Marianas Variety

By Andrew O. De [email protected] News Staff

THE 45-page $190 million power purchase agreement was duly signed by the Fitial ad-ministration and Saipan Development LLC on Aug. 3, 2012, according to documents submitted in Superior Court which yesterday said it will issue a preliminary injunction that stops the implemen-tation of the no-bid contract.

Also yesterday, attorney Ramon K. Quichocho, who represents Rep. Janet U. Maratita, submitted

their first amended complaint that included Rep. Ray Anthony N. Yumul, and the CNMI Senate as additional plaintiffs.

The plaintiffs want the court to stop the illegal expenditure of public funds. They are alleging breach of fiduciary duty and breach of trust, and are seeking declaratory relief as well as an in-junction and damages.

Among the documents submitted by the plaintiffs yester-day was the 45-page copy of the

Vol. 40 No. 121© 2012 Marianas Variety

www.mvariety.comServing the CNMI for 40 Years Friday•August31,2012 75¢

Page 3 6 Page 27

PACIFIC ISLANDS

Matson cancels Marshalls voyage, shifts cargo to Kyowa

ENTERTAINMENT

Thrills, chills, dramatic films dominate fall season

LOCAL

Roe, Doe: Fund EO bad for NMI

Page 22

AROUND THE ISLANDS

Crumbling and abandoned

Continued on page 3

Continued on page 3

David Wiseman

BREAKING GROUND. Acting Gov. Eloy Inos leads the ground breaking ceremony for the Mt. Tapochao Development Project yesterday. From left, Marianas Visitors Authority director K.J. Kim, Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands director Ivan Quichocho, Rep. Edmund Vil-lagomez, HANMI Chairman Nick Nishikawa, Inos, Rep. Joseph Deleon Guerrero, Tournament of Champions chairman Ben Babauta and Saipan Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Richard A. Pierce. Not in photo are Rep. Antonio Sablan, acting Secretary of Public Works Anthony Camacho, MVA director Chris Nelson, HANMI director Mike Johnson, chamber director Alex Sablan, and MVA Managing Director Perry Tenorio (Story on page 6) MVA photo

This image from a video posted on YouTube shows Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and his Press Secretary Angel Demapan on the Republican convention floor in Tampa, Florida.

By Emmanuel T. [email protected] News Staff

GOVERNOR Benigno R. Fitial will meet CNMI voters who will be in Boise, Idaho this week for the Goodwill CNMI Labor Day Softball Tournament, “but he’s not going to get anything from them — he can’t fool them,” according to one of their family members.

The tournament is an annual event that gathers former NMI residents from several West Coast states

It was launched in 2005 by former NMI residents who recognized the importance of “maintaining con-nections, language, and heritage of the islands with extended family and friends who have relocated to

the U.S. mainland for school and job opportunities.”

Variety was told that Fitial,

who just attended the Republican


OF Gov. Benigno R. Fitial’s allies in the House of Representatives,

only two have so far taken a stand against the move to impeach him.

Rep. Stan-ley T. Torres said yesterday he will vote no to House Res-

olution 17-111 which calls for the impeachment of the governor.

Torres, Ind.-Saipan, said the

Stanley Torres

Fitial can’t fool NMI voters in Boise

Continued on page 3

Another Fitial ally says no to impeachment

Wiseman to issue preliminary injunction on $190M power deal

MV 8-31-12.indd 1 8/31/12 12:47:32 AM

FRIDAY - AUGUST 31, 2012 - MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS2 Local

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THE Library Friends will be hav-ing their book sale tomorrow, Sept. 1, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. The Library Friends meeting will also be held right after the book sale.

Any interested person who wants to become a member is welcome to attend. For more information, call the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library at 235-7322 or 235-7316.


SUPERIOR Court Judge Kenneth L. Govendo yesterday ordered newly hired Police Officer Kui Rogopes to pay $50 every payday to satisfy an earlier monetary judgment.

Rogopes will pay $50 bi-weekly to Hi-Mart starting Sept. 7, 2012 — otherwise he will face stiffer court sanctions, the court ordered.

Rogopes was arrested after Judge

Joseph N. Camacho issued a bench warrant for Rogopes’ failure to ap-pear on a July 23, 2012 show cause order hearing.

It was Camacho who issued the monetary judgment in favor of Hi-Mart, represented by attorney Michael White, on March 22, 2012.

Rogopes was supposed to start paying $50 bi-weekly on April 6, 2012 to satisfy his $478.81 debt, as well as a $30 attorney’s fee.

The action started in 2011 in

the amount of $397.37 plus inter-est for merchandise plus interest and costs.

The Superior Court had been serving judicial summons regard-ing this small claims for Rogopes who was an officer at the Correc-tions facility at the time, according to court records.

Rogopes is among the seven former law enforcement officers recently re-hired by the Depart-ment of Public Safety as police officers.

Library Friends book sale

Newly hired cop arrested for failure to appear in small claims action

MV 8-31-12.indd 2 8/31/12 12:47:37 AM

MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS - FRIDAY - AUGUST 31, 2012 3Local / Pacific Islands

By Giff Johnson For Variety

MAJURO — After repeated de-lays caused by engine problems, a Matson vessel scheduled to arrive at Kwajalein, Ebeye and Majuro last week has been scrubbed and cargo on that vessel is now to be transported on Kyowa Lines.

Matson, the primary delivery company for cargo — particularly fresh fruits and vegetables — from the United States to the Marshall Islands, announced Wednesday a

plan for Kyowa’s Cattleya ves-sel to arrive with Matson cargo at Kwajalein this Saturday, Ebeye on Sunday and Majuro on Monday, Sept. 3. Matson was origi-nally scheduled to arrive Majuro on Thursday, Aug. 23.

