tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52691052996714775612012-01-28T15:51:12.104+10:00When you get stuck along Beach Road, better take the Middle Road.<br><br>This is a website for those who choose to tread Saipan's off the beaten path.On Saipannoreply@blogger.comBlogger5311100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-83133893756852792012010-10-05T10:39:00.003+10:002010-10-05T10:53:00.791+10:00

A young man was hit and killed in the wee hours of the morning along Garapan Road because he was intoxicated and the driver of the car that bumped him off the road was ruled out by the police of not being drunk and not speeding.The newspaper reported that the pedestrian(19 year-old Asian) had a high BAC level when he was hit along a non-major highway. Why is the angle of the story in the paper

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-8741812935532497432010-09-14T03:49:00.003+10:002010-09-14T03:58:57.165+10:00

Like most films it starts and ends with credits; but, in the CNMI it seems that when getting a federal financial funding it ends with who should get the proper credit for it.News today says that the local administration is slamming the NMI representative for holding the credits all to himself for the federal grants and financial assistance the Mariana Islands has been receiving so far. Gov.

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-33041999052051768862010-09-11T03:24:00.002+10:002010-09-11T03:44:21.368+10:00

Due to delays of government paydays some lawmakers implored to the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. to delay the disconnection process of government employees' power, water or wastewater at their homes.Senators Ayuyu and Crisostimo according to reports said, "“We therefore request your consideration for government employees who, because their pay is delayed by up to a week, face disconnection. Should

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-52432208107964492922010-09-10T06:47:00.002+10:002010-09-10T06:54:48.844+10:00

Oh. What's with the AG admitting he had attended and "arranged" a campaign event before the official commencement of the campaign trail for the NMI Representative?Now he has recently "recused" himself from any poll matters for this election?(story on Saipan Tribune)So, do you think Rep. Kilili stands a chance on this election when the local government actually is on outright support for the Team

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-952544925630183262010-05-28T09:18:00.002+10:002010-05-28T09:19:28.436+10:00

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-948723310343952202010-05-11T16:41:00.002+10:002010-05-11T16:45:37.359+10:00

Dubbed to be the "Final leg in their journey for reform" the foreign workers and supporters will once again hold a "Unity March" to "seek support for the U.S. Department of Interior's recommendation for improved immigration status for all long-term guest workers in the CNM."Are you up for it?Full story on Saipan Tribune....

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-30771886862894510692010-05-08T05:33:00.002+10:002010-05-08T05:44:28.637+10:00

That's just the title I could think of. Perhaps Tom Cruise's film [of the same title] was on my mind...Oh well, what do you think of the counter report that the CNMI government is now scrambling to produce in order to provide a separate report on the veracity and credibility of the Federal Ombudsman's Office Report on the 20,000 migrant workers present in the islands?Saipan Tribune reports:"The

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-80821393272095668612010-05-07T05:58:00.001+10:002010-05-08T06:05:48.470+10:00

Just to react on this report:Saipan Tribune--DCCA: Improved status for nonresident workers will adversely impact programs The Department of Community and Cultural Affairs believes that its federally funded programs will be adversely affected if the islands' nonresident workers are granted improved immigration status. Because of this, the department opposes the Interior Department's

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-43393596687915344412010-02-22T17:23:00.000+10:002010-02-22T17:41:02.973+10:00

Any takers? Let us know....

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com59tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-12436498577117876332010-01-25T21:38:00.003+10:002010-01-25T21:48:05.083+10:00

What is this that's been circulating once again over the Internet? A petition for signatures to remove the current Gov. Fitial from his post due to his abuse of power?This is just a follow up post with regard to this issue when the ailing Gov'nuh had to request for the presence of his masseuse to relieve him of back pains. However, the masseuse was under the custody of the Dept. of Corrections. '

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-86160652371919551812010-01-15T13:07:00.003+10:002010-01-15T16:07:06.657+10:00

Whoa! What is this? It's all over Twitter....Miami Herald picked up this story from AP regarding a wanted masseuse kept at Saipan Governor's house....http://www.miamiherald.com/772/story/1425590.html?storylink=twtuserOh ok. The governor needed her for his back pains....KSPN 2's report on Youtube uploaded by avillago78...

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com168tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-6305863797512883532009-12-31T04:39:00.002+10:002009-12-31T04:46:49.758+10:00

Awww. Aint life so sweet? Yes, especially on NMC (Northern Marianas College's) part as recently elected Board of Regents chair Janet King expressed her intention to give up her Law practice until April 2010 to secure her position up and tight.Wow. Is that community service or what? NMC's BOR has always been fascinating and intriguing that makes one spectator in the meeting shrug in

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-82678093614122532652009-12-24T04:48:00.003+10:002009-12-24T04:50:45.047+10:00

Came across this blog with this photo that says, "Today, Christmas Continues to Get the Beating..."Happy Holidays Everyone!!!!

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-81044860504438249442009-12-08T14:19:00.004+10:002009-12-08T14:25:09.240+10:00

A friend took this photo of a back of a DPS billboard along the Beach Road in Susupe area....

