U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Erika Schilling, left, and Lt. j.g. Natalie Spritzer teach a “helping babies breathe” class to local Chuukese women and girls during Pacific Partnership 2019 in Chuuk last March 31. Pacific Partnership, now in its 14th iteration, is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Each year, the mission team works collectively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase stability and security in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (Photos by MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 1ST CLASS TYRELL K. MORRIS)

CHUUK, Federated States of Micronesia—The multinational crew aboard Military Sealift Command expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Brunswick (T-EPF 6) arrived in the Lower Mortlock Islands March 31 to support local communities’ recovery from the aftermath of Typhoon Wutip as part of the Pacific Partnership 2019 mission to the islands.

The Pacific Partnership team, which recently departed the Marshall Islands, expanded the mission with activities in the outlying islands, providing support to the people of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) in close coordination with local authorities, the U.S. Embassy and USAID.

“Pacific Partnership is about working together,” said Royal Navy Capt. Paddy Allen, director of mission for Pacific Partnership 2019. “We have an adaptable mission, agile platform and amazing expertise that allows us to bring together a network of partners where and when they are needed.”

The additional stops will leverage Brunswick’s ability to maneuver in shallow waters along with expertise from military personnel from the U.S., Australia, Japan, Peru, and the United Kingdom. The Pacific Partnership team will work in tandem with local experts on nearly a dozen islands within Weno, as well as the Lower Mortlock Islands and Northwest Islands.

During the stops, events are planned along Pacific Partnership’s main focus areas. Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief professionals will work with local experts to help develop local response capacities and help them prepare for future disaster scenarios. Engineering teams will work construction projects that support enhancing local community infrastructure. Medical personnel will conduct health care engagements side-by-side with local medical professionals.

“The mission capabilities that Pacific Partnership and Brunswick bring allow us to support the people of Micronesia in the aftermath of the typhoon and help them prepare for future extreme weather events,” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Marc Davis, mission chief staff officer aboard Brunswick. “With our mission’s focus on working collectively with partner nations in enhancing regional interoperability and partner nation disaster response capabilities, we decided to review and modify our Pacific Partnership mission to provide support to FSM’s recovery efforts.”

Pacific Partnership began in response to one of the world’s most catastrophic natural disasters, the December 2004 tsunami that devastated parts of South and Southeast Asia. The mission has evolved over the years from emphasis on direct care to an operation focused on enhancing partnerships through host nation subject matter expert and civil-military exchanges.

Pacific Partnership, now in its 14th iteration, is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster response preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Each year, the mission team works collectively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase stability and security in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships across the Indo-Pacific. (PR)

The post Pacific Partnership multinational team arrives in Micronesia appeared first on Saipan News, Headlines, Events, Ads | Saipan Tribune.

Circa World War II ordnance—old bombs, bullets, and assorted vintage war materiel—will be blown up today at the Marpi Blow Pit on Saipan.

In a notice on Wednesday, the CNMI Emergency Operations Center State Warning Point said that the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services and men from the Joint Region Marianas-EOD will be conducting World War II Live Ordnance Detonation at the Saipan blow pit today, April 4, from 8am to 12pm.

The public is being urged to stay away from this area within 360 feet radius on all quadrants to 400 feet above sea level during the times indicated.

The Department of Public Safety will close the blow pit main entrance and the back road coming in from Grotto, from 8am to 12pm for the duration of this operation. The Grotto back road will also be closed. (PR)

The post WWII ordnance to be blown up today appeared first on Saipan News, Headlines, Events, Ads | Saipan Tribune.

Agnes McPhetres delivers her closing remarks at the CNMI Women’s Summit on March 29 at the Hibiscus Hall of Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan. (Contributed photo)

Close to 200 government employees, activists, non-government organizations, and businesses convened for the daylong CNMI Women’s Summit last March 29 at the Hibiscus Hall of Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan.

To mark this year’s theme, “Lead-HER-Ship: Masters of Our Own Destiny,” the event kicked off with the arrival of sakman Neni captained by Sophia Perez, with crew April Repeki, Rep. Sheila Babauta, and Art De Oro. A sakman is an indigenous canoe.

The summit, which was hosted by the CNMI Women’s Association, got underway following the American and CNMI anthems sung by Malua Kiana Peter Hosono and Antonette Michaela Peter Nogis; a welcome address and special remarks by CNMI Women’s Association president Rose T. Ada-Hocog and first lady Diann Torres, affirming the call for action to support women’s rights and promote gender equality in the region and the world.

According to the CNMI Women’s Summit Steering Committee, this year’s summit was conceived to promote the empowerment of women through women’s woven voices, particularly by opening up discussion and engaging in conversation about issues that affect women.

The keynote address was delivered by a daughter of the Marianas, Rlene Santos Steffy, a leading ethnographer and oral historian in the Pacific.

Steffy shared her personal experiences and emphasized the importance of being at the helm to chart one’s own course and journey and to author one’s “her-story” “the way you want to write it.”

Moderator Erin Derrington from the Office of Planning and Development led the presentation on “Equality and the Sustainable Development Goals,” which framed the panel presentation and discussions of Rep. Janet Maratita, Rep. Tina Sablan, Patricia Coleman, Maisie Tenorio, and Retta Hamilton.