Matson’s Island-er vessel developed an engine problem while at sea enroute to the Marshall Islands on

August 19 and pulled into Pohnpei for repairs. Matson dispatched me-

chanics to Pohnpei to fix the problem in an effort to con-tinue the voyage. When they were unable to fix the problem, Matson made the decision at mid-week to have Kyowa Lines pick

up the Marshall Islands-bound cargo.

Kyowa was in Pohnpei Wednes-day for a cargo transfer and is expected to arrive Majuro on Monday.

“Due to a mechanical problem, the MV Islander was unable to com-plete its scheduled voyage 159,” Bernadette Valencia, Matson’s Regional Manager for Sales and Customer Service, said Wednes-day. The vessel was headed back to Guam for repair work after off-loading its cargo to Kyowa.

“We have done our best to move

the cargo booked for that voyage using other available resources. The Islander is currently being repaired and is expected to resume service from Guam with voyage 160.”

She said Voyage 160 would ar-rive Majuro next week Friday, one day later than its originally pub-lished schedule. Matson normally provides a fortnightly shipping service from Guam to the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia islands of Kosrae, Pohnpei and Chuuk.

Matson cancels Marshalls voyage, shifts cargo to Kyowa

Rep. Janet U. Maratita, center, confers with her counsel Ramon K. Quichocho and the lawyer’s wife Frances, shortly after the preliminary injunction hearing in Superior Court yesterday afternoon. Photo by Andrew O. De Guzman

National Convention in Tampa, Florida, was on his way to Boise where he is expected to campaign for his candidates in this year’s midterm elections.

A family member of the former NMI residents said his relatives left the islands due to the eco-

nomic crisis that has worsened under the Fitial administration.

Many of them, the family mem-ber said, are former government employees who were fired or whose contracts were not renewed by the administration.

“These are the people who left the islands because they could no longer stand the sufferings here,”

said the family member who de-clined to be identified.

He noted that Boise now hosts thousands of former NMI locals.

“It’s the little Saipan in the U.S.,” the family member said.

Many former NMI residents who now live in Boise are among those who have signed the online petition calling for Fitial’s im-

peachment.One of them said the governor

“has been doing far more dam-age to the general stability of the islands I call home. I find it incredible that he has made it this far without impeachment being an option sooner. But better sooner than later.”

Her fellow Boise resident

wrote, “It’s about time to take back what we entrusted to our government. The future is at stake in the hand in that tyrant.”

Another former NMI resident who now lives in Boise said she signed the online petition because the governor “is a true criminal and brings shame to the CNMI.”

Fitial...Continued from page 1

Another...Continued from page 1allegations against Fitial have not been proven yet.

Torres wants the governor’s con-troversial $190 million power pur-chase agreement investigated, but said if he does not find anything wrong with the deal, he will not vote to impeach the governor.

Torres also wants to be part of the special committee that Speaker Eli D. Cabrera will create to review H.R. 17-111.

Another Fitial ally, Rep. Joseph M. Palacios, R-Saipan, earlier

said he will not support the im-peachment move.

House Floor Leader George N. Camacho, Ind.-Saipan, in a sepa-rate interview said he will not take any position on the impeachment move and will decline to serve on the special committee.

His sister-in-law is acting At-torney General Viola Alepuyo.

Aside from the seven co-au-thors of H.R. 17-111, a House leadership member, Rep. Ralph S. Demapan, Covenant-Saipan, has also vowed to support the impeachment move.

Led by House Minority Leader Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero, R-Saipan, the minority bloc members calling for Fitial’s im-peachment are Reps. Francisco S. Dela Cruz, R-Saipan; Ray A. Tebuteb, R-Saipan; Tony P. Sa-blan, R-Saipan; Ray N. Yumul, R-Saipan; Janet U. Maratita, R-Saipan; and Trenton B. Con-ner, R-Tinian.

Those who have not expressed any position on the impeachment resolution are Vice Speaker Fe-licidad T. Ogumoro, Covenant-Saipan; Reps. Sylvestre I. Iguel,

Covenant-Saipan; Ramon S. Basa, Covenant-Saipan; Ray-mond D. Palacios, Covenant-Saipan; Edmund S. Villagomez, Covenant-Saipan; Fredrick P. De-leon Guerrero, Ind.-Saipan; and Teresita A. Santos, Ind.-Rota.

Rep. Froilan C. Tenorio, Cov-enant-Saipan, is still off-island for medical reasons.

The minority bloc pre-filed H.R. 17-111 containing 16 articles of impeachment against Fitial. Four of these are for commission of actions constituting multiple felonies; five are for multiple

acts of public corruption; and seven are for multiple instances of neglect of his sworn duties of office.

In an interview yesterday, acting Gov. Eloy S. Inos told reporters that he does not think the impeachment movers need his advice.

“They acted on their own,” he said, adding that calling for the impeachment of the governor “is their decision.”

He said if they are going to make those allegations, they must back them up.

Wiseman...Continued from page 1power purchase agreement that bore the signatures of Gov. Benigno R. Fital for the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. “pursuant to his authority under executive order” that placed CUC under state of emergency; then-Attorney General Edward T. Buckingham; and PWJ Fisher who signed on behalf of Donald R. Kurz. The contract date was Aug. 3, 2012.

Saipan Development LLC was formed by Allegiance Capital Corp. and Keystone Shipping Co.

Allegiance Capital founder and chairman David J. Mahmood ear-lier told Variety: “Quite frankly, we are surprised at all the contro-versy this has generated. While an agreement was signed by Governor Fitial, Saipan Development, repre-sented by Mr. Kurz, has not signed the agreement and hence there is no agreement in place.”

But Quichocho said the contract was signed by Saipan Develop-ment.

He said PWJ Fisher is an execu-tive of Keystone Shipping Co.

According to Quichocho, “The power purchase agreement has a counterparts clause, which means

that they can simultaneously sign different copies and when taken together, shall constitute one and the same agreement.”