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com90tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-53019000131834872572009-12-08T09:19:00.004+10:002009-12-08T12:43:30.620+10:00

Ah finally our poll is right this time. It's the BE tandem that reigned supreme in this year's tight race to rule 'em all...Congratulations to all the brave candidates that showed interest in helping make this little world a better place....HA-wonder what's g'na HA-ppen to HA-vryone this new term....HA-ny thoughts?Is it g'na BE a more BE-a-utiful term this time?;-)

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-49416608570527995942009-11-30T15:48:00.002+10:002009-11-30T15:55:42.848+10:00

The following email circulates around not only in the CNMI but across the globe. The email has been forwarded to all Filipinos and other nationalities with email access on Saipan and the rest of the world. Now, the question, what can this petition do to help the ailing contract workers in the CNMI who have been on the islands for at least five years or those that have been here for 20 to 30 years

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com163tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-60929880749743778012009-11-20T18:44:00.004+10:002009-11-20T20:52:12.717+10:00

Yes folks. This is not one of those movie scenes where you can just wake up in the morning and the massacre you saw on TV or theater didn't actually occur.We pray for the victims..."A man shot and killed four individuals before turning the gun on himself in two separate shootings in Marpi and Kannat Tabla.Details of the shootings are still sketchy.In the Kannat Tabla shooting, the fatalities were

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-79736656088746340742009-11-09T04:17:00.006+10:002009-11-09T10:35:41.568+10:00

A runoff....Eight votes lead....Life is beautiful....Congratulations to the newly elected and the re-elected....

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com209tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-38300148697459825642009-11-07T04:17:00.003+10:002009-11-07T04:28:40.380+10:00

HAPPY ELECTION DAY CNMI!(Poster from http://www.agirlnamedmars.com/adam-fire-cat-for-mayor)

On Saipannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-23822031443224053592009-11-03T13:06:00.003+10:002009-11-03T13:16:20.636+10:00

Risky to change leadership?As the entire CNMI gears up for election this weekend, news today says that the incumbent discloses apprehensions on changing leadership in the time of crisis.The incumbent according to Saipan Tribune expressed that it would be “very risky' for the CNMI to vote for a governor without proven leadership, especially in these challenging times amid federalization and

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com150tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-1928112547901079822009-10-25T07:01:00.002+10:002009-10-25T07:07:19.789+10:00

Popstar Rihanna must be singing all over the islands today....Her Grammy winning song "Umbrella" lingers in the Marianas....However, this "Umbrella" in the CNMI is about the permit that will be distributed to the "alien" or contract workers that according to Saipan Tribune about 9,000 to 11,000 will be given away next week. Ahhh...sounds like a winning prize in a Wheel of Fortune game on TV.So,

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com145tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-17042387787841156462009-10-12T02:23:00.005+10:002009-10-23T03:05:29.493+10:00

UPDATE: NMI Under State of Health Emergency...see story on Saipan Tribune.....------According to the online news that the government will have this option to fill the void at the Commonwealth Health Center. According to the report, the Governor finds it a logical move since there are challenges hiring doctors from the mainland or Canada.The report also said this option makes sense since the CNMI

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com207tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-69546191606996290962009-10-06T08:58:00.003+10:002009-10-06T09:05:56.108+10:00

Lawmakers exceeding their quarterly discretionary fund allotments. What gives?What are these funds for and how should they use it? Should the public need to know? What are the recent projects that the community has benefited from these funds so far?Saipan Tribune reports that "Some lawmakers once again exceeded their quarterly discretionary fund allotments and therefore had to borrow from their

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com135tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-90667712384951245942009-09-29T05:34:00.004+10:002009-09-29T10:06:19.764+10:00

After years of supporting federalization in the CNMI and when finally it happens, we want it delayed....Recent news that Rep. Kilili, a vocal supporter of federalization for a long time has introduced a bill to delay the implementation of a federalized immigration and labor system in the CNMI until 2010.While he's told the entire CNMI his reasons for his introduced bill, do you support this move?

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-35923732381847446332009-09-22T06:47:00.003+10:002009-10-08T02:26:25.053+10:00

That's the question we want to ask Saipan voters....The CNMI elected Tina Sablan to the Congress why not to being a mayor, right?This move from Mayoral candidate Angelo Villagomez has captured and divided the islands' opinions.As the defunct Fugees would say "Ready or Not" here he comes...Best of luck.On Related News:"9 Saipan mayoral bets present priorities." Read full story on Saipan Tribune.

