Snaps, Election, Snap Election....

A runoff....
Eight votes lead....
Life is beautiful....

Congratulations to the newly elected and the re-elected....

HAPPY ELECTION DAY CNMI!

(Poster from http://www.agirlnamedmars.com/adam-fire-cat-for-mayor)

And the Race is on...

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 economic recovery concerns. House Speaker Arnold I. Palacios, who is the running mate of gubernatorial candidate Rep. Heinz S. Hofschneider of the Republican Party, says “change is inevitable.”

Are you ready for the big "Change?" Our poll, which is proven unreliable, is up for the BE tandem.

'Happy Elections' everyone!

Ella...Ella...Ey...Ey....Under My Umbrella...Ey...Ey....

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, what do you think of this move from the CNMI Dept. of Labor?

The CNMI plans to hire doctors from the Philippines.

UPDATE: NMI Under State of Health Emergency...see story on Saipan Tribune.....

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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 has been referring its sick people to Manila for treatment.

The CNMI has not attracted American practitioners due to its compensation package that's not at par with the mainland rates. Hence, recruiting physicians and specialists from neighboring countries might be attractive because of the dollar rates being offered.

However, the report also said the CNMI has to comply with the federal requirements in order for the islands to receive medical insurance and financial assistance.

So, what can the islands do about this? Somebody has to look after the health of its people right?

Discrete or Discreet, That is the Shortfall

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 colleagues or ask for the reprogramming of at least $9,112 in April to June to cover for budget shortfalls, up from the reprogramming of almost $7,000 in January to March...Each lawmaker was allotted $22,367 in the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2009 or from April to June, lower than the $26,217 allotted during January to March."

Rep. Kilili's Bill to Further Delay Federalization...Yes or No?

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?

Just asking....

For more info about the bill read on Saipan Tribune....

On related news, the contract workers led by United Workers' Movement request for the bill to include those that have been working in the CNMI legally for five years and extend the same privilege of staying in the Marianas for full five years starting this November....

Is Saipan ready for a young mayor?

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.

Survey Says....Boom Boom Foul!

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 systems at the Commonwealth Health Center are among the issues identified in a patient survey and employee evaluation done by the House Committee on Health, Education and Welfare."

Read the story from Saipan Tribune.

Announcement: Tropical Cylcone Alert

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 AM
CHST.

THE TROPICAL STORM WARNING FOR SAIPAN REMAINS IN EFFECT.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING AND A TYPHOON WATCH REMAIN IN EFFECT FOR
AGRIHAN.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING MEANS TROPICAL STORM-FORCE WINDS ARE
IMMINENT OR OCCURRING. A TYPHOON WATCH MEANS TYPHOON-FORCE WINDS
OF 74 MPH OR MORE ARE POSSIBLE.