Judge David A. Wiseman yester-day said the preliminary injunction to be issued “shall follow the re-straints imposed by the temporary restraining order” he earlier im-posed on the controversial deal.

Wiseman directed Quichocho, to file another motion for a temporary restraining order on or before 2 p.m. today, “only with respect to the items requested to be added for injunctive relief.”

The court set the preliminary injunction hearing for Sept. 4, 2012 at 1:30 p.m.

If there is any objection to the preliminary injunction hearing, Wiseman said the matter will be continued until Sept. 14, 2012 at 9:30 a.m.

If defendants Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, former Attorney General Edward T. Buckingham, the Com-monwealth Utilities Corp., and Saipan Development LLC object to the preliminary injunction on the additional items submitted by Quichocho, “then the subpoeana duces tecum presently returnable on Sept. 5, 2012 shall be modified

to be due and deliverable to the plaintiffs’ attorney on or before Sept. 11, 2012 close of business,” Wiseman said.

Maratita through her lawyer ear-lier subpoenaed acting Gov. Eloy S. Inos to produce documents “re-lated to an alleged power purchase agreement between defendants Saipan Development LLC and the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.”

The court said if there is no ob-jection to the preliminary injunc-tion motion scheduled for Sept. 14, 2012 then the case will be taken off calendar and will proceed pursuant to the Civil Rules of Procedure for litigating a civil matter and the subpoena duces tecum will also be quashed.

For his part, Assistant Attorney General David Lochabay submit-ted a manifestation that acting Attorney General Viola Alepuyo has substituted Buckingham. Lochabay further told the court that “they do not oppose, and do hereby consent, to the issuance of a preliminary injunction in this case enjoining them under the same terms and conditions as they are currently restrained by the tempo-rary restraining order previously issued by the court.”

MV 8-31-12.indd 3 8/31/12 12:47:38 AM

FRIDAY - AUGUST 31, 2012 - MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS�

By Alexie Villegas [email protected] News Staff

THE Marianas Public Land Trust is willing to help the financially strapped Commonwealth Health-care Corp, but it has to ensure

that the $7 million loan will be paid back.

The administration, for its part, is expected to propose tax measures to help raise funds for CHC.

MPLT Board Chairman Pedro

R. Deleon Guerrero expressed the trustees’ concern regarding the state of healthcare in the com-monwealth and their willingness to help resolve the crisis.

“MPLT is still finding ways to help,” Deleon Guerrero said.

During the MPLT board meeting last week, the trustees looked into the situation facing CHC and said they were concerned with its abil-ity to pay its obligations.

Deleon Guerrero said the MPLT is not releasing any funds yet to CHC as it has to show that it can service the repayments for the $3 million loan.

Variety learned that the CHC pays about $17,000 monthly to MPLT in inter-est alone.

So far, CHC is current with these payments.

But the trustees on Friday were concerned with the healthcare corporation’s financial position.

“There is no way under their financial status that they will make the payments,” Deleon Guerrero said.

Still, MPLT is working closely

with the administration to see what else could be done to remedy the situation.

The MPLT chairman said al-though they have not acted on

the request to issue the $7 million loan to CHC, they also discussed the matter with acting Gov. Eloy S. Inos.

He said they had an agreement regarding new revenue generation.

Deleon Guerrero said the administration is re-

viewing draft legislation that would identify revenue sources such as sin taxes.

“The bill has been drafted and it is now before Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos for his review,” said Deleon Guerrero adding that the draft will be submitted to the Legislature

Local

IT&E

TUESDAY BARGAIN

Continued on page 5

Gov’t eyes tax hikes to fund CHC

Pedro Deleon Guerrero

MV 8-31-12.indd 4 8/31/12 12:47:40 AM

MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS - FRIDAY - AUGUST 31, 2012 �Local

In celebration of Labor Day,Marianas Variety News & Views

office is closed onMonday, Sept. 3, 2012

Thank You!

To all our valued customers and readers,this week.

He said the proposed sin taxes should provide CHC with immedi-ate funding for its operation and also address the commonwealth’s health concerns.

Sin taxes are levied on commod-ities deemed injurious to health: alcohol, cigarettes and food that causes diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, among other diseases.

D e l e o n G u e r r e r o said MPLT will disburse the requested funding once the Legisla-ture has ear-marked new revenues strictly for CHC opera-tion.

MPLT is also awaiting the out-come of CHC’s comprehensive assessment of its staffing, opera-tion and financial status.

Back in July, Deleon Guer-rero wrote CHC chief executive officer Juan N. Babauta and

then-Attorney General Edward T. Buckingham, stating that the MPLT’s position on the $7 million loan hinged on the completion of the assessment to be conducted by HealthTech.

HealthTech was chosen by CHC to conduct the assessment to be funded by a $170,000 grant from the U.S. Office of Insular Affairs.

Deleon Guerrero reiterated in that same let-ter that CHC, the Attorney General’s Of-fice and MPLT had agreed during a June 25 meeting that the parties were commit-ted to mar-

shalling the resources and assets necessary to assist CHC.

But CHC has yet to provide the pertinent documents required by MPLT to satisfy the requirements for the $3 million loan that the healthcare corporation had already spent.

Prior to the passage into law of

H.B. 17-278, which authorized the $7 million loan to CHC, MPLT had been requiring documents from CHC for its approved $3 mil-lion line of credit and additional $1.58 million for the hospital’s electronic health record project.

Since the release of the funds to CHC, the MPLT has yet to ob-tain the hospital’s business plan, forecast of operations, statement of cash flow, drawdown schedule, projected balance sheets in the next two to three years beginning the end of fiscal year 2012, among other documents.