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com441tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-10005035459796639062009-09-18T17:34:00.003+10:002009-09-18T17:58:31.553+10:00

Turn up the volume and dance to Black Eyed Peas Boom, Boom, Pow as you read yesterday's story about the community hospital being "plagued" by problems.New issue? Old story? You tell me....The survey, which had respondents like doctors, nurses and individuals from the community, showed results that "mismanagement, doctor shortage, inadequate procurement practices, and poor records and billing

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-89092776101007017032009-09-12T18:24:00.004+10:002009-09-15T04:43:21.557+10:00

Storm Advisory from NOAA:(Sept 15) THE TROPICAL STORM WARNING FOR TINIAN IS CANCELED AS OF 2 AM CHST.THE TYPHOON WATCH FOR TINIAN AND SAIPAN IS CANCELED AS OF 2 AMCHST.THE TROPICAL STORM WARNING FOR SAIPAN REMAINS IN EFFECT.A TROPICAL STORM WARNING AND A TYPHOON WATCH REMAIN IN EFFECT FORAGRIHAN.A TROPICAL STORM WARNING MEANS TROPICAL STORM-FORCE WINDS AREIMMINENT OR OCCURRING. A TYPHOON WATCH

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-42528300380425544412009-09-09T03:56:00.006+10:002009-09-09T04:19:19.690+10:00

09 09 09 Kickoff for Villagomez’ Mayoral Bid Tonight, September 9, 2009, Saipan Mayoral candidate Angelo O’Connor Villagomez will be holding a kickoff fundraising event for his bid for Mayor of Saipan. The event will take place at the Aqua Resort Club’s Vino Lounge from 5:30 – 7:30. There will be live entertainment and all of this year’s Democratic candidates will be on hand to answer

On Saipannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-40528068513931566082009-09-01T02:41:00.006+10:002009-09-01T03:00:20.299+10:00

Finally, the documents have been provided to Rep. Tina Sablan and the numbers have been tallied--a whopping (close to) $400,000 have been reportedly paid to the law firm that assisted the local government to sue the Federal Government with regard to "Federalization."But wait, the other newspaper reported it was close to $1M? By the way, MV's report is too short or perhaps just being concise? We

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-2333168797703899502009-08-25T05:22:00.004+10:002009-08-25T05:42:46.441+10:00

While the news does not reveal the source of its report that convicted former Lt. Gov. and his sister and brother-in-law have been flown to a federal prison in the US. The islands are saddened about this news. The islands, where family matters most are grieving yet trying to believe that all this mayhem might have just confirmed that justice can still prevail in this world.Six and Seven. These

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-82415632470822499662009-08-18T04:36:00.002+10:002009-08-18T04:38:43.595+10:00

Gubernatorial Candidate Hofschneider's brother booted out of the Big Brother's House? Well that's according to MV's banner story today.A banner story...hmmm....

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-1585678108607870942009-08-11T06:13:00.003+10:002009-08-11T06:20:32.981+10:00

The Middle Roaders are one with the islands mourning Dr. Rita Inos' death. We wish the family our condolences.As far as we've personally known her as a public servant, she has been a symbol of leadership, intelligence and compassion for the island's children. She will surely be missed.For full story click here....

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-46435253237593038662009-08-10T16:03:00.002+10:002009-08-10T16:09:09.003+10:00

It's official. Facebook friends announced it. Finally, Rep. Tina Sablan sent out a mass email about it that she is climbing up the upper chamber. She is running for the Senate for these reasons (extracted from her letter):1. First, I would continue to advocate for greater transparency in the Senate as I have done these past 18 months in the House, and would continue to openly communicate my

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com84tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-12171343877630418052009-08-05T18:12:00.002+10:002009-08-05T18:14:17.870+10:00

Verdict is out. The numbers are 87, 78 and 78...That is Villagomez, James and Joaquina Santos....Fair? You tell me....Full Story picked from Saipan Tribune...Villagomez sentenced to 87 months in prisonFormer lieutenant governor Timothy P. Villagomez, former Commerce Secretary James A. Santos, and Joaquina V. Santos, were sentenced today in the District Court of the Northern Mariana Islands as

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-57546645322795641952009-08-01T03:43:00.001+10:002009-08-01T03:46:42.030+10:00

Debate Highlights:1. CUC is broken - Juan Pan2. CUC "was" broken, not anymore - Gov. Fitial3. Lt. Gov. candidate Dr. David Borja present not his running mate.4. Borja said "right fuel" should be acquired for CUC.5. Borja's team to kill fuel surcharge.6. Fitial said his current admin "allocates over 20 percent of the general fund to primary and secondary education, a lot more than the 15 percent

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-18207519424609331232009-07-29T11:27:00.002+10:002009-07-29T11:34:27.519+10:00

KGMB reports that Tan Holdings sister company L&T Group of Compannies has been fined and agreed to pay a whopping $1.7M to settle series of lawsuits with regard to its labor practices. The report said that "the three-year, court-enforced consent decree will resolve four EEOC discrimination lawsuits against the employers and their affiliates: Tan Holdings Corporation; Tan Holdings Overseas, Inc.;

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-43027005549356266352009-07-28T08:24:00.002+10:002009-07-28T08:32:18.190+10:00

I know. The police officer implicated to a burglary is still just a suspect, however, it's sad to know that the police officers we entrust our public safety could be accomplices to crimes around the island. Okay. Not bitter here (ya think) though we lost our laptops some years ago and never got it back.Are we ever going to feel safe ever again after this report?