Recommendations and resolutions from the summit will be presented to the CNMI leadership for consideration and action.

The summit ended with performance by award-winning MHS Glee Club, whose medley of Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Moana’s How Far I’ll Go, and Andra Day’s “Rise Up” received a standing ovation.

Following the performance, Agnes McPhetres said in her closing remarks: “In my 60 years in education, I could say that this is one of the best days of my life…”

And to think the summit almost didn’t push through following the devastation of Super Typhoon Yutu in October 2018. The first Women’s Summit was held in 2013.

The summit’s sponsors were Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan, Marianas Variety, U-TOP Investment (Saipan) Inc., Bank of Guam, Northern Marianas Humanities Council, Northern Marianas College, and IT&E.

Non-profit organizations and businesses also donated:

– The Lady Diann Torres Foundation for giveaways.

– Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture and Artists for traditional handicraft and displays.

– 500 Sails and crew for sailing the sakman Neni to the summit’s grounds.

– MHS Glee Club for their medley performance.

– MyCapitures Photography for providing complimentary professional headshots.

– Godfather’s Beach Hour Bar for providing happy hour specials during the post-summit social event.

– Tropical Instance Press, Inc. for printing the CNMI Women’s Summit banner “Lead-Her-Ship.”

For partnership queries and more information, call 233-9411 or email cnmiwomen@gmail.com. (PR)

The post 6th Women’s Summit was the biggest one yet appeared first on Saipan News, Headlines, Events, Ads | Saipan Tribune.

Junior Larry Hillbroom wants to proceed with his legal malpractice lawsuit against his former two lawyers and asked the federal court to penalize them for allegedly taping his conversations.

Hillbroom, through counsel Rachel A. Dimitruk, filed on Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the NMI his opposition to Barry J. Israel’s and David J. Lujan’s motion to dismiss his lawsuit.

Hillbroom also sought monetary sanctions on Israel and Lujan and a motion to dis-qualify Theodore W. Frank as counsel for Israel. He wants both Israel and Lujan to be made to pay $11,950, accusing them of ethical violation.

According to Dimitruk, the “no contact rule”— promulgated by the American Bar As-sociation as Rule 4.2 of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct—exists for the very pur-pose of protecting the unwary litigant from being unduly influenced by an attorney.

“While this rule does not bar parties from speaking to each other, the prohibition does apply to lawyers who are parties to litigation,” Dimitruk said.

He said Israel and Lujan violated this fundamental rule and, with Frank’s participa-tion, have flaunted their unethical conduct in front of the court.

Vietnam-based lawyer Israel has re-filed his motion for the federal court to dismiss Hillbroom’s lawsuit against him and Guam lawyer Lujan.

Israel, through counsel Frank, asserted that the court should dismiss the lawsuit based on Hillbroom’s stated decision that he no longer wish to proceed with this case.

Alternatively, Israel asked the court to hold a hearing on this issue as soon as possi-ble.

Lujan joined in Israel’s motion.

In re-filing the motion to dismiss, Frank said Hillbroom instructed his counsel as ear-ly as Feb. 2 to drop the lawsuit but his counsel has not yet complied with his instruction.

In Hillbroom’s opposition to the motion to dismiss, Dimitruk said that, based on their improper and unethical conversations with Hillbroom, Israel and Lujan now claim to be “protecting” Hillbroom’s “wishes” and have now filed a motion to dismiss the action based on that unethical communication.

“What the defendants have done and what they are attempting to do, with the assis-tance of Mr. Frank, is sanctionable conduct that should not be condoned by this court,” Dimitruk said.

Dimitruk said the transcripts of the phone calls between Hillbroom and Lujan make it clear that the latter did not ask permission to record the conversations with Hillbroom.

“There is no dispute that, where it is illegal to record a conversation without the con-sent of all of the parties, such a recording is unethical as well,” the lawyer said.

Dimitruk said the re-filing of the motion to dismiss is an unethical attempt to dispose of the case by taking advantage of an individual with a history of drug abuse who has struggled with sobriety, and from childhood looked up to these defendants as his “protec-tors.”

The lawyer said the court should sanction Israel and Lujan in the amount of $11,750 in attorney’s fee and $200 in costs for cancellation of the deposition for a total of $11,950.

In his lawsuit, Hillbroom alleged that Israel and Lujan conspired with a former trus-tee to inflate their attorneys’ contingency fee when the fortune of the late business tycoon and DHL co-founder Larry Hillblom was still undergoing probate proceedings in Superior Court.

Israel and Lujan served as counsel for Hillbroom in the probate matter.

Hillbroom is one of the four DNA-proven children of Hillblom. His name is spelled differently from that of Hillblom.

Hillblom died in a seaplane crash off Anatahan waters on May 21, 1995. His body was never recovered.

The post Hillbroom: It’s a go appeared first on Saipan News, Headlines, Events, Ads | Saipan Tribune.

From left, Rotary Club of Saipan president Greg Borja, third grand prize winner Marmy Peter, grand prize winner Ramonito Militante, fourth grand prize winner Leonora Mabutas, second grand prize winner Richard Asuncion, club president-elect Marcia Ayuyu, club member Sean Ficke, and club vice president Brian Clayton pose for a photo Tuesday. (Erwin Encinares)

His grand prize win at the2019 Rotary Club of Saipan’s Las Vegas Night couldn’t have come at a better time.