In approving MPLT Resolution 12-1A on the $3 million loan back in March, the MPLT trustees asked CHC to set the schedule or timeline within which it would implement and complete these goals or ob-jectives and identify the persons or department responsible for its completion or implementation.

Last week, Variety asked Deleon Guerrero if the CHC had complied with the requirements. He said, “We are still waiting for those documents.”

But he said MPLT will continue to find ways to help CHC.


THE municipality of Tinian and Aguiguan is set to honor workers at the fiesta grounds today.

Tinian Mayor Ramon M. Dela Cruz is looking forward to recog-nizing the efforts of employees on Labor Day with a special ceremony.

“Labor Day is a day of celebra-tion, a day to honor all our gov-ernment and private employees, a day to say ‘Thank You’ for all that you do for our government and

our community. It is indeed my honor and pleasure to thank you all,” he said.

The mayor, in a special message, also said that Labor Day is a day to celebrate the accomplish-ments and achievements of the employees and “rec-ognize those individuals who have gone above and beyond to make an impact in the efficient operation of our government and business sectors.”

In a special program today, from

9 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Tinian mayor said Northern Marianas College, Public School System, and private

sector employees will be recognized.

Dela Cruz, along with awards committee chair-woman Lydia Barcinas and Erlinda Sanchez of the Office of Personnel Man-agement, will be handing out the 2012 Government Employee of the Year

awards to outstanding employees of the municipality.

In a program honoring workers

to be hosted by Tinian Department of Commerce Resident Director Jose Kiyoshi, Mayor Dela Cruz will be delivering the opening remarks, Fr. Sid Ogumoro, the invocation and committee co-chairman Jose M. Dela Cruz, the closing remarks.

According to the mayor, “Labor Day is also a day to just have fun, to take a day off from our busy schedules and enjoy the company of our co-workers and staff. I urge you to participate in the many activities today and have fun and relax.”

Tinian to celebrate Labor Day

Ramon Dela Cruz

Gov’t...Continued from page 4

MV 8-31-12.indd 5 8/31/12 12:47:42 AM

FRIDAY - AUGUST 31, 2012 - MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS�

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

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By Raquel C. [email protected] News Staff

REPRESENTATIVES from government agencies and private businesses as well as community members braved the heavy rain to witness the groundbreaking ceremony of the $48,000 Mt. Tapochao Development Project yesterday.

Acting Gov. Eloy S. Inos led the groundbreaking assisted by tour-ism industry representatives.

The project, which is expected to be completed in 90 days, took years of planning, preparation and a search of a funding source before work can finally start.

The Marianas Visitors Author-ity is the lead agency that will finance over half or $25,000 of the total project cost. The re-maining amount will come from participating organizations such as the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Saipan Chamber of Commerce and the Tournament of Champions beautification fund.

The project will improve the railings, stairs and the viewing area at the island’s highest peak.

House Minority Leader Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero, R-Saipan, who was among those who broke ground for the project said the improvements are necessary to entice more tourists to visit the island.

“This is a great partnership between the government and the private sectors. Mt. Tapochao is a beautiful spot but it has been neglected for a long time,” Deleon Guerrero said.

As soon as the rehabilitation project is done, he hopes to have all the right of way issues resolved so that the projects for paving the road to Mt. Tapochao will follow.

Deleon Guerrero said federal highway funding is available but nothing can be done without first resolving over 30 right of way issues involving more than 30 landowners in the area.

Mt. Tapochao is Saipan’s high-est point at 1,560 ft and is the only area that provides a 360 degree view of the whole island.

Residents enjoy the panoramic view from Mt. Tapochao, Saipan’s highest peak. Photo by Raquel C. Bagnol

Mt. Tapochao development

project breaks ground

MV 8-31-12.indd 6 8/31/12 12:47:43 AM

MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS - FRIDAY - AUGUST 31, 2012 �Local / Pacific Islands

MV 8-31-12.indd 7 8/31/12 12:47:43 AM

FRIDAY - AUGUST 31, 2012 - MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS� Special Advertising Feature

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SALE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 14, 2012

Text and photos byRaquel C. [email protected] News Staff

THE opening of classes is just a few days away, but the timely release of the child tax credits have helped a lot of parents as they buy school supplies for their children. Island retailers, however, are also doing their best to meet the parents and students halfway.

Modern Office Supply/Mod-ern Stationery Supply outlets in Garapan and San Jose have budget friendly school supplies for children of all grade levels.

They offer huge savings and a big discounts — from 30 to 50 percent on school items, and an additional 10 percent discount on school bags like Jansport and other brands.

This is Modern Stationery Supply’s way of giving back to the community — helping students, parents and teachers stretch their budgets so they can buy quality products at afford-able prices.

Modern Stationery Supply outlets carry a complete and wide selection of school and office supplies — notebooks and notepads, pens and pencils,

coloring pens and crayons, back-packs, binders, folders, laptop bags, calculators, lunch boxes, educational tools, computer accessories, and more — all at discounted and very affordable prices.

Check out the special discounts for newly arrived flash drives — Kingston, Sandisk, TDK and Toshiba brands — $13.95 for 4GB to $99.99 for 64GB flash drives.

For teachers, Modern Statio-nery Supply carries complete office needs and supplies.

But the back-to-school promo will only be until Sept. 14.

Modern Stationery Supply San Jose store manager Wilma DeLeon said they have a list of the necessary school needs of students furnished by different schools so parents who don’t know what to buy need not worry. Just ask for a complete list from the cashier and you can start shopping without worrying you will forget something.

Wide, spacious alleys between shelves loaded with supplies and conveniently arranged within a customer’s reach make the shopping experience at Modern Stationery Supply fast, easy and stress-free.

It’s back-to-school sale at Modern Office Supply

Modern Stationery Supply has proven its service to the com-munity as the CNMI’s reliable retailer of school and office sup-plies for over 30 years. If you need help, any of the friendly store assistants are ready to help you out.