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-6641505869486395182009-07-18T02:27:00.003+10:002009-07-28T09:13:36.734+10:00

'Brings back memories whenever the band, Journey, sings this song...Yet, it couldn't stop me to wonder what had happened when the Juan-Galvin campaign manager jumped over the other party's fence, so I've heard and read. This makes me think, is the Heinz-Arnold tandem sure that the island's Republicans will really go and vote for them? Or, how are they going to know for sure that the Juan-Galvin

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com59tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-54718855625793100192009-07-09T02:13:00.002+10:002009-07-09T02:33:31.486+10:00

A bill is reportedly introduced to rename the Northern Marianas College to "Gov. Carlos S. Camacho, Northern Marianas College to honor the former chief executive." Hmmm.....Does this mean if we refer to the college in the future we will have to say GCSC-NMC or CSC-NMC? Way too long...As the bill honors the former governor of the CNMI that led to the establishment of the community college, why

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-9617839539200162812009-07-05T15:26:00.004+10:002010-09-15T09:46:31.861+10:00

"Gonna find out who's naughty or nice..."From the news recently, when defending lawyers wrote the DC about former Lt. Governor's virtues:"Lawyer Robert T. Torres, who served as counsel for former Commonwealth Utilities Corp. executive director Anthony C. Guerrero in the Rydlyme corruption case, wrote a letter yesterday to the federal court to enumerate the good virtues of former Lt. Gov. Timothy

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com281tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-80796901324038364362009-07-02T18:41:00.000+10:002009-07-02T18:43:18.188+10:00

From the desk of Rep. Tina Sablan:This is to announce that Professor Rose Cuison Villazor of Hofstra University Law School will be on island next week, delivering free public presentations on Article XII and U.S. immigration law.The presentation on "Article XII and Other Blood Quantum Land Laws" is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, 2009 @ the American Memorial Park Visitors Center from 6pm to

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-45467703308740858422009-06-28T03:21:00.002+10:002009-06-28T03:24:36.331+10:00

Contrary to the poll we had, the tandem of Heinz and Arnold ruled the Republican Primary held Saturday...HA - 3,384JG - 2,984 Now get on with the race...

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-15523433533546441612009-06-25T05:20:00.006+10:002009-06-25T05:37:40.936+10:00

Above is the letter of Rep. Kilili Sablan addressed to the Department of Homeland Security with regard to the reported airport incidents in Guam involving transiting passengers to the CNMI....

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-28579012375026444142009-06-20T20:16:00.003+10:002009-06-20T20:55:29.286+10:00

How much does a square foot of a commercial space cost on Saipan?Do you think a commercial building or a space for local government agency will cost $20 per square foot?Well, apparently one space that is being occupied by a federally granted program is being rented out for that deal. According to sources this program had to justify to the feds about its expenses specifically the rental space for

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-64337940356051293392009-06-16T05:07:00.002+10:002009-06-16T05:10:22.549+10:00

How true is it that the Commonwealth Health Center is not going to receive ER patients for 72 hours due to shortage of ER doctors? The 72 hours is said to give the remaining doctors time to relax and unwind...Hmmm.....

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-17171544387839517252009-06-08T03:47:00.002+10:002009-06-08T04:06:36.742+10:00

I believe tis the season of colorful balloons.Birthdays. Anniversaries. Yes. Parties are best with balloons as decors. Furthermore, the movie Up is now showing at the Hollywood Theater.The CNMI rides the most expensive balloon as the news today reports that CHC's Dialysis Center project and construction cost has "ballooned" from $5M to $22M. The Legislature will probe further with the issue when

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-76389529629172902872009-06-06T02:01:00.002+10:002009-06-06T02:11:27.573+10:00

'Heard about the 24 police officers in the CNMI suing the Department of Public Safety?However, the report says that the current Commissioner is pointing his fingers to the former administration for promoting an officer. He says that there are other officers that have been serving the community for 10 years. He continues saying in his administration he practices fairness et al.Discriminatory act

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-54999521125447056822009-06-03T12:34:00.001+10:002009-06-03T12:37:25.315+10:00

Saipan, MP – Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan announced today that an increase in food stamp benefits will soon be available for recipients in the NMI.“I have received word from the Department of Agriculture officials in Washington and in the Western Regional Office of the Food and Nutrition Service that they will be notifying the Governor probably this week that there is another $1.459

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-11179332599156245092009-06-02T18:12:00.003+10:002009-06-02T18:35:28.218+10:00

...About the installed parking meters in Garapan....About the planned flag-carrier of the CNMI....About the first call center on the island....About the loan-shark and convict that escaped from the hospital some years ago....About the murder of a Korean landlord back in 2005....About the planned hyperbaric chamber for CHC....About the pending animal pound on Saipan....About Paseo De Marianas'

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-82948642124068313722009-06-01T16:36:00.009+10:002009-06-02T18:10:46.408+10:00

This is to post a question to the NMI residents. Do you think Rep. Tina Sablan should still run for office i.e. run for a second term?Through the grapevine, the legislator's party is trying to convince Rep. Sablan to consider a second term that she has done a tremendous job so far. What do you think?Has she gone tired of the challenges e.g. the alleged detractors up in the Legislature? Has she

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com144tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-78311209979862531812009-05-24T03:47:00.002+10:002009-05-24T03:55:30.741+10:00