Ramonito Militante, 75, who had a choice between $10,000 cash and a 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage car as the prize last Saturday, opted to go for the cash prize, saying he will use it for his medical expenses.

The second prize winner, on the other hand, wants to save his winnings.

Militante told Saipan Tribune Tuesday during the Rotary Club of Saipan meeting at the Hyatt Regency Saipan—when the winners were presented with their checks—that the money would go to his medical expenses.

“I am happy that God gave me this money because this money will be going to my medicine,” he said, adding that he had hypertension, diabetes, and prostate enlargement.

Militante, who hails from the province of Antique in the Philippines., has been on Saipan for over six years now.

The second prize winner, 42-year-old Richard Asuncion, who won $3,000, was initially mistakenly told by his friends last Saturday night that he had won the grand prize.

“I later found out I got the second grand prize,” he said. “I still feel blessed to have won.”

Asuncion wishes to set the money aside for now. “Every year I buy tickets to support the event. Last year I got four booklets, but this year I only bought one ticket and got lucky,” he said.

Marmy Peter won the third grand prize of $2,000 while Leonora Mabutas won $1,000 for the fourth grand prize.

The Rotary Club of Saipan printed about $50,000 worth of tickets. Blub president Greg Borja said that most of the tickets were sold.

“…I think we sold the most tickets this year,” said Borja, compared to the last three Las Vegas Nights. “Last year we raised about $23,000 net” but with fewer tickets sold.

“I am hoping we are a little bit higher than that this year, especially with the introduction of the new table games, including our Texas Hold ’Em poker tournament and the three-card poker table,” he said.

The post Las Vegas Night raffle winners claim their checks from Rotary appeared first on Saipan News, Headlines, Events, Ads | Saipan Tribune.

Two women involved in the theft of about $3,200 worth of promotional vouchers from Club C have pleaded guilty as part of a plea agreement and are now awaiting their sentence.

Alvagene Delos Santos and Cherie Delos Santos, who are accused of conspiring to rob the Club C gaming establishment in Chalan Kanoa of about $3,200 worth of promotional vouchers in 2018, pleaded guilty last Wednesday before Superior Court Associate Judge Joseph Camacho.

Both women were facing two charges: conspiracy to commit theft and theft. They pleaded guilty to the theft charge only; the conspiracy to commit theft charge was dropped as part of the plea agreement.

The two women, who went to court out of custody, were remanded back to the Department of Corrections to await their sentencing hearing.

Camacho scheduled both women to appear before the court for sentencing on April 12, 2019 at 9am.

During the change of plea hearing, both women admitted their roles in the theft and also confessed to splitting about $7,000 among themselves.

Alvagene told the court that, as an employee of the establishment, she printed over $3,200 worth of promo vouchers, contacted Cherie to come by the gaming establishment, and gave her the printed vouchers to play and cash out.

The only way to get promo vouchers is to be selected as a raffle winner during one of Club C’s raffle drawings.

Cherie told the court that she was contacted by Alvagene to meet her at the Club C gaming establishment and she’d give her vouchers to play and they could split the winnings.

Cherie told the court that she played the vouchers, cashed out her winnings of over $7,000, and split the money between herself and Alvagene.

The women will serve five years, all suspended except for zero or one year.

Alvagene and Cherie will also pay restitution to Club C of $6,156.50 after their probation of three years.

Alvagene is represented by lawyer Victorino Torres, while Cherie is represented by chief public defender Doug Hartig. Acting chief prosecutor Heather Barcinas represented the government.

The court did not indicate if both women are related.

The post Two women involved in Club C theft plead guilty appeared first on Saipan News, Headlines, Events, Ads | Saipan Tribune.

Check holders Mike Sablan, left, Triple J Enterprises Inc., Bo Palacios, March Against Cancer board member, center, and Robert H. Jones, board chairman, Triple J Enterprises, Inc. are joined by other anti-cancer advocates. (Contributed Photos)

Triple J Saipan Inc. has donated the proceeds of its 2nd Annual Family Bubble Color Fun Run/Walk to two beneficiaries: the Commonwealth Cancer Association and the Make-A-Wish Foundation Guam/CNMI Chapter.

Triple J officials handed two checks totaling $20,000 yesterday to CCA executive director Juan Babauta and Make-A-Wish Foundation board member Kanae Quinn. Each organization got $10,000 each.

Babauta said the money would go to the upcoming Marianas March Against Cancer.

“On behalf of the Commonwealth Cancer Association and the March Against Cancer board of directors, we are greatly appreciative of the generous donation from Triple J Saipan. The proceeds donated will help those who bear the burden of battling cancer and cancer-related illnesses and help fund awareness and prevention programs within our communities,” he said.

MMAC board member Bobby Cruz added that, although there was every excuse to cancel the March, including ongoing recovery from Super Typhoon Yutu, donations from sponsors like Triple J is making it possible to move forward with the event.

“Despite the strife and struggle Super Typhoon Yutu caused, you guys are giving us the opportunity to keep the fight against cancer going,” he said.