Modern Stationery Supply is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in San Jose and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Garapan Monday to Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday on both outlets. For more information, call 234-6832 (San Jose) or 233-8900 or 8902 (Garapan).

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MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS - FRIDAY - AUGUST 31, 2012 �Local

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FRIDAY - AUGUST 31, 2012 - MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS10

chaired by Rep. Joseph M. Pala-cios.

Demapan attended the hearing along with over 40 members of the community — a good turnout. Such public hearings are usually attended by less than a dozen in-dividuals, including the legislators and their staffers.

Eric Atalig, a House candidate in Precinct 2, told the public hearing on Wednesday night that there’s a petition of more than 50 people opposed to the local bill.

He said instead of re-naming the park, the late speaker and other for-mer NMI leaders should be honored instead at the Saipan and Northern Islands Leadership Courtyard in Chalan Kanoa.

“I just want to make it clear: there’s no disrespect to the former House speaker or to anyone else,” Atalig said.

Precinct 2 resident Antonio Mareham said the name Susupe Beach Park is very well known and the people are already attached

to it.“I will never go against him. He’s

a wonderful person, he was my buddy and friend,” he said, refer-ring to the former speaker.

Francisco DLG Demapan asked lawmakers not to ignore the wishes and rights of the residents.

“Do not try to dominate the people of Susupe,” he said.

Ike Demapan said as a lifetime resident of Susupe, he is asking lawmakers to retain the park’s current name.

In 1960s, he said, the Susupe

Beach Club, of which he was one of the members, as well as the island’s Boy and Girl Scouts cleaned the beach area so residents would have their own recreational place.

“As executive director of indig-enous affairs I ask for your consid-eration to please respect the rights of Susupe’s indigenous people,” he told the committee.

As former House member who represented Susupe and Chalan Kanoa in the 4th Legislature, Ike

Local

Continued on page 12

25% OFF for 2x8 Utility Lumber Regular & Treated40% OFF for oversized and damaged Mahogany lumbergolds gym

Former municipal council member Felipe Atalig explains why he opposes renaming the Susupe Beach Park. Photos by Junhan B. Todeno

Reps. Jose Palacios and Ralph Demapan listen to the testimony during the public hearing for House Local Bill 17-78 at the multi-purpose center in Susupe on Wednesday night.

By Junhan B. Todeno [email protected] News Staff

MOST of those who spoke against House Local Bill 17-78 said they have utmost respect and admira-tion for the late former Speaker Vicente “Pacho” Masga Sablan, but they don’t want Susupe Beach Park named after him.

Of the seven individuals who testified during a public hearing on Wednesday night at the multi-pur-pose center, only former Speaker Oscar M. Babauta expressed sup-port for the measure.

He said he spoke on behalf of the other residents who supported the local bill which was introduced by Rep. Ralph S. Demapan.

For his part, Rep. Raymond D. Palacios, who co-sponsored H.L.B. 17-78, said: “As repre-sentative of this precinct, I opt to remain neutral and respect whatever will be the outcome” of the public hearing.

“I will respect and honor what-ever the committee will recom-mend,” he added.

The public hearing was con-ducted by the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation Committee on Natural Resources

Precinct 2 residents object to beach park renaming bill

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MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS - FRIDAY - AUGUST 31, 2012 11Local / Pacific Islands

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AS part of its 13th anniversary cel-ebration, the Pentecostal Mission Church of Christ 4th Watch will conduct a medical mission out-reach program this Sunday.

Church Pas-tor Claire Javil-lonar said the occasion is also their Thanksgiv-ing Day.

The medical mission will be their last event for this year, and it will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. inside their temple in San Jose next to the San Jose Hotel.

The free services to be offered include blood pressure and blood sugar check, eye screening, body massage/reflex, facial cleansing and haircut.

Javillonar said they will also offer counseling, prayers and re-freshments to participants.

The first 100 participants will get free health items such as tooth-brush, dental floss, toothpaste, medicines, antibiotics, mouthwash

and other per-sonal hygiene products.

“I encour-age commu-nity members to avail them-selves of these free health ser-vices,” Javil-lonar said.

Their last medical mission was held at the Children’s Park in Sinapalo, Rota.

Javillonar said their first off-island medical mission was conducted to coincide with the church’s spiritual summer camp last June.

Local

Demapan said he has “no personal animosity against the late former speaker who happened to be the husband of the oldest daughter of my oldest sister.”

He added, “I admire the late former Speaker Vicente Masga Sablan. We were in good terms up to the final days of his life.”

He said it was him, then-Rep. Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan and Speaker Sablan who named the area Susupe Beach Park.

For his part, Felipe Atalig, who spoke as a concerned citizen, said H.L.B. 17-78 should have been a resolution commending the former speaker for his services to the CNMI.

He said he loved, respected and admired the former speaker, adding that his testimony against the local bill should not be mis-construed.

“Let us not put him by the beach — that’s for fishermen. He was not a fisherman. He deserved to be at the leadership courtyard and that’s where he belongs,” he said.

In an interview, former Speaker Babauta said the bill’s author felt, after talking with the former speaker’s family and constituents, that there was a need to honor him in the community he once served.

He said inclusion in the lead-ership courtyard is a different matter.

Babauta said he was surprised that who testified against the measure also mentioned their admiration for the former speaker and his achievements.

“They say one thing and do another,” he added.

One of those who attended the hearing said that former Speaker Sablan was charged in federal court for taking endangered birds in Obyan and Dandan.

But Babauta said it was the for-mer speaker’s son, Frank Sablan, who was involved in that case.

The committee, according to its chairman Palacios, will continue to accept written testimony until Sept. 7.