Freeze! Put your hands in the air!These are the words or phrases I would hear from cop flicks when I was a kid. Those police officers in blue, well ironed cop suits with their guns sticking out around their firm and masculine grip...Yet, this is not about it.News today says that despite the budget cut the local government has found to have hired new staff - a clinical staff and an admin staff -

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-18905397422514288302009-05-19T05:17:00.005+10:002009-05-19T09:51:48.763+10:00

When the Beatles sings Help, the group is in harmonious unison.When the foreign workers on Saipan cry for help, they're also in unison. Harmonious? I don't know. Now the group turns to the Philippine president, what good would that do to them?Recently the Philippine Government has been fraught with international or foreign crises when at least two of its contract workers faced death sentences

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com82tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-85416654795776133832009-05-13T04:47:00.004+10:002009-05-13T05:56:26.933+10:00

News today says that another choice of the Governor's Office for the new Attorney General has declined its offer. The news says that former AG resigned from his post in September 2008. The Governor's Office offered the post to former legal counsel of the convicted Lt. Gov. yet also turned the offer down.For a while there was a also a debate whether the AG should be voted on or elected by the NMI

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-24720614423562016512009-05-06T05:53:00.004+10:002009-05-06T06:22:07.840+10:00

A little survey here. Which tandem should GOP pick for the gubernatorial race? Babauta-Deleon Guerrero or Hofschneider-Palacios?According to the news today, each tandem has signed an "accord" that whoever gets wins the primary poll should commit its full support and not run as independent candidates. This accord reportedly and hopefully ended that speculation.Yet again, anything can happen on

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-65786749787651206702009-04-30T04:50:00.002+10:002009-04-30T05:01:30.363+10:00

Todays news on Marianas Variety, headlining the governor's reaction to Rep. Sablan's disappointment with him, reportedly "praising" the convicted Lt. Gov. instead of encouraging and motivating the community of such misconduct should not be tolerated.The Governor said in the report that you "don't kick someone who is all ready down" in the dumps. He said it would be "un-Catholic" of him if he

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-39347891563850905632009-04-29T05:30:00.003+10:002009-04-29T06:04:28.784+10:00

How clever to name it May Day Rally. Either, the ship is sinking or it's on fire....Yes. The local nonresident workers are up to it again for their voice to be heard once again.I first read about this from Unheard No More blog but the news today says that the Dekada Movement would be joining the “May Day” rally on May 1. The group is calling on all workers in the Commonwealth-local and foreign

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-75751199140186628352009-04-27T04:19:00.004+10:002009-04-28T06:34:37.840+10:00

Hey, who da thunk it?That the infamous Playboy Magazine publishes investigative reports? WTH?Well, they do apparently sending one writer to the CNMI, stayed at the PIC and immersed with the hotel's clubmates.Paradise Lost. That's the title of the five-online page article. The article zeroes in how clubmates more than assist hotel guests and "F-around." According to the news today, the hotel

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-35216049083841866572009-04-26T19:22:00.004+10:002009-04-27T05:08:06.768+10:00

Enough is enough...reportedly said by the prosecuting lawyer commenting about the stressful trial. Justice has been served, he added.According to the report the verdict was handed down so fast that it "caught spectators and the media et al off guard." The sentencing, however, has been set in July and the defendants are free prior to sentencing.In the news, the current governor expressed remorse

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-26597471826173602132009-04-23T17:16:00.003+10:002009-04-23T17:43:16.838+10:00

Ahhh...the newspapers are feasting on the latest news about the local government's adviser's supposed free legal services to the government when in fact he was reportedly reimbursed and paid for the services amounting to over $100, 000...Hmmm,,,I guess the man has bills to pay too y'know. Perhaps he has done a tremendous assistance to the government office?Now I wonder what Rep. Tina Sablan's

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-29124185348630444052009-04-21T01:41:00.002+10:002009-04-21T02:12:43.838+10:00

In theMarianas Variety today, the local government is said to be broke to pay the Retirement Fund its actuarial rate but will be able to pay on almost 1/3 of the actual rate....The government owes $156 million plus 25 percent penalty, as reported, to the Retirement Fund.I guess when the local government has budget problems, the inevitable domino effect is indeed "in effect." However, does this

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-69222845970496771212009-04-21T01:16:00.005+10:002009-04-21T01:25:04.837+10:00

We here at SMR would like to extend and say our prayers to the family of four from Rota that have been missing out there in the big blue....Follow the story here....Father, hear us as we ask You to rescue the lost from the domain of darkness and bring them into the kingdom of Your Son. You alone can draw and enable them. You alone can send Your Holy Spirit with power to convict them of the sin in

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-64102428944611020992009-04-17T20:09:00.004+10:002009-04-17T20:19:43.755+10:00

Breaking News...United Airlines to charge double for obese passengers...In the story, the airline management shared with the media that they've received legitimate complains about horizontally challenged passengers on the plane occupying two seats or cramping travelers seated in the middle of three seat rows or columns.Have you had similar stories? ;-)Story here.(Photo from Fat Man Unleashed blog

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-90385637232964126842009-04-13T03:13:00.001+10:002009-04-13T03:21:14.107+10:00

