I i . arianas %riety:;~...2-MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS-THURSDAY-APRIL 29, I 999 'Chernobyl'...

arianas %riety:;~ Micronesia's Leading Newspaper Since 1972 ~ f\'VS

INS should sec11re 'tent city' on Tinian-- Tenorio

By Aldwin R. Fajardo Variety News Staff

SECURITY problems posed by the presence of close to 300 undocumented immigrants in a temporary holding facii'ity on Tinian remain an area of concern for the CNMI government, according to Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio.

Unless peace and order is secured by the federal government, Tenorio indicated that the CNMI may be forced to ask the US to reconsider its request to divert illegal immigrants to Tinian.

The governor raised this concern during a meeting he called with officials from the US Immigration and Naturalization Ser-

90·'illegals' .··: .. willing to be repatriated . By Jojo Dass Variety News Staff

AT LEAST 90 of the nearly 300 illegal Chinese immigrants being held on Tinian have expressed willingness to go home. Their repatriation is still being withheld however, according to Senate President Paul A. Manglona.

Manglona, at the same time said an ongoing federal investigation has shown there is only one organized crime group behind the recent influx of Chinese "boat people" into Guam and the Commonwealth.

Manglona said the 90 Chinese nationals have already been "processed" by representatives from the US Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) who are on Tinian.

Initial findings, Manglona said,

Continued on page 23

Pedro P. Tenorio

vice, US Coast Guard, local immigration, health and public safety departments yesterday.

He was requesting that some officials from the US government, as well as their local counterparts, be able to efficiently coordinate and make final, immediate decisions with regards to how the immigrants will be handled. .

Tenorio said the possibility that more ships loaded with illegal immigrants from China will be diverted to Tinian in the future could already be a cause for security concerns which should be promptly discussed with the federal government.

In response, representatives from the US government have agreed to build a fence around the holding facility in North Field in

-·-~ .• J ,~

. ' ' \

·,,, JI '•' ~ ..

order to maintain peace and order within and around the Tent City.

"We would like to make sure that the area is secured. If we can't maintain order in the area, we don't have othet choice but to ask the US government to reconsider," the CNMI chief executive said.

Teams from the federal government st~ed arriving on Tinian since two weeks ago as part of joint US and CNMI efforts to beef up security and medical operations on the island, where around 300 Chinese immigrants intercepted while heading toward Guam are being held.


Crew members of the historic Makali'i voyage visited Garapan Elementary School yesterday to share their experiences with students. Shown in photo are (clockwise): Pomai Bertlemann, Chadd Paishau, master navigator Mau Piailug, Kinalu Bertlemann, Junior Coleman, Saipan voyage coordinator Ray Tebuteb, and Shorty Bert/emann. Photo by Louie c. Alonso

Gov. Gutierrez asks US Court to reconsider run-off decision

Carl T.C. Gutierrez

By Eric F. Say Variety News Staff .

HAGATNA--Governor Carll T.C. Gutierrez and Lt. Gov. l Madeleine Bordallo have asked I the Nirith Circuit Court for a j rehearingoftheGuamelection ,. case and reconsideration of its\ order for the election commis- 1

.. sion to hold a gubernatorial 1 ; runoff. j j The lawyers for the Demo- / i cratic Party's Gutierrez/ j I Borda\lo team believe that the t \ appellate court had failed in:: I their interpretation of the Or- i.: .

I ganic Act of Guam. j Republican candidates Jo- 1

f seph Ada and Felix Camacho, ; ( the plaintiffs in the case, said ' · they were not surprised by their

rivals' move. "This was not unexpected,"

Ada said in a press statement. However, Ada is worried

that the Democrats' request for review "will only postpone the inevitable."

"The law is clear," he said. "While we respect their right to appeaf, we are confident that the people of Guam will be; allowed to decide who will lead(; Guam into the new millenium." I

The Gu tierrez/Bordallo team j stated in its petition for rehearing that the Organic Act provides that "if no candidates


Car industry sees 44% sales decline in quarter

US Ninth Circuit .wants to hear petition to oust Munson in case

By Haldee V. Eugenio Variety News Staff

AN AVERAGE of only 70 brand new cars are being sold by local automobile dealers per month since the start of the year, and if this trend continues, the industry may not even meet a 1,000 unit sales figure for the entire 1999.

Records from the Commonwealth Auto Dealers' Association (CADA) reveal a 44 percent decline in the number of cars sold,

. or from 376 units during the first quarter of 1998 to only 209

1 during the first quarter of this year.

Car sales plunged by 25 percent last year, or from 1,949 units

i.

sold in 1997 to only 1,457 in 1998. Continued on page 23

I

',"'. PAC Nl2NSPAPER STACKS,

By Ferdie de la Torre Variety News Staff

THE US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has issued an order expressing its intention to hear a petition to remove US District Court Judge Alex R. Munson from presiding over a class action against 22 garment factories.

The Ninth Circuit said the petition for writ of mandamus

seeking an order directing Munson to recuse himself from the lawsuit raises issues that warrant a response.

"Accordingly, within 14 days of this order, the real parties in interest (garment firms) shall file a response," said the Ninth Circuit's April 22 order Qbtained by the Variety yesterday.

Lawyer Timothy H. Skinner, on behalf of 23 garment workers,

filed the class action against the garment factories for alleged violations of Fair Labor Standards Act and the Minimum Wage and Hour Act, among other things.

Skinner had asked Munson to disqualify himself from hearing the case because of his social and business relationship with James C. Lin, who recently resigned as president of the Sai pan


~ I I I

i .

2- MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS-THURSDAY- APRIL 29, I 999

'Chernobyl' strikes hard By CHRIS ALLBRITTON

NEW YORK (AP) - Proving more destructive than expected, the Chernobyl virus caused hundreds of thousands of computer meltdowns around the world -with Turkey and South Korea hit the hardest.

The unusually destructive virus - timed to strike on April 26, the l 3th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster-tries to erase a computer's hard drive and write gibberish into its system settings to prevent the machine from being restarted.

While experts were still tallying numbers Tuesday. Turkey and South Korea each reported 300,000 computersd.amaged, and there were more elsewhere in Asia and the Middle East: Officials said warnings there weren't heeded.

''Arguably, this is the most malicious computer virus," said Dan Schrader. director of product marketing at Trend Micro Inc., which manufactures antivirus software.

Other experts disagreed over whether it was the most destruc-

tive virus ever. But many were caught off guard by the amount of damage and said it was much worse than the Melissa virus early this month.

Before Chernobyl hit, several experts were quoted as saying they didn't expect it to cause much trouble.

The United States suffered far less than other nations. Experts credited widespread warnings and updated antivirus programs with helping avert problems in the corporate world. Home users were hit harder.

Fewer than 10,000 out of 50 million computers in the United States were hit Monday by the virus, said Roger Thompson of the International Computer Security Association.

The virus is believed to have originated in Taiwan and attacks Windows 95 and Windows 98 computers.

A specialist in the computer crimes division of Taiwan's Criminal Investigation Bureau said Wednesday that the bureau was still investigating.

A policeman standing guard outside Sonia Gandhi's residence in New Delhi following announcements that her Congress Party failed to win support. Early elections are to be held after India's government was pulled down last Saturday. AP

Specializing in Custom Framing

Ready-Made Frames Available

25%-SOo/o OFF All Pre-Framed Art

Open Six Days-A-Week

Middle Road, Garapan Tel. 235-3402 Nexl 10 Pacific Quick Prinl & Po.1·1 Fax. 233-7679

"There are appearances it may have started in Taiwan, but we can't say for sure yet," the specialist said, declining to be identified.

The virus quickly spread after a company unknowingly distributed software infected with the virus over the Internet. When the software was downloaded, computer users infected other files on their hard drive. If an infected program was sent in an e-mail, the virus was passed on to the recipient.

"Turkey was caught unprepared," said Mustafa Ucoklar, an electronics engineer in Turkey, where the virus infected computers at banks, an airport and staterun radio and TV stations, according to Turkey's Radikal newspaper. "The warnings were there, but nobody took any notice of them."

South Korean officials also reported about 300,000 computers were hit in government offices, schools and businesses -about 4 percent of the nation's computers -in the worst attack of its kind in the country.

"We have been careless and

lacked an understanding of this virus," said Ahn Byung-yop, vice minister of information and communications. "We need to strengthen our alert system and public education on computer viruses."

Schrader said the countries hardest hit have widespread use of pirated software and lack recent virus software. Chernoby I's existence has been known since last summer, and every major antivirus software package can detect and protect against it.

Also, the Melissa virus last month served as a "very effective wakeup call" in the United States, Schrader said.

"Elsewhere it wasn't taken as seriously," he said.

In India, at least 10,000 computer owners reported being infected. Businesses, banks and publishing houses in India were shut down and information worth millions of dollars was lost, the Indian Express newspaper reported.

Local media reported that up to IO percent of all computer users in the United Arab Emirates were affected; at least I 0,000 com put-

ers were struck in Bangladesh; reports in China varied from 7,600 computers damaged to 100,000.

In the United States, students and home computer users who hadn't installed anti virus software were hit the hardest. About 100 Princeton students said their computers were wiped out just two weeks before term papers were due.

"The computers were affected to a point where the hard drives were rendered useless," said Princeton spokesman Justin Hannon.

Several hundred computers at Virginia Tech also were struck, destroying some hard drives, said Mike Moyer, a programmer in Tech's computer center.

"We're going to be much more vehement about pushing the antivirus software this fall," Moyer said.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Bill Pollak of the Computer Emergency Response Team at Carnegie Mellon said 2,328 computers were reported damaged in the United States. Because there is no reporting requirement, the actual number could be higher.

Gandhi to run for Parliament By HEMA SHUKLA

NEW DELID, India - In her first race for public office, Congress party leader Sonia Gandhi will run for a parliament seat in the elections precipitated by the collapse of the Hindu nationalistled government, her party said Wednesday.

An aide to Mrs. Gandhi confirmed reports she would run, but said it hadn't been decided if she would contest from the constituency in the northern town of Amethi once held by her assassinated husband, Prime l'v1inister Rajiv Gandhi.

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in a speech effectively opening his campaign on economic policies, promised to expand reforms that were "rudely halted" when his government lost. a confidence vote in parliament April 17, setting off nine days of political turbulence before President K.R. Narayanan dissolved parliament and called elections.

"Growth, more growth, still more growth. Nothing less will do for India," he told businessmen at the Confederation of Indian Industry.

"We had promised to present a document on the second genera-

Sonia Gandhi

tion of reforms. We shall do so soon, with the hope of generating a fruitful debate," he said, winning a rare standing ovation from his audience.

Elections must be held by October, but the date has not been set.

Vajpayee was pushing for a vote as early as June, hoping to cash in on public sympathy for what his party says was the unfair way it was voted out in parliament by a single ballot. Congress wants to delay the vote until September.giving itself more time to prepare.

The Election Commission reportedly wants to delay the vote so that elections for nine of India's 26 states can be held simultaneously, saving millions of dollars.

The election will pit the veteran Vajpayee against the newcomer Mrs. Gandhi, who accepted the Congress leadership only last year and who has never before run for any office.

Mrs. Gandhi's Italian birth was almost certain to be played up her rivals, while she will emphasize her ties to the family that provided three generations of prime ministers - Jawaharlal Nehru, his daughter Indira Gandhi and her son Rajiv.

Vajpayee's Bharatiya Janata Party appeared better prepared in their early election strategy than Congress, running full-page newspaper ads praising his 13-month tenure and blaming the opposition for forcing the country into an unwanted election.

TheBJPalsowasworkinghard to keep its alliance with other parties intact. Defense l'v1inister George Fernandes, of the Sarnata Party, said the allies were considering contesting elections under a common manifesto.

Newspapers reported political parties were rushing to book the small pool of private he! icopters and small airplanes to feny leaders from one campaign rally to another.

Korean MP urges Japan calm over North NEW YORK (Reuters) - The South Korean government hopes Japan will react calmly and patiently to North Korea's recent provocative behaviour, the vice president of the country's ruling party said.<br>

National Congress for Ne~ Politics (NCNP) Vice President Kim Teun-tae recently spoke to Reuters by telephone from Seoul.

Kim said it was unfortunate

"the Japanese government had become really cautious about North Korea" after Pyongyang launched a rocket that flew over Japan and after two North Korean ships were spotted in Japanese territorial waters recently.

"I can understand how terribly the Japanese had been scared. But extreme reactions by the Japanese government have us con-

cerned. South Korea has been patient for 45 years on this," Kim said.

Japan has protested the missile launch and demanded that Pyongyang give up the two vessels, which Tokyo has said were spy ships.

Kim is a member of the National Assembly and serves on its Finance and Economy Committee.

: l i j

t I

:t l

,•I

f I.

-~-t! ( • .1_·.,H.·l' w

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 1999 -MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS-3

New Tapochao wells eyed By Jojo Dass Variety News Staff

THE UNITED States Geological Survey (USGS) will begin a new projectnextweek involving seven wells in Mt.Tapuchao that will be brought into production and diverted into Garapan, Navy Hill, Chinatown, Gualo Rai and Sadog Tasi for increased water supply.

In a proclamation he signed designating May 3 to 8 as CNMI safe drinking water week, Gov. Pedro P .. Tenorio likewise announced that the Commonwealth UtilitiesCorp.(CUC)hasreceived a grant to rehabilitate elementary schools with "correct" rain catchment facilities and water-saving . toilets and faucets.

"I encourage all citizens to enjoy and protect our natural resources for generations to come," said Tenorio upon signing the proclamation.

Tenorio made the proclamation noting that the El Nino-induced drought in the Commonwealth "adversely affected CUC's freshwater lens with saltwater."

Tenorio also noted the following

ongoing efforts to ensure a safe water supply in the Commonwealth:

* The operation of27 strategically-located treatment centers where, at each location, a dualfeed-automatic chlorinating system inject gas into the ground water and pipeline system, killing harmful bacteria.

* The drilling of new water wells-Mt. Tapuchao'sincluded - and the closing down, on a quarterly basis, of saltier ones.

* The creation of a free leak detection team and fix-a-leak program because more than three million gallons of water is reportedly being wasted everyday.

The Commonwealth's main water source include a 20-million gallon rain catchment facility near the airport; three natural springs, and 132 wells.

The CNMI also has a "water cave" on Rota which yields two million gallons of water each day "undernormal,rainy circumstances."

The USGS project is seen to greatly boost water supply in the affected areas.

From. left, Pamela !vfathis, Executive Director Timothy Villagomez, Jess Castro, Carlos Vera Cruz, Mariano lglec1as, Alex Fa/Jg, Glenn Dikito join Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio as he signs Safe Drinking Water Week proclamation.

Some immigrants on Tinian may need to be sent to Hawaii for health reasons

Teno backs clamor to end 'luxurious' retiree benefits

By Haldee V. Eugenio Variety News Staff

FOLLOWING the series of physical examinations conducted by local and federal health officials among over300 Chinese immigrants temporarily held in Tinian, some of them may need to be sent to Hawaii medical firms, it was disclosed yesterday.

Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez, however, stressed no communicable diseases like active tuberculosis cases have been found so far among the undocumented aliens while heal th tests continue to be held.

"Some of them have blood tested and we need to send offisland. Some of them, we have to send to Honolulu," Villagomez said, referring to the need for more specialized health care and facilities.

He, however, said that DPH is readily available to assist. the

Joseph Kevin Villagomez

U.S. Immigration Health Service in ensuring that all undocumented aliens receive proper medical attention.

Hawaii-based medical firms accepting CNMI patients include Straub Clinic and Hospital, Inc., Queen's Medical Center, Tripler Army Medical Center and St. Francis Hospital. ·

Villagomez yesterday met with Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio, Labor Secretary Mark Zachares, Finance

DPiI 'closes' 3 ·establishments By Haldee V. Eugenio Variety News Staff

THE DEPARTMENT of Public Health ordered the temporary closure of four "unsanitary" eating and drinking establishments in Saipan during the past two weeks.

While these establishments have started complying with existing health and sanitation regulations, DPH's Bureau of Environmental Health warned other firms against the same fate if they continue to ignore laws on proper sani talion.

On its April 11 to 17 inspections, DPH closed down the Yong Ann Restaurant in China Town,

Wei Nung Mei Restaurant in Tanapag, Diamond Bar in Chalan Piao, and Power Restaurant in As Perdido.

Four more food establishments are on the verge of closure if they fail to immediately comply with sanitation rules after receiving the lowest Grade C. These are the North Pacific Builder Cafeterias in Dandan and in Kanat Tabla, Olympia Restaurant in Chalan Piao and Dad's Hobby Bar in Susupe.

DPH gave Grade B to the Garapan-based Flower King Karaoke, Diamond Karaoke, Hol

Contlnued on page 22

Secretary Lucy DLG. Nielsen, U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service representatives, and other local and federal officials to look into the status of relief operations on the undocumented Chinese immigrants, as well as the over-all security of Tinian.

Tinian is currently being eyed by l&S as a permanent holding site for captured undocumented aliens.

The heal th secretary said among the Department of Public Health's pressing concerns is the health security of the young illegal immigrants aged 13 to 14 who were among those on board the second boat seized by the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as the women.

"Nobody among the women illegal immigrants have been found pregnant. We also have young kids there now on the second boat, who are probably


Pedro P. Tenorio

By Aldwin A. Fajardo Variety News Staff

GOVERNOR Pedro P. Tenorio yesterday admitted that civil service employees enjoy a very luxurious package of retirement benefits which needs to be trimmed down due to the continued depletion of government resources.

Tenorio issued the statement in light of a proposal from the Legislature to reduce retirement entitlements of future government

employees to unbuckle the financial burden currently shouldered by the NMI Retirement Fund.

The Legislature is trying to come up with measures that would help alleviate some of the Fund's financial burdens arising from the very luxurious retirement benefits extended to present members. according to the governor.

With the consistent decline of government revenues, which had been projected to drop by two percent from the previous year's tally, Tenorio said public coffers have depleted enough, crippling its ability to continue to provide too many benefits to civil service employees.

"Our present financial condition shows that we can no longer continue to give luxurious privilege to the employees," he said, adding that even the provision of the 30 percent retirement bonus clings on the availability of funds.

A proposal seeking to scrap the government's continued granting


Bill to charge alien workers half of medical costs By Zaldy Dandan Variety News Staff

REPRESENTATIVE David M. Apatang (R-Prec. 1, Saipan) yesterday prefiled legislation that would require alien workers to pay a portion of their medical expenses.

House Bill 11-404, whichiscosponsored by Vice Speaker Jesus T. Attao (R-Prec. 3, Saipan), also proposes that non-work related medical expenses-like pregnancy-should now be paid by alien workers.

The bill, moreover, would allow employers to pay only half of their alien workers' health insurance premium cost.

If employers choose not to purchase health insurance, then the bill proposes to allow them to pay only 80 · percent of all of their alien workers' medical expenses.

Current law requires employers to pay I 00 percent of all their alien workers' medical expenses.

"I think it should be shared by the employer and the workers," Apatang said yesterday.

In the Senate, a bill was earlier introduced that would require pregnant alien workers who want to be eligible for paid maternity leave to"exit"the CNMI and give birth in their country of origin.

Senate Bill 11-102 would require employers to pay for their

pregnant alien workers' round trip air fare on top of the maternity leave.

The bill also proposes that should the alien worker decide to remain in the CNMI, the employer will not pay her paid maternity leave.

The bill attempts to address the local community's concern that because babies born here to alien parents are automatically granted US citizenship, the indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian could soon be a "minority" in their own land.

Currently, 16 percent of the US citizens in the commonwealth are children of nonresidents, according to federal officials.

s~t\1tf''1Jfl "'' ~,~

... -... ... By Ferdie P. de la Torre ,1//l.,r ·-·-·-·-.--:·.·::-.-.-:•:-,-:- •.•. ,.;.,,.;-,.·:·:·,·.·.·c.·i:•:-.•,•:-.-.-.-.-.::, •.• -•• ·:·, .• -.-.-.-,-.::-:'.-•• -.::.-.. <·.·.<·:-:-.-:·:·.· .. -:•.•:•.•:···:;:,_,_:,-"::~-:-:-:-:-:n-··-c

Scien-tepok Investigation I WAS covering police beat in Manila when one evening authorities arrested a man who allegedly sexually molested a girl. After a few minutes, the victim accompanied by her parents and some police officers came to the investigation room, The suspect was taken out from jail and brought to the investigation room for a "confrontation" with the victim. When the child saw the suspect, she cried and hugged her mother tightly. Later, another girl accompanied by her parents arrived. When the girl saw the suspect, she too cried and pointed the same suspect as the one who sexually molested her.

*** *** *** At the time, I wanted to kick the suspect. I decided to leave the

investigation room instead to hold my emotion. As I walked away, I heard a loud gunshot. My fellow reporter who was left in the investigation room, came running towards me. The reporter, his voice trembling, said one cop suddenly pulled a gun and shot the suspect in front of them. The following day, police investigation came out stating that the suspect was shot dead after trying to grab a gun from one of the policemen. No one dared to question the shooting. The case was closed. Back then, we called it scien-tepok (combination of scientific and kill) kind of investigation.

*** *** *** Such flashback of a scenario came into when we observed two

attorneys from the Public Defender's Office (PDQ) fuming mad after a recent court· hearing. Assistant Public Defender Masood Karimipour told us that he would assist all victims of police brutality in the CNMI. Karimi pour asked the public for help to give them information on anyone who was also victimized by the police. Karimipour and his buddy Atty. Robert Torres expressed disappointment with the police and the Attorney General's Office after the trial court dropped a theft case against their client, Ramon Ayuyu. The judge dropped the case when the AGO requested to dismiss the case because the government's main witness could not be located.

*** *** *** Karimipour and Torres filed papers in court stating that police

officers picked up Ayuyu, a mentally-handicapped young man, without probable cause or any legal justification. The lawyers said police officers dragged Ayuyu to police station where they beat him up and forced him to waive his right to remain silent. The lawyers said that at gunpoint, police officers forced Ayuyu to sign a confession that they typed up on the crime that he didn't commit. Worse, Karimi pour said, the officers involved in the case were also among those who were prosecuted in the beating of Francis A. Eugenio. The dropping of the case therefore, he added, has silenced the police brutality issue.

*** *** *** Assistant Atty. Gen. Kevin Lynch, chief of the AGO's Criminal

Division, assured the public that their office is continuously investigating allegations of police brutality. Lynch denied that the AGO is not pursuing misconduct complaints against police officers. To discourage police brutality, Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio immediately issued a stern warning that strong disciplinary action and appropriate charges will be filed against erring cops who inflict harm on suspected criminals. Tenorio emphasized that his administration will not hesitate to charge and dismiss from service policemen who violate human rights of suspected criminals.

