Marianas Variety - March 12 edition by Alexie Zotomayor

Tuesday • March 12, 2013

www.mvariety.com Serving the CNMI for 40 Years

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PHILIPPINES/ASIA

NATION

ENTERTAINMENT

Mobil rolls back gas prices

Malaysia told to clear reports of abuses

History suggests Detroit bid to avoid state takeover is futile

Disney’s ‘Oz’ prequel scores box office gold

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House to amend law raising hotel-occupancy tax By Emmanuel T. Erediano emmanuel.erediano@mvariety.com Variety News Staff

THE law raising the hotel-occupancy tax by 5 percent was the first signed by Gov. Eloy S. Inos, but the House leadership says it needs to be amended as soon as possible. Inos and Lt. G o v . Jude U. H o f schneider invited members of both houses of the Legislature, officials of the Marianas Visitors Authority and the Hotel Association of Northern Marina Islands to witness the signing of House Bill 18-2, now Continued on page 22

SPLASH. A young tourist enjoys the water near the Wave Jungle pool slide at the Saipan World Resort.

Yumul says Inos letter to US Labor is premature such a letter and that, because of the lack of skills training programs here, U.S. Labor may not grant the GOVERNOR Eloy S. Inos has sent commonwealth’s request. acting U.S. Labor SecreYumul said he also suptary Seth D. Harris a letter ports an extension, but he expressing his full support believes training programs for U.S. Congressman to develop the local workGregorio Kilili Camacho force in the islands should Sablan’s request to extend be in place first. the federalization transi“The timing [of the tion period for five more request] is just not right Ralph Yumul now,” he said. years. But Rep. Ralph N. YuThe transition period is mul, IR-Saipan, says it is too early set to end on Dec. 31, 2014. for the CNMI government to send Yumul said the Northern MariBy Emmanuel T. Erediano emmanuel.erediano@mvariety.com Variety News Staff

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anas Trade Institute, which aims to address local manpower needs, did not get a portion of the fees collected by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services from CW applications. USCIS remitted the funds to the CNMI government so it could develop a local labor pool. Yumul said the Public School System and Northern Marianas College got $500,000 each from the $1.8 million USCIS remitted to the Department of Finance, but then-Gov. Benigno R. Fitial Continued on page 22

Photo by Raquel C. Bagnol

Inos names Pete A. special policy advisor, appoints Frica to MPLT board rowly defeated him in the CNMI’s first delegate election in 2008. The governor said “in pursuing a more accountable and more transparent government, this administration has decided to engage the services of a longtime public servant, a person who served the commonwealth for many Pete Tenorio years as lt. governor and as Washington representative.” Inos expressed the hope that Tenorio will help his administration address many of the isMaria Pangelinan sues facing the CNMI.

By Emmanuel T. Erediano emmanuel.erediano@mvariety.com Variety News Staff

GOVERNOR Eloy S. Inos yesterday announced the appointment of former Lt. Gov. Pete A. Tenorio as the new senior policy advisor and former Sen. Maria Frica T. Pangelinan as a member of the Marianas Public Land Trust board. Tenorio, a former Congress of Micronesia member, Covenant negotiator and Washington representative, vowed to work closely with U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan who nar-

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TUESDAY - MARCH 12, 2013 - MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS

Archaeologist says migration to Marianas longest ocean-crossing in human history By Alexie Villegas Zotomayor avz@mvariety.com Variety News Staff

THE establishment of human settlements in the Marianas 3,500 years ago required long-distance migration and may perhaps have involved the longest ocean-crossing in human history. Dr. Michael T. Carson and Dr. Hsiao-chun Hung from Australian National University in Canberra continue to make progress with their archaeological study north of the House of Taga on Tinian as they

examine what may be the earliest human habitation in the region. Carson told Variety that previously, archaeologists concluded that the first remote-distance island settlement occurred in Melanesia and Polynesia about 3000-2800 years ago. “Now we have found solid evidence of a significantly earlier settlement in the Marianas, plus it required an even longer distance of migration across the ocean, more than 2000 km from the nearest inhabited area,” said Carson.

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For Carson, “That constituted the longest ocean-crossing in human history of its time 3500 years ago.” He said that 3,500 years ago no other place was inhabited in the remote Pacific Islands. “The closest inhabited areas were more than 2,000 km distant in the Philippines.” The area north of the House of Tage on Tinian where Carson and Hung are currently working was the site where Fr. Marcian Pellette uncovered finely decorated pottery — the earliest pottery of the Marianas — in the 1950s. Following Fr. Pellete’s lead, Carson and Hung returned to the site in Dec. 2011 where they initially uncovered human remains in six burial sites. This month, the couple found some more partial human remains in five burial sites. Carson said, “The only burial features were in the upper layer of the site, associated with the latte sets of this area, dated approximately in the range of 1,000 through 300 years ago. All of the bones are staying in Tinian for respectful reburial as soon as possible.” He said that in the lower and older layers at the site, “We found abundant artifacts and midden, as well as remains of house structures.” Carson said that the primary goal of their research is to learn about the most ancient habitation layer, dated nearly 3,500 years ago. “We continue to uncover this lowest layer of the site, so we do not yet know all of the final details. So far, though, we are seeing a good picture of the shape of an ancient house floor and living area, composed of cobbles and boulders arranged as paving. Some of the cobbles and boulders were positioned in circular patterns as bracings for house-posts. We are finding concentrations of plentiful broken pieces of pottery, shell and stone tools, shell ornaments, and discarded food remains,” Carson told Variety. The project is significant, Carson

Dr. Michael T. Carson and his wife Dr. Hsiao-chun Hung from Australian National University in Canberra pose by the House of Taga on Tinian in Dec. 2011. Photo by Dr. Hiro Kurashina

said, for learning about the first people who lived in these islands. “At that time, 3,500 years ago, no other people were living in the remote Pacific Islands, so these ancient sites in the Mariana Islands give us valuable information about this critical point in human history. Other sites in Tinian, Saipan, and Guam all confirm this early dating and much the same intriguing early artifacts, including a distinctive red-slipped pottery with finely made decorations.” Pottery trail The Carson couple sees a pottery trail extending from the Philippines to the Marianas. Carson said, “Based on what we know so far in these different regions, we can trace a ‘pottery trail’ from Island Southeast Asia into the Pacific.” He said the oldest trace was in the Philippines about 3,800 years ago or maybe earlier. “The oldest in the remote Pacific Islands, however, was in the Marianas about 3500 years ago,” added Carson. He explained to Variety that in the decorated pottery of both the Philippines and the Marianas, there were many of the same design motifs shared at the same time 3,500 years ago. Carson said that the decorative style appeared in the Philippines at least 3,800 years ago or perhaps

earlier and this style appeared for the first time in the Marianas 3,500 years ago. “We do not see the same type of pottery in any other parts of the Asia-Pacific region until slightly later,” he said. He also described as “vaguely similar” other decorative styles about 3,100-3,000 years ago in parts of Indonesia. “A more elaborate form of the same core design system is found in ‘Lapita’ pottery of the Bismarck Archipelago (east of New Guinea) about 3,400-3,300 years ago, and then it continues to be found 3,0002,800 years ago elsewhere in Island Melanesia and West Polynesia,” said Carson. He told Variety that they are just beginning to learn about these connections. “We are re-thinking much of what previously was thought about the first people to inhabit the remote Pacific Islands,” he said. The research being conducted by Carson and Hung is funded by the Chiang Ching Kuo Foundation and the Australia Research Council. The Northern Marianas Humanities Council is inviting the public to listen to Carson’s and Hung’s public presentation at the American Memorial Park on the preliminary findings of their research on the earliest habitation sites in the Marianas on March 16 at 6 p.m.