Should the Northern Marianas College Board of Regents renew the contract of its current president Dr. Carmen Fernandez? According to the news today that her contract is now under the review of the college's human resources department for an endorsement to the BOR. What a BOR...;-)Well, Fernandez has reaped a lot of challenges vis-a-vis with criticisms from her peers and the former founding

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-62309169896798262012009-04-09T04:06:00.002+10:002009-04-09T04:12:07.393+10:00

While it is not right not to compensate a doctor, i.e. a lone doctor on Tinian for four months, is it also not right to make a non-US licensed doctor practice in the CNMI? Well, according to sources, this doctor that used to practice at CHC is not really a US licensed physician. Allegedly, this doctor practiced at CHC on special terms with the local government?I guess, in the end, licensed or not

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-4309064572804315592009-04-08T02:31:00.003+10:002009-04-08T03:31:35.566+10:00

Is it finally on the roll? Will it really happen?Is Article 12 nearing its end by 2011? This discussion has long been on the table for the past years and this year a group has been aggressively pushing for its abolition. During the recent Rotary Club of Saipan meeting the coalition took the stage to talk further about the issue. Some Rotarians are also members of this group.According to the group

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-71727120333617716412009-04-03T04:26:00.002+10:002009-04-03T04:42:02.438+10:00

The Lt. Gov. trial has begun after a long time. Do you think this trial will end before the election?Well witnesses involved in the "fiasco" have been testifying that they only proceeded with the procurement of the so-called rydlyme based on the signature of approval from the Lt. Gov. Hmmm...didn't the Gov. nod on this one too? Anyway, to keep track on the developments of this trial here are

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-68104237730927420982009-04-01T07:24:00.003+10:002009-04-01T10:46:21.364+10:00

Good news or bad news, still it's newsworthy....Below is a copy of the press release from Rep. Kilili's office in DC regarding the implementation of federalized immigration and labor in the CNMI:NMI Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Richard Barth, and Madeleine Z. Bordallo, Chairwoman of the House Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans, and

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-87860188333709189702009-03-30T05:24:00.002+10:002009-03-30T05:30:50.534+10:00

Ahhhh...the ever phrase or line that transcends in a relationship. A word that is just intangible and so hard to hold on to. In this case the island people's trust in the Covenant Party as reported today in the news.Over a thousand people showed up during the Covenant Party campaign rally recently where Covenant officers and aspiring officials attested that the trust of the people is still with

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-7170385687509189732009-03-27T02:24:00.004+10:002010-09-15T18:01:05.800+10:00

Ok. So we don't know if this virus threat released in the news is true or another Y2K hype but it would be nice if we all back up our data and files now. This goes to the local government offices especially those that have finally migrated to electronic services. Have they? That brings me to wonder about these offices if they have sophisticated firewalls and internet securities in place. Are all

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-59969991921177767992009-03-24T01:35:00.002+10:002009-03-24T01:42:07.621+10:00

Yes. I am indeed singing the title of this post to a Lionel Richie original.It is sad to learn, as if we didn't see it coming, that the local government will have to resort to a furlough processes due to a reduced budget for this year. Has it run out of other means and ways to keep its personnel? Perhaps this could be beneficial to reduce some redundancy in the local government offices, if

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-78588321521936592122009-03-20T05:40:00.003+10:002009-03-20T05:46:27.289+10:00

So the site, as the blogger claims is shutting down. That's another one biting the dust. Business is that bad I guess. :-) The best blog on Saipan so far calling it quits? What gives Lil? I'm sure other bloggers will feast on this news. However, the website's boldness is truly non-pareil.Hence, we give this tribute to you.

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-66844374230018916982009-03-18T18:11:00.003+10:002009-03-18T18:22:01.286+10:00

Read about this news on Radio Australia about "CNMI Governor to quit politics if he loses November election"Ok. So if he lost this forthcoming election but didn't quit politics, where do you think he'll go? Does this mean he is conceding to defeat that early? This report, one can blindfoldedly guess was written by a reporter here on Saipan--throwing stories to the land downunder. The story is

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-54293668057160522592009-03-14T21:23:00.002+10:002009-03-14T21:29:00.932+10:00

I came across this article online about the CNMI IR's pleading to the federal government "not to extend" federalization to the island. Here's the excerpt of that report:[If possible, I wish the federalization won't be extended; I have loved Saipan so much that if I return to the Philippines I would have to live a different life that's why I urge you to help us.]Rene Reyes, president of the

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-55425777960533845502009-03-12T13:29:00.003+10:002009-03-12T13:44:02.759+10:00

Ok. Now that it's out there, what's next for the contract workers? IR's? Shall we concede to previous statements here from a regular commenter about "Federalization: You want it. You got it!"The entire contract workers community is now bracing themselves with fidgeting hands, frail and perspiring in anxieties. On one side, this community is in regret why the federalization was handed down. On the

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-18804511218147573712009-03-12T12:46:00.001+10:002009-03-12T13:29:48.059+10:00

Facts and fiction about federalizationBy MONETH G. DEPOSAand HAIDEE V. EUGENIOSAIPAN TRIBUNE REPORTERSSaipan Tribune asked Marie Thérèse Sebrechts, the regional media manager for the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and Michael Aytes, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services acting deputy director, to separate fact from fiction relating to the