**** *** *** Covering police beat for over IO years, I could understand why

some of our enforcers resort to beating suspects. Sometimes, investigators, in their desire to get more information and solve a case, they get carried away. In instances wherein the victims are their comrades, friends, or relatives, some officers just simply forget that they are paid to protect and serve our citizens. PDO's call for public assistance and Tenorio's warning should be welcomed not only by the community, but by our enforcers as well. We should do something about allegations of police brutality before we hear gunshot in the investigation room one day. After al I, we are still in a country of laws.

AT A hearing in CNMI Supreme Court, everybody stood up when the three justices entered the courtroom and the clerk introduced them. The chief justice sat down, but the two associate justices remained standing. The justices looked at the clerk who forgot to put chairs for them.

JACK ANDERSON and JAN MOLLER

WASHINGTON M;ERRY-GO-ROUND

The secret life of Fidel Castro CUBAN dictator Fidel Castro has at least seven children, countless houses and a personal protection force of nearly I 0,000 men.

These are some of the revelations from our intelligence sources on the bearded badman of Havana who, in 40 years of power, has genera.lly managed to keep his private life just that.

Only one family member, illegitimate daughter Alina Fernandez, has lifted the curtain a bit. Fernandez escaped to the United States in 1993, and soon left for Spain, where she wrote a memoir offering limited insight on her father.

Since revelations about his personal life are sure to anger him, we relish revealing some of those closely guarded details, which both CIA and Russian intelligence sources provided to our associate Dale Van Atta. Any day we can beard the paranoid prima donna of Havana is a good day. What follows are some of the juicer insights:

- The dictator, who preaches socialist abstemiousness to the people, has three luxury yachts and at least 32 houses. Three of those houses are in Havana and two are underground bunkers - appropriate for a man who al ways feared the United States might nuke him.

- Castro became so paranoid after the CIA 's murder plots in the 1960s that the ocean is cleared before he can indulge in a favorite sport: scuba diving. At times, more than I 00 frogmen have been called in to check out the waters for any foreign -even fishy - object and protect him while he swims.

- Divorced from his first and only legal wife, Castro has had numerous liaisons with other women, some of which produced children. By a reputed secret second wife, Castro had at least five sons. The dictator, whose middle name is Alejandro, gave them all names which start with the letter "A."

- Castro's only legitimate acknowledged son appears to be following in his footsteps. Fidelito -Fidel Castro Diaz-Balart - once head of Cuba's nuclear agency, first manied and divorced a Soviet woman. He then manied a Cuban, but soon enough fell in love with a Spanish aristocrat.

HOUSING CRISIS-It was far from your typical buttoned-down lobbyists' gathering: Balloons flying, whistles blowing, bull horns bellowing and choreographed dance routines.

National People's Action had their annual meeting in the nation's capital two weekends ago. What they lack in coinage and clout, they made up for with enthusiasm, as housing activists and community groups from around the country gathered to press their concerns to America's leaders.

There was just one notable name missing: Andrew Cuomo, secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. He had better things to do than

tell these activists how he planned to fix the government's most badly broken agency. Cuomo was in South Africa, advising that country on how they, too, can be like HUD.

Several other high officials did show up. But the man they really wanted to see was Cuomo. Specifically, the activists wanted to know why his department has been lax in policing the Federal Housing Administration, an agency established to help lowincome families become homeowners but which has strayed badly from this noble mission in recent years.

The FHA is a classic example of what happens to an agency when wealthy special interests manage to attract and maintain the attention of top officials. Michael Kuzma, a lawyer studying housing issues fortheNew York state legislature, traces the agency's problems. to a 1994 policy that lets banks who originate FHA-backed loans to choose their own appraisers. This has led some shady lenders to artificially inflate home values - since the government pays the price of any defaults. Not surprisingly, defaults have skyrocketed since the policy was implemented.

"It is outrageous that (Cuomo) would fly off to helpthcSouthAfricanswhcn (HUD) is allowing bad lenders and realtors to use FHA as a get-rich-quick scheme all over the country," Kuzma said. "If (Cuomo) wants to solve problems, we have plenty for him right here in Buffalo."

UNDER TIIE DOME-Tough-talking Republicans portrayed last fall 'sauthorization of$3.9 billion in "disaster relief' to uninsured farmers as the end of expensive farm handouts.

How quickly they forget. Citing plunging crop prices and widespread crop failures, the House Agriculture Committee is earmarking almost $6 billion in new spending for what it claims will be "pennanent" changes in the disaster relief program - in which the government bails out farmers and the insurance companies that guard them against losses.

Over the last four years, insurers have made more than $2.8 billion in profits from the program, leaving us to wonder why a government infusion of $6 billion is now needed.

But if these examples from last year's "emergency" farrn assistance bill is any indicator, much of the $6 billion will end up going to waste.

- $2,000,000 for the Borough of Ketchikan to participate in a study of the feasibility and dynamics of manufacturing veneer products in southeast Alaska;

- $3,800,000 for additional research, management and enforcement activities in the Northeast Multispecies fishery and the acquisition of shoreline data for nautical charts;

- $2,200,000 for sewer infrastructure associated with Salt Lake City's 2002 Olympic games.

----,

·, \

,.· I

I

TIIURSDAY, APRIL 29, 1999-MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS-5

vised CIP bill readied By Aldwin R. Fajardo Variety News Staff

TIIEGOVERNMENTisexpecting to finalize next week a revised legislation that would identify Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) worth about $12 million, after Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio recently vetoed several items in the original bill.

Officials from Tinian and Rota have identified more pressing projects other than the previously prioritized CIPs enlisted in the

• seven-year master plan. This prompted a revision on the CIP bill.

Tenorio said the new CIP legislation will enlist similar and new projects identified. ''The Legislature is coming out with a new bill. It is almost similar but there are some changes."

The CNMI chief executive said

his Administration would want to expedite the passing of the new CIP legislation since the new projects would entail additional revenues for the government.

"We want to fast-track it so we could start putting out the bids because that would mean additional revenues for us. Some of the senatorial districts decided that they have other priorities other than what they told us before but the amount allocation remains the same," he added.

Abrupt changes made by the CNMI Legislature in the CIP Plan had prompted Tenorio to veto · some items contained in House Bill I 1-380 which he signed into Public Law 11-78 earlier this month.

Only two projects, the construction of a new prison facility and the completion of the Marianas

High School gymnasium, were preserved.

Prompt completion of the corrections facility is critical in order for the CNMI to comply with the terms contained in the Consent Decree issued by United States District Court on improvements to local prison center. while the completion of MHS gymnasium has been pending for more than four years now.

Earlier, Tenorio said abrupt, unconsidered changes in theCIP Plan seriously compromised its integrity and the effective application of thegovemment'slimitedresources to community needs.

The creation of the CIP Plan involved extensive research of the, CNMI's top infrastructure needs. It is a flexible blueprint which can accommodate changes which should undergo a formal evalua-

Manglona advises caution on accepting more illegal aliens

By Zaldy Dandan Variety News Staff

SENATE President Paul A. Manglona (R-Rota) yesterday said the CNMI should be cautious in allowing the federal government to bring in more illegal immigrants to Tinian.

"We've to be very careful," he said, adding that there are several safety and security concerns that will only multiply if more illegal aliens are detained on Tinian.

Manglona said how the CNMI "handles" the over 300 Chinese held on the island should determine whether the commonwealth will continue to take in illegal aliens.

"That's the test case-we' II see what the. difficulties are, how this whole thing will go," he said. "But I still believe

Paul A. Manglona

that we have to 'process' the detainees immediately."

Still, Manglona said, the federal Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) has already set the procedure in place.

"The detainees are being taken

JAL urges more focus on Japan school excursions

By Haidee V. Eugenio Variety News Staff

OF TIIE two segments of Japanese group travel, only the school excursions continue to grow steadily amidst general decline in migration, giving Saipan an opportunity to refocus certain tourism promotional campaign, according to Japan Airlines.

JAL said school excursions should be the most focused-on target for future tourism since these are sure to shift from domestic tours. It added that coordination between carriers and travel agents has started to take measures to promote school excursions to many destinations.

"Only one clear segment is foreseen to grow steadily for some time, and that's our school excursions ... This is also an area that Saipan may look to in expending your market reach," JAL said.

Toe·arrivals of some 600 Japa-

nese cultural exchange students, their teachers and their chaperones to Saipan, especially in December 1998, has posed a large increase in the number of tourists via commercial ships, the Marianas Visitors Authority said earlier.

JAL said Japan group travel has two segments. The first one is funded by public and private organizations, while the second one is affiliated in some way but paid for by individual tour participants.

Typical in the second type of group travel is school excursions.

Due to Japan's prevailing economic situations, JAL noted a sharp decline in group tours funded by organizations. These tours may be further classified as incentive tours, technical visits or inspection tours, and companysponsored employee welfare out-


care of," he said. Asked to comment on the

aliens' getting refugees status, Manglona said, "If that happens then it will be the federal government that has to be responsible for them."

A local lawyer earlier told the Variety that the outright deportation of the Chinese may be prevented through legal action.

Bruce Jorgensen said an organization of Chinese-Americans is already considering filing such legal action on behalf of the detained aliens on Tinian.

Jorgensen said the illegal immigrants can seek refugee status, which, he added, has a "lower threshold" compared to asylum.


. .

NM_C job fair By Rene P. Acosta Variety News Staff

IN AN effort to help prospective applicants find jobs, the Northern Marianas College is holding a job fair at its campus in As Terlaje on Saturday.

Dubbed"CNMIWorks!",aJob and Career Awareness Fair, the event will be held for the College Month which is part of the NMC 's 18th Charter Day Celebrations.

In a press statement, Ray Mafnas, the NMC information officer said individuals wanting to get jobs they want would surely learn from the event.

He said public and private employers will be meeting with job applicants and explain the skills and education needed for the jobs they choose.

Application forms will be handed also during the event.

Aside from this, NMC faculty staff will be ready to discuss vari-

Contlnued on page 22

tion process. Several projects identified by

the legislation that include the health center expansion project, the airport runway sealance, and road improvements in Rota had been vetoed.

Projects that were temporarily derailed on Tinian include the expansion of West Tinian International Airport; while road, sewage and classroom improvements and constructions on Saipan have been affected.

COMPUTER SERVICE AND SALES

100% Pure Cus1omer . Satisfaction!

"It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This"

BEACH ROAD CHALAN LAOLAO (Next to Triple J Motors and CNMI Travel) Phone 235-6111. Fax 235-6714

One Night: • Largest Twin Bedrooms • 24 Hour Hot Water • Split Aircon

,--.....,,-,-

• Swimming Pool • Cable TV • Cleanest Rooms • Kindest Service

D,IJN1N'ER B.B.Q BUFFET

From HOTEL to

CHALAN KANOA & GARAPAN SHOPPING AREA

6- MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS-THURSDAY-APRIL 29, 1999

Teno to legislators:

Pass appropriation bills, not resolutions

By 2aldy Dandan Variety News Staff

GOVERNOR Pedro P. Tenorio has advised the Legislature to pass appropriation bills instead of having local legislative delegations adopt local resolutions.

In a letter to Senate President Paul A. Manglona (R-Rota) and House Speaker Diego T. Benavente (R-Prec. 2, Saipan), Tenorio cited a legal opinion issued by the Attorney General's Office, stating that a resolution adopted by a local legislative delegation cannot legally authorize the appropriation or expenditure of local revenues.

availability of the $2.6 million supposedly authorized by such resolutions.

But, according to the governor, the local resolutions "are not legally effective to permit appropriation or expenditure of .. .funds."

He said the Department of Finance cannot legally disburse the funds based on the local resolutions.

The local resolutions, whose main sponsor is Vice Speaker Jesus T. Attao CR-Pree. 3, Saipan), are

"Local revenues," the governor said, "may only be expended through enactment of a law resulting from the passage of a local appropriation or revenue bills."

• SNLD Res. 11-2, which approves the appropriation of $137,500 for the purchase of trunking radios, computers, chairs, file cabinets, tables, pickup trucks and heavy equipment for the Saipan mayor's office;

· Lt. Gov. Madeleine Borda/lo makes a point to Connie Taisacan, Richard Taisacan, resident director o~ the Rota police department and police captain Thomas Manglona at the police conference yesterday at the Hilton Guam Hotel. Photo by Eduardo c. Siguenza

There are currently four local resolutions recently adopted by the Saipan legislative delegation, which has been inquiring the administration about the

• SNLD Res. 11-4, which approves the appropriation of $60,970 for the office of the Saipan mayor's purchase of 40 units of canopy for "commu-


Palau prepares for start of Compact Road project

NOTICE OF INTENT TO INCREASE CAPITAL

Notice is hereby given pursuant to 4 CMC § 7306(a)(i) that Telebond Insurance Corp., a CNMI insurance corporation, proposes to increase its authorized capital from 100,000 authorized shares to 1,000,000 authorized shares and to authorize the issuance of 100,000 ·new shares of capital stock for a total of 150,000 shares of stock issued and outstanding standing representing a total capitalization of $150,000.

By MALOU L. SAYSON For the Variety

KOROR (Palau Horizon) -Government officials and representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USCOE) and Daewoo Corp. will meet next month to discuss the preparations for groundbreaking ceremonies for construction projects which are set to begin in mid-June .

. Resources and Development Minister Marcelino Melairei told Palau Horizon that the pre-construction meet is critical as it shall tackle all the nitty-gritty details

BREAKFAST PROMO SAUSAGE McMUFFIN WITH EGG

EXTRA VALUE MEAL Includes a Hot and Fresh Sausage McMuffin with Egg

Sandwich, Crispy Hasbrown and Small Coffee

FOR $2.99 ONLY

,~1 LUNCH/DINNER PROMO . ~. ,·":··1 \

TRIPLE CHEESEBURGER EXTRA VALUE MEAL

Includes Triple Cheeseburger Sandwich, Large order of world Famous Fries

and a Medium Drink.

FOR $2.99 ONLY OTHER SPECIALS

Pineapple Pie Only l.15 (ut Middle Road only) Shamrock Milk Shake Only 1.99 (Large size)

Only !.75 (Smull size) Nerdlucks Toys Only 1.99

STORE HOURS : Sunday to Sulurday. 6AM to 12PM : Sunday to Sutunlay • 6AM to Midnight

such as environmental and historical preservation considerations, construction procedures and ordnance removal.

The government of Palau, President Nakamura said in an earlier interview, has gone into another round of consultations with the USCOE, Honolulu District, here in Palau to discuss in particular, the ticklish issue of environmental preservation .

Lt. Col. Wally Walters of the USCOE, Tom Yokum of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and a Fish and Wildlife Service representative named Molina came to Palau and met with national and state government officials.

The President emphasized on the environmental issue, saying that "we can easily address or resolve [this matter] and come up with acceptable resolutions."

In an interview with Melairei,

he said, "we are trying to have more discussions about the Ngaremeduu Conservation Program to be used as mitigation program for the compact road project."

The role of the state governments of Ngaremlengui, Ngatpang and Aemiliik is crucial to ensure that environmental preservation measures are implemented to protect the fragile ecology and environment of the areas concerned. ·

Melairei said aside from the Ngaremeduu encompassing the three states, there is also the Ngardok Lake considered as another conservation area vital in pushing the mitigation program for the compact road.

The utilization of resources has also been raised considering that the $149 million 53-mile compact road is the largest public

Continued ~m page 22

No major power ·outage for the typhoon season

By Jojo Dass Variety News Staff

EXCEPT in cases where a very strong weather disturbance hi ts landfall on the island, Saipan can be assured there will be no major power outages in the coming typhoon season.

"We are confident on the materials that we have," said Commonwealth Utilities Corp. (CUC) Executive Director Timothy P. Villagomez.

He however noted that there may always be "problems" arising during a typhoon condition.

"You can not have 100-percent assurance. There is always going to be a problem in (the power) system. These are indicators. We can not over prepare or under prepare," Villagomez added.

Villagomez' remarks-came at

the heels of concerns CUC may not be capable to provide a stable power supply come the rainy season after outages were experienced in most part of the island at the height of tropical storm Kate early this week.

The Dandan homestead area and San Vicente were thrown into darkness midnight of Monday until 12:30 Tuesday morning due to gusty winds and twigs that caused "line problems."

Power also went out in Navy Hill, Susupe and Garapan.

One of the problems was traced to a corroded insulator.

"We live in area where salt and water are close by," said Villagomez.

"A lot of these insulators. and conductors, a lot of these thirigs


\ I

J · I .;,

1'

!

THURSDAY APRIL 29 1999 -MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS-7

Tinian dog control act vetoed By Rene P. Acosta Variety News Staff

GOVERNOR Pedro P. Tenorio has decided not to approve Senate Local Bill 11-14 regulating the license, control and disposal of stray dogs in Tinian due to certain provisions which, he said, could not be implemented.

Tenorio instead asked the Tinian Legislative Delegation to explore alternatives that could lead to the bill's enactment into law. He directed all legal counsels under the administrative department to work with the delegation members for this purpose.

The bill, which is known as the Tinian Dog Control and Protection Act of 1998, turns to money appropriation for its initial operations and calls for the savings of its generated revenue to sustain its enforcement.

It was passed unanimously by the members of the delegation headed by Senator Joaquin G. Adriano on March JO, 1999.

In returning the bill with his note of disapproval, the governor told Adriano and Senate Presi-

By Louie C. Alonso Variety News Staff

THE CRIMINAL Justice and Planning Agency (CJP A) is encouraging the local community to participate in the government's fight against crimes in the Commonwealth.

In time for the national celebration of the Crime Victims' Rights Week, CJPA and social service provider AyudaNetworksaid the community should help the victims of crimes to cope up with their problems.

According to Michelle Rasa of Ayuda Network, it would be better if the local people would not be too judgmental on the victim's fate, and instead hear out his/her story even if it is more than once.

If there is a crime victim in the family, CJPA is advising thecommunity that family members should keep a closer eye on the victim and encourage her/him to seek proper counselling.

Rasa added that local people should cooperate with the Department of Public Safety in reporting burglaries and other crimes in the community.

"Although this do not guarantee that your home or business will not be burglarized, it may decrease the risk of crime," she said.

This week's celebration will focus on the power of how the collective voices of victims, advocates and the community can improve the justice system in our society and make it a safer place to live.

This year's theme is dubbed as, "Victim's Voices:Silent No More."

According to CJPA report, when victims speak out in their

Pedro P. Tenorio

dent Paul A. Manglona that he is · "looking forward to receiving amended legislation on this matter," noting that the act "addresses a situation that concerns all of our islands and must be addressed to preserve the beauty and health of our communities."

According to the bill's authors, stray and unlicensed dogs posed a problem to the people of Tinian because they are wandering in the streets creating hazards not only to themselves but to the drivers

own cases, it reminds the people on the personal and human suffering caused by the crime.

"And when victims speak out for justice for all, the end result is responsible public policy and increased services that support

·· victims and communities that were hurt by the crime," Rasa said.

Aside from CJPA and Ayuda Network, all members of the Family Violence Task Force and other related social services agencies and organizations in the CNMI are now participating in commemorating the event.

and pedestrians. Further, they said that dogs

should be monitored and con-

trolled in order not to damage the island's eco-system. They have called for the humane disposal of

SAIPAN'S BUSINESS INSURANCE PROFESSIONALS "Business Insurance couldn't be easier." The most comprehensive BUSINESS OWNER'S POLICY includes the following coverage: ti Fire ti Robbery ti Typhoon ti Earthquake ti Liability ti Burglary

ti Transit Coverage ti Employee Dishonesty ti Business Interruption ti Workers' Compensation

Call me to find out more about our Business Owner's policy and our complete line of insurance for your home or business.

m MOl'lAN'S

the animals. The bill has set a yearly license

fee of $50.


US right-wing group hits Franks' measure

By Zaldy Dandan Variety News Staff

A NA TIONALright-wing coalition of taxpayer groups. individuals and businesses on Tuesday lashed at US Rep. Bob Franks(R-New Jersey)forsupporting President Clinton's proposal to impose $187 million in annual taxes on CNMI garment products entering the mainland US.

In a media release. the Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) described Franks' legislation-which would also prohibit the use of the "Made in USA" label on CNMI garment products-as pan of an "international smear campaign to justify initiatives that will destroy"theCNMI's"freemarket economy."

A TR blames labor unions for targeting the CNMI 's ··success story.

The coalition claims that because labor unions have no presence in the CNMI, ·'they

view it as a non-union competitor they want to shut down."

But the Clinton administration-backed legislation introduced by Franks and Rep. John Dingell (D-Michigan) is just one ploy. ATR said, adding that other Democratic members of Congress are pushing for minimum wage hike proposals that would include the CNMI.

In addition, ATR said, "a leftwing firm in Manhattan has filed a class action lawsuit" against CNMI garment manufacturers and their buyers in the mainland us.

"To support all these attacks," ATR said, "the unions have trumped up the most amazing fairy tales," referring to allegations of sweatshops in the CNMI.

A TR said even the New York Times, which it described as "liberal," found "something quite different" when it sent a reporter here and interviewed


Banlt of Hawaii TIJ[ ft4NKCT"Tf/£ rACIFTC"

Repossessed Vehicle for Sale to Highest Bidder To be SOLD AS IS and where is conditioned

1990 Mazda Miata 2dr Coupe 1992 Toyota Hi-Lux 4x2

Please inquire at the Bank of Hawaii Garapan Branch, Puerto Rico

Tel. 322-4220 ext. 285

The Bank reserve the rights to reruse any and all bids Closing date will be on May 4, 1999

USE YOUR BRAINS TO WIN BIG MONEY ENTER THE

ANNUAL

COVENANT DAY ESSAY CON'fEST A:!TE.NTION: ALL ll!GH SCHOOL STUDENTS: NEED MONEY 1 Check this out: 111c NM! Council for the Humanities is sponsoring an essay contest. We all know that the Covenant is a public law that establishes the Commonwealth of the "iorthem Mariana Islands and defines the political relationship between the people of the Northern Mariana Islands and the United States. Among other things, the Covenant makes the N,>rthem Mariana Islands a part of the U.S. and provides U.S. citizenship to the people of the Commonwealth. Your job is to write an essay that addresses these <1uestions:

I) What are the advantages and disadvantages of this political relationship'/ 2J What alternate relationship (independence, free association, statehood) would

be an improvement over the Covenant')

Contestants arc urged to usc a number of primary and secondary sources in preparing the essay. A selected bibliography on secondary resources is available at the Council office in King's Plaza, Dandan. Follow these rules:

name. grade and school at the top of each page typed or printed, double spaced, 300 to 500 words

• MLA documentation style for footnotes and bibliography • all pages stapled and numbered.