Former Speaker Sablan served the government for over 20 years starting with the Department of Finance from 1970 to 1972; the Saipan Credit Union from 1972 to 1976; the Peace Corps office from 1976 to 1980; and in differ-ent capacities prior to becoming a member of the Legislature.

“He was a valued member of the commonwealth community who offered his wisdom to aspiring leaders prior to his passing on Dec. 25, 2009,” H.L.B. 17-78 stated.

Precinct 2...Continued from page 10

BRABU

RED CROSS ANNOUCES CLUB 200 DONORS. The American Red Cross-NMI Chapter would like to recognize Bridge Capital for its gener-ous support of the Club 200 this year. “Bridge Capital has been a great supporter of the Red Cross over the past several years” said John Hirsh, chapter executive director. “They feel strongly about supporting the arts as well as those who are in need,” said Hirsh. Bridge staff presented a check for $5,000 to help assist the Red Cross with its humanitarian work. In the photo are Bridge Capital office manager Alan Perez, John Hirsh, Bob Coldeen Teresa Kim-Tenorio and Juan Diego Tenorio, Club 200 Committee members. Contributed photo

There were 65 people from Rota that received free assistance during the medical mission, she added.

Their major sponsors for the Rota mission were the Pentecos-tal Mission Church of Christ 4th Watch on Guam and the Joeten group of companies.

Medical mission this Sunday in San Jose/Oleai

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MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS - FRIDAY - AUGUST 31, 2012 13Philippines / Asia

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Commonwealth Utilities CorporationJob Vacancy Announcement

Job Vacancy No. 12-031Opening Date: Wednesday, August 22, 2012 Closing Date: Until Filled

Duties: The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation (CUC) is a government utility providing power, water, and wastewater services in the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. commonwealth that is about a three (3) hour flight south of Tokyo and about a half hour flight north of the U.S. territory of Guam. Under the direct supervision of the Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) OR his/her designee, the incumbent’s duties and responsibilities are to: Supervise staff (including prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; ensuring staff are trained; and, making hiring, termination, and disciplinary decisions). Assumes full management responsibility of all CUC’s divisions and services. Monitors and evaluates efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and processes; assesses and monitors service delivery levels; identifies opportunities, weaknesses and strengths of divisions; directs the implementation of changes. Plans, directs and coordinates work of divisions through the upper management team by meeting with management to identify, prioritize and resolve problems. Manages the development and implementation of goals, objectives, missions, policies, priorities and allocations of resources. Participates on a variety of board and committees and attends a wide variety of management meetings. Performs short and long-range strategic planning. Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Minimum Requirements:Required Training and Experience:• Master’s degree in management, engineering, finance, or public administration, OR, in the alternative, a bachelor’s degree in engineering and registration as a Professional Engineer pursuant to the National Council of Engineering Examiners standards in the civil, mechanical, or electrical branch.

• Senior management experience of at least ten (10) years in a similar wastewater, drinking water, and/or power utility (preferably combined utility), with similar or greater capital and operating budgets, capital improvement projects, human resource needs, utility financing issues, operation and maintenance training and implementation needs.

• Proven management and communication skills; demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop staff; experience with managing major drinking water and wastewater systems during periods of planning, design, and construction; and experience with drinking water and wastewater systems; user fee system development; bond funding; staff training and development; and federal drinking water and wastewater requirements.

Desired Knowledge and Skill:• Leadership principles; supervisory principles; strategic planning principles; budgetary principles; CUC operations and systems; project management principles; applicable laws, rules and regulations.

• Monitoring and evaluating staff; prioritizing and assigning work to staff; preparing and administering budgets; balancing competing and varying resources and needs; developing and administering strategic plans; managing large, complex projects; giving presentations; preparing technical reports; using computers and related software applications; communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

SUBJECT TO PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG SCREENING

Location: Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, USA.Salary: $125,000.00 to $160,000.00 per annum.

(If hired from outside the NMI, relocation costs are negotiable. However: (1) not to exceed $15,000.00 for moving to the NMI and at least one year of employment must be served. Otherwise, employee may be required to refund employer the accommodation. And (2) not to exceed $5,000.00 for moving away from the NMI, and the employee must work to the contract’s expiration date. Otherwise, employee may not be provided the accommodation.)

Position: One (1).Contract: Two-year; subject to renewal.

Drop off your CUC Employment Application at the CUC Human Resource Office located on the 3rd Floor of the Joeten Dandan Building on Saipan. Otherwise, you may drop it off at the Tinian and Rota Administration Office.

CUC is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands through the Capitol Improvement Project Office (CIP) is currently considering several ideas and design concepts for the closure of the Puerto Rico Dump (PRD), the subsequent use and development of the site and adjacent area in accordance with regulatory requirements.

A preliminary report evaluating these concepts has been prepared. The report and plans were developed in close coordination with interested stakeholders, and local and federal regulatory agencies. The PRD closure concepts range in scope, public benefit, aesthetic value, and cost. The concepts are briefly described as follows:1. Minor modifications to the existing site to minimize closure costs,

and environmental impacts.2. Incinerating waste on-site. 3. Removal of the waste (Clean closing) to the Marpi Depression Solid

Waste Facility.4. Reducing the height of the dump site by moving a portion of the

waste to Marpi, capping and closing the dump site, and enhancing the property to serve as a park area that would provide pedestrian walkways, and recreation areas.

5. Further enhancing the site by providing waterfront / marine facilities.The CIP Office would like to provide the interested public an opportunity to review the preliminary report and proposed closure plans in detail, and to provide their written comments to the CIP Office Administrator, Ms. Vickie Villagomez. The report and concept plans are available for review at the CIP Office in Capitol Hill during normal working hours beginning on August 27th and will remain available for comment through September 14th, 2012. After September 14, written comments received will be taken into consideration in selecting the final closure program.