Historic Preservation Office and Tinian Mayor’s Office employees assist at the excavation site north of the House of Taga on Tinian. Photo by Dr. Michael T. Carson MV 3-12-13.indd 2

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MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS - TUESDAY - MARCH 12, 2013

Mobil rolls back gas prices By Emmanuel T. Erediano emmanuel.erediano@mvariety.com Variety News Staff

AFTER reaching $5.20 last month, the price of Mobil Oil Marianas’ regular gas per gallon was reduced by 10 cents at 3 p.m. yesterday. Shell is expected to follow suit. Mobil’s premium gas price is now $5.42 per gallon, down by 10 cents, but the price of diesel remains $5.51. Bret Halstead, general helper at Wonder Sea Venture, said it’s always nice to see the gas prices go down “because it helps our business a little bit.” He said the roll-back will also reduce the price of other commodities and services. “It’s kind of hard when the prices were going up,” said Halstead who bought $100 worth of regular gas for the boats his

company uses in marine sports activities. Diana Romolor, an accountant, said she hopes there will be another price roll-back. She

Repeat offender who appeared in court intoxicated gets 6 months By Andrew O. De Guzman andrew.deguzman@mvariety.com Variety News Staff

SUPERIOR Court Judge Joseph N. Camacho the imposed maximum sentence of six months in prison without parole on Jesse James Iglesias Lisua, 30, who admitted the charge of criminal contempt. On Dec. 3, 2012, Lisua showed up for his probation review hearing in Superior Court, “with a blood alcohol level of .206, almost three times the legal limit for driving a car.” Camacho said Lisua willfully and unlawfully refused to follow a previous judgment and commitment order which forbade him from consuming alcohol during his probationary period. In June 2012, Lisua was placed on one year of probation for assaulting his girlfriend. Camacho said: “The defendant is a repeat offender. [Lisua] chose to come to court intoxicated and flaunt his disrespect and disregard of the court’s order. His previous conviction required that he abstain from the consumption of alcohol. The defendant openly admits in court that he understood there was a court order

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prohibiting him from consuming alcohol, yet he knowingly violated the court’s order. Court orders are not suggestions that can be disregarded whenever a defendant feels like it. The knowing disregard of a court order is a sign of disrespect to the court which cannot go unpunished. To impress upon [Lisua] to fully understand that court orders must be followed or there will be consequences, [the] court imposes the full maximum possible sentence for criminal contempt.” But the court credited Lisua’s time served at the Department of Corrections. Upon release from prison, Lisua will be placed on one year of probation. He will undergo anger-management counseling. He is prohibited from consuming, purchasing, or possessing alcohol or any controlled substances, and he must disassociate himself from persons or establishments using, promoting or selling similar items. Moreover, Lisua will complete 100 hours of community work service. Assistant Attorney General Jacinta Kaipat prosecuted the case while Assistant Public Defender Benjamin Petersburg served as Lisua’s counsel.

said it’s too hard whenever gas prices go up. “I know it rolled back today, but it should go even lower,” she said.

Local / Pacific Islands

US bank quitting American Samoa PAGO PAGO (Radio Australia) The U.S. Federal Reserve has — A United States congressman called a regional meeting to discuss representing American Samoa is the pullout. appealing to the Bank of Hawaii to Faleomavaega said the bank was remain in the territory for another a multi-billion-dollar institution, 12 months. the largest in its state.”I’m sure The bank will withdraw its if they were not making a profit services from American they would have pulled Samoa within days. out long ago.” That leaves the territory He said American Sawith only one financial inmoa wants a chance to stitution, the ANZ Bank. find another bank. “I’m Congressman Eni Fatalking about the needs leomavaega told Radio of some 70,000 people,” Australia’s Pacific Beat including American SaEni the bank has operated in moans who used the American Samoa for 44 Faleomavaega bank to send remittances years and the people need home. an American bank. American Samoa is an unin“Just to leave us, like flat, with- corporated territory of the United out even proper consultation,” States and is entitled to elect one he said. “All we’re asking for is delegate to the U.S. House of a chance to transition the whole Representatives. A Democrat, situation at least for a 12-month Faleomavaega has held the role period.” since 1989.

Joaquin Arriola in jail for setting cooler, wooden benches on fire By Andrew O. De Guzman andrew.deguzman@mvariety.com Variety News Staff

POLICE arrested Joaquin T. Arriola, 38, for setting a cooler and wooden benches on fire using a butane gas stove in the outside kitchen of the former Elephant barracks in Chalan Kanoa on Tun Joaquin Doi Road, Friday night. Other tenants at the scene extinguished the fire prior to the arrival of firefighting units. There were no injuries involved. There was also no structural damage to the establishment due to the quick response of the other tenants, according to a statement released by the office of the Department of Public Safety commissioner. Arriola was arrested by Detectives Patrick I. George, the case agent, and Alexander T. Sakisat the next day at 12:30 p.m. at Payless Supermarket in Chalan Kanoa. Prior to the incident, a witness told police that she was with Arriola who was drinking beer at the time, together with his girlfriend and another woman between 10 and 10:30 p.m. on Friday. Arriola’s girlfriend asked the accused if she could go somewhere with the other female, but Arriola said no. But Arriola’s girlfriend went ahead and left with the other female anyway. The witness, for her part, went to the back of the barracks where she hung out with family members. Continued on page 22

Nick Norita arrested for assaulting wife By Andrew O. De Guzman andrew.deguzman@mvariety.com Variety News Staff

NICK San Nicolas Norita, 30, struck his wife with a plastic stool after she declined to bring him an orange juice because she was tired from watching their young daughter on the early morning of March 6, 2013. Superior Court Judge David A. Wiseman retained the $6,250 bail order he earlier imposed on Norita. Assistant Attorney General Jacinta Kaipat represented the government while Assistant Public Defender Daniel Guidotti was appointed as Norita’s counsel. Norita was arrested on charges of disturbing the peace, assault and battery, and assault with a dangerous weapon. Detective Peter A. Aldan told the court the first incident occurred at the couple’s residence in Chalan Kanoa between 4 and 5 a.m.. Norita took a plastic stool and threw it at his wife who was lying in bed next to her daughter. The plastic stool broke into pieces after Norita threw it at her, police said. To avoid more conflict, the wife made orange juice, Norita drank it and slept afterward.