Essay will be judged on: I) historical and factual accuracy, 2) logical analysis and clarity, and, 3) research and documentation. Upon selection, winners must submit proof of enrollment in high school in the CNM! and must agree to a public reading and printing of their essays. Prizes are: First Place - S250; Second Place - S 150; Third Place - S ICXl. Entries may he mailed to: NMI Council for the Humanities, AAA 3394, Box 100001, Saipan, MP 96950; or faxed to 235-4786; or delivered to the Council office in King's Plaza Dandan. Contestant.; must submit their essays on or before 4:30 p.m. May 3, 1999. Essays received later than May 3, 1999 will not be considered. Winners will be announced on or before May 17, 1999. Selection of winners is final. The Council reserves the right to reject any and all entries. The NMI Council for the Humanities is a non-profit, privale corporation affiliated with the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Speaker says illegals can only apply under UN refugee treaty

By Aldwin R. Fajardo Variety News Staff

APPREHENDED illegal immigrants from China can apply for protection in the CNMI but only under the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees if they qualify under its restrictions, House Speaker Diego T. Benavente said yesterday.

According to Benavente, Insular Affairs director Allen P. Stayman previously urged the CNMI government to come up with measures that would guarantee protection for asylum-seekers in the Northern Marianas under the United Nations Convention.

He said the Commonwealth's political affiliation with the United States makes it an eligible party to host refugees identified by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

He added however that the close to 300 illegal Chinese immigrants now being held on Tinian are not qualified to seek refuge under the US Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA) because the Northern Marianas is outside the federal immigration area.

Diego T. Benavente

"Federal immigration does not apply in the CNMI, so it the American asylum system. Qualified illegal immigrants can apply for asylum under the UN refugee protocol but not under INA," he explained.

Benavente also pointed out that the UN refugee protocol clearly defines who are eligible to apply for asylum under the international convention,. thereby, the CNMI will still have to take similar process taken by the INS in determining whether the 300 undocumented immigrants on Tiniancan qualify.

"It is very hard to qualify under the UN protocol. It is very strict with very clear and restrictive qualifications," the House speaker said.

While the UNHCR states that governments establish their own status-determination procedures in accordance with their own legal system, its executive committee sets non-binding policy guidelines in this respect.

The US, with which the CNMI is politically affiliated, is signatory to the UNHCR executive committee along with 49 other member countries. ·

According to the UN refugee protocol, people fleeing war and war-related conditions, and whose state is unwilling or unable to protect them, are in need of international protection and should be considered refugees.

It says that people who apply for formal refugee status in a country need to establish individually that their fear of persecution is well-founded. People who have been determined not to be in need ofinternational protection are in a situation similar to that of illegal aliens, and they may be deported.

Guam Legislature wants control over all Compact Impact monies

Variety News Staff HAGATNA - Senators yesterday took turns supporting a resolution authored by Sen. Vicente Pangelinan which seeks to petition the U.S. Congress to allow the Guam Legislature to have control over compact impact money allotted to Guam.

According to Pangelinan, expenditures using compact impact money should be subject to local application and should be appropriated by the Legislature which is the body elected to

represent the will of the people of Guam.

He said the first allotments of compact impact money to Gu am were transmitted without specific directions at usage and without the acknowledgment of the Legislature which is the body empowered to appropriate funds for expenditure.

The senator lamented that because no provision existed to specify compact impact money allocation, no accountability is present and compact impact

Pacific Quick Print

&Post Mailboxes

Color Xerox I~ (. ./

I ( Blueprints l )

... ,-;

( located ~long Middle Road, Garapan

( Ne,ct to Pacific Galleries

Tel.233-7678 Fax. 233-7679 "'~-~v

i') I ( I

i

funds were expended on projects and programs that were inconsistent with the intent of the U.S. Congress.

He added that the Legislature has already enacted Public Law Number24- l 8 authored by Sen. Mark Forbes which requires that compact impact-related money provided to Guam through the U.S. Department of the Interior budget must be used exclusively for the construction of new public schools on Guam.

Pangelinan is requesting Congressman Robert Underwood to petition the U.S. Congress to authorize the Legislature to have dominion over all future spending of compact impact money.

Underwood earlier solicited public input for his plan to include in his proposed Omnibus Territories Act provisions to provide essential and crucial amendments to the Organic Act of Guam and other necessary changes pertaining to Guam.

Pangelinan wants Underwood to include the following language in the proposed Omnibus Territories Act: "Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for fiscal years 2000 and thereafter, expenditure of money available as Impact Aid for Guam under section 104[c](6) of Public Law 99-239 shall be subject to approval by the Legislature of Guam."

The Pangelinan resolution (Legislative Resolution No. 60) will be transmitted to Sen. Frank Murkowski, chairman of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee; U.S.


----,

·-----------~----------

Onerheim nixes new move to disqualify Manglona


THE SUPERIOR Court has denied a motion seeking to disqualify Judge John A. Manglona from presiding criminal cases filed by the government where his wise is employed as a prosecutor.

Associate Judge Virginia S. Sablan-Onerheim said the fact that Judge Manglona 's wife is a criminal prosecutor, without more, does not reasonably bring into question the judge's partiality.

··Judges take an oath not only to uphold the Constitution and follow the law, but also to perform their judicial duties impartially and diligently," said Onerheim in denying the motion filed by Chief Public Defender Harvey M. Palefsky on behalf of defendants Jeffrey S. Basa and Heidi Caja.

Onerheim in herorderpointed out that unless reasonable grounds are provided, it is presumed that Judge Manglona has adhered to the judicial truth.

Court documents showed that in 1998 Basa was charged with escape while Caja with fraudulent representation of a non-resident employment application and contract.

After waiving reading of the information and advisement of their personal and constitutional rights, Basa and Caja entered a plea of not guilty.

Presiding Judge Edward Manibusan then subsequently ordered the defendants to appear for a status conference before Judge Manglona.

Palefsky moved to disqualify Judge Manglona from presiding the hearings.

Assistant Atty. Gen. Ramona V. Manglona never appear or represent the government in the cases. court records indicated.

In claiming that Judge Manglona 's partiality might be questioned, Onerheim said the

Virginia S. Sablan-Onerheim

defendants cite no other facts other than the judge's wife Ramona, "works in the same small office as the attorney prosecuting the instant matter" and that "the prosecuting attorney is Mrs. Manglona's direct supervisor."

"While these facts could raise a reasonable question about the judge's impartiality, it is not legally sufficient in providing an objective, knowledgeable member of the public with a reasonable basis for doubting Judge Manglona's impartiality," Onerheim said.

Here, Onerheim stressed, Manglona' s wife was never"engaged in the case" in any capacity.

"In a community such as ours where familial relationships are prevalent, a marriage relationship, in and of itself, should not be the deciding factor in determining ajudge' s partiality," she said.

Onerheim said to disregard · consideration of all other circumstances where a marital relationship exists would have overreaching implications.

"Defendants' position in the case, if accepted, would require thatJ udge Manglona disqualify himself whenever a party, represented by the Attorney General's Office, brings an action before him without regard

c-ontinued on page 22

Beaches becoming top attraction for tourists

By Fer.pie de la Torre Variety News Staff

THE POPULARITY ofbeach resorts among Japanese honeymooners is growing, according to a survey.

The Japan Travel Bureau said based on the 1999 survey in terms of the number of. bookings, it seems sure that the popularity of beach resorts will continue in the future.

JTB study showed that in Asia. Bali and the Maldives accounted for 88 percent as compared to 65 percent last year with regards to the proportion of beach resorts booked in the areas.

In Australia, JTB said, the Great Barrier Reef and the Gold Coast were 83 percent as compared to 77 percent last year. indicating that bookings are up on the previous year.

The bureau said Asian beach resorts are running at 230 percent of last year's figures while for South Pacific destinations (Tahiti, Fiji, and New Caledonia) it is I 70 percent.

For Guam and Saipan, JTB added, beach resorts bookings registered a 148 percent of last year's figures.

The bureau's 1998 study showed that travelers to Saipan/ Guam and Hawaii cited rest and relaxation as their most popular activities.

Last years' survey also showed that Saipan and Guam are the most popular destinations among Japanese single women.

Based onJTB 'sanalysis by sex, age and marital status, the data showed that single women are most enthusiastic about traveling abroad.

THURSDAY APRIL 29 1999 -MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS-9

Palau eyes regular JAL, Far East Airline flights

By Eileen 0. Oreiro For the Variety

KOROR (Palau Horizon) -The government is firming up plans with the country's two major airlines for a possible regular flight schedules this year.

Trade and Commerce Minister Okada Techitong told Palau Horizon that Japan Airlines (JAL) and Far East Transport Airline (FAT), which are servicing Palau through charter flights, have signified their intention of opening up regular flight schedules, from Japan and Taiwan to Palau routes, respectively.

Currently, FAT is flying the Taiwan-to-Palau route twice a week through charter flights, while JAL only flies on a bookout basis. According to the Palau

Visitors Authority (PVA), JAL has only two book-out flights next month.

"We are hoping that we will be able to make arrangement with them (JAL) to serve a regular flight schedule and we are hoping that it would be good for Japanese travelers and Palauans, too," the minister said.

It would be noted that the inception of charter flights by FAT forced Continental Micronesia to cease their scheduled TaipeiKoror service.

Techitong said the government and these airlines may be able to come up with regular flights schedules by summer.

In another development, the commerce and trade minister said the Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) is

Aa,~~lf J.oo 3 Nights Hotel w/Transfer

and Breakfast, Double Occupanc

HONGKONG $489.00

3 Nights Hotel w/I'ransfer Double Occupancy

currently holdings talks with Air Nauru for a possible regular flight schedule, with the hope of breaking Continental Micronesia's monopoly on the island's airline industry.

According to Techitong, the move made by Congress is aimed solely at drawing a fierce competition in the airline industry.

When it comes to airline industry, he said "it takes more than just to start to fly." Techitong added that an aviation agreement has to be in place between the nations that Air is planning to serve.

"Having two or three airlines competing on this small route might create a problem of discontinuation of flight services. This might have more impact than having an expensive fare," he noted.

MANILA $830.00

2 Nights Hotel w/Transfer and Breakfast

Extra Night Fee

Going to the.Mainland U.SA. Saipan to L.A. or San Francisco

or Seattle oneway

$878.00

'1~ipan .1g.

$900.00

Other restriction apply please call: Juvy· Mira; Kristina or May at Z33·360Q • 233-3700 • 233-3800

WORLD TOUR & TRAVEL Caller Box PPP 305, Garapan. Saipan MP 96950 U.S.A.

Tel. No.: 233-3600/3700/3800 Fax: 233-3900

1999 LIIIRATION DAY FIITIVAL CONNITTII 114b 1

:Strengtftening 'l(now[ufge into tne N!w !Jvfif{ennium 11

"I·.· .. "V. BOOTH CONCESSIONAIRE($) NOW AVAILABLE!!! ~-

FIRST COME FIRST SERVE!!! SPACE IS LIMITED!!t~l

ACTIVITY

GAMES

• KIDS • ADULTS

>-------"'11SCELLANEOUS VENDORS:

- Non-Profit Organization - Arts and Crafts · Retail Merchandising - Others

FOOD/DRINKS/BEER/CIGARETTE

NO. OF BOOTHS

20

1D

25

COST UNIT

S 900.00

.,, 000.00

$1,500.00

NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT SPEARHEADED BY MR. CURTIS DANCOE OF

POW61l qqflf Interested Entertainers Please Call 235-7996 ext. 101

NEW CARNIVAL RIDES for children and sdulls; Somethin' different, Somethin' new Especially tor You//!

LIBERATION FESTIVITY BEGINS ON JUNE 4, 1999 AND ENDS ON JULY 4, 1999 AT THE AMERICAN MEMORIAL PARK.

CONCESSIONAIRES INTERESTED SHOULD MAKE PAYMENT BEGINNING AT 9:00 A.M., ON APRIL 23RD AT THE SAIPAN MAYOR'S OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, DEADLINE WILL BE APRIL 30TH. SPACE IS LIMITED, SO SECURE YOUR SPACE NOW!

FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT MS. Sonya Pangelinan at 322-9436 or Ms. MaryAnn CalvQ AT THE SAIPAN MAYOR'S OFFICE, TELEPHONE NUMBERS 234-6280/6208.

_10- MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS-THURSDAY-APRIL 29, 1999

Goldberg: Worker who sued wasting gov't, court's tiIDe

Inter-agency task force targets mobile vendors

By Jojo Dass Variety News Staff

dors, who peddle farm produce on road sides and garment factory gates using pick-up trucks, are legitimate food handlers.


ASSIST ANT Any. Gen. Robert Goldberg said an alien worker who filed a federal action over alleged warrantless raid and arrest- should stop wasting the court's and the government's time by litigating the lawsuit.

Goldberg in a motion to quash summonses filed yesterday said plaintiff Ariel Gorromeo's insistence on pressing the matter highlights his misconduct.

Earlier, Goldberg stated that Gorromeo's lawsuit is a frivolous case which was filed so that he can only prolong his illegal stay in the Commonwealth.

Gorromeo, through counsel G. Anthony Long, in his complaint asked the US District Court to order Labor and Immigration Secretary Mark Zachar;s and Goldberg to pay $200,000 in

Robert Goldberg

punitive damages in connection with alleged warrantless raid and arrest.

Long said DOU agents without an arrest warrant picked up Gorromeo twice and detained him for several months in 1998.

Goldberg in the motion said the summonses directed to them last March 23 should be quashed as

K-B Bridge demolition rushed KOROR (Palau Horizon) -The demolition of the K-B Bridge is expected to be finished earlier than expected thus paving the way for the early start of the construction of the new K-B Bridge, according to Resources and Development Minister Marcelino Melairei.

.. At the rate the demolition is going on. it looks like the job will be completed much earlier," Melairei said. The demolition is set to be completed by the end of August this year.

By May or June, also this year. there will be an exchange of notes between the governments of Palau and Japan on the new K-B Bridge construction project.

The S28 million project. according to Melairei. will be

opened for bidding under the Japanese grant-aid program to Japanese contractors.

According to the present schedule, Melairei said, the bid opening will take place in Japan sometime in September this year.

The bidding process will be handled by the Nippon Koei Co., Ltd .. a Japanese consultant.

Melairei also noted that the awarding of contract for the K-B Bridge construction project is scheduled in early October this year; while the construction will immediately follow during the same month.

The project is expected to be finished in 26 months almost at the same time with the completion the $149 million 53-mile compact road. (\IALOC SAYS0:-1)

the papers do not bear the seal of the court.

The government lawyer said Gorromeo's counsel misunderstands the difference between insufficiency of process and insufficiency of services.

Defendants need not submit affidavits to note that the summonses do not bear the seal of the court, according to Goldberg, adding that in at least four cases the Superior Court has quashed summonses based on the absence of a court seal.

Goldberg pointed out that the seal requirement is not a technical matter like misspelling of a name.

The absence of a seal is a serious deficiency, said Goldberg, stressing that the defendants should be served with authentic summonses sealed by the court.

THE DEPARTMENT of Commerce is forming an inter-agency task force that will investigate vending activities at garment factory sites by Chinese nationals, it was learned yesterday.

A ranking official from the Department of Labor and Immigration (DOLi) who is forming part of the special body said the task force will also be comprised with representatives from the Department of Public Health (DPH), the Coastal Resource Management (CRM) and the Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

Variety contacted Commerce Secretary Frank Villanueva's office but was told the official was somewhere else on a meeting.

"We are going to set up a task force. We are going out and investigate," said the DOU official on condition of anonymity.

The official said DOU will confirm whether the Chinese ven-

"The department will try to determine if the vendors are illegal or overstaying, or if they have proper documentation to be working there," said the official.

The move stemmed from a recent report indicating that these vendors may have been evading tax responsibilities while posing health threats to the consumers.

Commonwealth Food and Nutrition Council member Patrick Calvo has disclosed that these "mobile stores" have been operating for more than a year now.

He lamented that government's concrete action to address the situation is yet to be ascertained.

The DPH, for its part, has warned against possible health threats arising from the vendors alleged failure to comply with mandatory screening for food handlers.

Male dancers perform traditional dance during the Flame Tree celebration last weekend. Photo by Louie c. Alonso