Check holders Mike Sablan, left, Triple J Enterprises Inc.; Kanae Quinn, Make-A-Wish Foundation board member; Jay Santos, Make-A-Wish Foundation board member and general manager of Triple J Five Star Wholesale and Truckload Store; and Robert H. Jones, chairman of the Board, Triple J Enterprises, Inc. are joined by Triple J’s executive team.

Quinn said the foundation is currently working on granting the wish of a child who attends Hopwood Middle School and Triple J’s donation would go toward making his wish come true.

Robert H. Jones, board chair of Triple J Enterprises Inc., said it was rewarding “to see the successes of a group effort comprised of industry leaders within the local community.”

He gave thanks to “our business partners, event sponsors, and the volunteers who gave of their time—all of which ensured another successful Triple J 5K Bubble Color Run/Walk. We look forward to an even bigger event next year.”

The 2nd Annual Triple J Family Bubble Color Fun Run/Walk was held last March 3 and had over 1,200 runners.

Maria Valentina Haberman, Triple J Saipan marketing manager, said they have partnered with Chacha Ocean View Middle School—as the Triple J Lancherus—to raise funds for March Against Cancer fundraiser.

“The Triple J Restaurant Group [composed] of the Surf Club Saipan Restaurant, Capricciosa, and Tony Roma’s offer $1 of every iced tea purchase, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. offers $1 from every Strawberry Speckled Lemonade purchase, and Triple J Motors will donate $25 from every new car purchase to the CCA. We encourage the community to join our Triple J Lancherus team and support the Commonwealth Cancer Association through MMAC 2019,” she said.

The post Triple J donates fun run proceeds to two beneficiaries appeared first on Saipan News, Headlines, Events, Ads | Saipan Tribune.

A former notary public who is on federal probation filed yesterday a motion before the U.S. District Court for the NMI to allow him to travel again to California for business purposes after the U.S. Probation Office denied his request for allegedly being argumentative and for buying a plane ticket prior to getting approval.

Liang Li, through counsel Bruce Berline, asked the court to allow him to travel to California from April 10, 2019, to no later than May 1, 2019, to buy automobile parts and other business-related supplies.

Li works at U-Save Car Rental, a business on Saipan that deals in automobiles.

Berline said the U.S. government has no objection to this.

U.S. probation officer assistant Juanette David-Atalig informed the court that she learned when Li reported to their office last April 1 that Li had already purchased an airline ticket before even submitting a travel request with the U.S. Probation Office.

She said she reminded Li about the instructions to first make a travel request and only when that request is approved can he buy his ticket.

Li explained to her that he already purchased a ticket because the airline seats were limited.

David-Atalig said Li then asked her why she was “being too difficult” and that Li became “contentious, argumentative, and refused to listen.”

The following day, April 2, Li met with David-Atalig again in the U.S. Probation Office, and was told of the decision to deny his request to travel. Li was told he could ask the court for consideration.

The probation officer said Li became upset and difficult to talk with.

Last September, the court sentenced Li to two years of probation and six months in home detention, after he pleaded guilty to lying in a U.S. passport application.

In Li’s request for travel, Berline said the home detention, along with electronic monitoring, will end tomorrow, Saturday.

Berline said the terms of probation/supervised release includes a provision preventing Li from leaving the CNMI without permission from the U.S. Probation Office or the court.

The lawyer said Li requested permission to travel from U.S. Probation Office but was denied as being untimely because he was allegedly argumentative and because he bought the ticket prior to getting travel approval.

Berline said the court previously allowed Li to travel to California last November during his period of home detention for similar business reasons.

Berline said Li returned from California without incident.

“This request is reasonable as it is in furtherance of defendant’s employment,” he said.
Li, 35, is a U.S. citizen.

The post Probationer seeks to be allowed to travel appeared first on Saipan News, Headlines, Events, Ads | Saipan Tribune.

Targeting visa-free travelers in a nearby and affluent country, the Marianas Visitors Authority joined the Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents Fair last March 15-17, 2019, in Kaula Lumpur.

The MATTA Fair is a bi-annual travel fair, with 272 organizations exhibiting at the Putra World Trade Centre. Participants included travel and tour agencies, national tourism organizations, hotels, resorts, theme parks, cruises and other businesses. An estimated 110,000 visitors attended the event.

This was MVA’s first time to participate in the MATTA Fair. The agency shared information about Rota, Tinian, and Saipan, distributed brochures, and answered questions. Those who scanned the QR code provided and then “liked” and shared the MVA’s Facebook page received an MVA-branded fan and other MVA collateral items. Concepcion also paid a courtesy call on travel agents at the fair.

The next MATTA Fair will be in September 2019. (MVA)

The post MVA joins Malaysian travel fair appeared first on Saipan News, Headlines, Events, Ads | Saipan Tribune.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received a sufficient number of petitions projected as needed to reach the congressionally-mandated 65,000 H-1B visa regular cap for fiscal year 2020. USCIS will next determine if we have received a sufficient number of petitions to meet the 20,000 H-1B visa U.S. advanced degree exemption, known as the master’s cap.

The agency will reject and return filing fees for all unselected cap-subject petitions that are not prohibited multiple filings.

USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the cap. Petitions filed for current H-1B workers who have been counted previously against the cap, and who still retain their cap number, are exempt from the FY 2020 H-1B cap. USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions filed to:

– Extend the amount of time a current H-1B worker may remain in the United States;

– Change the terms of employment for current H-1B workers;

– Allow current H-1B workers to change employers; and

– Allow current H-1B workers to work concurrently in a second H-1B positions.

