather L. Kennedy at the settlement conference that the parties will move to dismiss the separate lawsuit that Zajradhara filed in the Superior Court.

In his lawsuit, Zajradhara alleged that, while employed with CUC, he was subjected to a hostile workplace. CUC has denied the allegations.

Zajradhara originally filed his lawsuit in 2015 against CUC, its then-executive director Allan Fletcher, and 10 unnamed co-defendants for whistleblower/wrongful termination, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The plaintiff said CUC initially hired him as a trade technician/operator in 2012, but was moved into various positions.

He said CUC terminated him in October 2014 on the pretext that he had been caught in possession of illegal drugs, in violation of CUC drug and alcohol policy.

CUC is the remaining defendant in this case.

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Steven Beyer

Saipan International School announced yesterday the appointment of Steven Beyer as the school’s elementary/middle school principal effective Aug. 13, 2018.

At the same time, SIS has hit another all-time high enrollment number “and is looking forward to the increase in student services” that Beyer will bring with his new role.

Beyer earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Western State College of Colorado and his master’s degree in education from Oregon State University. He is certified in elementary education and in math and science education grades K-8.

This is Beyer’s eighth year at SIS where he has taught most subjects in middle school and has served as the middle school team leader for the last five years. Beyer has been instrumental in improving the quality of education for the Saipan International School Middle School where he has successfully implemented several new programs, including a highly popular ukulele elective and SIS’s first competitive robotics program.

Beyer joins the SIS leadership team of Ron Snyder, headmaster; Mili Saiki, office manager; Whitney Altizer, counselor; and SIS’ new high school team leader, Robin Spaeth. (SIS)

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The Garapan area remains flooded as a result of Typhoon Cimaron that passed through the CNMI yesterday. (Kimberly A. Bautista)

Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang hopes the Department of Public Works and the Marianas Visitors Authority would revisit the planned Garapan revitalization program in order to avoid floods in the area in the future.

Since Monday morning, Typhoon Cimaron dumped at least 8 inches of rain on Saipan, causing floods in many areas on the island, including Coral Tree Avenue, the road in front of the ongoing construction site of the Imperial Pacific Resort in the Garapan tourist district.

“They need to do some assessment since it wasn’t like that before. Somebody needs to look into that. DPW needs to check it out and make sure everything is taken care off before the next storm hits us,” Apatang told Saipan Tribune. “As far as the one in front of [Imperial Pacific], DPW needs to look into that. The design there was done, I guess, by DPW. Whoever approved the design, somebody needs to look into that. It was never like that before.”

Apatang said the revitalization program should be studied carefully and be implemented, especially now that foot and vehicular traffic in the area has increased.

The area contains many hotels, restaurants, and other business establishments.

Apatang said the drainage system in the area could have been clogged up by the many hotels and business establishments that have been operating in the area, in addition to the ongoing construction of Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC’s hotel.

“Maybe the drainage got clogged up. It was really bad. It has a big drainage there that goes straight to the ocean. I don’t know what happened. If it’s blocked, clogged up, or the waterway was closed,” he said.

Apatang said businesses near the flooded areas were affected after Coral Tree Avenue was submerged in almost knee-deep floodwater. “It [the road] was really bad. You can’t pass through there. The road in front of Fiesta [Resort & Spa Saipan] was flooded.”

He added that their staff had been clearing debris from the area as early as 7am yesterday, especially in areas where floodwater had already subsided. “My people were out and cleaning around the island of any debris like tree branches that fell.

“I think we’re pretty much okay now. We used our equipment, a backhoe, to clean clogged up drainage systems,” added Apatang.
 

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Because of the threat of Typhoon Cimaron, which just passed through the CNMI, the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. has issued these guidelines in preparation for future weather disturbances.

CHCC advises the following high-risk groups to consider the health advisories:

-Pregnant women who are experiencing preterm labor or pregnant women in their 32 weeks gestational period.

Storms have been known to make pregnant women give birth earlier than their expected due date. CHCC encourages all women with a gestational age of 32 weeks and above to report once Typhoon Condition 2 is announced. Those who are experiencing early labor are encouraged to go to the Commonwealth Health Center immediately.

If you plan to come to CHC, make sure to bring your identification information, a pillow, blanket, extra clothing, and other essential supplies including food and hydration.