While Norita was sleeping, the wife called 911, but she was afraid he might hear her so she only dialed 911 and did not say anything on the phone. The wife was hoping police would see her number and send officers to their residence. She again called 911 at around 7 a.m. but just hung up, Aldan told the court. Later on the same day, Norita twice struck his wife in the chest with a closed fist twice while they were in a vehicle on As Gonno Road . He was driving. The daughter, who asked his father to stop assaulting her mother, witnessed Norita hitting his wife in the chest. When they arrived home, Norita went straight into the house while the wife had to unbuckle her daughter from the back seat. Norita told his wife to go inside but she took her daughter and ran to New CK Market where she asked the cashier to call 911. Escorted by police officers, she returned home to gather her personal belongings. Police said Norita shouted at his wife, was uncooperative and was subsequently arrested by responding Police Officers Christopher Santos and Jesus Cepeda. 3/11/13 11:58 PM

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TUESDAY - MARCH 12, 2013 - MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS

Mark Camacho arrested for beating up girlfriend By Andrew O. De Guzman andrew.deguzman@mvariety.com Variety News Staff

MARK Alan Palacios Camacho, 27, was arrested for beating up his girlfriend on March 9, 2013. Responding Officers Jess Cepeda and John Wabol were attending to a separate domestic violence incident at the Dandan baseball field when they were flagged down by a woman at 3:49 p.m. The woman’s eyes were bloodshot and there was a slight bruising from her right jaw to the tip of her lip as well as swelling and bruises around her left eye. Moreover, she had a scratch on her forehead along with some minor cuts on her lip. The woman told police her two minor children were at home and witnessed how Camacho assaulted her. One of the children later told police that his father choked his

Credit Union audit still ongoing By Alexie Villegas Zotomayor avz@mvariety.com Variety News Staff

THE Commonwealth Government Employees Credit Union may finally have its books audited after three years. Press Secretary and Credit Union Board Chairman Angel Demapan said it is “currently being audited by Deloitte pursuant to a contract awarded them by the Office of the Public Auditor.” Variety earlier reported that the Credit Union will be able to look into withdrawal applications made by its members as soon as the audit is completed. According to Demapan, “The auditors have been combing through pertinent documents of the Credit Union over the past couple of weeks.” He said Angel Demapan they anticipate sometime this week or next week, “the auditors will be able to give the Credit Union a projected time frame for the completion of the audit.” “As the Credit Union disclosed earlier, once this long awaited audit is completed, the Credit Union will then take the necessary steps to address members’ requests,” said Demapan. Aside from Demapan, the other Credit Union board members are Michelle Tagabuel and Darlene Igisomar. Last year, there were requests made by Credit Union members to pull their money out; however, due to the board’s lack of quorum and the need to conduct the audit, no request has been approved yet. MV 3-12-13.indd 4

mother, pulled her hair, slapped, and punched her. Prior to the incident, the woman said she woke up her children and asked if they had eaten. At the time, Camacho also woke up, got mad and went with the children to the kitchen. When he returned to the bedroom, he slapped his girlfriend twice, then began punching, kicking and pulling her hair. The woman’s mother, who lives next door, tried to stop the assault but to no avail. Camacho continued beating his girlfriend moving from the bedroom to the kitchen area. She tried to call 911, but Camacho took the phone away and broke it. Camacho then followed her and continued beating her by pulling her hair and choking her. Meanwhile, her mother found another phone and contacted the

police. Camacho at the time was throwing things out the door and cutting his girlfriend’s clothes with a knife. The responding officers were trying to recover those items when Office Cepeda found a couple of marijuana trees at the residence. The girlfriend told police the marijuana plants belonged to Camacho. Yesterday, Superior Court Judge David A. Wiseman retained the $10,000 bail order on Camacho who was arrested on charges of disturbing the peace, assault and battery, criminal mischief, and illegal possession of a controlled substance. Wiseman remanded Camacho to the custody of the Department of Corrections following his initial appearance and bail hearing. Assistant Attorney General Nicole Driscoll represented the government while Assistant Public Defender Matthew Meyer was appointed as Camacho’s counsel.

CPA board courtesy resignations still under review by Gov. Eloy S. Inos. Demapan said, “When a vacancy exists on the board, the governor THE courtesy resignations made is then able to make new nominaby the members of the Com- tions to the Senate for their advice monwealth Ports Authority board and consent.” remain under review. In Jan. 2013, the CPA board Press Secretary Anmembers indicated that gel Demapan said, “The if the then-governor were governor has received impeached and convicted, courtesy resignations from then they would have the CPA board members. to submit their courtesy These resignation letters resignations. are still under advisement The CPA board recently at this time.” elected its officers and exDemapan said that as Jose Lifoifoi pressed confidence in Jose soon as the governor and lt. gov- R. Lifoifoi’s leadership. ernor have completed their review, Prior to resigning their posts, the “a decision on these courtesy CPA board members were Lifoifoi, resignations will be forthcoming.” Manuel P. Villagomez, Margarita Variety asked Demapan how T. Prater, Benigno M. Sablan, soon replacements can be made if Barry Toves, Fermin M. Sakisat these resignations were accepted and Concepcion O. Igisomar. By Alexie Villegas Zotomayor avz@mvariety.com Variety News Staff

Representative Yumul urges banks to support $13.1M federal loan program nesses that would like to expand or increase their inventory; however, he pointed out that most of them are THE success of the federal loan pro- having cash flow challenges. gram that has so far deployed over The vice chairman of the House $305 million in funds across the U.S. Commerce Committee, Yumul said hinges on the support of the banks the State Small Business Credit and lending companies. Initiative program may give small Believing that the $13.1 million businesses a much needed boost. federal loan program will help The lawmaker joins the CDA and turn things around for the CNMI the CNMI Department of Commerce economy, Rep. Ralph N.Yumul, Ind.- in encouraging the banks’ participaSaipan, has called for the banks’ and tion to the program. lending companies’ participation. Earlier, U.S. Treasury-State Small During his visit to the Business Credit Initiative Commonwealth Developoutreach manager David ment Authority office last Rixter and Michigan Ecoweek,Yumul told Variety, “I nomic Development Corp. did take a position in the last vice president Paul Brown joint leadership meeting and met with the banks and the told the governor directly to lending companies at the leverage our banks in the Ralph Yumul CDA office to discuss the CNMI to participate.” program. He added, “It is money that has Brown, who was part of the been sitting in the CNMI Treasury successful private-public finance for more than a year and we haven’t programs in Michigan during the done anything with it.” auto bailouts, encouraged the banks He was referring to the $4.35 mil- to consider the program touting its lion initial disbursement of the $13.1 simplicity. million State Small Business Credit Brown also encouraged bank exInitiative program funds given to the ecutives to contact him should they CNMI last year. need more information regarding the He said he asked his fellow law- loan programs. makers and the governor “to be more With $13.1 million allocated to aggressive with the banks, at least the CNMI, it is expected that the encourage them to lend out money program will make available over and give it out to starting businesses.” $130 million in private financing Yumul said there are a lot of busi- in the CNMI in the next five years. By Alexie Villegas Zotomayor avz@mvariety.com Variety News Staff

Corrections S&Sun Corporation did not change its name to FSM Recycling Saipan Inc. as incorrectly stated in the Monday news story, “Flores, Camacho Verbal Tussle Heats Up.” But S&S Sun’s new name is now ARA Corp. Another story, “Aldan Family Joins Adopt-A-Place Program To Help Attract More Tourists,” incorrectly stated that Lily and Ed Manalili are from the Francisco C. Aldan family. They are with the Ignacio C. Aldan family.

The guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen arrives to participate in the annual joint military exercises, dubbed Key Resolve, between South Korea and the United States, as South Korean navy sailors wave South Korean and U.S. national flags at a naval port in Donghae, South Korea on Saturday. AP

Pentagon: US will remain a Pacific power By Alexie Villegas Zotomayor avz@mvariety.com Variety News Staff

EVEN with budget cuts, the United States will continue to be committed to the Asia Pacific region and will remain a Pacific power. Lt. Col. Cathy Wilkinson, Defense Press Officer for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, told Variety, “The president has made clear that the rebalance to the Asia-Pacific is a whole-of-government effort. The rebalance is a result of our enduring U.S. interests in the Asia-Pacific region. Those enduring interests will not change, nor will our commitment to the security of our allies and partners. The United States is and will remain a Pacific power.” For fiscal year 2013, the sequester calls for a total of $85.4 billion in U.S. budget cuts, $42.7 billion of which in defense cuts. Wilkinson said, “The budget constraints of sequestration would require a change in the pace and scope of some of the Department of Defense’s activities in the AsiaPacific, but not the priority of the region to the United States.” She said that sequestration would require unavoidable reduc-

tions in daily operations, readiness, and maintenance activities. “However, we will continue to deploy our best trained forces to the Asia-Pacific region and maintain our capacity to respond to a full range of possible contingencies,” Wilkinson said. She acknowledged, however, “Clearly, sequestration would create turbulence across a range of our activities. That turbulence will have to be managed.” Wilkinson said that over the long term, “we will ensure that our commitments to the region are met.” The Pentagon, through Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter, earlier stated in a release that it has the resources to implement the new strategy despite concerns about tight budgets. The pivot to Asia and the Pacific will have the U.S. Navy move 60 percent of its assets to the Pacific by 2020, have 2,500 Marines in Australia on a rotational basis, station Littoral Combat Ships in Singapore, and transfer Marines from Okinawa to Guam. The pivot to Asia strategy, according to earlier reports, aims at building capabilities of U.S. allies and developing a broader politicomilitary relationship with China. 3/11/13 11:58 PM

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TUESDAY - MARCH 12, 2013 - MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS

Chamber says no to tax amnesty, rebate reduction free-ride days are over, and government should act accordingly,” Sablan said. THE Saipan Chamber of ComThe chamber also does not supmerce does not support the port the proposal to reduce rebates proposed tax amnesty for those to individuals and corporations by who violated the CNMI revenue 20 percent as a means to lengthen and Tax compliance laws or the retirement benefits being paid to 20 percent reduction of rebates former government employees as to lengthen the Retirement Fund well as lengthening the life of the benefits paid to former government Retirement Fund. employees. “We are cognizant how much In a statement, chamber presi- that money in circulation means dent Alex A. Sablan said a to our local economy and tax amnesty tolerates “bad the people that spend that business behavior.” money in our businesses “Just because there may but realistically, to dehave been some very limcrease future investment ited success in the past, potential is not worth the that doesn’t necessarily cost,” Sablan said. translate to letting violaThe practical approach tors off the hook again. Alex Sablan is to reduce retirement It sends a bad message to benefits not “tax the inour law-abiding business owners, nocent,” he added. and it sets a dangerous precedent,” “We collectively know what Sablan said. got ourselves into this mess, but The government also loses we shouldn’t have the innocent revenue it would collect through majority of taxpayers pay again for fines and interest, and it should just laws passed to correct errors made enforce existing tax and revenue in the past. Again, throwing good laws, he added. money after bad may not be in the “The idea that amnesty is more best interests of all,” Sablan said. cost-effective than writing off bad He said both measures are more debts ignores the fact that govern- political than practical approaches ment should be apprehending vio- to real economic realities. lators, prosecuting them, seizing “We want to meet with the assets and collecting money owed Legislature and the administration the government. The fringe benefit to offer what we see as prudent is that people will start paying their taxes like they should. The Continued on page 7 By Raquel C. Bagnol raquel.bagnol@mvariety.com Variety News Staff

Incoming Consul of Japan Koji Hino, second left, with Saipan Mayor Donald G. Flores, outgoing Consul Tsutomu Higuchi and the mayor’s adviser, Henry Hofschneider. Photo by Junhan B. Todeno

New Japan consul meets Saipan mayor By Junhan B. Todeno junhan.todeno@mvariety.com Variety News Staff

JAPAN’S new consul to Saipan paid a courtesy visit yesterday to Mayor Donald G. Flores and assured him that he will “continue the good relationship” that his predecessor established with the municipal government. Koji Hino, who will officially assume his post on Thursday, was accompanied by outgoing Japan Consul Tsutomu Higuchi. “I will do my best to strengthen

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands State Board of Education

Public School System P.O. Box 501370, Saipan, MP 96950

InvItatIon for BId PSS IfB 13-016 “Printing of PSS BOE Approved Standards Based Assessment (SBA) Tests Booklets and Answer Sheets” The CNMI Public School System is soliciting competitive sealed bids from individuals or firms interested to mass print the “PSS BOE Approved Standards Based Assessment (SBA) Test booklets and Answer Sheets.” The Scope of Work will be available on March 5, 2013 at the PSS Procurement & Supply Office located on the 1st floor of the PSS Headquarters, Susupe, Saipan, MP 96950. There will be a Mandatory Pre-bid Meeting on March 14, 2013 at the PSS Office of Instructional Services, 9:00 a.m. Questions may be faxed to Mr. Fasefulu Tigilau PSS Assessment Program Coordinator at (670) 664-3796 or e-mailed to fasefulu. tigilau@cnmipss.org no later than March 19, 2013 at 4:30 P.M. Bids must be placed on a sealed envelope marked “IFB 13-016 Standard Based Assessment” containing one (1) original and three (3) copies and submitted to the PSS Procurement and Supply Office no later than March 22, 2013 at 9:00 A.M. at which time bids, will be publicly opened. The lowest bidder will be subject to a Responsibility Determination pursuant to PSS Procurement Regulation Section 60-40-240. Any bids received after the aforementioned date and time will not be accepted. /s/ Rita A. Sablan, Ed.D. Commissioner of Education

/s/ Robert Florian Procurement and Supply Officer

our relationship,” Hino told Flores during a meeting that was also attended by the mayor’s adviser, Henry Hofschneider. Flores said his office appreciates its “happy collaboration” with the Japanese government. “I look forward to working harmoniously with your office,” the mayor told the new consul, adding that Higuchi has been very helpful to the mayor’s office. Higuchi said he was happy to establish a good relationship between his office and the island.

“I feel sorry that I have to leave my post but I am sure the incoming consul will continue to strengthen our good relationship,” he said. On Thursday, a farewell party in his honor will be held in the Fiesta Hall of Hafadai Beach Hotel at 5:30 p.m. During this event, Higuchi said Hino will be officially introduced to the Saipan community with his wife. Flores invited Higuchi to always feel free to visit Saipan and make the island his second home.

Guam to update school action plan Fernandez said. In 2003, the Guam Education Board adopted an earlier version HAGÅTÑA — The Guam De- of the plan after the passage of partment of Education’s five-year Public Law 26-167 Section 3127 District Action Plan — or DAP, a mandated its development. strategic blueprint for the entire The 2003 DAP established the department — is up for renewal direction and details for improving this year. academic performance in reading, The department said that the math, and language arts utilizing final product will not be shelved the No Child Left Behind Act of and instead will be ac2001 as a framework. tively used as a guide for The 2003 plan has schools and offices within major components, contheir purview. stituting standards and asGDOE Superintensessment, a reading-first dent Jon Fernandez said initiative, personnel qualpeople who have been ity and accountability, with the department over home school connection, time reported that earlier Jon Fernandez federal state and local versions of the DAP were programs, system-wide not used on an active basis. For needs and assessment, and a him, this makes it difficult to go school-wide indicator system. through earlier versions of the plan Fernandez said the entire process to effectively validate its impact. has to be done by mid-summer. “I think this is the shared senti- Over the next few months, he said, ment of those who have been here the department will be engaging the in the system and who have had community, education board, and a part in creating it and evaluat- other stakeholders in the convering our progress. Lots of plans sation to identify priorities in the in government are like that ... coming years. sometimes they sit on the shelf. A Fernandez said the review probunch of recommendations were cess entails looking at past district not implemented because we didn’t action plans, which were very maintain it as an active document,” program-centered. By Louella Losinio louella@mvguam.com Variety News Staff