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-1224638034698854862009-03-01T15:04:00.003+10:002009-03-01T15:16:30.676+10:00

Counterfeit dollar bills?Finally an answer to an old issue. I remember this problem was raised to us two years ago and even made it to the news. Now, three have been arrested for the said modus operandi.The police discovered about this when the culprits from here squealed when (according to news reports) they had a fight in their very own compound. I wonder how could they admit to the crime. Did

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-39173109924908045662009-02-26T02:35:00.003+10:002009-02-26T02:47:37.823+10:00

First include China and Russia now wisa waivers for IR's, then Guam enters the scene, Visa Waiver for the Philippines?What gives?If you are in tuned to these stories, it seems that our leaders are indeed scrambling for mercy at the helm of the DHS to heed their requests and spare the "economic impact" on controlling the CNMI immigration. There are so many points to consider on both sides. On one

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-70812673704850537412009-02-20T17:57:00.003+10:002009-02-20T18:07:47.167+10:00

The Race is On!Will he make it this time? Will his attempt to sit on Capital Hill turn into a glorious victory this upcoming elections? Yes, Heinz Hofschneider is up and running once again and this time tagging the House Speaker Arnold Palacios as his running mate.Do you think this tandem has a better chance than the reported Babauta-Guerrero team-up?Hofschneider almost snagged the victory from

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-66713295921130365912009-02-14T18:30:00.002+10:002009-02-14T18:38:35.498+10:00

I didn't mean to jump into this bandwagon, but we just want to express our opinion about this. I guess being away for a long time just dragged us into the mud of oblivion about what's going around the islands.Is it true that Lil Hammerhead has been outed. I was reading, as I was redirected, Jeff Turbitt's blog and there it was front page, that Lil Hammerhead the blogger behind the successful Must

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com64tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-66963556802171893302009-02-03T20:28:00.002+10:002009-02-03T21:26:43.641+10:00

A big question?Reading printed news about the dimming tie up with Philippine flag carrier made me wonder whether any of new airlines should invest here on Saipan. At this time?What do you think?

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-17565980617939432512009-01-29T01:06:00.002+10:002009-01-29T01:11:10.964+10:00

Ok. This might sound delayed or late but people are bugging us of queries and inquisitions on how true that once the federalized immigration is effected the status of alien workers and immediate relatives would be null and void. Furthermore, once they exited the island, they can never go back without proper US visa and this visa cannot be used to regain their status....Mindboggling yet

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-38175329392331326302009-01-24T23:08:00.002+10:002009-01-24T23:16:13.383+10:00

Grading our leaders in the CNMI? Do you approve that only Reps. Sablan and Camacho received an "A" while the rest received an "F" rating? Should we believe what was gathered in this likely a personal website? What's the accuracy of this poll? Margin of error?Should he include the rating or grading of the Governor's Office leaders as well? Speaking of popularity or approval ratings of the local

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-62990192669659793512009-01-19T00:21:00.002+10:002009-01-19T00:35:18.537+10:00

Just occurred in my mind the book we read back in college called "Hope for the Flowers" when I contemplate and think about the island's future as a commoner. As many of us are still optimistic about the CNMI, we couldn't help but observe and notice some that try to pull everyone down. Yet, we remain hopeful.Hmmm...but talking about the title of this post. Does getting rid of poker machines answer

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-59147445523146123952009-01-10T11:45:00.002+10:002009-01-10T12:02:32.574+10:00

I know it's in the news about a four-day work sked for the Legislature. Yup, to cope with the budget problems in the government. However, does this mean that the CNMI leaders will also work only for four days a week? I believe it didn't say in the news.However, I'm sure the legislators will still work five-days a week to serve the community all week long. Yet, without their staff working in the

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-59255136155984581242008-12-27T16:42:00.003+10:002008-12-28T11:28:53.547+10:00

Yup. These are the questions going around the community right now, especially the alien workers' community. Someone has been passing along emails to almost every one on the island with regard to a recent incident within the Kristo Rai Parish Church in Garapan.The email and the request are petitions to boycott the Kristo Rai Parish Church. Allegedly, one devout who is from here blurted in public

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com123tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-68633113841781940102008-12-20T11:55:00.002+10:002008-12-20T12:07:53.829+10:00

As we welcome the year 2009 we are welcoming back the ominous power outages around the island. Last week there was a four-hour blackout in Garapan area and the hotels were affected. Reports said that felled trees had something to do with the outages. One of our friends booked an overnight stay in one of the prominent hotels on the island and as the power went out the incident triggered a fire

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-44382088965459946082008-12-18T17:26:00.000+10:002008-12-18T17:29:03.158+10:00

Folks are asking here on the island that how come it was not in the news that two high school students from MHS were detained for bringing in guns in school?How true? Sources said that MHS students confirmed the incident.What's happening to our teens these days...?