-Individuals who are on medical equipment requiring electricity (e.g. oxygen generators).

Individuals who are on medical equipment requiring electricity should report to CHCC if they do not have a generator at home. Islandwide residential electricity should be expected to be turned off if storm conditions worsen.

Do not report to the shelters if you have any of these conditions and report to CHCC.

-Individuals on prescription medications and in need of medical supplies.

Individuals should make sure their prescription medications and medical supplies can last them for at least three days. This is especially important for patients with diabetes, hypertension, or uncontrolled asthma.

Contact the CHCC nursing supervisor on duty at 234-8950 for more instructions.

Tune in to local radio stations, KSPN news, the channel 14 weather station, and/or the Emergency Management Office’s advisories for more information at 237-8000. (CHCC)

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Rep. Joseph Leepan T. Guerrero (R-Saipan) and Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang said the island’s street lights needs to be improved, particularly in areas that are poorly lit like portions along Puerto Rico.

These were Guerrero’s and Apatang’s suggestion after an auto-pedestrian incident took place early Sunday morning in Puerto Rico—a dark area—where the victim was left for dead. The driver was later identified as Esekiel Smith, who was accompanied by his wife when he turned himself in at 6:50pm on Sunday to the Department of Public Safety.

Apatang said he plans to meet with Department of Public Works officials to talk about streetlights. “That’s DPW’s work. We need to look at putting additional lighting and highway safety [there].”

He added that it was disheartening news to learn of the incident. “It’s unfortunate for this kind of incidents to happen. The boy got hit and later died. That’s very sad.”

Guerrero said he doesn’t understand why the driver left behind the victim, who was pronounced dead at 4:01am at the Commonwealth Health Center. “For somebody to hit someone and not stop to assist, even though you are at fault or not…Again, you hit a human being.”

“I don’t understand why the driver did not stop to assist, that’s very cold. …The driver could have assisted the victim and brought him to the hospital [and] that could have saved his life.”

The Precinct 1 lawmaker said that poor lighting in the area could have been a factor in the incident. “One of the mitigating factors that I see in that area is poor lighting. As a government, we need to have a study done how to best light up Puerto Rico Road.”

“Because that is not the only incident that has happened in the [area] during the wee hours of the morning and late at night. If we had adequately lit streets, we won’t have any problems of people walking on the road being hit.”

The car could also be darkly tinted. “Maybe the vehicle had dark tinting. It can impair your ability to drive even if you have 20/20 vision. The vehicles headlights won’t give you sufficient lighting to see your surroundings.”

Guerrero said that government agencies like the DPW, the Marianas Visitors Authority, and the Saipan Mayor’s Office should coordinate with each other on how to properly light that road to ensure the safety of everyone.

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The Friends of the Arts is inviting the public to join the Saipan Community Choir. No audition is required.  Adults and students are welcome. 

The choir will perform at an FOA holiday concert in December and other events before and after. 

The choir will start meeting on Aug. 23 at 6:30pm and will practice every Thursday from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

The choir will be directed by Katie Hoyt, FOA board secretary, who received her bachelor’s in Music from Dixie State University where she studied voice, sang in and accompanied the choirs, and was a rehearsal pianist for the school’s performance of The Gondoliers by Gilbert and Sullivan. Hoyt was the musical director for the recent FOA production of Into the Woods. (PR)

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An artist’s rendition of American Sinopan LLC’s $31-million villas and a clubhouse project on Capital Hill.

American Sinopan LLC wants to pour in $31 million more in investments on Saipan. This time, the company wants to build 12 modern-style villas and one clubhouse on Capital Hill.

American Sinopan LLC chief executive officer Ken Lin said in an interview yesterday that the project, to be called Capitol Hill Residences, would be located across the Capitol Hill Resort, which is the renovated former Magellan Hotel.

Lin said the $31-million project is separate from the $350,000 the company is spending to renovate the former Magellan Hotel.

He said the renovated Magellan Hotel was then called Heaven II Hotel, but now it is called Capitol Hill Resort.

He said the Capitol Hill Residences will be for their high-end customers. Amenities would include KTV rooms and infinity pools.

Lin said the clubhouse will serve both the Capitol Hill Resort and the Capitol Hill Residences.

He said Capitol Hill Resort is ready for opening, but is not complete yet.