Marianas Variety News & Views is circulated by home and office delivery throughout Saipan, Rota, Tinian, Guam and Palau as well as mail delivery to the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, South Pacific, Hawaii, Japan and the U.S. Daily coverage also can be read from our Web site via www.mvariety.com. MV 3-12-13.indd 6

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Kagman senior student accepted society of scholars By Junhan B. Todeno junhan.todeno@mvariety.com Variety News Staff

A KAGMAN High School student has been selected for membership in the National Society of High School Scholars for her achievements and scholastic excellence. The announcement was made by NSHSS founder and Chairman Claes Nobel, a senior member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes. “On behalf of NSHSS, I am honored to recognize the hard work, sacrifice and commitment that Ashley has demonstrated to achieve this exceptional level

Chamber... Continued from page 6 alternatives to the government’s need to find revenue,” he said. According to Sablan, despite some recent good news concerning potential investment in the CNMI, there is a need to be realistic about laws and regulations that would unintentionally harm what many see as a slight glimmer of hope surfacing with that new investment.

of academic excellence,” Nobel said, adding that Babauta is now a member of a unique community of scholars, a community that represents the very best hope for the future. NHSS President James Lewis said their vision is to build a dynamic international organization that connects members with meaningful content, resources and opportunities. “We aim to help students like Ashley build on their academic success and enhance those skills and desires to have a positive impact on the global community,” he said. In an interview, Babauta said

“The CNMI Legislature and administration still need to focus on government spending as the Number One offender to fiscal responsibility, and although we have good reason to expect such with the new governor and the 18th Legislature, there are still some messages coming from the Hill that indicate plans that are not in everyone’s best interests,” Sablan said. He noted that there’s always

her membership to the society of scholars will help her in her

educational pursuits. “My hard work paid off,” she added. A senior student, Babauta said she will study criminal justice in college and avail herself of the scholarship program offered by the society. To other students who want to be accepted into the society, Babauta encouraged them to be more confident and motivated always. She is the daughter of Urbano D. Babauta Jr and Lavena C. Babauta of Kagman III. Her mother said: “We fully support her educational endeavors. We are always there for her. As parents, we are there to guide and encourage

educational achievements so she can be fully prepared to face the challenges of the world.” According to Lewis, membership in the NSHSS entitles qualified students to enjoy a wide variety of benefits, including scholarship opportunities, academic competitions, free events, member-only resources, publications, participation in programs offered by educational partners, online forums, personalized recognition items, and publicity honors. The society was formed in 2002 and currently has more than 800,000 members in over 160 countries, including the CNMI.

going to be talk about generating revenue and this always ends up in a tax hike. “The chamber will always call for investment incentive as a way to build the economy, create new jobs and increase government revenue. Throwing good money after bad just doesn’t work,” he said. Rep. Trenton O’Connor, he added, has introduced a bill that calls for environmental impact

fees to be collected on Tinian that won’t tax business, adds additional revenue to a government in need and may create a few jobs in the process. “We think this concept has more promise, actually, on Saipan. Just like the new occupancy tax to fund marketing on tourism, those impact fees would be borne by visitors using our roads, beaches and waters. This is much more desirable than taxing businesses to fund mainte-

nance of our tourist destinations,” Sablan said. The chamber plans to meet with lawmakers to discuss recently proposed legislation, potential initiatives and the rebuilding of a CNMI economy that’s been in a downward trend for over a decade, he added. “The chamber sees bills with merit being proposed, but others may require further deliberation,” Sablan said.

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Calvo stresses importance of drug testing in GovGuam For her part, Speaker Judith T. Won Pat said she is in the process of submitting an amendment to the HAGÅTÑA — After the Legisla- Standing Rules of the 32nd Guam ture took the initiative in pushing Legislature to require all members for its legislative staff to submit to and staffers, as well as potential drug testing in the wake of arrests employees of the Legislature to made last week, the governor’s submit to a drug test as a condition office announced that they too of employment. had been conducting random and Won Pat also said she wants to pre-employment drug testing in the ensure the legislative branch of the executive branch. government is free of drug abuse. Gov. Eddie Calvo, in an interview, In addition to directing her staff said so far with the random testing at to undergo drug tests, Won the executive offices, mest Pat also sent a letter to all of those tested are negative, senators asking them to and they have taken action join her and Vice Speaker against those who have regBenjamin J.F. Cruz in istered positive in the tests. ensuring that all offices “We have been transare drug-free. She will ask parent about it and that Sen. Rory J. Respicio, in information is provided on Eddie Calvo his capacity as chairman a weekly or monthly basis of the rules committee, to the public,” he said. “to encompass all staff members The governor said although the assigned to the central office in tests have been ongoing, because the request.” of budgetary issues, they don’t be“I laud and congratulate the Vice lieve it has been adequate. Moving Speaker for rising above recent deforward, Calvo would like to work velopments with a former staffer in toward an expanded investment into his office,” the speaker said, adding, drug testing in all areas of public “I join him in this endeavor and service to ensure a safe, drug-free have directed my chief of staff to working environment. coordinate drug testing for myself Calvo also said he is glad the and all members of my staff.” Legislature’s leadership has taken The vice speaker and his staff steps to ensure they have a drug- recently underwent drug testing in free workplace at the Legislature. response to the Speaker’s request. Furthermore, Calvo said a policy Chris Carillo, a former staffer requiring random and regular drug of Cruz, was arrested last week on testing for all government of Guam charges of importing and possessemployees is very important. ing marijuana. By Louella Losinio Louella@mvguam.com Variety News Staff

Yap tourism agency completes final report on $18K grant COLONIA, Yap (Yap Visitors Bureau) — The Yap Visitors Bureau has completed the final report to the Australian Embassy for the completion of an $18,000 grant award. The bureau was granted this amount to construct the last major traditional building for the

Yap Living History Museum. This last building was the Tabinaw or Traditional Residential house. A traditional Pebay, or community meeting house, and a Faluw, or Traditional Men’s house were already constructed and completed with the assistance of grants from France.

TUESDAY - MARCH 12, 2013 - MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS

Education chief to join Marine boot camp training By Junhan B. Todeno junhan.todeno@mvariety.com Variety News Staff

EDUCATION Commissioner Rita A. Sablan will be among the nation’s educators who join the boot camp training for new Marine recruits in June. At the Public School System office last week, Sablan met with Marine Sgt Maj. Michael Mack, the recruiting station head from Oregon County, Missouri, the largest recruiting station in the U.S. He is in charge of the recruitment for the entire Pacific region. Mack was accompanied by Sgt. Gregorio Comeo, the Marine Corps recruiter for the CNMI, and both discussed with Sablan the highlights of the upcoming Marine combat training. “I am very pleased to collaborate with the Marine Corps,” Sablan said, as she reiterated her support for the nation’s armed forces. Mack discussed with Sablan the many benefits involved in Marine Corps training, including tuition assistance and grant programs. In an interview after their meeting, Mack said Sablan is a great help to their recruitment efforts. “When she experiences our educators workshop she will see how our recruits are trained and she will be able to pass on what she has learned — the values, good health and how we instill discipline,” he said. Mack said they want more people in the education sector to join the training. During her meeting with Mack and Comeo, Sablan gave each a copy of Don Farrell’s book titled, “History of the Mariana Islands to Partition.”