INTRODUCING THE ALL NEW

1999 Sonata The fafrfilY sedan

with the compact price.

~~~-& J

~ TE~!~!-:-~D ~R~P2!~~ On Beach Road in Garapan 234-7133

1/((f{{/111/kfflf/[/f/{/p ~ __ ... _ .. _ .... /

<B; HYUnDRI Starting at only

s15,995 just $319 Now with a completely redesigned

engine and transmission!

PREPARE TO WANT ONE

per month*

Air Conditioning • Automatic Transmission , Power Mirrors , Power Windows Power Locks , 6-Speaker AM/FM Stereo • CD Player, Dual Air Bags , Power Steering

Front Wheel Disc Brakes • Remote Fuel and Trunk Re tease

Free lunch at • With any qualified test d!ivei ...

'On approved credit. $15,995 sell mg price leis 25X down payment (54,000) cash or trade equity, Financed at 12 .5% APR for 48 payments of $318.83 per month. Finance charge of $3,308.84. license and registration fees not included.

-· .... ---- ... -·. ' ... ,. ........... ,r,,._.. ____ ............ , ....................... _ ........ _ ................ - ....................................... •·•··•·• ......... ..

t I

f t

' I i

-------------------- _ THURSDAY, APRIL 29. 1999-MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS-11

Palau to have 1st-ever entertainment center

Landscaping Class of Marianas High School did all the hard work in keeping the campus beautiful during an activity that is part of its curriculum. Photo by Louie c. Alonso

By EILEEN 0. OREIRO For the Variety

KOROR (Palau Horizon) -A Chinese business tycoon based in China is planning to venture into bowling alley and family entertainment business in Palau to provide the first entertainment venue on the island.

Currently, Palau has no entertainment center for familybased market. Evening entertainment is limited to Karaoke bars and nightclubs in Palau.

In its application to the Foreign Investment Board (FIB), the Palau Bowling Alley Club, which will be managed by· True Fortune Group, Inc.

President Hao Yi Bian, will be built on a 12,610-square meter land area across the Shell station in Ngetkib, Airai.

The bowling alley will initially have 16 lanes, a snack bar, video game parlor, singalong machines and 60 parking spaces.

In the FIB application, more lanes will be added after three to five years depending on how popular the bowling club becomes.

Bian pointed out that the bowling alley club will provide Palau with a new sports center that will give children, teenagers and adults an opportunity to explore other

sports. The bowling alley will cer

tainly have league play for competition among various local groups such as government ministries, schools and neighborhoods.

He added that tournament play is planned after six months or so when bowling becomes popular in Palau and locals would have a chance to get their bowling skills honed.

Bian said the bowling alley will actively pursue the hiring of Palauans for every job category. The mechanics will have to be trained to operate and maintain the pin setters and ball return equipment.

GTC school holds environmental awareness campaign By Louie C. Alonso Variety News Staff

STUDENTS and teachers of Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School yesterday launched an environmental awareness campaign to protect the natural resources of the Common-

wealth. GTC's campaign 1s m line

with the celebration of the Environmental Awareness Week spearheaded by the Division of Environmental Quality.

Government officials were invited to speak to GTC students

about the value of protecting the environment.

Rep. Dino Jones told the students that Chalan Kanoa, Koblerville and Tanapag are the three most polluted areas on Saipan, in which the federal governmental vowed to support in

the clean-up of these places. Rep. Heinz Hofschneider en

couraged the students to preserve the natural resourcesthat could benefit the future generations of the indigenous population.

The lawmaker also highlighted the ill-effects of dump-

ing harmful chemicals such as lead which could kill the people and the rivers.

Students and teachers have also participated in beach cleanup around the island as part of the environmental awareness celebration.

This is to inform all fishermen and boaters that the 1111 Tiri"lt San Jose

F~t. 1)~ . ·.· .. ,.. ··- .. • ... ,•:

will be held on Saturday May 1st from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm Entry Fee is $150.00 - One Captain .with two anglers

Additional Anglers - $2pt:OO

Biggest Fish - $1,500.00 + On~ Young Heifer Biggest Wahoo - $1,0po.oo Biggest Tuna $1,000.00 Biggest Mahi $1,000.00

Most Variety - 10,000 BTU Air Conditioner And other consolation prizes

Marianas Visitors Authority Mobil JWS Refrigeration & Air Conditioning

Sponsored By:

Fishing Tackle & Sporting Goods Midway Motors Listo Print Shop MAR-PAC

Paid for by: The Tinian Fishermen & Boaters Association

Surf Turf/ Get Covered Moylan's Insurance J.M. & Associates Micronesian Marine Mendiola's Ranch

Read vvith your child everyday.


The Af0!1nd the Islands ~lion. ,covers community stories, local events,and cultural actlvllles; Sl)ould you have a story you would like 10 s~are, or an event fuat needs to

£?8,Cfl'!8fep!pofrtllct f...31!a al ~f .· ..

Makali'i voyagers visit GES By Louie C. Alonso Variety News Staff

terday as part of the activities set by the Carolinian Affairs Office.

TIIE crew members of the historic Makali 'i voyage visited Garapan Elementary School yes-

The purpose of the school visit was to ignite the interest of local kids in the culture and traditions

o~Q SAIPAN

INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTORS

WANTED A leading International wholesale distribution company is

seeking a talented and responsible applicant for the position of

SALES REPRESENTATIVE • Previous sales experience required • Previous experience in wholesale distribution preferred

Professional image and attitude necessary Excellent salary and conditions salary Motivated. reliable, self starters need only apply!

Please apply in person at Chalan Kiya Industrial Center #4 or Phone 235 2706, Fax 235 2711

The successful candidate will be required to provide a health certificate and police and traffic clearances.

of the Northern Marianas. The voyage was headed by

master navigator Mau Piailug. with crew members Junior Coleman, Chadd Paishau and Shorty, Pomai and Kinalu Bertlemann.

The voyagers told the students about life on the boat and the meaning of the voyage.

Coleman told GES students that navigators hardly slept during the voyage.

During the voyage, he added, half of the crew got to sleep for about six hours while the other half were in-charge of the naviga-

Continued on page 22 Master Navigator Mau Piailug teaches GES students the traditional way of navigation using star and canoe compass.

LOCAL HIRE ONLY Shorty Bertlemann (center) answers all the questions of GES students regarding the recent Makali'i voyage.

$ G fl J's Poker Place located right next door to Marg's Kitchen in

Susupe is giving away

an extra ssoo.oo on ROYAL FLUSH WINNERS

from Friday thru Sunday.

from Monday thru Thursday an extra $1000

oN ROYAL FLUSH WINNERS.

$

$

$ Come try your luck! ~ For more information call 234-winn.

This offer is for S bets only. Offers expires May IS, 1999.

Pholos by Louie C. Alonso

WASC tea1n lauds Hopwood's services

By Louie C. Alonso Variety News Staff

THE ACCREDITATION team from the Western Association of School and Colleges (WASC) lauded yesterday the maximum services that Hopwood Junior High School is extending to its students despite the budget crisis faced by the Public School System.

The major problem noted by the committee was the minimal budget being distributed in the school level.

Principal Lou Mendiola said despite some problems. she still has confidence in her school.

"I hope the accreditation team wou Id understand the financial situation here in the Commonwealth. Everyone here in Hopwood is trying their best to make things happen," Mendiola said.

One of the negative points cited by the committee was the suspension of the language arts progmm.

Hopwood was supposed to open a language arts laboratory last

year but due to lack of personnel. the school administration was forced to shelve the program.

"We never minimize services here. In fact, we maximize our services to our students. That's what the team wants to see here," Mendiola added.

According to the principal, the school's strength relies heavily on its teachers and programs.

Hopwood was also lauded for its "'Focus on Learning" as well as its parental and community support.

"'But it doesn't mean that we don't have problems in Hopwood. We also have some shortfall that we need to work out," she added.

Hopwood, which received a three-year accreditation term some years ago, hopes to get a better recommendation from the visiting team this year.

The visiting team is composed of educators from Hawaii. Guum. California und the Philippines.

I '

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 1999-MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS-13

Palau gears for start of Compact Road project

Philippine radio reporter killed, charges to be filed

By MALOU L. SAYSON For the Variety

KOROR (Palau Horizon) -Government officials and representatives from the U.S. A1my Corps of Engineers (USCOE) and Daewoo Corp. will meet next month to discuss the preparations for groundbreaking ceremonies for construction projects which are set to begin in mid-June.

Resources and Development Minister Marcelino Melairei told Palau Horizon that the pre-construction meet is critical as it shall tackle all the nitty-gritty details such as environmental and historical preservation considerations, construction procedures and ordnance removal.

The government of Palau, President Nakamura said in an earlier interview, has gone into another round of consultations with the USCOE,Honolulu District, here in Palau to discuss in particular, the ticklish issue of environmental preservation.

Lt. Col. Wally Walters of the USCOE, Tom Yokum of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and a Fish and Wildlife Service representative named Molina came to Palau and met with national and state government officials.

The President emphasized on the environmental issue, saying that "we can easily address or resolve [this matter] and come up with acceptable resolutions."

In an interview with Melairei, he said, "we are try-

ing to have more discussions about the Ngaremeduu Conservation Program to be used as mitigation program for the compact road project."

The role of the state governments of Ngaremlengui, Ngatpang andAemiliik is crucial to ensure that environmental preservation measures are implemented to protect the fragile ecology and environment of the areas concerned.

Melairei said aside from the Ngaremeduu encompassing the three states, there is also the Ngardok Lake considered as another conservation area vital in pushing the mitigation program for the compact road.

The utilization ofresources has also been raised considering that the $149 million 53-mile compact road is the largest public civil works project to be implemented in Micronesia.

"We 're going to use local materials [filling materials] as much as possible," Melairei said. But in terms of cement supply, Palau has to resort to importation.

All materials, though, have to be approved by the US COE to ensure the use of quality materials for the project.

In terms of human resources, there is an understanding between the US COE and the government of Palau to employ as many local people as possible.

BACOLOD, Philippines (AP) - Police said Tuesday they will file murder charges against a neighborhood

toughie who admitted killing a radio reporter and former Baptist preacher in a central Philippine city.

Frank Palma, 49, reporter for radio station Bombo Radyo, was stabbed nine times with a butcher's knife outside his house late Sunday. One knife thrust pierced his heart, police said.

Cuts on his hands indicated Palma tried to ward offthe attack,

they said. The suspect, 29-year-old

Gerardo TocamaJr., was arrested more than four hours later as he emerged from a hole he had dug under his mother's house.

Tocama admitted stabbing Palma but said he did it in selfdefense after Palma shot him. police said. Doctors who examined a wound on Tocama, however, said it had actually been caused by a knife.

Palma often reported on complaints of alleged drug pushing and trouble-making by Tocama.

Tocama allegedly was responsible for two previous attempts on Palma's life, including one in which Palma was shot at inside his house, police said.

Palma was a Baptist preacher before being employed by the radio station in 1984.

He was the second Negros journalist to be slain in less than a year. A day after last year's May 11, 1998, national elections, radio reporter Danny Llasos of the Radio Mindanao Network was killed by still unidentified gunmen.

Diana Gernandiso, an activist for foreign workers in Taiwan, carries a basket on her back labeled "house slave" as she acts in a skit drawing attention to abuses of household help by their employers in Taiwan in front of the Labor Council in Taipei on Monday. AP

et11ee

Sony BBB Motorola Express Xtra

Motorola Bravo LX

FREE!! Conct,toos apply New ac1Na1ion!. only !\ct1va1ion !eewai',,ed. 24-month contract 1equ11ed on TsJnam1 Plan or t11ghu1. Sucuut~ dEJpos1I rnqu11cd. Penalty for early canccllahon. Whilo supplies Inst

Motorola StarTAC 8600

$150 Conc:h11ons apply. Now ac1ivotions only. Acwa1ion Ice wn1vccl 24-monlh contrncl required on Tsunami Plan or highe1. Socurity deposit roqu,rod. Penally !or early canccllotion. Wllilc :.upplios lasL

$60 Cond,!ions apply. New activauons only. 18-mon!h contrJcl rnquirud Activalion rco waived. Security deposit required. Penalty !or early cancolla!ion. Whi:o supp hes last.

Nolda 252

$50 Conditions apply. Now act1Vations only Ac1ivation lee wa:vcd. 24-mcmth contract required on Tsunami Plan or higher. Security CJeposit roqu1rad, Penalty for early cancellat1on. While supplies last

$55 Condllions apply. New ac11va1ions only 18·.'TIDnlh con1rac11equircd Activot:on lco waived Security dcpo:;11 required Penalty for oarly cancoll.Jt1on While supplrns las\.

C A T 0 N S

The Choice is Clear.

Formerly Sa/pan Cellular & Paging. Call 235-PAGE for more information.

- .- -' - - .· .-_.

14- MA_RI~~~-S VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS-THURSDAY-APRIL 29, 1999 ___ _

Micronesian islands support Klribati's millennium claim TARAWA (Pacnews)Micronesian countries have thrown their support behind Kiribati's claim that it will be the first country in the world to see the dawn of the new millennium.

Kiribati President Teburoro Tito said the support came at a meeting of Micronesian Executives in-the Marshall Islands capital. Majuro. last week.

Micronesian countries comprise Kiribati. Guam. Palau. Marshall Islands, Nauru. Federated States of Micronesia. and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas.

Tito said a Government-sponsored committee looking after Kiribati's millennium celebra-

tions has spent $AUD$200,000 (US$ I 29,000) in promoting Christmas Island and Millennium Island (formerly Caroline island) as a tourist destination through the internet, television and radio commercials.

Tito said Kiribati would also increase hotel rooms and upgrade other visitor facilities on Christmas Island, the site of the country's main millennium celebrations.

The Kiribati Government decided last year to move the International Date Line east of the Line Islands in its bid to become the first country in the world to see the light of the new millennium.

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands :;JBepartment of ltabor anb 3Jmmigration

Division of Labor

PUBLIC NOTICE The following person(s) with pending Labor or Agency Case are hereby notified to report to the Division of Labor, Compliance and Monitoring Section (JDC) located on the 2nd Floor of Afetna Building, San Antonio, Saipan within 'l\venty (20) days from the date of the publication of this notice.

NAME 1). Anna Lisa U. Gallego 2). Maria Gracia Umbao Del Gallego 3). Mervin Leslie Mason Umbao 4). Do-Nam Chao 5). Kyung-Uk Lee 6). Remedios Loresco Ferrer 7). Genaro B. Inting 81. Estrella Jumilla

LABOIUAGENCY CASE NO. CAC97-0187-10 CAC97-0187-10 CAC97-0187-10 CAC97-0187-10 CAC97-0187-10 CAC97-0187-10 CAC97-0187-10 CAC97-0187-10

Failure to appear at the Division on or before the date and time seecified above shall be ground for dismissal of ~he above case~ an~ approenate !3-Ction and/or sanction shall be taken agamst the above mdividuals, mcluding the referrals of their matters to the Immigration Office for their actions.

Dated this 27th day of April, 1999.

/s/Gil M. San Nicolas Director of Labor

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND IMMIGRATION DIVISION OF LABOR (COMPLIANCE SECTION)

PUBLIC NOTICE The following person(s) with pending Labor or Agency case are hereby notified to report to the Division of Labor, Compliance Section (Ellen Villagomez), located on the 2nd Floor of Afetna Building, San Antonio, Saipan on the date specified below.

Arturo C. Lazarte Robel Amelia Pontiveros Arne! C. Mendoza Arcadia S. Larano Nan, Gong lie Luisa Punla Shirley T. Javier

LABOR/AGENCY CASE NO. CAC#99-184-04 CAC#96-035-10 AC#96-5044 CAC#96,033-10 AC#95-213 AC#95·182 CAC#97-096-07

HF'.AR!NG DATE &TIME 5/18/99 9:00 a.m. 5118199 1:30 p.m. 5118199 10:30 a.m. 5/19/99 9:00 a.m. 5/19/99 10:30 a.m. 5120/99 9:00 a.m. 5120/99 10:30 a.m.

Failure to appear at the Division on or before the date and time specified above shall be ground for dismissal of the above case(s) and appropriate action and/or sanction shall be take_n against the above individuals, including t~e ref~rrals ofthe1r matters to the Immigration Office for their act10ns.

Dated this 27th day of April, 1999.


· Cancer has no cure, but can be prevented.

~-~._ Elsewhere.i_n the Pacifi.c

Japan to fund South Pacific Forum development program SUVA (Pacnews)-Japan has provided $US408,000totheSouth Pacific Forum Secretariat to help fund its I 999 development program.

"Japan recognizes the important role the Forum Secretariat plays in the development of the region and we are confident that this assistance will be put to the best possible use for the benefit of Forum member states," said the Japanese Ambassador to Fiji, Hisato Murayama, as he handed over the funds to Forum Secretary General, Noel Levi.

Levi said the region was appreciative of the strong and growing

·ties between Japan and the Forum not only in regional economic development but also in other areas such as in the closer coll abo-

Nauru elects a new president YAREN (Pacnews)-The Nauru Parliament has dumped President Bernard Dowiyogo in favorofhis former political colleague, Rene Harris.

Harris defeated Dowiyogo by a vote of IO to 7 in Parliament yesterday.

The new President was former Chairman of the Nauru Phosphate Corporation. Harris is today selecting his new cabinet.

Changing the President has become a regular occurrence in Nauru. This is the seventh new Government in three years.

Dowiyogo served as President five times but Renee Harris is a newcomer to Nauru's top political post.

ration at international forums. "This is a further demonstra

tion of Japan's commitment to the region's development efforts and is the latest in an annual series of funding assistance that totals $US6.3 million since 1988," Levi said ..

"In addition toJapan'ssubstantial contribution to programs at the Forum Secretariat and other regional organizations, the Gov-

emment of Japan also makes significant contributions to individual member countries on a bilateral basis."

The assistance to the Forum Secretariat will support activities in areas such as trade and industries development, promotion of external relations and law enforcement, economic development reform, and human resources development and training.

Chief Justice finds Cook Islands electoral act 'unconstitutional' RARA TONGA (Pacnews)The Cook Islands Chief Justice has declared unconstitutional the country's new Electoral Act which forbids political campaigning except for five weeks prior to a national election.

Radio Australia reports the

Chief Justice said he was unable to accept the Government's argument that the law was for the benefit of the public.

In his judgement the Chief Justice said the new electoral act was so restrictive and so broad, it was clearly unconstitutional.

Fiji censors pornographic web sites on the Internet SUVA (Pacnews)-Fiji's Telecommunications Minister says the Government will soon put into place mechanisms that will bar children from surfing pornographic sites on the Internet.

Ratu Inoke Kubuabola made the comment at the South Pacific Forum Communication Ministers meeting in the Fiji capital, Suva.

INCL reports the minister did not say how the Government would censor pornographic sites.

He said his ministry was working on a strategy to ensure children and students are barred from pornographic sites.

Ratu Inoke said his Government shared the concerns expressed by other Governments on the unsuitability of such web sites.

Speaking on Fiji's Internet services, Ratu Inoke said there are plans to reduce access charges and to extend Internet connections to schools all over Fiji.

He also disclosed the Government would soon issue licenses to two local Internet providers to compete with the Government-owned Internet Services Fiji, the lone internet provider in the country.

He said it would have achieved a restriction on almost any form of overt political activity in the Cook Islands for all, but the basest period between elections.

Even the formation of new Continued on page 16

Tuvalu.has anew PM

FUNAFUTI (Pacnews)-The Tuvalu Parliament has elected Ionatana Ionatana as the new Prime Minister.

The former Minister for Education replaces Bikenibeu Pacniu, oustedfromofficeearlierthismonth after a vote of no confidence.

ThevoteagainstPacniuwassupporte(l by members of his own Cabinet, including Ionatana, after accusations of misconduct in his personal life and failing to complete Government programs as promised when he came to office.

Paeniu had been Prime Minister of Tuvalu since 1994 when former Prime Minister Latasi was ousted in a similar no confidence motion.

·-1-r-

Police officer Melvin Pucan, dressed as the popular television hero "Robocop," hands out educational materials to children as part of their anti-drug abuse campaign in suburban San Juan Tuesday. AP

Estrada: RP has right to allow Anwar wife's visit

Joseph Estrada

MANILA, Philippines (AP) -The Philippine government will allow a visit this week by the wife of Malaysian dissident Anwar Ibrahim because the Philippines is a democracy, President Joseph Estrada said Tuesday.

Estrada said Azizah Ismail was invited as a personal guest of former President Corazon Aquino and her trip should not be viewed as Philippine interference to Malaysian domestic affairs.

"I think the former president has the right to accept a friend in her own country, so that is not interfering with the internal affairs of Malaysia," Estrada said. ·'Since we live in a democratic country, Mrs. Aquino is entitled to receive a friend in her homeland."

Estrada said hew as not involved in inviting Azizah but Mrs. Aquino asked him to provide security during the visit.

Malaysian officials summoned the Philippine ambassador in Kuala Lumpuron Tuesday to convey their displeasure overthe visit, a Malaysian Embassy official in Manila said.

Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Al bar said the Malaysian government views any instance of giv-

ing Azizah "space to pursue her political agenda" as an attempt to interfere in the country's internal affairs, Malaysia's national news agency, Bernama, reported Monday.

Estrada was the first foreign leader to publicly criticize Anwar's jailing last year. Philippine ties with Malaysia were strained when he openly expressed support for Anwar and considered boycotting an international forum in Malaysia to protest the arrest.

Estrada later decided to attend. He met Anwar's wife when he

was in Malaysia in November attending the forum. He also met Anwar's daughter when she later visited the Philippines to seek support for her father.

On April 14, a Malaysian court found Anwar guilty on four charges of corruption and sentenced him to six years in prison, triggering protests against Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's government.

Anwar denied the charges and said the case was an attempt to silence his opposition to Mahathir.

Estrada said Monday he would meet Azi zah and convey words of encouragement to Anwar, asking the former Malaysian leader to fight for his rights because "in the end, I believe, truth will set him free."

Azizah is scheduled to meet Estrada on Thursday at the presidential guest house in Manila's Malacanang palace. The meeting was arranged by Mrs. Aquino, a palace official said.

Mrs.Aquino's husband, the late opposition leader Benigno Aquino, also was imprisoned by the administration of dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 1999 ~MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS-15

Mine spill damages houses, farms in Southern Philippines BUTUAN, Philippines (AP) - Large amounts of mine waste spilled from an impounding dam at a Philippine gold mining company in the southern Philippines, damaging nearby houses and farms and forcing residents to evacuate, officials said Tuesday.

Officials said they have ordered the Manila Mining Corp. to stop mining operations at Magsaysay village in the coastal town of Placer in Surigao de! Norte province and concentrate on preventing the spill from reaching a nearby sea and river.

Mayor Enrique Patinio said nearly 600,000 cubic meters (21

million cubic feet) of mud laden with cyanide and other toxic chemicals poured out of a damaged portion of a large concrete pipe carrying mine tailings from the containment pond to a water recycling plant.

A company inspector discovered mine waste gushing out of the pipe, which collapsed apparently from pressure Thursday, Patinio said.

The mine waste swamped about 40 hectares ( I 00 acres) of nearby rice fields and mangroves and damaged about 20 houses. At least 70 residents were evacuated and are

being provided food by the company, Patinio said.

He said the mining company, along with local government em-

ployecs, have built a temporary dike consisting of boulders in an effort to contain the mine waste.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources officials arc investigating the spill and will ask the mining company to shoulder the cost of a cleanup, Patinio said.