PUBLIC NOTICE Puerto Rico Dump Closure – Phase I, Consensus Building

OPEN DATE: August 27, 2012 POSITION: Guest Relations OfficerCLOSE DATE: September 6, 2012 SALARY: Minimum Wage/Negotiable

Qualifications:High school graduate or equivalent. Proficiency in Japanese Language highly preferred. Minimum two (2) years in hotel front desk or concierge services strongly preferred. Must have excellent people skills, willingness to provide service, friendly attitude and ready smile.OPEN DATE: August 27, 2012 POSITION: Front Desk ClerkCLOSE DATE: September 6, 2012 SALARY: Minimum Wage

Qualifications:High school graduate or equivalent. Minimum two (2) years in hotel front desk and / or concierge position strongly preferred. Applicants must have excellent people skills, willingness to provide service, friendly attitude and ready to smile.OPEN DATE: August 27, 2012 POSITION: ServerCLOSE DATE: September 6, 2012 SALARY: Minimum Wage

Qualifications:High school graduate or equivalent. Minimum two (2) years experience in food service preferred. Must have excellent people skills, willingness to provide service, and friendly attitude. Position may require employee to receive food handler related health examinations and clearances as condition to their continued employment.OPEN DATE: August 27, 2012 POSITION: LifeguardCLOSE DATE: September 6, 2012 SALARY: Minimum WageQualifications:High school graduate or equivalent. Obtaining a lifeguard certification may be required for continued employment. Must have friendly and outgoing personality.OPEN DATE: August 27, 2012 POSITION: Housekeeping Attendant CLOSE DATE: September 6, 2012 SALARY: Minimum Wage

Qualifications:High school graduate or equivalent. Minimum two (2) years in housekeeping or commercial cleaning preferred. Must have a friendly and outgoing personality.OPEN DATE: August 27, 2012 POSITION: Laundry Attendant CLOSE DATE: September 6, 2012 SALARY: Minimum Wage

Qualifications:High school graduate or equivalent. Minimum two (2) years in housekeeping or laundry services preferred. Must have a friendly and outgoing personality.OPEN DATE: August 27, 2012 POSITION: Cook (Chinese/Western/Korean)CLOSE DATE: September 6, 2012 SALARY: Minimum Wage/Negotiable

Qualifications:High school graduate or equivalent. Minimum two (2) year experience in culinary experience. Applicants with formal training / education in culinary arts strongly preferred. Position may require employee to receive food handler related health examinations and clearances as condition to their continued employment.OPEN DATE: August 27, 2012 POSITION: Maintenance Repairer/ElectricianCLOSE DATE: September 6, 2012 SALARY: Minimum Wage/NegotiableQualifications:High school graduate or equivalent. Formal electrician education or training highly preferred. Must have friendly and outgoing personality.For more information, please contact Human Resources Office at (670) 234-5900 ext. 576/266.

Employment application forms are available at the Saipan World Resort, Security Office, located next to the Wave Jungle Water Park. Applicants must submit the completed form and all the necessary requirements to the Security Office. Incomplete application will not be received by the Security Office.

JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

MANILA (GMA News) — The Federated States of Micronesia is seeking technological assistance from the Philippine government to learn how to develop its own rice industry.

“Micronesia, particu-larly in Pohnpei, has so many natural resources. We need to maximize these resources for con-sumption, and to start reducing importation such as rice from other countries,” said FSM Sen. Shel-ten Neth in a statement released

by the Philippine Rice Research Institute.

In a recent tour of the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija prov-

ince north of Manila, and PhilRice headquarters, Neth said his country wants to explore a pos-sible “country to coun-try” collaboration on rice production.

A net importer of food products, FSM imports rice and other food from Australia, the United States, Japan, among other countries.

While in Nueva Ecija, Neth also visited a premier rice milling plant in San Jose City.

PhilRice is an agency of the agriculture department, dedicated to developing high-yielding and cost-reducing technologies for farmers.

It has reported recently that the new commercialized hybrid rice varieties it developed in coordi-nation with the University of the Philippines-Los Baños withstood infestations of the rice-attacking tungro virus in several tests.

FSM seeks Philippine expertise to develop rice industry

(American Red Cross-NMI Chapter) — September is Na-tional Preparedness Month and the American Red Cross- NMI Chapter is encouraging all households to create a family disaster plan to make sure they are ready for the next emergency or disaster.

Plans should include designating a meeting place right outside the home in case of a sudden emer-gency like a fire, an out-of-area emergency contact person and a location where everyone should meet if they can’t go home. All members of the household should work together on the emergency plan and each person should know how to reach other family members.

“Disasters can strike at any time and being prepared is a family’s best defense,” said J.D. Tenorio, emergency services director of the NMI chapter. “Making a plan is an important step in making sure all

household members know what to do in an emergency.”During the month of September, the local chapter will be coordinating disas-ter training classes as well as vari-ous outreach activities on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. The Red Cross together with various government agencies will also be conducting school presentations to teach students how to prepare for disasters.

Other ways to get ready

The Red Cross has several programs to help people, busi-nesses, schools and communities be better prepared.

• Be Red Cross Ready is an online tutorial that teaches people to be ready for emergencies.

• Red Cross Ready Rating is a free, web-based membership program that measures how ready

businesses, organizations and schools are to deal with emergen-cies and helps them improve their readiness level.

• The Ready When the Time Comes program trains employees from businesses so they can be used as a community-based volunteer force when disaster strikes.

• Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED train-ing courses provide participants with the knowledge and skills to respond to emergencies in case advanced medi-cal help is delayed.

• People can visit redcross.org for in-

formation on what to do before, during and after emergencies and disasters.