American Sinopan has already submitted a proposal with the CNMI Zoning Board to amend its conditional use permit to include the construction of the 12 residential villas and a clubhouse.

The Zoning Board will conduct a public hearing on American Sinopan’s proposal today at 5pm, Thursday, at the Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe.

Lin said three structures located on one piece of land, which is undeveloped, would be demolished

Lin said Capital Hill Resort, which is located on a portion of another piece of land, will not be disturbed.

He said the site to be developed is located west of Route 316, also known as Chalan Savannah.

Last June, American Sinopan LLC held a small groundbreaking for the construction of its major project on Saipan, the Saipan Garden Resort, in Tanapag.

Saipan Garden Resort will have 1,184 guestrooms, 170 apartments, and 108 staff apartments. The structure will be compound-like, with 14 six-story buildings, three swimming pools, and six restaurants.

American Sinopan owns a golf course and hotels in China. It’s mother company, SinoPan, is based in Shanghai, China.

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The administration of Gov. Ralph DLG Torres has asked U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to reserve 260 CNMI-Only Transitional Worker slots for healthcare and utility workers.

In a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, who oversees USCIS, Torres urged the agency to prioritize these employees to ensure that operations at the Commonwealth Health Center and the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. won’t be disrupted.

Torres cited the new provision in the Northern Mariana Islands U.S. Workforce Act of 2018 where Section 3(b)(3)(B) of PL 115-218 grants the CNMI governor the ability to provide recommendations to DHS in reserving a certain number of permits each year for workers under the public health or safety employment categories.

Section 3(b)(3)(B) states the governor can recommend to DHS to “reserve a number of permits each year for occupational categories necessary to maintain public health or safety in the Commonwealth.

“With the recent signing of U.S. Public Law 115-218, we are able to supply our economy with the necessary resources to progress as a community and are now able to do so with greater tools and ability to participate in the management of our labor force and in the direction of our economy,” said Torres in his letter.

USCIS has already announced that they have started accepting CW-1 applications based on the newly available 8,001 numerical slots for fiscal year 2019. P.L. 115-218 increased the numerical limit to 13,000 from 4,999 in the previous law that was supposed to end on Dec. 31 this year had President Donald J. Trump not signed H.R. 5956 into law last month.

Torres also asked USCIS to set aside 60 slots for occupational categories related to workers providing public utilities services in the CNMI. These services include water/wastewater engineers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, and trades technicians.

Torres asked USCIS to reserve 200 CW-1 permit applications for occupational categories 29-0000 and 31-0000 or for healthcare practitioners; technical, and healthcare support occupations.

Torres made both requests for fiscal year 2019 as it would ensure the daily operations of the Commonwealth’s lone hospital and CUC, which provides utility services to all businesses and residents of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. “This request is crucial toward ensuring adequate staffing of the CNMI’s healthcare system and public utilities services.”

“As you are aware, a large majority of nurse staff were denied renewal applications prior to the enactment of P.L. 115-218. The reservation of permits for these vital occupational categories will provide greater support for the maintenance of public health in the CNMI,” added Torres.

Healthcare services in the CNMI could have encountered problems after no one among the 111 nurses and ancillary staff at CHC were selected in the lottery system used by USCIS to fill the supposedly 4,999 slots. CUC could have also faced a similar problem since they have specific labor demands in regards to utilities maintenance.

“Similarly, the [CNMI’s] public utilities system, maintained by CUC, has labor demands that exceed local capacity in specific engineering and trades occupations. Maintaining sustainability in labor access for the power, water, and wastewater functions of CUC is an absolute necessity if the safety of the public were to be protected,” said Torres.

Torres said the governor’s ability to make recommendations is beneficial to the CNMI’s labor issues. “Having the ability to recommend alterations to these reservations throughout the duration of the transition period would be beneficial toward the CNMI’s goals of truly transitioning occupations toward U.S. citizens or alternative visa classifications when U.S. workers are not available.”

He is also recommending that permits should also be reserved for “critical occupations” and make it adaptable to the changing labor demands of both occupational categories.

“I am in the process of providing further recommendations for the development of the interim rule, but as petitions for [FY] 2019 are now being accepted, the reservation of these critical permits is of urgent significance tor our islands,” added Torres.

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