In 1996, millions of tons of mine waste from an impounding dam of the Marcopper Mining Corp. spilled into a river on central Marinduque island, creating an environmental disaster. The mine was subsequently closed by the government.

Surigao de! Norte is 740 kilometers (460 miles) southeast of Manila.

UNLIMITE INTERNET ACCESS

Fastest Internet connection

available in the CNMI

24-hour network monitoring for

reliability

GET 2 MONTHS FREE When you sign up for a year and 'pay in advance.

N£\Nl WORLDWIDE ROAMING

~--!'.'~·::.·-~.-:----...._ /'-:··c- - ----.........

(}) (~1) .. . (_y per month

Superior V.90 56k modem

technology

Sign up in April and get a

I cj i #I PACIFICN-PeoPLE MOVING IDEAS"

Chalan Lau Lau San Jose 682-2745

FREE MOUSEPAD!

([ilar1anas - - ~lectronics

Beach Road Chalan Kanoa

234-5424

(while supplies last)

Saipan Computer Services

Family Building Gara pan

234-9110

~,'. www.gtepacifica.ri.et.•1Saipa1i'&s2~27.45 ··Rota 5'32~3·599 •TinianA33·-0210 .. ,:, ,,,,'t,. '•- "' ,•'., \,L ,_, \• ~· •S .,,, • .,. •' •. •J• ,,, • •"'•-> ,r J-,¥ - • .L•,, ••, • ,• , ;, , i' , , . ,' :'.~~--~,

•


J 8.J)a11 defense bills pass that a U.N. resolution should not

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Lower House of parliament on Tuesday endorsed controversial le£islation that would tighten defe~ce ties with the Unit~d States and expand Tokyo ·s military role in the e\'cnt of a regional crisis.

A set of bills designed to implement a U.S.-fapan agreement reached in 1997 was passed by a fullsessionofthe Lower House in time for a summit in Washington on M:.iY :\ between Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi and President Bill Clinton.

TI1e government hopes to win final approval of the bills in parliament-s Upper House before the session ends in mid-June.

"We are pleased that we will more or less have the bills in place. hopefully by the end of May.-· said Akitaka Saiki. deputy press secretarv for Obuchi.

Anah"sts said it was a hardfought ·victory for Obuchi. who wants to assure Clinton that Japan is taking steps to bolster the secu-

National Diet security guards take away some people at the public gallery while t~e Japan's lo~er house 9f Parliament vote to approve the new security guideline bills at the plenary session _Tuesday m Tokyo. S1x demonstrators were detained shortly before the lower house approved the set of bills. AP

In the matter of: J Comp. Case No.: 98-168-09 Director of Labor J

COMPLAINT ) I'S.

M:idecut Corporation Rc:spondent.

) PUBLIC NOTICE The following employer. employees and any other employees un_der the :VLlJL'.cat Corporation are to report to the Hearing Office, Department of Labor and Immigration located 2nd Floor. Afetna Square. San Antonio. Saipan on Wednesday. Mav OS, 1999 at 9:30 iL.!!b

Please contact Labor Investigator Shining E.M. Kepwe in person at the Department of Labor and Immigration. Compliance Section or telephone 664-2000 to discuss your case.

I. ')

' .1. ... 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. I 0. I I. 12. 13. 14. I 5. 16. 17. IX. I 'J. 2(1. 21. 22.

Fe. P. Cosido - Employer \1alimb P. Gahub - Employer Ed\\'in D. Pal-ing - Employer Eduardo C. Alfonso - Employee Rector Aristotle B. Altarcz Clmstinc T. Ayuino Ramon A. Ariza Criste la D. Ariza r:erdinand 8. Avila Allan Avila Rodelio M. Barangay Rolando M. Bautista Ginalyn S. Biala Marisol m. Cochico Judith Dela Cruz Ronald L. Delos Reves Rodolfo E. Efc -F\orinaldo 0. Faraon Norbelina F. Lahoylah Il1cnvenido D. Lim llobbv P. Mannuaoan Catherine P. M,~nila

2l Dennis C. Manila 24. Isidro C. Mariano

Wilnan C. Oropesa Luisito M. Paconla Rosalinda Quijano Adrian R. Ranin Marielou I. Sacra Patricia P. Sangcap Nelson G. Sornillo Lerma 13. Traspicc Roderick A. Yu Ide Ruben T. Zamor Lani Matias

25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 3 I. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38.

Jocelyn T. Payabyah Rodolfo/\. J aboncro (jcraldinc limo

Dated this 23rd day or April. 1999.


rity alliance with the United States. The ruling Liberal Democratic

Party (LDP), its junior coalition partner the Li bera\s and the opposition New Komeito agreed at the weekend on changes to bills designed to allow Japan's military to give more support to U.S. forces in case of a regional crisis.

After lengthy talks, the three parties agreed to remove a key clause on inspections of foreign ships on the high seas in the event of "emergencies" in areas near Japan because of differing views by the Liberals and New Komeito.

The compromise on the controversial bills, thrashed out in marathon talks, demonstrated the delicate balancing act Obuchi faces as he seeks to preserve his coalition with the small conservative Liberal Party while also snug-

gling up to the second-biggest opposition bloc, New Komeito.

"He (Obuchi) is quite happy with the outcome of the threeparty consultation," Saiki told reporters.

Analysts said the LDP agreed to the compromise because it needs support from both the Liberals and New Komeito to ensure passage of the legislation through the Upper House, where the ruling coalition lacks a majority.

In the original legislation drafted by the LDP, inspections of foreign commercial ships would have been aimed at ensuring enforcement of U.N.-approved economic sanctions and would have required a U .N. Security Council resolution to be in place.

But the Liberal Party argued

Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi nips his nose while conferring with his Liberal Democratic Party congressman Takao Fujii as they wait for Japan's lower house of Parliament's voting of the new security guideline bills at the plenary session Tuesday in Tokyo. The lower house's approval of the bills was a key legislative victory for Obuchi, who is leaving Thursday for a May 3 summit with President Bill Clinton in Washington. AP

Chief. Continued from page 14 --- ---- -- - ------ --

political parties would not have been allowed, except just before an election.

The judgement is a victory

for the opposition Democratic Alliance Party that challenged the law.

The party said it would start campaigning immediately for the elections, which is seven weeks away.

be a precondition for such inspections.

In contrast, the Buddhistbacked New Komeito, which holds a swing vote in the Upper House, insisted on the original wording.

The three parties agreed to continue to discuss the issue and jointly prepare separate legislation on ship inspections. Defence analyst Haruo Fujii said: "After playing with vague wording on key points of the bills, Prime Minister Obuchi and the LDP skilfully won the game."

He added: "This (legislation) is good for the UnitedStates,iswhat it will truly welcome, because Japan is set to shoulder a bigger military burden for the United States."

The three parties also agreed to a clause in the definition of emergencies in the bills, referring to "situations that could result in the country becoming the target of armed attacks, if no action was taken". This was in addition to the original reference to "situations that would have a great impact on Japan's peace and security".

The legislation stipulates that parliamentary approval is needed prior to the dispatch of Japan's military to provide logistical support and other services to U.S. forces and to assist in search and rescue operations involving U.S. military personnel. But in "emergencies" the government may seek parliamentary approval afterwards.

US ·servicemen are sentenced for- assaulting . Japanese man.

TOKYO (AP) - A Japanese court has sentenced two U.S. Air Force servicemen to two years in prison for assaulting a Japanese man and trying to run him over with a car, a court spokesman said Tuesday.

Senior Airman Anthony Udy, 25, and Airman Arthur Tuttle, 22 - both assigned to Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo - were found guilty of causing bodily injury to Yasutoshi Ishizuka, said an official with Tokyo's Hachioji District Court on customary condition of anonymity.

Officials at the court and the air base refused to release the men's hometowns to protect their privacy.

Tuttle admitted hitting Ishizuka on the head with a flashlight, and both airmen said they hit the victim on the head and back, the court official said.

Ishizuka, 39, sprayed pepper spray on the men, who then ran over him with their car, the official said.

Police said the two men had been drinking at the time of the incident. Court officials said they had no details on the altercation.

There are 47,000 U.S. military service people stationed in Japan under a mutual security treaty.

'")d

',','

THURSDAY. APRIi,, 29. 1999 -MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS-17

Japan's Yosano to visit Mideast TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Trade Minister Kaoru Yosano will visit Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kuwait from April 29 to May 4, the ministry said on Tuesday. The minister will meet high-level officials from the three key Middle Eastern oil producers, a region that supplies 80percentof Japan's total oil imports.

Oil industry sources believe Yosano's main aim is to smooth negotiations between Saudi Arabia and Japan's Arabian Oil Co Ltd on the renewal of the oil concession the latter holds in the Saudi portion of the Neutral Zone shared by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

AOC's oil concession with Saudi Arabia will expire in February 2000 and that with Kuwait in 2003.

In early March, Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi told Japan's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Nobutaka Machimura in Riyadh that negotiations on the concessions should be finalised by July.

Comments by Nairni suggested Japan needed to meet certain conditions by July for renewal of the rights, such as increasing investment in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia, on various occasions, has called for an increase in Japan's investment in non-oil projects, including a mining railroad.

A demonstrator gives instructions verbally to a multi-TV screen controller to show security camera views of inside and outside of a model house at the Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Multimedia Center in Tokyo Tuesday. AP

Japan auto exports drop in fiscal year TOKYO (AP)-Japanese vehicle exports fell 3.3 percent in the last fiscal year for the first decline in three years, as sales in Asia were hurt by the regional economic turmoil.

Exports of Japanese cars, trucks and buses totaled 4.52 million in the fiscal year that ended March 3 I, down from 4.67 mill ion in the previous year, the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association said Tuesday.

For March alone, vehicle exports declined 1.9 percent from the same month the previous year to 394,719, the association said.

While Japanese auto exports to the United States and the European Union jumped 4.9 percent and 8.9 percent last year respectively, shipments to Asia plummeted 53.3 percent to 248,880 units.

Exports to America totaled

I ,357,620 units, while those to the EU came to I, 17 4,34.

All of Japan's leading automakers posted declines in overseas shipments in fiscal 1998.

Exports at Toyota Motor Corp.,Japan 's largestcarmanufacturer, fell 5.8 percent to 1,449,165 vehicles. Nissan Motor Co. exports fell 0. I percent to 710,845, while those at Honda Motor Co. dropped 4 percent to 535,604.

Mitsubishi Motors Corp. exports fell 8.1 percent to 5 I I ,349 units and Mazda Motor Corp. posted a decline of I . 7 percent to 546,618 vehicles.

Japanese passenger ear shipments in fiscal 1998 dipped 0.4 percentto 3,705,228 uni ts. Truck exports fell 11.6 percent to 70,678. Bus exports posted the sharpest fall, declining 31.4 percent to 3,254 unit~,

HAPPY BmcnIDAY

From Mom & Dad And your sisters Joan, Joyce,

Janel, Brother Jerome We love you

In the March meeting with Machimura, Naimi reiterated that Saudi Arabia expected Japan to step up investment and crude oil purchases.

Although AOC is owned I 0.94 percent each by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, it is a private company with power, gas and steel compa-

nies as its major shareholders. Yosano is not expected to di

rectly negotiate on the AOC issue, but industry sources believe he may discuss possible steps for further economic cooperation between the two nations.

Yosano will arrive in Riyadh

on April 29 for talks with government officials on May 2. He wil I meet UAE officials on May 3 in Abu Dhabi and officials in Kuwait on May 4. ·

Yosano will leave Kuwait on May 4, stopping in Singapore on May 5 before returning to Japan on May 6.

COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS

·AMENDBJ PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF ANDING OF NO SIGIIRCANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTBVT TO REQUEST RREASE OF FUNDS

Government of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Office of the Governor Saipan, MP 96950 Tel. (670) 664-2000

These Notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be under taken by the Government of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about May 16, 1999 the Government of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Federal Funds under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 197 4 (PL 93-383) for the purpose of the following project:

Project Purpose

: Tinian Community Center : Construction of a Multipurpose Community Facility

Location : Tinian, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Saipan, MP.

Federal Funds : Federal Community Development Block Grant will finance 100'7c percent of $350,000.00 of the total cost of the project.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

The Government of the Northern Mariana Islands has determined that the project will have no significant impact on human environment. The~~fore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Envirorunental Review Record (EER) on file at the Northern Marianas Housing Corporation (NMHC) Central Office in Garapan, Saipan and may be examined or copied weekdays 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency disagreeing with this determination or wishing to comment on the project may submit written comments to the Northern Marianas Housing Corporation (NMHC), P.O. Box 514 Central Office in Garapan, Saipan. All comments received within fifteen days or by May 16, 1999, will be considered by the Government of the Northern Mariana Islands prior to submission ofa request of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

RELEASE OF FUNDS

The Government of the Northern Mariana Islands certifies to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that the Government of the Northern Mariana Islands in its and the Governor, Pedro P. Tenorio consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ( HUDl acceptance of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and allow the Government of the Northern Mariana Islands to use Program funds.

OBJECTION TO RELEASE FUNDS

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUDl will accept objection to its release of funds and the Government of the Northern Mariana islands certification for a period of fifteen days following anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only ifit is on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the Government of the Northern Mariana Islands; (b) the Government of the Northern Mariana Islands has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; (cl the grant recipient has incurred cost not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of the release of funds by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (!-JUD); or tdl another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58) and shall be addressed to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development(HUD), Honolulu Area Office, Seven Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813-4918. Potential objectors should contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

--,__,.1_)" /s/Ped~.~o-. Governor

1

\ \

18- MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS-THURSDAY-APRIL 29, 1999 ----··--·--···------------------------

Japan vows $185M for Kosovo TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan ,aiJ on Tuesday it will extend S 185 million i; fresh humani-1arian aid 10 Kosovo refugees, raising its toial assistance package 10 S200 million.

Chief government spokesman Hi romu Nonaka told a news conference that the magnitude of the refugee crisis had prompted the move.

.. The problem of Kosovo refugees is the most serious currently facing the international community." he said.

A total of $60 million in aid will be extended over the next two years to Albania and Macedonia, which have been dealing with tens of thousands of ethnic Albanian refugees flooding in from Kosovo, he said.

He also said Japan would contribute $100 million to a special fund to help with the reconstruction of war-ravaged Kosovo and to help refugees eventually return to their homeland.

Japan will contribute another $40 million for Kosovo refugee assistance through the U .N. High Commissioner for Refugees, Nonaka said.

Japan has already pledged $15 million in humanitarian aid through the United Nations and has sent 1000 tents to the region.

"We would like to help as much as possible," Nonaka said.

He added that the aid decision was based on reports from a study mission that visited Albania and Macedonia in early

French carmaker Renau!t Chairman Louis Schw:eitzer (cen_ter) gestures as he talks with Japanese Prime Mrnister Kerzo Obuch, (right) while Nissan President Yoshrkazu Hanawa looks on at the premier's official residence rn Tokyo on Tuesday. Schweitzer is on a four-day visit to Tokyo. AP

China, Russia resolves border row BEIJING (AP) - China and Russia have finished an exhaustive demarcation of their borders. resolving territorial disputes that brought the neighbors to blows as recently as 30 years ago. a Russian official said Tuesday.

Having completed two treaties, 175 detailed maps and supporting documents that altogether weigh 50 kilograms (about I 00 pounds), a RussianChinese border demarcation commission is disbanding as of Thursday after seven years of work. Russian delegation head Gcnrikh Kircev told reporters.

All the documents have been de Ii vered to the countries' po-

litical leaders for their signature, Kireev said, although he did not know when the agreements would be made formal.

The commission has laid down over 2,084 border signs and markers along the 4, 195-kilometer (2,600-mile) eastern border, from Mongolia to the Tumen River near the Sea of Japan, and the 54-kilometer (33-m i le) western border, from Kazakstan to Mongolia, Kireev said.

Some 2,444 islands on rivers along the border were also divvied up, with I, 163 going to Russia and I, 181 going to China for a nearly even break in terri-10ry, he said.

Despite the meticulous work, Russia and China still have not agreed what to do with three large disputed islands, two on the Ussuri River near Khabarovsk and another on the Argun River. Kireev said their fate will be decided in the future and until then remain under Russian control.

Territorial disputes have plagued Russian and Chinese relations ever since they signed their first border agreement 300 years ago.

In 1969, at the height of Sino-Soviet rivalry for the allegiances of the socialist world, their troops skirmished along the Ussuri river.

NTT negotiates tie-up deal with AT&T TOKYO (AP) - Nippon Telegraph and Telephone, Japan's dominant telephone company, is negotiating a partnership with ATand-T, a company official said Tuesday.

The companies have reached an agreement on a business tic-up involving management of communications networks for multinational companies, said NTr spokesman Kenya Nakatsuka.

NTT was scheduled to announce the details of the agreement later Tuesday.

AT-and-T chairman and CEO

C. Michael Armstrong wa~ to speak via a satellite linkup.

Company officials refused to give further details until the news conference.

NTT's participation would allow the venture to expand quickly in Japan and the rest of Asia, :1ccording to a report in Japan's leading financial daily, the Ni hon Kei zai Shimhun.

The move would be the first major tie-up with a foreign telecommunications company since a change in Japanese law that allows NIT to offer its services globally,

the paper said. For AT-and-T, the move would

be the second major step in a week to expand its international business with the help ofaJapanese partner.

The American giant said earlier this week that it will join British Telecommunications PLC to take a combined 30 percent stake in Japan Telecom Co.,Japan's thirdlargest long-distance and international carrier.

In that deal, too, AT-and-T aims to expand its services for international business customers and earners.

April. But Nonaka made no refer

ence to the question of whether Japan would accept any Kosovo refugees.

Many nations have offered to host refugees, but Japan has said only that it would consider the issue.

Some government officials have argued that the geographical distance between Japan and Yugoslavia could make such a move difficult.

A total of $60 million in aid will be extended over the next two years to Albania and Macedonia, which have been

dealing with the inflow of tens of thousands of ethnic Albanian refugees from Kosovo, he said.

He also said Japan would contribute $100 million to a special fund to be used to help with the reconstruction of war-ravaged Kosovo and help refugees eventually return to their homeland.

Japan will also contribute $40 million for Kosovo refugees through the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Nonaka said.

"The problem of Kosovo refugees is the biggest issue the international community now faces," Nonaka said.

L. Scott F!erry,. vice president of AT & T (right) smiles as he shakes ha_nds with. Ntppon Telegraph and Telephone President Junichiro M,yazu during a press conference announcing their partnership at a Tokyo hotel Tuesday. AP

I ~.' •

i .. I ·,.

\

·.:': <,.

'>


For single fundraising event

GOP seeks to raise $1 By Alan Elsner

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Republican National Committee will raise $14 million at single event on Wednesday to help fight elections next year in which control of the House of Representatives as well as the White House are at stake.

Former President George Bush is the guest of honour at the RNC gala, for which the party has rented out the MCI sports arena in downtown Washington.

Bush's eldest son, Texas Gov. George W. Bush, is the early front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination next year and raised $7 .6 million in his first four weeks of fund raising. The younger Bush is not expec'ted to be present to hear his father speak on Wednesday.

Some 1,200 people are expected, paying a minimum of $1,500 each. For corporate donors, dinner will cost $2,000 per person or $20,000 for an entire table.

"This is a record event for us. Our party is very focused on maximizing our potential for the 2000 elections, so that we can win from the White House down to the local level;" said RNC spokesman Tim Fitzpatrick.

He declined to give a guest. list or name any of the corporations attending, saying that information would be included in the RNC's half-yearly report to the Federal Election

Commission due mid-July. The 2000 elections are par

ticularly crucial because for the first time since 1988 there is no White House incumbent, meaning that both parties have a fighting chance of winning.

Additionally, the Republican majority of 222 to 211 seats in the House would disappear with a Democratic pickup of only six seats. One seat in the 435-member chamber is vacant and one is held by an independent who usually votes with the Democrats.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which raises money for House elections, reported raising a record $6.8 million in the first quarter of this year.

The National Republican Congressional Committee did not report figures but said it had raised $4.2 million at one fund-raising dinner in Washington in March.

"The 2000 election cycle will shatter every fund-raising record in the book," said Larry Makinson of the nonpartisan Centre for Responsive Politics, which tracks money in politics.

"This latest Republican event sounds like a record for a single event. That amount of money in a single night - it makes your jaw drop," said Makinson.

Republicans traditionally outraise and outspend Democrats in U.S. election campaigns, due to their superior ability to raise money from

Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (left), House Speaker Dennis Hastert (center) and Rep. Tom Davis speak with each other prior to the enrollment signing of the Ed-Flex bill at Glasgow Middle School in A!ex~ndria, Va., Tuesday. The bill would enable states and school d1stncts to be released from some rules that ordinarily must be met to obtain federal funding. AP

corporations and wealthy individuals.

"We expect to be outspent but we will be in a stronger position than we were four years ago. We will be com-

petitive," said Democratic National Committee spokesman Rick Hess.

While Bush addresses the RNC gala, President Bill Clinton will be collecting

money for the Democrats at an exclusive gathering in a private residence in Chevy Chase, Maryland, which is expected to raise $600,000 from the 50 invited guests.

VINYL SIGNS: For indoor/outdoor with colors, style and quality, on wood, glass, metal, plastic cloth and walls, designed in computer graphics, artistically drafted, composed with a lot of talent and knowledge, is now available at Younis Art Studio, Inc.

VINYL BANNERS: On cloth and plastic materials, from 1-5 feet wide and length from 3 feet to 50 or 75. feet and more, with any color, letters size and-style and rich graphics.

Also hand painted signs and banners, artistically designed and colored on any material surface of all sizes.

·DIGITAL PRINT: Signs for inside markets/ stores/shops in full colors with print of the goods/merchandise on plastic sheets/ boards or on transparencies on special paper or cloth for ceiling hang for display or above shelves, counters and merchandise stands, can easily be produced by the talented and capable sign makers at YAS Sign System.

Full color digital print for back light in shops window or special display in the· outdoor, such as food items, drinks cosmetics, perfumes, jewelry and many more.