U.S. businesses use the H-1B program to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. (PR)

The post USCIS reaches FY 2020 H-1B regular cap appeared first on Saipan News, Headlines, Events, Ads | Saipan Tribune.

1. What is the Census of Agriculture?

The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. Even small plots of land—whether rural or urban—growing fruits, vegetables, or raising food animals count, if $1,000 or more* of such products were raised and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the census year.

The Census of Agriculture, generally taken once every five years as funding and conditions allow, looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures. For farmers and ranchers, the Census of Agriculture is their voice, their future, their opportunity.

*The census definition of a farm varies across U.S. territories. For the U.S. Virgin Islands, a farm is defined as having raised and sold $500 or more of agricultural product in the census year; American Samoa’s farm definition is any agricultural product sales or product grown for home consumption. Commercial farms in American Samoa are defined as those with sales of $100 or more.

2. Why is the Census of Agriculture important?

The Census of Agriculture provides the only source of uniform, comprehensive, and impartial agricultural data. Through the Census of Agriculture, producers can show the value and importance of agriculture in the islands, and they can help inform decisions that will shape the future of U.S. agriculture for years to come. By responding to the Census of Agriculture, producers are helping themselves, their communities, industries, and all of U.S. agriculture.

3. Who uses Census of Agriculture data?

Census of Agriculture data are used by all those who serve farmers and rural communities—federal and local governments, agribusinesses, trade associations, and many others.

Farmers and ranchers can use Census of Agriculture data to help make informed decisions about the future of their own operations.

Companies and cooperatives use the facts and figures to determine the locations of facilities that will serve agricultural producers.

Community planners and local governments use the information to target needed programs and services to rural residents.

Legislators use the numbers from the census when shaping farm policies and programs.

4. What’s new about this Census of Agriculture:

To better capture all that is happening in agriculture, this census includes an expanded list of commodities and new questions on agricultural practices.

The U.S. Virgin Island census questionnaire also includes a new section about government agricultural programs.

5. How is the Census of Agriculture conducted?

Each farm and ranch operator will receive personal data collection assistance from a local representative through a partnership with and on behalf of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

6. Must I respond to the Census of Agriculture?

Yes. Federal law (Title 7 USC 2204(g) Public Law 105-113) requires all those who receive a Census of Agriculture report form to respond even if they did not operate a farm or ranch in the census year.

7. When will our Census of Agriculture results be announced?

NASS plans to release the census data in the summer of 2020.

8. Where can I find Census of Agriculture data?

Census of Agriculture data are available through your local USDA office and at many depository libraries, universities, and other government offices. It is also available online at www.nass.usda.gov.

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

The post Frequently asked questions appeared first on Saipan News, Headlines, Events, Ads | Saipan Tribune.

Town Hall Meeting and Resource Fair for veterans

The U.S. Veterans Affairs Pacific Islands Health Care System will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting and Resource Fair on May 7, 2019, from 3pm to 4:30pm, at the Visitors Center of the American Memorial Park.

Veterans, their families, survivors, and any organization or individual who works with or on behalf of veterans are being invited to this event.

The event intends to share information and resources, hear feedback from veterans and to answer questions on VA healthcare.

For more information contact Amy Rohlfs, public affairs officer, at (808) 208-5544. (PR)

Guam tax refunds mailed

HAGATNA, Guam—The Guam Revenue and Taxation and Administration departments have mailed 377 tax refund checks totaling $843,594 for error-free returns filed on or before Oct. 17, 2018.

For inquiries, contact Dafne Shimizu, director, Department of Revenue and Taxation at (671) 635-1815/1816 or Edward Birn, Department of Administration, at (671) 475-1250. (PR)

4.9-magnitude quake near Rota

At 4:42am yesterday, April 7, 2019, a report of a 4.9 magnitude earthquake occurred 27 miles south-southeast of Rota. Currently, there are no reports of injuries or damage to infrastructure and no tsunami warnings or advisories were issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. For more information, contact the CNMI EOC State Warning Point at 237-8000. (PR)

The post NEWS BRIEFS – April 8, 2019 appeared first on Saipan News, Headlines, Events, Ads | Saipan Tribune.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will release the 2017 Census of Agriculture results on Thursday, April 11.

The full census report will include millions of data points, including number of farms, land in farms, total value of production, demographics, and more at the national, state, and county levels.

The report, along with a number of related publications, video presentations, and searchable data query interfaces, will be available on the NASS website at www.nass.usda.gov.

Available now in preparation for data release are three videos featuring NASS subject matter experts explaining the importance of the census, what’s new in this census, and how to find census data.

“We are excited to share the new Census of Agriculture data next week,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. “The census data will help inform decisions about ag education, research, farm programs, rural development, and much more over the next several years. Conducting the census is part of USDA’s commitment to you.”

This census report will include new information on military service, food marketing practices, and on-farm decision-making. These additions help better capture the roles and contributions of beginning farmers, women farmers, and others involved in running a farm enterprise. Data from this census as well as previous ones are easily searchable on the new online Census Data Query Tool. To address questions about the 2017 Census of Agriculture data, NASS will host a live Twitter (@usda_nass) Ask the Census Experts Stat Chat on Friday, April 12, at 1pm ET.