Education Commissioner Rita A. Sablan meets Marine Sgt Maj. Michael Mack, recruiting station head from Oregon county, Missouri, and Sgt. Gregorio Comeo, the Marine Corps recruiter for the CNMI.

Marine Sgt. Maj. Michael T. Mack and Sgt. Gregorio Comer hold copies of the Marianas history book that Education Commissioner Rita A. Sablan gave them during their visit to the PSS administration office. Photos by Junhan B. Todeno

Northern Islands mayor’s office maintains ‘adopted’ place By Junhan B. Todeno junhan.todeno@mvariety.com Variety News Staff

CLEANING the island’s main thoroughfares, especially those in the tourism district will make Saipan more attractive to tourists, according to Northern Islands mayor’s office program manager Jerome Aldan He said this is why they continue to clean the traffic islands at the Chalan Arnold Pale-Sugar King Road intersection in Garapan. Aldan at the same time is urging motorists to help the cleanup campaign by not throwing trash from their vehicles. He also asked the management of the surrounding business establishments to help maintain the cleanliness of the area. “Cleanliness will also be good for their businesses,” he said. Last week, at least five personnel from the Northern Island mayor’s office cleaned the traffic islands as part of their second cleanup campaign since they joined the MV 3-12-13.indd 8

Personnel of the Northern Islands mayor’s office relax after their cleanup drive at the Garapan traffic light intersection.

adopt-a-place program of the Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council. Ben Mettao, Jesus Santos, Jeremy Topulei, Frank Kaipat and Lerins

Stole started trimming overgrown vegetation and picking up trash at 8:30 a.m. Aldan said if possible, they will clean the area regularly after attend-

This traffic island in Garapan is being maintained by the Northern Islands mayor’s office through the adopt-a-place program of the municipal council. Photos by Junhan B. Todeno

ing to their other responsibilities in the community. He said the mayor’s office personnel have also been cleaning the community center, including the

basketball court and surrounding areas in the villages. They have recently cleaned the Gualo Rai and Kagman community centers, he said. 3/11/13 11:58 PM

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TUESDAY - MARCH 12, 2013 - MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS

• Ask Dr. Brothers By Dr. Joyce Brothers

Office is hotbed of gossip Dear Dr. Brothers: I don’t know how to deal with my situation at work. I joined a small company, where the boss is out of town a lot. When he’s gone, there’s not much work to do, so everyone just sits around and talks about each other. I have heard private stories about each of the other seven employees. All these people want to do is gossip! I’ve been trying to fit in so they don’t target me behind my back, but I’d really rather be working. Help! — K.C. Dear K.C.: It must be frustrating when you are the only one in the office who is there to work, and you probably wonder what you’ve gotten yourself into. If it’s not practical to leave the job, you need a plan to keep you from losing your job or your reputation. One approach would be to see if you can become such an excellent employee that the boss might find it more efficient to take you with him on his trips. Try to get some private space in which to do your work, where you can close a door. If you find yourself in the middle of a gossip fest, just excuse yourself. You may find the others ganging up on you at first, but if you are friendly but distant, they probably will let you be. Another approach is to make friends with just one of the other employees, and let him or her know about your comfort level at work. If you pick someone who you think might be sick of the gossip fest as well, it will be a lot easier to break away. You can always ask for extra work while the boss is out of the office, and you soon will be someone he can’t do without. You could simply tell your colleagues that you don’t like gossip, but the straightforward approach can be tricky. If you can be a bit patient, you might have better luck maintaining your dignity. ***

Dear Dr. Brothers: I am a college student in my first year. I went to a really good high school, and since I was involved in so many activities, I had to budget my time very closely and work hard to get good grades. But since I’ve been here at school, I can’t seem to concentrate on my studies. I have no self-control. If someone wants to go to town, I just throw down my books and go with them. Or I stay up too late and miss my class. Does everyone go through this, or is it just me? — P.H. Dear P.H.: Don’t worry, you are far from alone. Failure to launch during freshman year is a very common situation, but there’s no reason it has to end up in a bad place. The fact that you’re worried about yourself is a good thing — you already know that something has to change, and you are motivated to switch things up so you don’t end up failing. It’s so tempting to take your eye off the prize, do what you want and hope you can skate by. The freedoms of college life among a whole bunch of new, exciting friends can be intoxicating. So don’t beat yourself up. The key to your future success may lie in something you already know. When you were in high school, you had to juggle all your activities, and you did so successfully because you had to schedule yourself in order to fit it all in. There’s no reason you can’t do this again. Hang up a chart so you can’t ignore it, and write down everything you need to accomplish on a given day. Cultivate some friends who are serious students. Talk to academic or dorm advisers — they’ve helped lots of freshmen like you. Leave some time for fun. Blame it on your new schedule if it’s easier to deal with your friends that way. This way, you’ll be going back next year to continue your education with a good balance of academic skills in place and friends to hang out with on the weekends. (c) 2013 by King Features Syndicate

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Inos... Continued from page 1 “We all know Pete’s experience in government and I think he can provide valuable services to the community from his many years of experience, addressing many issues at both the federal and local levels, so please join me in welcoming Mr. Pete A. Tenorio as the executive branch senior policy adviser,” Inos said. The governor said he had already discussed with Tenorio the list of his tasks which include issues regarding immigration and the federal report on the Commonwealth Health Center. Inos said Tenorio will work at the governor’s office “but he works for all of us, so please bear in mind that he will be calling on you,” he told the lawmakers. Tenorio said the governor asked him 10 days ago if he wanted to help the new administration. “He just kind of told me about it. He called me up and asked me if I would like to help him,” he said. One voice In an interview, Tenorio said he will definitely work with Kilili in addressing the many issues facing the CNMI.

House... Continued from page 1 Public Law 18-1, in the governor’s conference room yesterday. The governor noted that the measure authored by House Minority Leader George N. Camacho, R-Saipan, “went through three separate transformations.” It started out as Public Law 17-29 which imposed fees on arriving passengers. The goal was collect funds aimed at stabilizing the air service from Osaka and Nagoya. But it was repealed by P.L. 17-58 that created a tourism air-service-stabilization trust fund which covered flights from South Korea, Russia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and China. It turned out that the law violated certain federal rules so it was repealed by P.L. 17-75 which imposed a $15 fee on each hotel guest. But hotel operators felt they could not enforce the law so they agreed to just raise the occupancy

Yumul... Continued from page 1 line-item vetoed the $500,000 for NMTI which is no longer able to hold classes. Yumul said that unless there is a skills training program in place here, “it may work to our own disadvantage if we send out our letter of support to Kilili’s letter too early.” He said U.S. Labor may ask the CNMI government how it is developing its own manpower. “If

Joaquin... Continued from page 3 Arriola remained in the outside kitchen area. A few minutes later, the witness MV 3-12-13.indd 22

TUESDAY - MARCH 12, 2013 - MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS fiscal reforms. Pangelinan was also an elected delegate to the 1985 Constitutional Convention, a former member of the Saipan Zoning Board and the Northern Marianas College board of regents. She served as

one of the CNMI’s representatives in the Covenant Section 902 negotiations with the U.S. government and was the finance and accounting director of the CNMI’s first governor, Carlos S. Camacho.