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-46231178301903771382008-12-18T16:20:00.000+10:002008-12-18T16:49:28.561+10:00

The email snafu between CNMI Government "volunteer" attorney Deanne Siemer and Congresswoman Tina Sablan is getting more bizarre. For those who haven't followed the story, Sablan sent a letter to CNMI Deputy Labor Director Cinta Kaipat on certain immigration issues. Siemer drafted a response for Kaipat to sign, and emailed it along with instructions. The problem was that Siemer emailed the

Island Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13574130591506871471noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-14183714081605777262008-12-17T10:47:00.000+10:002008-12-17T11:14:58.360+10:00

The U.S. Justice Department has moved to dismiss Governor Fitial's anti-federalization lawsuit against the Federal Government. Justice cited several reasons why the case should be dismissed. For example, Justice asserted that only the CNMI Attorney General can bring such an action on behalf of the CNMI. This suit was filed without the involvement of the Attorney General, with Howard Willens

Island Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13574130591506871471noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-61410804786964083592008-12-12T03:24:00.000+10:002008-12-12T03:33:20.749+10:00

It's former Lt. Gov. now Congressman Diego Benavente's turn to spin local politics as he has announced his intention to run for CNMI Governor next 2009. The most interesting of this move is that it will be a three-way competition among former Gov. Babauta, 2005 Gubernatorial Election runner-up Hofschneider. A local primary is now expected within the local Republican Party. I heard that Benavente

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com66tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-51277007823470480682008-12-03T14:53:00.000+10:002008-12-03T14:57:22.154+10:00

So, it is Christmas and the world is in the midst of a financial crisis, what would you be putting off or at least not going to do or spend for this holiday?We want to know....

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-69294418566024406922008-11-30T20:58:00.001+10:002008-11-30T21:10:52.473+10:00

Drunk Driving...Claims another....At 11pm last night the road going to Susupe right before the Gilbert C. Ada Gym was almost blocked by the traffic police due to another car accident. A car went through a concrete fence across the Mobil Gas Station. Friends were caught up in the traffic last night. We learned today that the victims were Koreans --Husband and wife. Allegedly, the man was drunk and

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-19039373096494410982008-11-25T17:38:00.000+10:002008-11-25T17:44:26.647+10:00

Breaking news from the KUAM website that the "Feds reject the bringing Chinese and Russain tourists through waiver program" to Guam that would trickle down to the CNMI's similar request. The report says that the feds find it not allowable at this time due to security concerns.KUAM - With the downward spiral of tourist arrivals from Japan, the Guam Visitors Bureau was dealt a devastating blow as

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-76709554929768977972008-11-18T11:31:00.000+10:002008-11-18T11:36:50.824+10:00

Driving this morning going to Susupe was a bit a morning surprise that police cars were all over the area. I wondered what had happened. Then passing the Marianas High School intersection again there were police cars up with their warning lights. Then I spoke to a senior from the largest high school in the CNMI that classes have been suspended for the day because this morning the school

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-65634140601087142262008-11-16T19:57:00.000+10:002008-11-16T20:07:27.358+10:00

Just found out that Saipan again took lives of two two non-residents through a fatal accident early this morning. Four Filipino friends just came from Club V last night and as they drove friends back home the car just slammed on an electric post. Witnessed said that the electric post allegedly fell on the car that took lives of the female driver and the passenger on her right and injured the

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-52776450321016716842008-11-14T07:55:00.001+10:002008-11-14T09:12:54.615+10:00

Taken from today's news:Saipan Tribune-“We have a feeling because of the economic condition, especially contract workers, they don't really know what's going to happen in the future, so they are just saving money. That has an effect on our sales big time,” said Micronesian Brokers, Inc. GM about a dismal sales this holiday season due to economic crisis.

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-57762746896159917112008-11-10T00:58:00.002+10:002008-11-10T08:36:46.811+10:00

As the Gubernatorial election comes close the current administration is now looking for a new running mate for the current governor. News reports says that the party is not divulging yet who the runningmate for Gov. Fitial will be. Also, news says that "two of the losing delegates express interests to be the governor's running mate on 2009 elections."Of course the party has people in mind, but

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-10152663653687260942008-11-06T00:34:00.001+10:002008-11-06T00:47:14.530+10:00

We know that Obama is finally in and Bush is out by January 2009, but here in the CNMI the recently held election geared toward Kilili who's likely to be the first-ever elected US Delegate to the US Congress. With a running edge of over 360 votes, according to the news, Kilili could be the next face of the CNMI in the Congress.Congratulations!

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-45240293103860858412008-11-05T15:40:00.000+10:002008-11-05T15:55:40.639+10:00

Wow. It's been overwhelming just following the US Presidential Election over a cup of coffee and chocolate chip cookies. CNN has been great following on this momentous event.We must congratulate both men for a wonderful campaign they both pulled off. Watching McCain during his concession speech has made me admired him for being the resilient and dignified man that he has been. He mentioned about

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5269105299671477561.post-50387637962867597052008-11-04T00:23:00.000+10:002008-11-04T00:30:43.651+10:00

As the US gears to its presidential election, the CNMI is not far away from the election hype. News today informs the voting community about places where to vote and the names included in the ballot.There are some 13,000 voters expected to throng voting precincts. A first in the CNMI, that is to vote for the first ever Congressional delegate. The following are the candidates for this race:

On Saipannoreply@blogger.com4