At the same time that the 2017 Census of Agriculture data is released for the 50 states, NASS is collecting census data in the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. The agency is also in the last few weeks of data collection for two Census of Agriculture Special Studies—the 2018 Census of Aquaculture and the 2018 Irrigation and Water Management Survey. These and other products, such as state, county, and congressional district profiles, will be released throughout the year.

The first Census of Agriculture was conducted in 1840 in conjunction with the decennial Census. After 1920, it was conducted every four to five years. By 1982, it was regularly conducted once every five years as it still is today, mailed to every known farm and ranch in the United States.

NASS is the federal statistical agency responsible for producing official data about U.S. agriculture and is committed to providing timely, accurate and useful statistics in service to U.S. agriculture. (seedworld.com)

The post Results of USDA agriculture census just a week away appeared first on Saipan News, Headlines, Events, Ads | Saipan Tribune.

The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. would like to inform the public that there will be scheduled power interruptions on the following dates, times and locations:

Tuesday, April 9, 2019 – 8am to 1pm
• Outage type: Sectionalized feeder outage on the Kiya 4 distribution circuit
• Village location: Chalan Kanoa
• Power service area(s) affected: Sunset Drive
• Water service area(s) affected: None
• Wastewater service area(s) affected: None
• Work to be performed: Replace five wooden poles with concrete poles

Tuesday, April 9, 2019 – 8:30am to 1:30pm
• Outage type: Sectionalized feeder outage on the Kiya 1 distribution circuit
• Village location: Obyan
• Power service area(s) affected: Obyan
• Water service area(s) affected: None
• Wastewater service area(s) affected: None
• Work to be performed: Replace seven wooden poles with concrete poles

Wednesday, April 10, 2019 – 8am to 4pm
• Outage type: Sectionalized feeder outage on the Kiya 1 distribution circuit
• Village location: Dandan
• Power service area(s) affected: Dandan Road
• Water service area(s) affected: None
• Wastewater service area(s) affected: None
• Work to be performed: Replace nine wooden poles with concrete poles

Wednesday, April 10, 2019 – 8:30am to 1:30pm
• Outage type: Sectionalized feeder outage on the Kiya 1 distribution circuit
• Village location: Obyan
• Power service area(s) affected: Obyan
• Water service area(s) affected: None
• Wastewater service area(s) affected: None
• Work to be performed: Replace seven wooden poles with concrete poles

Thursday, April 11, 2019 – 8am to 4pm
• Outage type: Sectionalized feeder outage on the Kiya 1 distribution circuit
• Village location: Dandan
• Power service area(s) affected: Dandan Road
• Water service area(s) affected: None
• Wastewater service area(s) affected: None
• Work to be performed: Replace nine wooden poles with concrete poles

Friday, April 12, 2019 – 8am to 4pm
• Outage type: Sectionalized feeder outage on the Kiya 1 distribution circuit
• Village location: Dandan
• Power service area(s) affected: Dandan Road
• Water service area(s) affected: None
• Wastewater service area(s) affected: None
• Work to be performed: Replace nine wooden poles with concrete poles

Saturday, April 13, 2019 – 8am to 4pm
• Outage type: Sectionalized feeder outage on the Kiya 1 and Kiya 2 double distribution circuit
• Village location: As Terlaje and Susupe
• Power service area(s) affected: Susupe and Chalan Kanoa
• Water service area(s) affected: As Terlaje Booster Tank
• Wastewater service area(s) affected: W-6 and W-8
• Work to be performed: Replace two wooden poles with concrete poles

Sunday, April 14, 2019 – 8am to 4pm
• Outage type: Sectionalized feeder outage on the Kiya 1 distribution circuit
• Village location: Dandan
• Power service area(s) affected: Dandan Road
• Water service area(s) affected: None
• Wastewater service area(s) affected: None
• Work to be performed: Replace seven wooden poles with concrete poles

The purpose of the scheduled power interruptions is to de-energize utility lines and allow power line workers from CUC and its contracting company, Primary Source Electric, the ability to safely replace 70 wooden poles with concrete ones.

The replacements of wooden poles with concrete poles are part of CUC’s working obligations to complete its ongoing restoration effort and its FEMA Water System Mitigation Project which are aimed at hardening and strengthening the power distribution system which was affected by Super Typhoon Yutu and Typhoon Soudelor.

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/). (PR)

The post Scheduled power interruptions appeared first on Saipan News, Headlines, Events, Ads | Saipan Tribune.

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam—The Guam-based “Island Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 provided emergency medical lift for a Chinese mariner in distress aboard a Panamanian flagged dry bulk cargo vessel Friday morning.

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam notified HSC-25 Thursday that the mariner aboard M/V Ruby Enterprise had fallen and needed medical attention. The rescue was delayed till Ruby Enterprise could travel into aerial range of Guam.

The HSC-25 Alert Search and Rescue led by Aircraft Commander Lt. Nathan Gordon successfully retrieved the mariner in distress via helicopter hoist and returned him to U.S. Naval Hospital Guam where he was in critical condition.