“I know he is a very sensible person and certainly I look forward to working with him and the governor to try and move the CNMI agenda in the right direction,” Tenorio said. In these challenging times, Tenorio said, everybody should work with the U.S. congressman. “There has been a locking of horns, confrontations and arguments between the congressman and the previous occupant of the [governor’s] office. I think we need to stop that. There’s no way to improve the situation here other than to work together,” Tenorio said. “That would be a very important part of our agenda — to be cooperative and to have one position as much as possible so we can work together and show the federal government and the U.S. Congress what the commonwealth’s request and plea is,” he said. CNMI-federal relations, he added, “are something that I am very familiar with. In that respect I can be helpful.” But his first task now is a review of the federal officials’ recommendations regarding CHC. He will also help the Inos admin-

istration address the issues facing Northern Marianas College with regard to its accreditation. MPLT board In nominating Pangelinan to represent Saipan on the MPLT board, Inos praised her qualifications. Senate Executive Appointments and Government Investigations Committee Chairman Frank Q. Cruz, R-Tinian, agreed. Pangelinan, he added, is well qualified to be part of the MPLT board and he does not see anything to hinder the former senator’s appointment. He noted that Pangelinan is a businesswoman and a well-known financial expert. Sen. Pete P. Reyes, R-Saipan, said Inos had chosen a person with “huge institutional knowledge in finance.” Pangelinan, he said, will bring to the board a very extensive knowledge of financial management. The CNMI’s first female senator, Pangelinan holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in management. In the Senate, she chaired the critical Senate Fiscal Affairs Committee and advocated stringent

tax by 5 percent instead. Inos said previous “individual approaches faced challenges. So in the end we all agreed — MVA and HANMI and all stakeholders — that it’s best that we increase the hotel-occupancy tax.” He added, “So that is how the Legislature revisited the bill and the reason why this is important is because as we understand it, the Japanese tour operators have basically prepared travel brochures and magazines that reflect the increase in the hotel-occupancy tax which should take effect on April 1.” Time is of the essence as MVA and its travel partners have been waiting for the approval of the bill, the governor said. There is, however, one provision in the new law that the House leadership does not support. During the leadership meeting prior to the House session last week, House Ways and Means Commit-

tee Chairman Rep. Tony P. Sablan, IR-Saipan, raised concern about the Senate amendment to H.B. 18-2. Offered by Sen. Victor B. Hocog, R-Rota, during the Senate session on Tinian early last week, the amendment allows Finance to withhold 2.5 percent of the revenue to fund the hiring of additional enforcement personnel on Tinian and on Rota. According to Speaker Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero, IR-Saipan, the leadership almost rejected the bill because of the Senate amendment. He said it takes away a portion of the funds from the original intent of the bill which is for promotional marketing and destination enhancement. Second, he added, it circumvents the Planning and Budgeting Act and is an improper way of funding agencies. Funding for additional personnel, Deleon Guerrero, said is done through the appropriation process.

“So in a way it is kind of funding through the back door and that is not the right way of doing it. We do support…additional enforcement…but the manner in which it was done in the bill is not a manner that the Ways and Means chairman and the rest of the leadership supports,” he added. Deleon Guerrero said they had very lengthy and contentious discussions but, due to the urgency, they decided to pass it. However, they also agreed that once it is signed into law, “we are going to propose an amendment to strike out that amendment by the Senate.” Fund contributions Inos also signed House Bill 1812 which is now Public Law 18-2. Authored by Vice Speaker Francisco S. Dela Cruz, IR-Saipan, the measure clarifies the provision of Public Law 17-82 that allows active Fund members who opt to move to

U.S. Social Security to withdraw their retirement contributions. The Fund has held off on the release the contributions because it believes that the waiting period starts on the approval of the withdrawal applications. P.L. 18-2 now clarifies that “within 30 days of submission to [the Fund] of the members’ request to terminate membership in Defined Benefit plan, the [Fund] administrator or its successor shall disburse 50 percent of the total employeedefined-benefit-plan contributions with interest calculated based on applicable statutory provisions for Class I and Class II members to members electing to terminate membership in the Defined Benefit plan.” In an interview, Inos said now that it’s the law he expects the Fund to comply with it. The new law directs the Fund to make the payments.

we cannot answer that positively, we may look silly,” he added. Before asking for an extension, Yumul said the CNMI government should first show it is addressing its manpower problems. “We need to sit down with the business community, the chamber of commerce, the hotel association and other stakeholders and see which job categories will continue to need nonresident workers,” he said. Letter of support

In his letter to the acting U.S. Labor secretary, Inos said: “I am pleased to render my full support for Congressman Sablan’s request and ask too, that you grant this greatly needed extension. “In so doing, you will be ensuring the avoidance of what would cause heavy damage to our economy and hurt the citizens and residents who live and work in this far-off island outpost of the United States.” The governor echoed the CNMI business community’s “grave con-

cern,” adding that “it is undoubtedly clear…the CNMI economy will still need foreign workers who may not necessarily be qualified to convert to an HI B status before the deadline.” According to Inos, “The resident workforce pool remains inadequate to fill all the jobs currently held by foreign workers.” He said the CNMI economy is also largely restrained in its ability to advance because of the great uncertainty. Not knowing whether

the extension of the transition period will be granted has created this climate of uncertainty within the business community, he added. “What is more concerning is that it is not only affecting existing business activity, but also potential investments in the CNMI,” Inos said. Based on the 2010 Census, the NMI had a population of 2,461 Carolinians and 12,902 Chamorros. There are about 12,000 CW applications for nonresident workers.

and her family members saw a bright orange glow from the outside kitchen area. The female witness saw fire and Arriola shouting and cussing, throwing benches on a burning pile

which included a cooler. The tenants helped put out the fire. Arriola had left the area. He appeared in court yesterday for a bail hearing. Superior Court Judge David A.

Wiseman retained the $20,000 bail order on Arriola who is facing charges of arson and disturbing the peace. Arriola was remanded to the custody of the Department of Cor-

rections after the hearing. Assistant Attorney General Nicole Driscoll represented the government while Assistant Public Defender Matthew Meyer was appointed as Arriola’s counsel.

NEW CHIEF. Gov. Eloy S. Inos, second left, swears in Douglas W. Hartig, center , as the new chief of the Public Defender’s Office as Lt. Gov. Jude U. Hofschneider, left, and Hartig’s wife, Heather Kennedy, daughter Shea and son Conall look on. Photo by Emmanuel T. Erediano

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Sports

MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS - TUESDAY - MARCH 12, 2013

2013 Xterra Saipan Championships

First place winner Jacqui Slack raises the finish line after crossing it.

Ben Allen crosses the finish line and raises it in victory being the first one to reach it.

2nd place Carina Wasle smiles as she crosses the finish line.

Second place Dan Hugo crosses the finish line.

Photos by James F. Sablan

Ben Babauta and his son also participated in the Xterra. MV 3-12-13.indd 23

Sam Gardner races on to the bikes after finishing the swimming section of the Xterra. 3/11/13 11:58 PM

MARIANASVARIETY VARIETYNEWS NEWS&AND VIEWS TUESDAY - MARCH 12, 2013 - MARIANAS VIEWS P.O. Box 500231 Saipan, MP 96950 • Tel. (670) 234-9272 • 9797 • Fax: (670) 234-9271 E-mail: younis@pticom.com • mvariety@pticom.com www.mvariety.com

HANMI to hold Budweiser go kart championship Food vendors invited to join food air (HANMI) — Gentlemen, start your engines! The Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Island has set the 1st Annual Budweiser Go Kart Championship for April 6, 2013, at Mariana Seaside Circuit. The following cash prizes will be awarded: $2,000 for 1st place, $1,000 for 2nd place, and $500 for 3rd place. Food vendors are invited to join the fundraising food fair at the grounds on race day. Food vendor registration is free, but twenty percent commission of all food sales will be contributed to the HANMI Charity Fund. For $20, food vendors will also be able to join the 1st Annual Angus Beef BBQ Sandwich Contest, which will award $200 for 1st place, $100 for 2nd place, and $50 for 3rd place. To register as a food vendor, contact Takahiro Omori at omori@ marianaresort.com or William Renato at william.retardo@marianaresort.com or call Mariana Resort & Spa at 1.670.322.0770.