Vinyl signs are durable, colorful and guaranteed to last for five to seven years in all weather conditions and stands heat temperature 40-180 degrees Fahrenheit.

For all signs need, please visit or call

at 7~ Younis Art Studio, Inc., in Garapan. Telephone Nos. 234-6341 ¥ 234-7578 ¥

234 .. g7g7 ¥ 234 .. 9272 or Fax No. 234-9271.

Defense Secretary William Cohen, followed by Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Arens, arrives in the Pentagon briefing room Tuesday where he announced that he has asked President Clinton to activate as many as 33,000 reservists to support expanded air attacks in the Kosovo conflict. AP

Republicans say Clinton underplays Kosovo costs

By John Whitesides

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Congressional Republicans said on Tuesday the Yugoslav air campaign will cost U.S. taxpayers far more than the White House has admitted and proposed doubling the Clinton administration's request for Kosovo funding.

Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. said he was drafting a proposal to spend at least $11.1 billion for military operations, and House of Representatives appropriators offered a $12.9 billion spending bill for the Kosovo operation.

The Republican proposals set the stage for a battle with congressional Democrats who do not want to use an emergency spending bill to pad military accounts.

Both proposals far surpassed President Bill Clinton's request for $6 billion in fiscal year 1999 emergency spending for the U.S. share of NATO air strikes in Yugoslavia aimed at stopping Serb attacks on ethnic Albanians in Kosovo.

"Anybody that thinks this $6 billion is anything but a down payment on this war is just not paying attention," Sen. Pete Domenici, a New Mexico Republican, said at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing.

Republicans said the additional spending would help rectify long-standing and growing deficiencies in military funding

that have led to a decline in readiness and falling personnel retention and recruitment rates.

Included in both the House and Senate packages was an additional $1.8 billion for pay raises now scheduled to take effect in fiscal year 2000, which begins in October. The House package also includes $1 billion for military construction projects, mainly in Europe.

"We have identified the areas where we think the needs are," House Appropriations Committee Chairman Bill Young told a news conference.

The Senate package does not yet include figures for humanitarian aid for refugees in the Balkans, which Stevens said will be added in later. Clinton requested $566 million for refugee assistance, which was included in the House bill.

Republicans questioned the administration's overall spending request, saying it fell far short of military needs and even the costs of conducting the current air war through the end of the year.

Senators questioned whether they were getting the full picture of U.S. military costs in the air campaign in Kosovo, and scheduled a classified hearing for Wednesday to get more frank assessments from the administration.

"I think the Congress needs to have some idea of where we are going and what the total cost will be," Sen. Arlen Specter, a Pennsylvania Republican, said.

Yugoslavia: NATO raids killed 1,000 civilians UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Yugoslavia has told the United Nations that about 1,000 civilians, including many children, had been killed since the start of NA TO air attacks on March 24.

In a letter to the president of the Security Council circulated on Tuesday, Yugoslav Foreign Minister Zivadin Jovanovic called NATO's "aggression" the "most flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations since the inception of the world organisation and a setback to the foundations of the international legal order, as well as a crime against peace and humanity."

Referring to the April 22 bombing of a home belonging to Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic, he said this was an "assassination attempt" that ''represents an organised terrori_st act

Call-up of 33,000 · reservists foreseen

WASHING TON (Reuters) -The Pentagon will activate 33,000 military reservists to support U.S. combateffortsin Yugoslavia, U.S. officials said on Tuesday.

White House Press Secretary Joe Lockhart said President Bill Clinton received a formal request for the call-up on Tuesday and would approve it "very quickly."

The reservists, mostly from the Air Force, would be mainly tanker pilots and other air force personnel to back the air assault over Kosovo.

The United States already has committed about 500 aircraft. Up to I 00 of them are refueling jets, in large part flown by volunteer reserve pilots and crews.

During the NATO summit in Washington that concluded on Sunday, the leaders of the 19-member alliance agreed to intensify the air war against Yugoslav targets.

The Pentagon was expected to release details on the activation of reservists later on Tuesday.

without precedent in the civilized world."

Jovanovic, whose letter was dated April 24, strongly criticized the Security Council for having ignored several requests made so far by Yugoslavia, "whether ... before the NATO aggression to prevent it or those made afterwards to condemn it."

Charging that NATO had "concentrated primarily on civilian targets," Jovanovic said: "NATO bombs dropped on the towns and villages to date have killed about a thousand civilians, including a great many children. A few thousand civilians have sustained injuries and will be crippled for life," he added. ·

Alluding to attacks on chemical, oil and other facilities, Jovanovic said NATO had "ere-ated an environmenfal disaster

threatening almost the whole of Europe."

The destruction of what he said were a dozen private radio and television stations and of RadioTelevision Serbia was "an expression of the preponderance of one opinion, the biggest aggression against freedom of thought and a disgrace to civilization on the doorstep of a third millennium."

"Several thousand private homes and flats, some 300 schools, dozens of hospitals and health institutions, hundreds of places of worship and cultural monuments have been destroyed," Jovanovic said.

He also charged that NA TO was trying, "by combining pressure and various promises, to enlarge the number of participants in the aggression and in particular, to draw the neighboring countries into its plans."

US airlines prepare for NATO call-up of pilots

By Carol Huang NEW YORK (Reuters)- U.S. airlines, many of whose pilots are military reservists, said Wednesday they are prepared for NATO's call-up of reserve troops, and they are not expected to face serious service disruptions as pilots are called to service in the Balkans.

"We expect very minimal impact," said Kristina Price, a spokeswoman for United Airlines, the world's largest airline.

Kit Darby, president of an Atlanta-based career services firm for pilots, agreed that Tuesday's call up by of about 2,000 reservists is unlikely to have a large impact on commercial aviation.

He said there are 83,000 pilots working for commercial carriers in the United States, with only 3,500 fixed wing pilots and only 6,000 rotary wing pilots in reserve duty.

"This should not have any dramatic effect on an airline's abil-

ity to operate," Darby said. United 's Price said only 850

out of nearly 10,000 pilots at United are military reservists. She said United has pilots serving as instructors and in management positions who can go into flying duty to replace those called to support the NATO war effort.

Other carriers, such as AMR Corp. 's American Airlines, which has 800 pilots serving in the military reserves out of9;300 pilots, said it is too soon to determine how the call-up will affect civilian travel.

The call-up will be the largest activation of reserve personnel since 239,000 reservists were called to duty in the 1991 Gulf War.

Pilots said the impact could rise if reserve pilots are called out for extended periods.

"We 're going to have to wait


Maj. Gf!n. Leo Baxter, comm~nder of Fort Sl1/ Army Post, gives a P_ersonal s~nd-off to members of a platoon of soldiers Tuesday ,n Fort S,11, Okla. The platoon of about 20 soldiers, who field the Multiple Launch Rocket System, is being sent to Albania in support of Task Force Hawk. AP

,·:;

,.·.,

t ' ,' ~. I


Clinton tightens on s By SANDRA SOBIERAJ

WASHING TON (AP) - Buyers of explosives would be subject to the same background checks as gun purchasers under new gun-control legislation President Bill Clinton will unveil Tuesday. Negligent parents would also be held liable when their children commit crimes with guns.

As part of his omnibus crime package, the president is renewing measures that died in the last Congress and is counting on outrage over the Colorado school shooting to push them through this year.

"The prospects are good," White House press secretary Joe Lockhart said Monday. "Unfortunately,oftentimes it takes tragic events to catalyze work here in Washington."

Congressional sources said White House officials were working late Monday on the explosives provision, which would aim to treat the sale of explosives the same way gun sales are treated.

In the proposal, "explosives" would refer to dynamite, blasting caps and the like, not materials that can be blended into a volatile mixture. In Littleton, Colorado, the student killers used homemade hand grenades and pipe bombs in their rampage through Columbine High School. In Oklahoma City, two tons of explosive made from commonplace fertilizer were used to blow up the federal building in 1995.

Sen. Richard Durbin, an Illinois Democrat, praised Clinton's initiative cracking down on explosives but wondered if it was a problem too loosely defined to tackle.

"If yott're talking about propane gas tanks and agricultural chemicals, I'm anxious to see how they define the component parts of this," Durbin said.

President Clinton talks about proposed gun-control legislation Tuesday in the Old Executive Office Building in Washington. The president proposed gun-control legislation to raise the legal age for handgun possession from 18 to 21 and hold negligent parents liable when their children commit crimes with guns. AP

Clinton, aides said, also is proposing:

• Mandatory child-safety locks on all guns sold.

• Extension of an existing ban on juvenile possession of handguns to include semiautomatic assault rifles; .also a ban on importation of all ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 rounds, an extension of current law banning imports of those made since 1994.

• Background checks on buyers for all gun-show sales.

• A lifetime ban on gun ownership for people who commit violent crimes as juveniles.

• A three-day waiting period for all handgun purchases, with an additional two days if law of-

ficers need them to complete their investigation. Until last year, the Brady Act provided five days for police to conduct background checks on buyers if they needed that much time. Now, it limits them to three days, but most checks are instantaneous. Never before has there been a minimum, mandatory waiting period.

• Mandatory prison sentences of three to 10 years and $10,000 fines for adults, including parents, who allow children access to guns.

The adult could be held liable whenevera juvenile crime is committed and the adult "knowingly or recklessly allowed it to occur," said White House spokesman Barry Toiv. He added that the

legislation's standard of reckless conduct would be "a difficult standard to meet."

Clinton raised this provision long before the Littleton shootings and it is not meant to suggest that those killers' parents should be blamed, Toiv said.

Durbin championed a more limited liability - for situations where a gun owner shows negligence by not safely storing firearms-that garnered just 31 votes last year.

This year, Durbin said, "with presidential leadership and public support, I think this Littleton, Colo., tragedy can galvanize the majority we need."

But Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle, who represents

South Dakota, where guns are popular among ranchers and sportsmen, was skeptical about passing any new restrictions.

"I'm not sure that gun legislation is what we need," Daschle told reporters Monday. He suggested the school shootings were a societal problem stemming from parental and teacher neglect and violence in the media and on the Internet.

"Those are the kinds of things we better be looking at," Daschle said.

Another Democratic senator, Charles Schumer of New York, said he wants to plug an Internet loophole that allows gun buyers tocircumventtheBradylaw. "The firepower that can be acquired simply by going online is chilling," Schumer said.

His proposal would allow only licensed gun dealers to have Web sites trading in firearms, require those dealers to register with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and provide that all private transactions be handled through a licensed gun dealer to assure the waiting period and background checks mandated by the Brady law.

Andrew Molchan, director of the National Association of Federally Licensed Gun Dealers, said the 7,000 gun dealers he represents support a lifetime ban on gun ownership for anyone who commits a violent crime.

But the rest of Clinton's package, Molchan said, "is an unfortunate diversion and, in our view, a dangerous diversion that takes energy, time and thought away from the real issues."

"Somebody doesn't decide to walk into a school and murder several people because of lack of a gun lockorsomething,"he said. "It's a horrible, profound, moral issue."

Cigarettes should be regulated just like drugs, says WHO chief GENEVA (AP) - Cigarettes should be subject to the same rules which apply to other forms of nicotine, such as patches and chewing gum, and treated as a drug, the director-general of the W arid Health Organization told a meeting of international drug regulators Tuesday.

"A cigarette is a euphemism for a cleverly crafted product that delivers just the right amount of nicotine to keep its user addicted for life before killing the person," said Gro Harlem Brundtland.

She told the International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities, meeting in Berlin, that it did not stand to reason that harm-

US airlines ... Continued from page 20

until we know what the extent of the commitment is in

fol nicotine in cigarettes was sold freely while prescriptions were needed for therapeutic nicotine sold as a pharmaceutical.

Brundtland said WHO would be convening a high-level meeting of international regulators to assess "the extent to which the tobacco industry had subverted science and used false advertising and promotional tactics to veil nicotine addiction as an act of free choice."

"The tobacco companies say that nicotine occurs naturally and inevitably in tobacco, rather like seeds in an apple. There is evidence that nicotine delivery to the smoker may be skillfully controlled so that the

Kosovo," said Capt. Chris Beebe, chairman of the pilots union at US Airways.

Federal Aviation Administration rules prohibit pilots from

cigarette delivers a sufficient dose of nicotine to create, then maintain addiction," she said.

WHO figures say tobacco kills 4 million people every year, more than 70 percent of them in the developing world. In the first quarter of the next century, that is expected to rise to 10 million.

Brundtland said tobacco would become "the single largest contributor to the global burden of disease."

Last year Brundtland launched a WHO campaign to create an international convention to set global standards on issues such as tobacco tax, smuggling, advertising and commercial sponsorship.

flying more than I 00 hours a month, making it harder for airlines to keep aircraft staffed as pilots approach the maximum number of hours they can work.

A Marlboro advertisement stands above Sunset Strip, shown Sept. 28, 1995 in West Hollywood, Calif. A billboard parody of the Marlboro man smoking a limp cigarette on Sunset Boulevard replaced the prosmoking Marlboro Man Friday. The billboard is one of 366 tobacco billboards across the state replaced by the California Department of Health Services. AP

22- MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS-THURSDAY- APRIL 29, 1999

Makali'i . .. Continued from page 12

tion. The Saipan voyager showed

the students a suitcase loaded with the basic needs of the crew during the two-month long voyage.

Piailug has also taught the kids about the use of canoe compass and star compass.

Shorty, one of Piailug's first batch of students, shared his ex-

Onerheim ... Continued from page 9

to the stage of the proceedings of the action, the relative interests of the common party in the actions, the actual involvement of his spouse in the case, or the possible prejudice to the other parties in the case before him," the judge said.

If defendants' arguments were to be accepted, Onerheim said, then all civil cases brought by or against a party represented by the AGO would prevent Judge Manglona from presiding over

us ... Continued from page 8

content Chinese garment workers. A TR said Republicans should

not be jumping on the anti-CNMI bandwagon just to please labor unions.

'"The unions," A TR warned, ··are going all out to win back Democratic control of the House. Despite Franks' cynical ploy, they wi\\ be doing all they can to defeat

Guam ... Continued from page 8

House of Representatives Speaker Dennis Hastert; Congressman Don Young, chairman of the House Committee on

Pass. Continued from page 6

nity and cultural activities," and one 4x4 pick-up for "community special projects";

• SNLD Res. 11-7, which approves the appropriation of$! .879 million for the personnel and op-

Palau . .. Continued from page 6

civil works project to be implemented in Micronesia.

"We 're going to use local materials [filling materials] as much as possible," Melairei said. But in terms of cement supply, Palau

No major ... Continued from page 6

that go with the power system get rusted. You will not know these things until something happens to it," Villagomez further explained.

Officials are predicting the

perience while on the boat and told the kids about the food they had to eat during the voyage.

Makali' i voyage had been planned by Bertlemann brothers three years ago to pay tribute to Piailug's expertise in navigating using the traditional methods such as the moon, stars, ocean currents and wind.

The canoe reached Saipan waters last week.

Makali 'i stopped on 11 islands in Micronesia during the voyage that started on Feb. 10.

such cases. "This is especially true since all

assistant attorneys general, including Ramona Manglona, ultimately answer to the head of the office, the Attorney General. Due to the overreaching implications that will result in granting a disqualification, defendants' concerns cannot be accepted," the judge added.

Onerheim earlier disqualified Judge Manglona from presiding a criminal case against Patrick Dowai considering that Ramona appeared during an arraignment on behalf of the government.

him and every other Republican next year."

A TR added that Republicans like Franks "need to focus on rallying their own Republican base, not carrying water for enemies who alienate that base and just double cross them later."

Headed by economist and American Spectator columnist Grover Norquist, A TR favors the flat tax concept and is opposed to higher taxes at both the federal and state levels.

Resources; and the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Department of Justice; the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Services; the U.S. Department of Justice; the U.S. Department of Interior; and the Director of Insular Affairs.

eration expenses of the Saipan mayor's office, and for the construction of the Tanapag Elementary School recreational facility; and,

• SNLD Res. 11-8, which approves the appropriation of $488,000for Saipan 's college students who have been granted scholarship by the government.

has to resort to importation. All materials, though, have to

be approved by the USCOE to ensure the use of quality materials for the project.

In terms of human resources, there is an understanding between the USCOE and the government of Palau to employ as many local people as possible.

Commonwealth may be in for an early rainy season, citing the weekend deluge the islands experienced last week.

Weathermen have said Kate has moved away from the Commonwealth. Nevertheless, they said the islands will continue to have partly strong winds and some scattered rainfall.

Water . . . · Continued from page 5

"All of these sources," the CUC explained, "are contingent upon the level of rainfall."

"When the utility knew that Saipan received less than half of

Manglona ... Continued from page 5

INS has been interviewing each of the detained aliens to

JAL ... Continued from page 5

"We must admit that there will be no full recovery even if the economy returns top normal," JAL said, referring to current

NMC ... Continued from page 5

ous college programs which are

Some ... Continued from page 3

l 3 to 14years old," said the health official.

At the same time, Villagomez said DPH need not send a great number of its personnel to Tinian to attend to the medical needs of some 300 Chinese as the U.S.

Teno ... Continued from page 3

of 30 percent bonus to retiring civil service employees is still pending before the CNMI Legislature.

The CNMI chief executive said the Legislature is taking the initiative to clarify ambiguities in the existing retirement laws, especially provisions involving the calculation of the employees' basic salary from which retirement benefits depend.

Tenorio said overtime payments have previously been included in the employees' regular salary. Retirement benefits are calculated based on how much an employee gets at an average.

He explained that an employee who receives a $25,000 regular base pay annually and earns another$25 ,(XX) in overtime payments was previously reported to have

DPH ... Continued from page 3

lywood Karaoke, and Hansae Cafeteria, as well as to the Pacific Sub-sea Saipan Restaurant in Tanapag Harbor.

The highest Grade A was given to Stardust Night Club in Chalan Kanoa and to Plumeria Coffee Shop and Diamond Hall Kitchen, both located in Susupe.

During DPH's April 18 to 24 inspections, no establishment was given the lowest Grade C and ordered to temporarily shutdown.

Grade B went to Kingfisher Golf Link Restaurant and the Kingfisher Bar in Talofofo.

DPH gave Grade A to U.R. Food Deli in Navy Hill, Olympia Restaurant in Chalan Piao, Gal-

the normal rainfall during last year's 'rainy season,' it was obvious we would experience a drought this spring."

Villagomez expressed· hopes tropical storm Kate, which passed through near the Commonwealth area over the week-

determine whether they could be granted asylum.

The aliens, who were aboard boats headed to Guam when they were apprehended by the US Coast Guard, were brought to

restructuring of organizations leading to more cost-conscious operations for whatever function including travel.

JAL said employee welfare tours will also be cut down as a result of the restructuring, reflecting a lack of group travel

needed to prepare for the jobs. Mafnas advised those who are

coming to the event to bring along their resume.

Immigration Health Service led by its medical director Dr. Ada Riviera is currently in control of the medical needs in the Tinian holding facility.

The health secretary also pointed out that the Commonwealth Health Center is willing to take in some of the immigrants at Tinian in case the need arises.

"In case they need to be sent here, we are ready. We have

been earning double the basic salary which could account for higher retirement benefits.

Tenorio said the government is hoping to clarify this ambiguity by making sure that the law requires only the calculation of retirement benefits based on the basic salary, excluding overtime earnings.

House Speaker Diego T. Benavente previously said the Legislature is looking at establishing a committee that would come up with recommendations aimed at unburdening the Retirement Fund's pension obligations.

TI1e committee will be asked to identify things that the government can do to assist the Retirement Fund. "Some concerns have been raised about our financial conditions in terms of retirement contributions and that is what we want to specifically deal with right now," Benavente said.

But he emphasized that there is nothing that the Legislature can do

axy Snack Bar in As Terlaje and Hanse Employee Cafeteria in Gualo Rai.

Three Garapan-based establishments also received Grade A. These are the Bobby's Cadillac Bar, Bobby's Cadillac Pizza Parlor, and the Saipan Sunset Cruise Catering.

The Department of Public Safety is working closely with DPH in the monitoring and inspection of eating and drinking establishments.

Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez said while Grade A indicates highest standard, those who receive Grade B and C still need to institute corrective measures like cleaning the kitchen and food preparation surrounding, making sure that the chop-

end, brought in enough water to replenish the island's water wells, some of which, CUC warned, have been found to be "sucking up air."

Saipan got nearly half less of the rainfall it used to get over the years in I 998.

Tinian to ease worries on Guam that they would seek political asylum there as provided by federal immigration laws.

Unlike the CNMI, Guam is under federal immigration laws.

popularity especially among young workers who like to be independent.

Because of the current weakness in the organization-funded group travels, JAL said focus on school excursions is a viable move.

For those who wanted to learn on how to earn money for school tuition, they can visit the Career

·Center.

procedures and protocol in place," said Villagomez.

Since January, more than 300 illegal Chinese immigrants have been arrested in Guam. Some are believed to have come from the CNMI while others hold expired Saipan work permits.

Local and federal officials also do not rule out the possibility of more undocumented Chinese to sneak into Guam.

to cut down the retirement benefits of present pensioners and NMIRF members due to constitutional restrictions. "We can however come up with a legislation that would reduce retirement benefits of future government employees."

At the same time, Tenorio emphasized that there is still no assurance that the government will be able to appropriate $1.5 million in regular payment to its $21 million unpaid contribution to the Retirement Fund.