“We received the MEDEVAC call early the night before which gave us some time to plan,” said Gordon. “Our planning and early launch time gave this man the best possible chance at recovery. The deck of the ship was not rated for the weight of the MH-60S so my co-pilot, Lt. Petersen, and I took turns holding a stable hover while Petty Officer Nichols hoisted our Flight Surgeon, Lt. Kumetz, search and rescue medical technician, Corpsman Turner and rescue swimmer Petty Officer Attebery to the deck of Ruby Enterprise.”

“Receiving medical updates throughout the night from Coast Guard Sector Guam, I knew the patient was in critical condition and that time was of the essence.” said HSC-25 Flight Surgeon, Lt. Erik Kumetz. “Racing to the ship before first light, I could not be more proud of the professionalism and heroic actions of the crew this morning.”

The incident was the 8th emergency call to HSC-25 by U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam and in 2019 to date. (Amphibious Force 7th Fleet Public Affairs)

The post Mariner evacuated for medical emergency appeared first on Saipan News, Headlines, Events, Ads | Saipan Tribune.

The Commonwealth Ports Authority has identified four projects worth $16.2 million for the Port of Saipan, including the $6.2-million dock improvements project that will provide additional berthing space for vessels, yachts, ferry, a floating hotel, and accommodate ferry services.

According to the CPA’s “Strategic Planning for CNMI Air and Seaports, the Delta Dock Improvements Project will involve extending the Delta Dock to create more berthing spaces, the construction of a roll-on/roll-off ramp, and the construction of a boat ramp.

CPA said the Delta Dock project would extend the dock west of its current location into the channel, structural repairs to cavities seaside, installation of new sheet piles, installation of new fenders and bollards, and installation of a boat ramp for the CPA police.

CPA said a roll-on/roll- off ramp would accommodate ferry services between Saipan and Tinian, with the hope of expanding such a service to Rota and Guam.

CPA said the Delta Dock would also be expanded for bus and vehicular access for any ferries that can transport vehicles.

A new boat ramp will provide quick access for ports police boats and jet skis during emergencies and force protection for cruise ships and military vessels.

The project duration for the Delta Dock Improvements is three years and it is anticipated to start in 2020. CPA is the funding source.

The other big CPA project for the Port of Saipan is the $6-million improvement to the main access road at the port entrance.

The only entrance and exit into the main port is in dire need of repair; in rainy season, the area floods into the Customs Division parking lot, Mobil office and security guard house. Vehicles and cargo truck pass through about 6 to 8 inches of standing water.

“This will repave the entire road from the intersection across the Shell gas station to the three-way traffic light across MH1 and MH2,” CPA said.

The project entails improving the drainage system, adding a ponding basin, and repaving the road.

CPA underscored the need to repave the road as it is littered with potholes that causes safety concerns for cargoes entering and exiting the main port.

The project duration is two years and its funding source is CPA/CNMI Grants Office.

The two other projects are the $3-million north and south seaplane ramp-road paving and the $1-million upgrade and replacement of the Ports Police harbor patrol 27-foot boat.

On the seaplane ramp-road, CPA said it is partially paved and is a safety hazard to tourists that frequent the area, and customers receiving and delivering cargo to inter-island shipping companies.

CPA said the only designated dry dock area also needs improvement.

The project is anticipated in 2020, with CPA as the funding source.

CPA said it also needs to secure a new harbor patrol boat as the current one is over 10 years old and is inoperable.

CPA said the boat is a critical asset of the CPA in terms of emergency response capabilities.

The project duration is 12 months, with CPA as the funding source.

CPA executive director Christopher S. Tenorio said the Strategic Planning outlines what the staff and management have identified as priorities that CPA will pursue over the next four years.

The post Four CPA projects worth $16.2M for Saipan port appeared first on Saipan News, Headlines, Events, Ads | Saipan Tribune.

Over 80 join the first ever Public School System’s administrative staff professional development training Saturday. (Erwin Encinares)

Over 80 administrative and support staff participated in the Public School System’s first ever administrative staff professional development training held over the weekend at the Pacific Islands Club Saipan.

PSS has always hosted professional development training for its teachers but last Saturday’s event was specifically intended for administrative support PSS personnel. A total of 85 administrative staff from Saipan, Tinian, and Rota attended the training that included topics such as innovative technology training, mindfulness training, customer service training, and even non-violent verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques, among several others.

“We believe that learning catalyzes growth and improvement. Over the years, PSS has created opportunities for its teacher, administrators, counselors, and librarians; however, there has never been a focused, district-wide professional development just for administrative support staff who play a critical role in the daily operations of PSS schools and offices,” PSS director of instructional technology Dr. Bobby Cruz noted in a statement.

PSS associate commissioner Dr. Yvonne Pangelinan also pointed out that with April being the Administrative Professionals Month, it is only fitting for PSS to have developmental training for the support staff.

“We wanted to offer an opportunity to the administrative professionals in our school district—the ones in the school buildings and in the central office—to engage in some training so that they can improve their skills,” Pangelinan said in an interview.

Pangelinan also spoke about de-escalation techniques at the training.

“It’s really all about them, and they are usually in the office taking care of everything and they never have the chance to come together and have an opportunity to grow professionally, so the students and support services wanted to give them that chance to gain more skills,” she said.

One of the attendees, PSS finance office accountant Joserine Mendiola, said, “We’ve needed this for awhile.”