The event will also feature the 1st Annual Delta Fly Away Raffle feature a round trip ticket to any Delta Air Lines destination. Raffle tickets will be sold at the grounds for only $1. Teams of four racers (three men and one woman) and a pit manager can now register for $250/team. A valid driver’s license is required. The team captain must also attend a mandatory orientation meeting on April 5, 2013 On race day, the track will be open for practice at 8:30 a.m., with the opening ceremony scheduled for 10:00 a.m. In a single-elimination format, the first qualifying round will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by consolation matches and then the second qualifying round. The final round will pit the top four teams against each other. For race registration forms or to become a race sponsor, contact Lito Pardulan at lito.pardan@marianaresort.com or 1.670.989.1956, or contact Mamoru Watanabe at watanabe@tasitours.com or 1.60.287.7143.

• Jamie’s Mate THIS week is going to be a special tribute to a member of the Georgian national women’s team. You may have heard about what has happened with WGM/IM Salome Melia. If you haven’t, please take a couple of minutes out of your day to read the following article which was originally in Russian, but translated into English from chess website www.chess- • Jamie’s Kenmure news.ru. Here is the link: http://chess-news. ru/node/11290 So, Salome is playing in the women’s team chess championships in Astana, Kazakhstan and as a result, let’s have a look at some of the games from the tournament from her and her career: Guo, Qi v Melia, Salome 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Bb4+ 4. Bd2 Bxd2+ 5. Qxd2 d5 6. g3 Nbd7 7. Bg2 c6 8. O-O O-O 9. Qc2 b6 10. Rd1 Bb7 11. b3 Rc8 12. Nc3 Qe7 13. e4 dxe4 14. Ne5 Rfd8 15. Nxe4 Nxe5 16. dxe5 Nxe4 17. Bxe4 h6 18. Rxd8+ Rxd8 19. Rd1 Rd7 20. Rd3 c5 21. Bxb7 Rxd3 22. Qxd3 Qxb7 23. h4 h5 24. Qd8+ Kh7 25. Qd3+ Kg8 26. Qd8+ Kh7 27. Qd3+ Kg8 28. Qd8+ Kh7 Salome Melia 29. Qd3+ Kg8 30. Qd8+ Kh7 31. Qd3+ 1/2-1/2 Melia, Salome v Kacheishvili, Giorgi 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. c4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e6 6. Nf3 Bb4 7. cxd5 Nxd5 8. Bd2 Nc6 9. Bd3 O-O 10. O-O Be7 11. Re1 Bf6 12. Nxd5 exd5 13. Ne5 Qb6 14. Bc3 g6 15. a4 a5 16. Qf3 Ne7 17. Bb5 Kg7 18. b4 axb4 19. Bxb4 Qxd4 20. Qa3 Bxe5 21. Rad1 Qb2 22. Rxe5 Qxe5 23. Bc3 d4 24. Bxd4 Qxd4 25. Rxd4 Nf5 26. Rd1 Kg8 27. Qf3 h5 28. h3 Rb8 29. Bc4 Ng7 30. Bxf7+ 1-0 Melia, Salome v Muzychuk, Anna 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 d6 4. d4 cxd4 5. Qxd4 Nf6 6. Nc3 Bd7 7. Bxc6 Bxc6 8. Bg5 e6 9. O-O-O Be7 10. Rhe1 O-O 11. Kb1 b5 12. Bxf6 gxf6 13. Qe3 Kh8 14. Nd4Qd7 15. Nxc6 Qxc6 16. Nd5 Qd7 17. Nxe7 Qxe7 18. Qd3 Rfd8 19. Qxb5 Rab8 20. Qc4a5 21. Re3 Rbc8 22. Qd3 Rc5 23. Rh3 Qf8 24. e5 f5 25. exd6 f6 26. Qa6 Rd5 27. Rxd5 exd5 28. Qb7 h6 29. Qe7 Qxe7 30. dxe7 Re8 31. Re3 1-0 I would like to wish Salome Melia all the best in the tournament and all the best with success in her personal battle in what she is trying to achieve. If you the readers can do anything, please assist in whatever you can. Please read the article at http://chess-news. ru/node/11290 for the story. MV 3-12-13.indd 24

P.O. Box 6338, Tamuning Guam 96931 • Tel. (671) 649-1924 • 4678 • Fax: (671) 648-2007 E-mail: admin@mvguam.com

Fielders nip Angels in SML By James F. Sablan For Variety

PITCHER Shane Mendiola and the Fielders took home another win in a close game against the Angels in the Saipan Major League Baseball last Wednesday at the Francisco Tan Ko Palacios Baseball Field. The Fielders had a tight game against the Angels as each score was answered back to back giving the fans a great show. The Angels started off the game by scoring on the first inning with Jesus Iguel, Miko and Nunu Kapileo added three for their team, but the Fielders would not give them an easy run without scoring themselves with Shane Mendiola and Juan Maritita getting things started. The Fielders weren’t done with their scoring streak as Cadez Tenorio and scored on the second inning and Zach Flores gets one on the third. They held the Angels from scoring till the sixth inning when Peter Tomakane hits one deep giving him an RBI single alongside Mick Cruz who had 2 RBIs in the game. The Fielders caught a batting fever as they scored six points in the sixth inning to give them the lead of 10-6. The next inning the Angels flipped the script as Iguel, Miko, Kapaleo, Ben Taisacan and Jon Tenorio ran in giving them the lead of 11-10. The game was starting to close in but the Fielders weren’t done yet as they scored in the eighth and ninth inning as Shane

Fielders’ pitcher Shane Mendiola throws a fast ball down the middle in their previous game.

Mendiola scored the last run for his team to give them the victory. The Angels could not get another run in as the Fielder’s defense was on point and caught every fly ball

that was connected with the bat. Fielders win 15-13. Shane Mendiola, Jim Biel, Ricardo and Richard DelaCruz, had 2 RBIs in the game.

Rajapakshe defeats Talania in Sun Palace badminton By Jomar Tumaquip For Variety

SALIYA Rajapakshe defeated Brandon Talania in two sets, at the Sun Palace Singles and Doubles Badminton Tournament at the REM Sports Plaza. In the beginning of the set on what began as a very exciting match up, Rajapakshe started strong leading the set at 13-8. Talania rallied after the break coming out stronger and cutting the deficit to four. Unfortunately for Talania, Rajapakshe kept his cool and turned the game around to finish the set 21-15. With the second set on the way, Talania got his game working for him as he blasted the second set 11-9 at the break, Again Rajapakshe kept calm as he turned the set around again getting the win on the second set 21-18. In other match-ups Jen Cardinio topped Cris Obaldo also in two

Saliya Rajapakshe and Brandon Talania in action at the REM plaza

sets 21-16, 21-18. Talania switched to the winners bracket besting Kanata Omori 2114, 21-16 at the singles matchup at the REM plaza.

For more game results and time schedule please contact Cris Hilario at 483-0830. Game continues every Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the week. 3/11/13 11:58 PM