He said another consultation meeting will be made between the government's financial managers and Retirement Fund officials to determine how muc.h will be paid to the NMIRF in the succeeding months.

He said the government also is looking at the possibility that it actually owes the Retirement Fund lower than the $21 million. "The $21 million is still a question in the air. It could be less than that."

ping board is not wood, or strict enforcement of wearing' kitchen' uniform among food handlers.

The health secretary also warned consumers against patronage of food and drinks establishments that are not complying with existing health and sanitation regulations. He said these unsanitary firms increase risks of communicable and food-borne diseases.

Aside from ensuring private sector's compliance with health and sanitation laws, DPH's regular and unannounced inspections are also aimed at instituting corrective and preventive measures to avoid recurrence of massive food poisoning that recently plagued the CNMI.

INS ... Continued from page 1

Personnel from the US Department of Public Health Service have arrived to augment medical needs in the temporary holding facility. The Chinese are now being screened for infectious diseases.

INS has taken over the holding facility at North Field although the Department of Public Safety and DOLi will also provide additional personnel to allay fears that the Chinese may expose Tinian to security risks.

Local agencies like DOLi, the Emergency Management Office, Customs, Commonwealth Health Center, the Quarantine, Public Safety and some agencies in Rota are helping to augment teams sent by the federal government.

About 100 CNMI police and customs and immigration personnel, as "{ell as nurses and doctors have been mobilized for the mission, while 17 officials from the Immigration and Naturalization Service in Guam and Honolulu flew into Tinian to augment the local team.

At the same time, nobody from among the federal and local offi-

Gutierrez. • • Continued from page 1

receives a majority· of the votes cast "in any election" a runoff election will be held. at a time prescribed.

The '98 team said the panel that heard the case construed the phrase "in any election" to mean that a gubernatorial slate can win only if it receives a majority of all the votes cast for all candidates in a general election.

TheGutierrez/Bordallolawyers said the panel's "misconstruction of the Organic Act forces a gubernatorial runoff in this case."

They warned that this might set a precedent in future elections in Guam in which the offices of governor and lieutenant governor are at stake.

They also said that according to the panel, no slate can win a gubernatorial race unless it receives a majority of all "ballots" cast at the general election, even though an overwhelming majority of the voters cast no votes in the gubernatorial race; Section 1422 is specifically confined to votes cast in the election of the Gov./Lt. Gov.; it says nothing about votes cast for any other

us ... Continued from page 1

Garment Manufacturers Association. · Munson denied Skinner's

motion, saying he and his wife don't have on-going social contact and business relationship with Lin.

Skinner decided to file the petition for writ of mandamus before the Ninth Circuit.

The Ninth Circuit ordered that the US District Court for the NMI may file a response to the petition "if it so de-

cials could say how long the captured illegal immigrants will be held on Tinian after INS completes interview processes.

Tenorio and other CNMI officials raised the question during the meeting but none among the US representatives could tell how long will it take them to finally determine how to deal with the undocumented immigrants.

He said however that INS is expected to complete processing all two batches of captured illegal immigrants by today, adding that the US, through the State Department, is currently consulting with the People's Republic of China.

Still, the governor could not say the specific length of time CNMI will have to host the undocumented immigrants from mainland China. "I don't have any idea when they will be repatriated to China. Nobody from INS seems to know when but they assured us that they are trying to expedite the processing of all the documents."

Tenorio said arrangements for repatriation will be made soon after INS completes its processing and the White House determinesiftheimmigrantshavecredible fears and could qualify for the American asylum system.

office and nothing whatsoever about ballots.

Lawyer Randy Cunliffe said he expects the panel to decide in days or several months.

If the panel refused to rehear the case, then the petition goes before the full panel of the 9th Circuit Court judges. If the full panel still rejected the request, the team would seek the intervention of the Supreme Court.

Explaining why the Gutferrez/ Bordallo team is taking the case back to the courts, the lawyers said "it's a matter of principle."

"The '98 team played by certainrules outlined by the Election Commission which blank votes were not counted since 197 4," the lawyers said.

Then with a margin of over 3000 votes the defeated team of Ada/Camacho decided they wanted to change the rules and filed two law suits.

One in Superior Court claiming massive voter fraud which they lost and one in U.S. Court which is what were talking about today.

Carbullido said Gutierrez feels that since the Ada/Camacho team brought this case in the courts against the '98 team, then let the highest court in the land decide the case.

sires." The Circuit judges said the

petitioners may file a reply within seven days of service of the response(s).

"The petition, response(s) and any reply shall be referred to the next available motions panel," said the Circuit judges in the order.

Sources said lawyers representing most of the firms named in the lawsuit conducted a conference yesterday at Hyatt Hotel.

Sources said the lawyers discussed, among other things, "strategy" on how to handle the case.

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 1999-MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS-23

Palestinians poised to accept U.S. plan to extend peace talks GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) - Yasser Arafat convened the PLO leadership Tuesday to win broad backing for an American proposal to continue peace talks with Israel and postpone a declaration of Palestinian independence for at least a year.

Arafat described the U.S. plan, presented in a letter from U.S. President Bill Clinton, as "more than positive."

The final decision on a statehood declaration is up to the 124-member Palestinian Central Council, a senior PLO body stacked with Arafat loyalists likely to do their leader's bidding.

The council began its debate Tuesday at ·Arafat's seaside office in Gaza City, but was not expected to reach a decision for several days or even until after Israel's May 17 election.

Arafat apparently is concerned that any Palestinian decision before the election would give campaign fodder to Israel's hard-line prime mm1ster, Benjamin Netanyahu, who is trying to portray himself as the only candidate able to stand up to Palestinian demands.

Speaking on Israel radio Tuesday, Netanyahu vowed that he would never permit the creation of a Palestinian state. "He (Arafat) knows that as long as I'm prime minister of Israel, such a state with Jerusalem as its capital will not be established," he said.

Netanyahu said he sent Arafat "a very sharply worded

Car ... Continued from page 1

Earlier, the automotive industry expected car sales to maintain the level of 1998 portfolio thmughout the year, or an average of 121 brand new cars sold every month. But consumers continue to feel the pinch of the economic crisis, having less money to spend on buying brand new cars.

Based on the first quarter sales, the industry may end up selling only 836 cars in 1999, which may

90 ... Continued from page 1

point to a crime syndicate with a network in China.

"There are indications," said Manglona, "that there is one group that is doing all these ... in China."

The Chinese government has earlier admitted some of its officials may be involved with the syndicate.

The syndicate, authorities have said, asks a still undetermined amount of money from the Chinese in exchange for their transpo1t to Guam. TI1e victims were also advised to seek political asylum

·!CL' .i_J.i, ·• 't"..l'J.~1--.> l,1 JJJh:1..t.h :_.,,

message" two days ago that the Palestinians must not declare statehood unilaterally. "I think that message was heard," Netanyahu said.

Israel has threatened to annex parts of the West Bank in retaliation for a unilateral declaration of statehood.

Members of the Palestinian Central Council said they were not impressed by Israel's threats. "It is the Palestinians who will decide" on statehood, Suleiman Najjab, a member of the council, said as he headed into Arafat's office Tuesday.

Representatives of two opposition groups attended the debate - the Islamic militant group Hamas and the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a small radical PLO faction.

In a statement distributed to journalists, Hamas founder Ahmed Yassin demanded that Arafat walk away from the peace agreements with Israel. Hamas representatives set a precedent by attending the session, although only as observers. The group until now has boycotted PLO meetings because of ideological differences and disagreements over representation in the PLO.

About 200 supporters of another small PLO faction, the Popular Front for the Liberati on of Palestine, demonstrated outside Arafat's office. Marchers chanted: "Yes to the state of the free on the fourth of May."

The PFLP did not send representatives to the debate.

be the lowest annual sales record. CADA president Rodney

Cabrera said there are no strong indications that car sales will begin picking up this year, although car dealers are optimistic that the sales records will not further go down.

"We don't see any improvement this year but we hope the current sales will no longer go down," Cabrera said in an interview.

Micro! Corporation, local,distributor of Toyota, GM and Hino, got the lion share of the limited market, with a total of 79 brand

once in Guam. ''These 90 have determined they

havenofearfortheir life if they are going back. So now, we need to get on with the federal officials to try to repatriate them ... to China now that they have been processed. The question is how soon," Manglona told reporters following a two-hour, closed-doormeeting called by Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio on the illegal immigrants' situation.

Manglona said "processing" of the illegal immigrants "is taking much longer."

He added that the federal government "is not really sure" when repatriation will commence,

The People's Republic of China,

On the eve of the council meeting, Clinton sent a letter of guarantees to Arafat, delivered by the U.S. consul general in Jerusalem, John Herbst.

In the letter, Clinton set May 2000 as a new target date for completing the negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians and affirmed the Palestinians' right "to determine their own future on their own land," said Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat.

U.S. officials indicated that the letter stopped short of backing statehood.

The letter is to be presented to the Palestinian Central Council, along with a European Union statement in favor of Palestinian statehood within a year.

White House spokesman Joe Lockhart said in Washington that the one-year extension was not a deadline but a realis tic target goal for the completion of final status talks.

"The Oslo process was never intended to be open-ended," he said, cautioning against "unilateral actions," including Israeli settlement in the West Bank.

A senior Israeli official said Israel has informed the United States it would agree to a oneyear extension, although a top Netanyahu aide made it clear that Israel would not accept it as a deadline.

"We are opposed to a deadline, any deadline," said David BarIllan. "We believe it is counterproductive. It makes fruitful negotiations extremely difficult, if not impossible."

new cars sold from January to March this year.

Joeten Motors landed in the second place with 48 units of Nissan, Ford and Honda sold during the first quarter. Since September 1998, TransMicromerged into Joeten Motors.

Triple J Motors was only one unit behind Joeten Motors as the former sold a total of 47 units of Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Isuzu, Suzuki and Subaru.

Keico Motors was able to sell 24 units of Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler and Kia, while Midway Motors posted sales of 11 Mazda. units.

according to Guam Congressman Robert A. Underwood,hasacknowledged that there is an indication of corruption in some of its government levels that has made the illegal immigration of nearly l ,(XX) Chinese into Guam and CNMI since January this year alone possible.

Underwood made the disclosure during a press conference he held in Guam, Monday.

The 90 Chinese nationals are part of the first 147 ones who arrived April 17. A second batch of nearly 160ChinesearrivedonApril 25. Both batches were on board a vessel bound for Guam when they were intercepted by the US Coast Guard. ' · --- ... -- .. ---·-·· .... .._ .. _________________________ ._, ___ ............ .

.. -·,

24- MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS-THURSDAY- APRIL 29, 1999

Employment Wanted

>tllitili Job Vacancy

Announcement

PUBLIC NOTICE All interested resident workers are

urged to register at the Dept. of Labor & Immigration,

Division ot Employment Services tor lhe job/s being advertised in which

you are qualified and available. for further assislance,

please call Alfred A. Pangelinan at Tel. 664-2078.

01 ACCOUNTANT-Salary:$725.00 semi-monthly 01 BUILDING MAINTENANCE REPAIRER-Salary:S3.50 per hour Contact; JOSE K. PANGELINAN dba Micronesian Design Group & Associate/ Susupe Garden Apartment Tel. 234-0484(4/29)Th30688

01 WAITRESS-Salary:S3.05 per hour Contact: PACIFIC OCEAN CORPORATION dba Flower King Karaoke Night Club Tel. 233-8176(4/29)Th30687

01 AUTO MECHANIC-Salary:S3.05 per hour Contact: HUANG SHI CO. LTD. Tel. 235-0238(4/29)Th30686

01 LABORER-Salary:S3.05 per hour 02 CARPENTER-Salary:S3.05 per hour 06 MASON-Salary:S3.05 per hour 01 ELECTRICIAN-Salary:S3.05 per hour Contact: ANTONIO M. CAMACHO dba Nang O'Cha En\. "Te\. 235-0927\41 29)1h30685

01 SURVEY ASSISTANT-Salary:S4.75 per hour 01 DRAFTER, CARTOGRAPHIC-Salary:$900.00 per month Contact: CANDIDO I. CASTRO dba Castro & Associates Tel. 235-7410(5/ 6)Th30775

06 PRESSER MACHINE-Salary:S3.05 per hour Contact: EUROTEX (SAIPAN) INC. Tel. 234-5277 (5/6)Th78242

01 COMPUTER OPERATOR-Salary:S3.05 per hour Contact: 1.S.D. SAIPAN CO., LTD. Tie. 233-6610(5/13)Th30870

06 DELIVERY WORKER-Salary:$3.05 per hour Contact: KAY'S CORPORATION dba Kay's Express Cargo Tel. 234-8100(5/ 13)Th30872

01 AUTO MECHANIC-Salary:S3.05 per hour Contact: AREOPAJITA A. EVANGELISTA dba Nita's Auto Repair Shop Tel. 234-1155(5/13)Th30874

01 TRAVEL AGENT-Salary:$3.05-6.50 per hour Contact: INTER-KAM CORPORATION dba Inter-Kam Travel Agent Tel. 235-5555(5/13)Th30875

01 RESTAURANT CASHIER-Salary:$3.05-3.60 per hour Contact PACIFIC MICRONESIA CORPORATION dba Dai-lchi Hotel Tel. 234-6412(5/13)Th78341

02 MASON-Salary:$3.05 per hour 02 CARPENTER-Salary:S3.05 per hour 01 CONSTRUCTION (SUPERVISOR)Salary:S3.15 per hour 01 ELECTRICIAN-Salary:$3.05 per hour Contact: MANUEL A. TENORIO dba T &S Construction Tel. 288-2796(51 13)Th30866

01 SECURITY GUARD-Salary:S3.05 per hour Contact COMMONWEALTH RENGER CORP. dba Saipan Shoaling Range Tel. 234-3193(5/13)Th30864

03 CABLE SPLICER-Salary:$3.05-3.50 per hour 01 AUTOBODY REPAIRER-Salary:$3.05-3.50 per hour 01 PAINTER (AUTO)-Salary:S3.05 per hour 01 CARPENTER-Salary:$3.05-3.50 per hour Conlact: ORIENTAL ENTERPRISES, INC. dba Marianas Communication Services Tel. 234-7878(516)Th78244

01 BARBER-Salary:$3.05 per hour Contact: GENEROSO D. HUERTAS, SR. dba Gene's Barber Shop & Beauty Salon Tel. 233-6300(5/6)Th30772

01 STOCK CONTROL CLERK-Salary:S3.05 per hour Contact: LUEN TAI ENT. INC. Tel. 234-9770(5/6)Th30773

01 HOUSEKEEPING, CLEANER-Salary:$3.05 per hour Contact: CHANGSHIN RESORT SPN. CORP. dba Riviera Hotel Tel. 235-4991 (5/6)Th30770

01 COOK-Salary:$3.05 per hour Contact: CYNTHIA C. CASTRO dba Platinum Ent. Tel. 234-2968(51 6)Th30771

01 TOUR COUNSELOR-Salary:$7.16 per hour Contact: NIPPON TRAVEL AGENCY MICRONESIA dba Mach Tour Tel. 234-9309(5/6)Th30769

01 ACCOUNTANT-Salary:$960.00 semi-monthly Contact: KAN PACIFIC SAIPAN, LTD. Tel. 322-4692(5/6)Th78230

01 CARPENTER-Salary:$3.50 per hour Contact: DABU'S CORPORATION Tel. 235-2780(5/6)Th30777

01 ACCOUNTANT-Salary:S3.05 per hour Contact: IN1ERTEX INTERNATIONAL, INC. Tel. 234-5000(5/6)Th30766

01 MAINTENANCE MECHANIC-Salary:S4.50-5.10 per hour Contact: PACIFIC DAIKEN CO., LTD. Tel. 234-7453(516)Th30783

02 COLLECTOR-Salary:$4.00 per hour Contact: RELIABLE COLLECTION AGENCY dba Commonwealth Credit Bureau Tel. 235-3530(516)Th30781

01 (GENERAL) MANAGER-Salary:$1,800.00 per month Contact: KSL CORPORATION dba JJ Shoes Shopping Center Tel. 235-8585(5/6)Th30774

01 CARPENTER-Salary:S3.05 per hour Contact: EMILIO P. QUIATCHON SR. dba EQ Construction Tel. 234-8827(4/ 29)Th30684

01 MANAGER, QUALITY CONTROLSalary:$4.00-10.00 per hour Contact: YANG JIN COMPANY dba Yang Jin Buying & Trade/lnlormation Service Company Tel. 233-5062(4/ 29)Th30683

01 ELECTRICIAN-Salary:$3.75-5.75 per hour Contact: PACIFIC SECURITY ALARM, INC. Tel. 234-5626i5113)Th30867

01 SEWAGE DISPOSAL WORKER (DRIVER)-Salary:$3.05 per hour Contact: JOSEPH W. JONES dba J & MJ Enterprises Tel. 234-5809(51 13)Th30865

05 EMBROIDERY MACHINE OPERATOR-Salary:$3.05 per hour Contact: SUNG KYUNG EMBROIDERY dba Yoo Sung Industry Tel. 288-8012(51 13)Th30868

01 ELECTRICIAN-Salary:$3.05 per hour 05 MASON-Salary:$3.05 per hour 01 CARPENTER-Salary:$3.05 per hour 01 PAINTER - (BUILDING)-Salary:S3.05 per hour Contact: TOWER CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION dba Tower Construction Tel. 234-6161(5/13)Th30869

• • • • • • ~.-~.-~

01 COMMERCIAL CLEANER-Salary:$3.05 per hour Contact: MARIANAS HOTEL SERVICES CO., LTD. Tel. 233-6621 (4/ 29)Th78108

01 AIRCON MECHANIC-Salary:$3.50 per hour 01 AUTO PAINTER-Salary:$4.00 per hour Contact: MOTION AUTO REPAIR CENTER Tel. 235-3481 (4/29)Th78105

01 MAINTENANCE REPAIRER-Salary:$3.05 per hour Contact: SOON SIK CHOI dba Choi's Enterprises Tel. 233-4242(41 29)Th30678

01 MAINTENANCE BUILDING REPAIR"Salary:$3.05 per hour Contact: RANNl'S CORP. dba Hong Wang Resl. Tel. 233-7259(4/ 29)Th30679

01 AUTOMOBILE MECHANIC-Salary:$3.05-6.50 per hour Contact: FRANKIE RAYMOND P. MUNA dba Frankie's Auto Shop & Towing Services Tel. 235-4448(4/ 29)Th30676

01 BUILDING MAINTENANCE REPAIR-Salary:$3.05 per hour Contact: FRANKIE RAYMOND P. MUNA dba General Building Maintenance Tel. 235-4448(4/29)Th30674

03 BEAUTICIAN-Salary:$3.05 per hour Contact: ALICIA EBREO ABUEME dba AE International Viralicci Tel. 233-1296(4/29) Th30672

01 MASSEUSE-Salary:$3.05 per hour 01 TRANSLATOR-Salary:$3.05 per hour Contact: STERLING CORPORATION dba Dynamic Massage Tel. 233-7766(4/ 29)Th30671

02 COOK-Salar)':S3.25 per hour 02 WAITRESS-Salary:$3.05-3.75 per hour Contacl: ANICIA C. SONODA dba Chamorro House Restaurant Tel. 234-7362(4/29)Th78101

01 (CLOTH MAKER) HAND SEWERSalary:$3.05 per hour Contact: TRANSAMERICA DEV. CORPORATION Tel. 322-1611 (41 29)Th30680

01 ACCOUNTANT-Salary:$3.05-4.10 per hour 01 HAND SEWER-Salary:$3.05 per hour Contact: TOP FASHION CORPORATION Tel. 322-1611(4/29)Th30681

HOUSE FOR RENT atASMATIUS

2 lledroom, I Bathroom, Fully Concrete w/ Garage, Back-Up Water Tank w/Pump,

Semi-Furnished Great Ocean View and Front Yard

Trash & Lawn Provided Utilities llxcluded

for more information, please call 235-5673 (6 P.M - 10 P.M.)

HOUSE FOR RENT 2 Bedroom, Semi-Furnished, Concrete, 24 hrs water Located in Dandan & As Lito Call: 288-8138

Win GUIDE COlOR PRlnHnG m no. SALeESLA.DY

knowledge In computer operation. We'll provide training

Salary depends on experience. Call: 235-2293

Wanted nmedlatelJ DmBIBIIG51U'f

• v.ittl extensive koowtedge in generalll< operation and waler trealloonl system (R.0.)

• must be highly dependable wiUl supervisory skills Interested awio:ants sroold crul: 322-24061323-2406

TWA and Transler E,,;.,.;....,, are weloome.

SAVE 1llE PLANET

HOUSE FOR RENT Concrete, 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom,

Fully Furnished, Trash & Lawn Provided, $600 Ulilities Excluded

Tel. 288-1209 Bep. 236-7368 6:00-PM -10:00PM

We are currently seeking a candidate to fill the above position with at least 2 years experience in a managing

capacity. a CPA, highly literate in MS Word. Excel & Peachtree, good communication abilities in both oral &

written English. She or he must be experienced in all aspects of Accounting such as but not limited to

A/P, A/R & Payroll.

If you think you hove what it takes please submit a detailed resume with salary history to ltes. V. Mohammd ot 233-7625.

NICE HOUSES FOR RENT • Executive house with live (SJ bedrooms, three (3) bathrooms, two (2) kilchens, four (4) car

garage, large living rooms and patio O\"er 5,000 square feet is available for lease at a discount "price of$2,000.00 per month.

• Executive house newly built with four (4) bedrooms, three (3) bathrooms, two (2) patios, covered garage, secured fence around the house at a discounted price of$1,500.00

, Three bedrooms with extra guest room, two (2) bathrooms, three (3) car garage, large barbecue ho1L1e with secured fence around the house at a discounted price of$1,IOO.OO.

AU of the hous<s are lornted in a quite neighborhood at San Vicente. They are also included water tanks with prc;,urized waler pumps. tf you are interested to sec any of these hOUS<S, please call telephone number 235-9009 and leave our name and tele hone number.

Z BEDROOM APARTMENT For more information: Contact Tel.# 322-3797/3798

PUBLIC NOTICE This is to inform the general public and to all our valued customres tha Mr. Nerson Ramon is no longer connected and employed by RELIABLE COLLECTION AGENCY, INC. effective April 19, 1999. Any transaction entered through him on or after this date will not be honored by the company.

The Management RELIABLE COLLECTION AGENCY, INC.

SPEUTACULAR VIEWS Honse Lots for Lease • 1,500 sq. m. Lots

• Mt Tapuchao • View Managaha Islands • Road Access • Electricity.• Wafier • Payment Accepted

• 54.95 Year Lease Please eall Lisa at Tel. # !34-5684

1.475 SQ. FT. 1ST FLOOR LOCATED IN CHALAN KANOA

FRONT OF SMILE MARKET BESIDE POKER GAME

Contact: TEL MS. SHIM CHONG SUK at 235-5861

KNUWYUUR lNlMYI

-

DE DESIGNA1ED

l)RIVIR

I I,!

•'·/•

m. Garfield@ by Jim Davis

THE TEACJ.!ER GAVE ME nus CERTIFICATE,OIUCK .. IT SAV5 l'M IN Tl-IE

11 D-MINU5 1-lALL OF FAME''

STELLA WILD ER

YOUR BIRTHDAY THURS., APRIL 29, 1999

Born today, you like to spend a good deal of time on your own, thinking deep thoughts and pondering the world itself and your place in it. A born philosopher, you 're always thinking about the meaning of this or that, and about how your can improve the lot of those around you. Surprisingly, however, you 're not all that quick to take action when the opportunity arises.You are often content to see others roll up their sleeves and get to work on a problem. You can be confident, however, that the solutions are often the product of your own imagination.

You are prone to periods of depression, and though they may be rather numerous, they are not likely to be lengthy. The more "blue" you feel, the quicker you 're likely to get over it. A casual feeling of malaise is likely to last much longer. When in a good mood, you 're capable of much levity.

To see what is in store for you tomorrow, find your birthday and read the corresponding paragraph. Let your birthday star be your daily guide.

FRIDAY, APRIL 30 ARIES (March 21-April 19) - A personal investigation on your part may lead to a dead end for now. Before the day is out, you'll want to rethink your methods.

_,__...., ..... ., ....

TAURUS (April 19-March 20) - You can stay ahead of the competition today by watching the clock, and using the time available to your advantage. Don't hesitate!

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) - Someone may be trying to dissuade you from doing something new and untried today, but you 're feeling daring. Be willing to take the risk.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) - Avoid getting caught in a web of bureaucratic "do 's" and "don't's" today. Lay low for a while, until you know you' re on the right track.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -The biggest difficulty you have to overcome today is a temporarily inability to put the pieces of a puzzle together in a sensible manner.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) - A social situation has more to offer you than mere enjoyment. Pay attention to what you hear, and you' II be able to use the information on the job.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-0ct. 22) - While you may have been under some suspicion recently, today's chance events are sure to exonerate you completely. Don't add fuel to the fire!

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) - The way you see the future today is likely to change your attitude about a great many things. New evidence sheds light on a past event.

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 1999 MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS-25

-WWW.comic:Ulnn.com

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) - Time spent at home today can be most beneficial to you, and family members will appreciate the attention you are willing and able to give them.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) - Others have been trying to contact you lately about something either personal or professional, and you'll have time to contact them today.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) - The information you have to provide others today will prove to be essential to the ultimate solution of a longstanding personal mystery.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) - Your memory may be hazy regarding certain key events in your past, but a friend is able to shed some light on a few pivotal episodes.

' - - - - - - - - .. - - - - - ------ - - - - - t

II CROSSWORD PUZZLER II ACROSS

1 Filmdom's Walter Mitty

5 Game of chance