Mendiola has been with PSS for a total of five years.

“It’s not very often that they gather administrative professionals in a venue like this to brainstorm, collaborate, and try and find ways to grow,” she said. “A lot of the training revolved around a fixed and growth mindset thinking and how to expand your perspective on daily challenges.”

“It’s nice to hear that there are other people in the organization who are going through the same challenges and it’s nice to get feedback from people who have overcome those challenges,” she added.

“We as [administrative staff] don’t have trainings as opposed to other agencies where they send their [staff] abroad,” said Personal Responsibility Education Program administrative officer Crispin Deleon Guerrero Jr., who has been with PSS for three years. “With this program, PSS is able to give us the resources we need and also allows to reflect on how important we are as well as their expectations.”

The post Over 80 join PSS’ first dev’t training program for staff appeared first on Saipan News, Headlines, Events, Ads | Saipan Tribune.

U.S. federal team in the CNMI. (Contributed Photo)

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Last week in the CNMI, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres hosted Doug Domenech, U.S. Department of the Interior assistant secretary, Insular and International Affairs, and a federal delegation for the second meeting in a formal Section 902 Consultation process in regard to the Department of Homeland Security’s review of existing parole policies related to tourism.

“We appreciate our federal partners for taking the time to come all the way from Washington, D.C. to discuss critical issues that affect our economic viability and tourism industry. During this second round of talks, our CNMI team invited our local Legislature, law enforcement officials, tourism industry leaders, and healthcare providers to discuss further collaboration with our federal partners,” said Torres.

“I am pleased that my federal colleagues from the departments of Homeland Security, State, Defense, and the Office of Management and Budget were able to meet in the CNMI as we collectively discussed federal parole policies,” said Domenech.

Following the 902 Consultation and meetings on Saipan on Tuesday, April 2, 2019, the federal delegation also met with officials on Tinian.

The 902 consultation process is authorized by Section 902 of the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America, and codified in 48 U.S.C. Section 1801, which defines the unique relationship between the CNMI and the United States.

In response to a formal request from the CNMI government on Oct. 19, 2018, the Section 902 consultation process was invoked to discuss discretionary parole policies.

President Donald J. Trump appointed Domenech to be the federal government’s representative on the panel.

The first meeting of this particular 902 consultation took place in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 28, 2019.

Domenech and the federal team anticipate providing a report to Torres by April 21, 2019. (PR)

The post Second Section 902 meeting takes place on Saipan appeared first on Saipan News, Headlines, Events, Ads | Saipan Tribune.

A bench warrant has been issued for two men who were allegedly involved in a theft in Kagman back in November after they failed to show up in court.

Amado Kereman and Demson Sachuo, both 18, failed to appear before the court last Monday for a status conference.

Superior Court Presiding Judge Robert Naraja issued a bench warrant for both men and a bail of $1,000 was imposed, along with it.

However, Sachuo’s bench warrant was held in abeyance as requested by his lawyer.

Both men have been charged with conspiracy, burglary, and theft and criminal mischief.

According to court information, police responded to a burglary in progress on Nov. 27, 2018, at 2:28am in Kagman 3, behind the CYC store.

Police identified the suspects as Kereman and Sachuo.

Kereman refused to give a statement to the police, but Sachuo allegedly admitted that it was his idea to break into a neighbor’s house.

During the preliminary hearing, it was learned that Kereman allegedly conspired with Sachuo to burglarize the neighboring home while two other suspects stayed back.

The two other suspects, however, allegedly warned Kereman and Sachuo when flashing lights were seen from a distance

Sachuo told police that he and Kereman took a backpack, a small lamp, and batteries from the house.

It was learned during the preliminary hearing that other stolen items included perfume, watches, and domino chips that have yet to be recovered.

The stolen items came out to a sum of $1,258, excluding repairs to the burglarized home.

The post Warrant out for two men in alleged theft appeared first on Saipan News, Headlines, Events, Ads | Saipan Tribune.

The 38th Flame Tree Arts Festival, which starts tomorrow in Susupe, would highlight not only the Chamorro and Carolinian cultures, but also that of Korean, Japanese, and Chinese cultures, among many others.

“We are trying to showcase every culture that is here in the CNMI,” said Commonwealth Council of Arts and Culture executive director Parker Yobei. “[This is so that] we can share our cultures and have an understanding of each other’s culture.”

He pointed out that there are some similarities among different Pacific island cultures.

The 38th Flame Tree Arts Festival will be held at the Civic Center Beach Park Canoe House in Susupe starting tomorrow, from 5pm to 10pm; 5pm to 12pm on Friday; 10am to 10pm on Saturday; and 12pm to 8pm on Sunday.

“It’s like a party for artists,” Yobei said, noting that the festival continues to grow.

According to Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Robert Hunter, this year’s festival will have 110 booths.

Yobei said this is similar to that of previous years—and possibly even more.

“It was almost the same, only this year we did not expect that much participation from our artists because of the recent Super Typhoon Yutu,” he said. “We were really surprised that a lot of the artists came out and [participated] in the festival.”

“It is a very good sign. …When we get that kind of participation, it means that we are doing something right,” Yobei added.

The post 38th Flame Tree Arts Festival will highlight several cultures appeared first on Saipan News, Headlines, Events, Ads | Saipan Tribune.