9 Sine-non 12 Israeli airline

(2 wds.) 13 Metallic

element 14 Exclamation

of disgust 15 Acid

neutralizer 17 River in Italy 18 Cotton St. 19 Shallow

vessels 21 Rig anew 23 Squandered 27 On condttion

thal 28 Up to this

point (2 wds.)

29 Three-toed slolhs

31 Health resort 34 Parent 35 Scooby-37 Wdhout end

(poet.) 39 "-No

Angel"

40 British thermal unit (abbr.)

42 Immediately (sl.)

44 Before this 46 East ofTenn. 48 Old-world 50 Spindles for

wheel 53 Electrical

units 54 Uncle

(Scottish) 55 Klugman

role (inits.) 57 Naval petty

officer 61 Ethiopian

title 62 -pudding 64 Pass the

time 65 Forerunner

ol CIA 66 Lease 67 And others

(2wds., Latin abbr.)

DOWN

1 New Zealand parrot

2 Everyone

Answer to Previous Puzzle

1-28 © 1999 United Feature Syndicate

3 Asian ox 4 Passed 5 "In & Out"

star 6 Estrada ID 7 Short sleep 8 Scent 9 Imbibes

10 Citrus fruit 11 At the drop of

16 Computer

10 11

type 20 Nahoor

sheep 22 Vowel

sequence 23 Poetic foot 24 Future attys.'

exam 25 Characteristic

of (suff.) 26 Stalemate 30 "Open-· 32 Type size 33 "Sa be it!" 36 Poem 38 Ground meat

dish 41 Except if 43 Status-45 Symbol for

nickel 47 Eastwood ID 49 Make verses 50 Danish island 51 Dec. holiday 52 Second-year

student, lor short

56 Roman 1,051 58 Witty saying 59 Drivers' org. 60 Football org. 63 Chaldean ctty

• THERE ARE SEVEN THINGS IN KiclS~ '""DRAWING "A" THAT ARE MISSING FROM DRAWING "B." HOW MANY CAN YOU FINO"?

® ®

" TURN UP Tl-le SMELL A I... I TTLE."

·3tm..J.Old /\1- '3NIZ\f8v'V\I '1-v'O 'dv'O '1-Nv'"ld 318'17'1- '3\::lnl.Old ,lv'M 'l:::!000 :sl:::l3MSN\f

KidSP®*~ THE~

A PIANO TUNER I 5 J-IERE TO 7UIVE MY PIANO. "I DIDN'T CALL. FOR A PIANO TUNER, '' TTE'LLl-/1,vf. TOLEARNWI-/AT UE=Tl:.1-L<.:j ME, UN5tcRAMBLE TUE FOLLOVonNG, ~ ANO COPY TUE M-1MBER'EO LETTERS /N77-IE= MAKI-I/NG NUMBER'EO c_..-.__, 5R1CE"~ 8cLOW.

by Dick Rogers

~.,"~==~

LCOSHO ______ CAl"I..ACEOF) J. 2 3 4 LEARNING.

IHTGNK

OARDB ------------ (DRA60N SLAYER.) S <o 7 8 9

---------- (SAWANDNAILIT.) 10 I I 12 1"3,

,, _N_W. _u_v_u_

5 3 10 S 4- 1-Z

_£1_· _B_R_ DJ __ ,., '2> B 2 11 1. 13

g 1D08 Un•l<>d F•al~N SynOOC•t•. Inc 9/'2"!,

.:Ola S1:l08H8l3N l:lnOA .tna. "MON>l 1 .. '.l:l3MSNv'

DULUTH, Georgia (AP) -Undaunted by a 45-minute rain delay in the first set, unseeded Martin Rodriguez upset twoti me defending U.S. Open champion Patrick Rafter in the first round of the AT-and-T Challenge.

When play resumed Tuesday night, Rodriguez finished a 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-5) victory over the top-seeded Rafter, who came to the Atlanta Athletic Club as the world's fourth-ranked player.

"I beat MaliVai Washington in Orlando in 1997," said Rodriguez, an Argentinian currently ranked 10 I st in the world. "But this is best win I've had against a player ranked so high."

Rafter said the surface "was heavy to start with, but I just couldn't play the style of game I wanted."

"It's very, very frustrating," Rafter said. "It's a pathetic situation for me right now be-

SPG ... Continued from page 28

Emilano, Mary Skilang, Jennifer Omar and Charlene Cabrera.

The critical job of organizing a select group of women and molding them into a team went to Gus Aguon. Aguon a longtime softball player was selected for his vast "experience and knowledge, both as player and as a coach" according to Ngiraidis.

"We are very fortunate and happy to have coach Aguon with us," she added "he (Aguon) gives so much of his time and efforts

cause I feel very little confidence."

Rodriguez was beaten in a Sunday qualifying match by Uruguay's Marcelo Filippini 3-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-0, but made the field because he was the highest-ranked player among the qualifying losers after Christian Ruud and Laurence Tieleman pulled out.

"I started to play more aggressive and started to return the ball better and take more risks when I was down 4-1 (in the first set)," Rodriguez said. "This was my second. tournament this year on clay, so I think that helped."

Unseeded Jim Courier, who lost in the first round last week at the Clay Court Championships in his hometown of Orlando, Florida, had no trouble beating Sweden's Mikael Tillstrom 6-3, 6A in the last match of the day.

Currently ranked 67th, Courier won his first match in

into building this team." With only a month remaining

before the start of the 1999 SPG, the CNMI's team practices is being stepped up. Freeing up the field will be the conclusion of the local men's softball league.

Practices will be expanded from the present twice weekly, to four times a week, beginning next week.

"Our goal these final weeks will be to continue to strengthen our batting techniques. Softball is a hitters game, and that's what we will work on at the games" said Carol Ngiraidis.

Atlanta in three tries. "I feel like I'm hitting the

ball well, and when that's the case, you usually know how you 're going to play," he s_aid. "·I was moving well and thinking clearly on the court. The conditions were pretty tough, especially the way the court was breaking up in some places."

Third-seeded Vince Spadea was forced to wait a day to continue his match with Max Mimyi of Belarus after rain postponed afternoon matches.

Sporting a No. 26 ATP Tour ranking-thehighestofhiseightyearprofessional career-Spadea was tied 1-1 with Mirnyi in the

. first set when a five-hour storm began.

Magnus Norman of Sweden led 4-3 over Spain's Galo Blanco when the rain started and seventh-seeded Jan-Michael Gambill was unable to start his match against Justin Gimelstob because of the bad weather.

Masters ... Continued from page 28

Portland, Oregon. "Ourteam (Guam) had an op

portunity to play with and against former NBA players, 'said Mesa.

"More importantly, the Masters Basketball League has been viewed a positive activity for youths. It gets the youngsters thinking that enjoying sports doesn 'tend soon after high school.

"They look at us and say to themselves, 'if they can do it, so can we, "said Mesa.

Top-seeded Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario of Spain hit? t~e ball_during her match against fifth seeded Irina Spirlea of Romania m the fmals qt th_e inaugural Egypt Classic in Cairo, Egypt Sunday. Sanchez-V1carto defeated Spirlea 6-1, 6-0. AP

Schilling, Glanville lead Phillies PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Curt Schilling pitched nine shutout innings and Doug Glanville's RBI single in the I O!h inning gave the Philadelphia Phillies a 1-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

Gabe White (0-2) walked Mike Lieberthal to start the inning and was relieved by Danny Graves. Desi Ralaford then pinch ran for Lieberthal and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Dave Doster.

After Kevin Jordan struck out, Glanville ended Tuesday night's game with the winning hit torightcenter.

Schilling gave up five hits, struck out nine and walked one. Jeff Brantley (1-0), throwing for the first time since complaining of a stiff shoulder on April 16, went two-thirds of an inning for the victory.

Cincinnati starter Denny Neagle was impressive in his second start since spending time on the disabled list because of a strained thigh. He went six innings, allowing five singles, walking two and striking out four.

Marlins 8, Cubs O At Miami, Cliff Floyd had two

singles in his 1999 debut, and Florida ace Alex Fernandez came off the disabled list and pitched four scoreless innings in his first start since April I I.

The Marlins limited Fernandez to 69 pitches, and he appeared angry about being removed one inning short of the five innings needed to qualify for the victory.

Floyd, returning from a springtraining kneeinjury, began to earn the four-year, dlrs 19 million contract he signed last winter.

He singled in his first at-bat and

scored on Kevin Orie's double, then singled in the sixth before departing for-a pinch runner.

Pirates 5, Braves 3 At Atlanta, Pittsburgh's Jason

Schmidt pitched seven solid innings and beat his former team when the Pirates rallied for three runs in the eighth.

Schmidt (3-1 ), who was 1-3 with a 6.30 earned-run average against the Braves since they dealt him to Pittsburgh three years ago, allowed six hits and three runs, then got credit for the win when his teammates came through at the plate.

The Pirates got RBI singles in the eighth from pinch-hitter Keith Osik, Keviri Young and Jason Kendall. Mike Williams pitched the ninth for his third save as Pittsburgh broke a four-game losing streak. Giants 3, Expos 2, 10 innings At Montreal, Stan Javier scored

on Ugueth Urbina's wild pitch in the I 0th inning as San Francisco beat Montreal before 5,202, the smallest crowd of the season at Olympic Stadium.

Javier led off the ninth with a single off reliever Steve Kline (0-1). Urbina relieved and got Ellis Burks to hit a routine grounder to Expos shortstop Orlando Cabrera, but the ball went through Cabrera's legs for Montreal's league-leading 27th error and Javier advanced to third. Javier then scored on Urbina's wild pitch.

San Francisco reliever John Jonstone (3-0) struck out the side in the ninth for the win, and Rob Nenn pitch a perfect ninth for his seventh save.

)'

... '''

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 1999 -MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS- 27

Heat beats Nets, 95-76 EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (AP) - Playing without injured center Alonzo Mourning, the Miami Heat made 15 of 20 shots in the first quarter and beat the injury-riddled New Jersey Nets 95-76.

Mourning, only one of three players in the U.S. NBA averaging more than 20 points and 11 rebounds, missed the game Tuesday night after heing hit in the right eye Monday night in Cleveland.

Pat Riley, who moved into sole possession of second place on the career victory list with his 945th victory, does not believe the injury is serious, but Mourning returned to Miami on Tuesday after

being examined by a specialist in Cleveland.

Jamal Mashburn had 16 points to lead Miami, which won for the 12th time in 15 games to move closer to clinching the top seed ih the Eastern Conference. Voshon Lenard added 14 points.

Chris Carr scored 18 points for New Jersey.

Magic 88, Pacers 87 At Indianapolis, Darrell

Armstrong it a jumper with 1.6 seconds to play as Orlando snapped its longest losing streak of the season at five games.

Indiana had one last shot at victory and got the ball to Travis Best after two consecutive timeouts, but his open shot from

the corner bounced off the rim. Orlando gained a 2-1 advan

tage in the season series and stayed within two games of Miami for the Atlantic Division lead.

Nick Anderson led Orlando . with 23 points and IO rebounds,

while Penny Hardaway added 17 points. Armstrong had 15 points.

Reggie Miller led Indiana with 19 points.

76ers 80, Cavaliers 71 At Philadelphia, Allen Iverson

scored 31 points as Philadelphia clinched its second winning season this decade.

Cleveland, playing without injured star Shawn Kemp, lost its sixth straight and continued its rapid fade in the Eastern Confer-

Browns sign DT Jerry Ball CLEVELAND (Reuters)__:_ The Cleveland Browns signed 12-year veteran defensive tackle Jerry Ball, who spent the last two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, to a twoyear deal on Tuesday.

"We are extremely pleased to add Jerry Bal I to the Browns," said Browns vice president Dwight Clark.

"He is a quality footbal I player and a strong veteran influence in the locker room. He will provide additional depth on the defensive line and is one of the premier defensive tackles against the run in the NFL."

The 34-year-old Ball has started 175 games during his NFL career with the original Browns, Detroit Lions, Oakland Raiders and Vikings. Last season with Minnesota, he had 54 tackles, including 15 for losses.

A three-time Pro Bowl participant, Ball has 558 tackles and 30-1/2 career sacks. o~~;;!i~ ~;Jii~te $800

million Redskins sale off er By Tim Loughran

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The National Football League's owners will evaluate a new $800 million offer for the Washington Redskins and their stadium at next month's league meetings in Atlanta, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said.

The sale, which would be the most ever paid fora U.S. professional sports franchise, must be approved by at least24oftheNFL's3 l ownersatthe May 25-26 meetings.

Behind the latest bid, which dwrufs the $530 mi!lion paid for the new Cleveland Browns NFL franchise, is Maryland communications executive Daniel Snyder. He is joined by New York Daily News co-publisher Fred Drasner and Mortimer Zuckermru1, a real estate developer who owns and publishes both the Daily News and

U.S. News and World Report. The Washington Post reported

that the Snyder group has pledged $350 million in cash to secure the transaction and will borrow the rest.

Drasner would not comment on the financial structure of the transaction or the Post report. He said that the Redskins' multiuse stadium and loyal fans combine to make the team "an extraordinary valuable prope1ty."

"We think that these assets will only appreciate," he told Reuters.

An earlier $800 million bid for the team from Snyder and Howard Milstein, another New York developer, was rejected by the league this month because all but$50 million of the purchase price would have to be borrowed, said NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue.

The Redskins were put on the auction block after Jack Kent

Cooke, who controlled the team since 197 4, died 24 months ago. During Cooke's tenure, the Redskins won three Super Bowls.

In his last will and testament, Cooke instructed his estate to sell the team and its new stadium to the highest bidder and use the proceeds to establish educational scholarships for students around metropolitan Washington.

His son, John Cooke, the team's president since 1981, was the sentimental favourite of many Redskins players and area fans to buy and retain the team.

Last Thursday, the younger Cooke dropped out of the bidding, saying in a statement that the trustees of his father's estate were using him only to push rival bids higher. His final bid to keep the team in the family was about $720 million, The Washington Post said.

ence playoff race. The Cavaliers tied their season low with nine points in the fourth quarter.

The Sixers clinched their first winning season since 1990-91, the last time they made the playoffs. They took a l l/2-game lead

on idle Milwaukee for the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference Theo Ratliff had 14 points and .11 rebounds for the Sixers. Derek Anderson led the Cava·Iiers with 17 points.

Miami Heat center Alonzo Mourning (33) drives toward the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers center Andrew OeC/ercq (55) in the first quarter Monday at the Gund Arena in Cleveland. AP

Yankees beat Rangers, 7-6 ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - Roger Clemens' 17-game winning streak is still intact- barely.

Despite allowing five runs in the first inning and leaving because of a bad hamstring after the second Tuesday night, Clemens will get another chance to set the American League record for consecutive victories, thanks to his New York Yankees teammates.

Paul O'Neill hit an RBI single and Chili Davis had a sacrifice fly as the Yankees rallied for two runs in the ninth against John Wetteland (0-1) for a 7-6 victory over the Texas Rangers.

Clemens wound up with a no-decision, preserving his winning string. He allowed five runs on four hits and two walks in two innings, then left with a strained right hamstring.

Clemens left with the Yankees trailing 5-0. New York later closed to 6-5 on a solo homer by O'Neill leading off the seventh.

Mariano Rivera pitched the ninth for his fift~ save. Mike Stanton ( 1-1) got one out for the victory.

Orioles 8, Royals 4 At Baltimore, B.J. Surhoff had a career-high five hits, including

two doubles and a homer, as Baltimore beat Kansas City for its second victory in 10 games.

Surhoff went 5-for-5, eclipsing his previous career-best of four hits set 22 times previously. Needing a triple to hit for the cycle, he doubled into the right-field comer in the seventh inning and singled in a run in the eighth.

Mike Mussina (3-1) allowed four nms and nine hits in seven-plus innings. Mike Timlin got the final four outs for his fourth save.

Charles Johnson hit his first homer with Baltimore, a solo shot that also accounted for his first RBI of the season, and Albert Belle stole home on the front end of a double steal.

Johnny Damon homered and had two RBIs for the Royals. Twins 6, Red Sox 5

At Minneapolis, Minnesota overcame a four-run deficit and Todd Walker snapped out of a slump with a two-run single in the eighth inning as the Twins beat Boston.

Eddie Guardado ( 1-1) pitched one inning in relief of Eric Milton to earn the victory. Rick Aguilera gave up a pinch homer to Reggie Jefferson in the ninth before finishing for his fourth save.

Jim Corsi (0-2) took the loss, walking two in the eighth before giving way to Mark Guthrie with the bases loaded. Walker, who was 3-for-20 in the homestand, then singled to center.

DmTen Lewis also homered for Boston.

-

~-·

28-MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS-THURSDAY- APRIL 29, 1999

SPORTS

SPG team off to Tinian By Tony Cells Variety News Staff

THE CNMI'S, South Pacific Games (SPG) Womens National

Slowpitch Softball Team, will be in Tinian this weekend competing in a "friendship" softball tournament.

Kraft Triton's pitching ace Barry Nauta unwind in an 8-5 win over GML Pennant champs Pepsi Giants, in a best-of-seven series at Paseo Stadium. Photo by Eduardo C. Siguenza

'Masters' basketball league being formed

By Tony Cells Variety News Staff

YOU'RE never to old to play-basketball. The buzz word for some time, now, from many of the "aging" basketball players had been, 'when'. When will a "masters" basketball league be formed?

Arnold Mesa may have the answer. Mesa of Rota, and long-time resident of Guam was the founderof

the very successful Guam Masters Basketball League. The Guam "league" was established in 1991. The proposed local league which is to be aptly named the CNMI

Masters Basketball League is open to anyone 35-years-old or older. Forming the "league" in Saipan required assistance. That assistance, according to Mesa, will come from Elias Rangamar

and Tony Rogolofoi. Both Rangamar and Rofolofoi have vast experience in organizing "leagues". They both work out of Ada Gym, and may be contacted at 234-1001 /2. While Ray Mac Duff will be handling the league from Rota.

Citing successes of the (Guam) league, Mesa hopes to get the local (CNMI) league established soon enough to send a team to the I 999 Master Basketball Tournament, which is to be held in Adalaid, Australia. This year's "masters" basketball tournament is scheduled for October. Exact dates are still being worked-out by league officials.

Examples of the leagues' past successes include a gold medal in 1997 in the 60-years-old and over, division.

In I 995 they won a silver medal in the 55-years-old-and-over, in Melbourne, Australia. And in I 995 the team won a bronze medal, in Alice Springs, Australia.

Last yearthe Masters Basketball League tournaments were held in Continued on page 26 '-----------------·

SAIPAN P.O. Box 231 Salpon. MP 969EIJ

• Tel. (670) 234-6341 • 7578 • 9797 • Fox: (670) 234-9271

E·mail: [email protected] [email protected]

Their trip will coincide with Tinian's annual Fiesta.

The team will leave Friday for two days of competition before returning to Saipan on Saturday.

Carol Ngiraidis the team's manager said, "it will be a very good opportunity for the team to show their talent.

"But we 'II also be scrutinized. We welcome it (scrutiny), it will force us to take an objective view of the team's weakness and strengths."

Indeed the scrutinizing of most of the CNMI's South Pacific

THE Marianas Visitors Authority (MV A) will be staging its I 6th Annual Tourism Month Charity Fun Run this Saturday, May l.

The 5k run will start at 6 a.m. from the south end of the Beach Pathway by Kilili Beach. The turn-around points will be just short of Triple J Motors, along Beach Road.

The Marianas Visitors Authority encourages organizations and companies to sponsor individuals or their employees in this event.

Entry fee is $25. Applications can still be

picked up at .the MV A Office. For more information call

Ed Diaz at 664-3200.

Games national teams, by others, Other criteria(s) important in will become sharper as the (SPG) making the team were speed, bat-date draws nearer. ting, fielding, and ability to be a

It (SPG) will commence in four "team player". weeks, May 29 thru June 12. Meetingthecriteria's and mak-

The I 999 CNMI team were se- ing the team were; lected based on five criteria's, Elizabeth Palacios, Keyzia according to Ngiraidis. Topping Madlutk,JulitaOmar,LuciaAda, the "criteria" list was attendance. Remedio Celis, Cynthia Borja,

"Some of those who were inter- Della Napoleon, Thelma Mizer, ested in trying out, for the team, Valerie Williams, Anita (Jo) just found it very difficultto make Panganiban, Bertha Camacho, it here (Saipan) for the practices, Emiliana Quituqua, Evan Tutii, said the manager, "that's some- Felisa Brei, Dolores thingwehavetoworkonandfind Rang am a r, An a Ii z e a solution too, in the near future." Continued on page 26 r7~·~i;;t,i;:~~;n-,r...~~~.r;" ... ~c.::-.':7 .... ~'1::.r:-.:...::·i:·.:.-.::·-,·~7:""-:7: ... _.--.. _117,.-:':-__-~:, ,:.-:--==::-:~~

[! Samoa rugby team i ~ pulls out from SPG i ;;J APIA(Pacnews)-ManuSamoa country,. but unfortunately It [U [) has withdrawn from next months comes down to economics," •J (:] South Pacific Games (SPG) in Barlow said. 1~ ffi Guiim because the country's Fiji is only sending a develop-~! Rugby· Football Union (SR.FU) ment squad to compete for the ; ·1;. does not have $ST! 8 000 ($USS, sevens rugby tournament in next tij j 900) needed to send a team. months SPG. This is because the [:i ; The Sunday Newslines re- winning sevens team would be (,)

,; ports SRFU has an overdraft of competing in the France and ~ [! over $ST40 000 ($US I 3,176). Jerusalem sevens next month. ['] r1

: The newspaper said SRFU I I nations have confirmed their H :: secretary,BobBarlowhaswrit- participation in the rugby com- ~] Ii ten to the Samoa Sports Federa- petition - Northern Marianas, I~ fj tion to explain the decision. Federated Stat. es of Micronesia, f; ·. "Youcanbeassured this was Guam, New Caledonia, Papua .i J notaneasydecisionasthe Union New Guinea, Solomon Islands, j ,j sincerely appreciates and val- Tahiti, Tonga, V~~atu, Wallis i:1

,j ues its ability to represent the and Futuna, and FIJI. · ~r.':'"""'.., ,7'""'.'.:i:...,:,u.....,~~~·

Fiji to hostRugby7's·series SUV A (Pacnews)-Fiji is among three nations in the world earmarked to host a new world sevens rugby series to begin in December.

The Daily Post reports the decision was made at the annual conference of the International Rugby Board (IRB) in the Argentina capital, Buenos Aires last week.

Theothertwocountries are Dubai and Hong Kong, hosts of international sevens competitions.

According to the newspaper 20 other countries, including Australia and New 2'.ealand, had applied to the IRB to host part of the circuit.

"It is hoped the series can kickoff in December of this year," the board's tournament committee Chainnan, Bernard Lapasset said.

He said an announcement on the fonnat of the competition would be made next month.

"There is still too much to do in tenns of completing commercial arrangements with the brokers and confirming and confirming the selected venues," Lapasset said.

Although sponsorship for the Fiji tournament is yet to be confirmed, the Board picked Fiji because of the

. .

strength of its established annual Fiji International Sevens tournament

IRB 's Britain-based Director, Fraser Neil, a New 2'.ealander who was in the Fiji capital, Suva, for this years International Sevens, recommended Fiji's inclusion.

Lapasset said sevens is growing

in Papua New Guinea and its recent performances in Fiji and the Hong Kong sevens have encouraged the IRB to back Australia to host one of the tournaments.

The IRB at its meeting also accepted Niue as a member of the rugby world governing body.

Big League team stats Hlg ICUJCUC c.ll'Vlr,lon: A• or April 24. ·rcnrn Win Le,"" re,. GD Snn V iccntc 4 I .HOO Pin11e" 4 I .HOO .Son Koquc H:,,q,o~ 3 2 .600 I I luittlcn 3 :, .!'\OU 1. 1/2 Tonnpng lkvil R11y» I 4 .250 3 Su.n Roque D-CJen, 0 4 .()()() 3- I /2 Dultln& leuc.Jcrs balled on 11cvcn or more AD. Player · Teoam AD Hit Dal/Ave. Dun Rekcme11ik Expo,- 15 H .533 Kevin Kupllco Plrntc:1 17 9 .529 Robert Dana II nxpoN IR 9 .500 Murk VilJugomc:z Sturz 16 R .500 Joseph Flores SV Stun. I 7 H ,47 l Ken Mnrntl111 SV Stnn t 5 7 ,469 Michmel Pnngcllnun Devil Ruy11 14 6 .429 Peter Magnfnn Expo11 12 5 .417

:;.7~~S~~l~~;Ull ~~t'RAyN :; ~ ::~ Ruru: (9) Dnn Rckcmcrdk. Robert Duns.ii. Vincent DL Gucrrcro (7) Mark Vlllngomcz. Len MnraUta, Kelvin Knpltco, Tyron Anao, Timothy Laloncy. Tllo Snn1n11. Double•: (4) Len Mnratlta (3) Robert Dan111l (2) Kelvin Knplleo, Tyron Anon. JcMcr Ourcln. Trlplo1 C::i> Joe Flore1i1. Jonuthan Delo S111ntoa. Jerr Sublan. Homerun: ( t) Alvlncc Roppul, Roben Dnnsll. KOi'•: (6) J.cromc Delo s,uuoa. Jun Joyner (5) Jeslcr Oordn, Len Maratha, John Rcyc11 (4) Robcrc Banaal, James Jones, Jeff Cruz, Alvine Roppul. Jn11hua Muna, PICchlnR lead~ra Player Team O Inn. ER I lit W/L ERA Jarnme J>cln Suntn11 f-luN.llcn 5 22 2 20 2-2 0.64 Tito Sunloa SV Sturz. 4 2<> J I t 3-1 I .OS JcrrC::ru7. sv S1an. 4 18.1 4 17 1-0 1.53 JM.mca Jonell SR Expo11 2 7 2 6 1-1 2.00 Kelvin Knpllcn Piru1c11 5 23.1 R 2:\ 3-1 2.40 Jun Joyner Sturz 3 H 3 5 0- I 2.62 Jonnthnn Deln Sunlos Plrule!I 5 12.1 s 17 1-0 2.K4 EnlilioMnnnh,meDcvil Ru.ya 6 l!"i.l 7 21 0-1 3.19 Mosca Adw11ync SR D-9crs 5 9.1 5 12 1-2 3.7.S Anthony Dcno.venti= SR D-9cri1 4 14.1 8 20 0-2 3.75 SrUkc out•I (34) Kelvin Kupilen (3:l) Tho Suntos (2H) Jcro,{P~ ~I~ Sunco!<I (25) Hun!I Puu.

.... - -~ ,<./ .. t~·__::..-- -- --~ GUAM'::«'!.', .::;., - ,,_ --· -,..~~.Ai.'?t~~

960South~MJrfDe.Dr~e~ 1!'!2\ 9 Q PB 8 5 8 7 4 4 3 Tamur.11ng f!I.Jom ~~ 1. '7 A P R 3 0 9

• Tel. (6'i,~)$49·~l~~J?!IA-Q~4'f?iM :;AIPAN MP 9 6 9 5 0 • Fax: (671) M9-468r

E-mail: [email protected]

ilRSl GLASS MAl ---~ ..... ···-·---

,~-----.-._

Date post:	31-Jul-2020
Category:	Documents
Upload:	others
View:	1 times
Download:	0 times

I i . arianas %riety:;~...2-MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS-THURSDAY-APRIL 29, I 999 'Chernobyl'...

Documents