For more information on the American Red Cross or to become a volunteer, contact the local chapter at 234-3459

Red Cross urges everyone to plan for emergencies

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MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS - FRIDAY - AUGUST 31, 2012 1�Forum

OPINION Letters to the editorE-MAIL your letters to [email protected]. Letters must carry the full name of the writer, with a telephone number for verification. Let-ters addressed to other publications or to third parties and those endorsing particular political candidates are discouraged. All letters are subject to editing. The Variety reserves the right to reject any letters. Name withheld and unsigned letters will not be printed.

✑

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NATIONAL OFFICE


Retirement Fund legal counsel Braddock J. Huesman reports to the then-board members on the ongoing federal litigation during a meeting in March. Photo by Alexie Villegas Zotomayor


THE public interest will be dev-astated if the governor’s executive order is allowed to take effect.

So stated Jane Roe and John Doe in their response to the government’s opposition to their emergency mo-tion for temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction.

The anonymous retirees, and sim-ilarly situated retirees, represented by former Hawaii Attorney General Margery S. Bronster, Robert M. Hatch, Bruce L. Jorgensen and Stephen Woodruff, said the CNMI Office of the Attorney General’s claim that the governor’s “police power” is unbounded by any con-stitutional or judicial constraints is an affront to the fundamental public interest.

“The governor’s claim that he can impose Executive Order 2012-06 without regard to the Commonwealth Constitution must be stopped by this court,” they added.

If this claim were valid, then “there will be no limits on his power and the very foundations of a society based on the rule of law will be threatened.”

They find it incorrect for the AG’s office to as-sert that the gov-ernor has police power to over-rule the CNMI Constitution.

The plaintiffs said the governor could not show an “emergency” as defined by law and could not completely nullify an existing statu-tory scheme or violate the CNMI Constitution under the guise of reorganization.

Moreover, the governor could not show there’s an emergency or a disaster as defined by the CNMI Constitution.

They said the governor, under CNMI Constitution Article III Sec-tion 10, can only declare a state of emergency in the case of invasion, civil disturbance, natural disaster, or other calamity as provided by law.

“The governor simply does not have ‘emergency’ powers when there is no emergency powers beyond ‘mobilizing available resources to respond to that emer-gency,’ ” said the plaintiffs.

They said the defendants failed to show that the Fund’s financial dif-ficulty is an “emergency” as defined by law or the executive order is the “mobilization of available resources to respond to that emergency.”

They said the governor and the Legislature’s “chronic failure” to pay the Fund as required by law is not an emergency as defined by law.

Roe, Doe: Fund EO

bad for NMI

Bruce Jorgensen

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MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS - FRIDAY - AUGUST 31, 2012 1�

The plaintiffs said the pension fund’s financial crisis is not a catastro-phe that requires federal emergency assistance to supplement local efforts to save lives and property.

Not only did the defendants fail to show an “emergency,” they also failed to show a “disaster,” the plaintiffs said.

Disaster, they added, is an “occur-rence or imminent threat of a wide-spread or severe damage, injury or loss of life or property resulting from any natural or man-made cause….”

The plaintiffs said the defendants anticipate a “loss of life” when the Fund runs out money in two years as it may not be able to provide health insurance to beneficiaries.

The plaintiffs said they deplore such possibility and they would like to prevent it from happening by seeking relief in federal court.

But the projected demise of the Fund in two years, the plaintiffs said, is not a disaster as defined by law “because it is neither an ‘occurrence’ not is it ‘imminent.’ ”

They said the executive order that lasts only for 30 days “clearly does not apply to prevent potential injuries that are two years in the future.”

In citing the case of Rep. Stanley M. Torres and his staffer Jack A. Angello against the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. in 2009, the defendants only weakened their case, the plaintiffs said.

Torres and Angello brought action against CUC and appealed the trial court’s decision that ruled the gover-nor did not exceed his reorganization powers.

But Roe and Doe said the court in that case also condemned the emer-gency order as an illegal usurpation of the prerogatives of the legislative branch by the governor.

“The court did not simply condone anything,” the plaintiffs said.

They disagree with the defendants’ contention that only through the governor taking control of the Fund can the disaster be averted.

The plaintiffs said the AGO did not back up this “outrageous claim.”

“The governor himself is respon-sible for the Fund’s current financial shortfall because he signed the laws that irresponsibly and illegally refused to pay the CNMI’s legally mandated contributions,” said the plaintiffs referring to P.L. 15-15 which the local court later ruled as unconstitutional.

The plaintiffs said the governor himself failed to timely appoint to fill three vacancies on the Fund board which, they added, is a violation of Article III Section 21 of the CNMI Constitution.

“The claim that only he can save

the Fund is ridiculous,” the plaintiffs added.

They maintain that the governor cannot abolish the Fund under his “reorganization powers.”

The plaintiffs said these reorganization powers do not allow the governor to legislate nor to violate other con-stitutional provisions which, they added, his executive order intends to do.

They pointed out that the Constitu-tion does not sanction a governor’s complete abolition and overhaul of

existing statutes that are the founda-tion of executive branch entities.

Roe and Doe said they will suffer irreparable harm.

They said they have shown that where the defendants have exhibited a his-tory of frustrating col-lection of money judg-ments or the health of a pension fund is at stake, irreparable

harm exists. The plaintiffs said they want to

enjoin the governor’s illegal attempt at seizing the Fund and failure to pay

on the judgment which shows that irreparable harm will still occur even if damage to the class will be reduced to a check as the defendants claim.

The plaintiffs said the government does not have to pay the over $300 million it owes the Fund to save it from collapse.

Moreover, the defendants’ claim they have no obligation to pay the judgment is wrong and simply il-lustrates that the government does not have any intention of honoring its obligations, which again shows that imminent harm is present, the plaintiffs said.

Their amended complaint, they added, allege violations of the U.S. Constitution.

They reiterated that the govern-ment has admitted that it has no intention of paying any judgment and believes the Superior Court has no power to enforce any judgment.

The plaintiffs said if the federal court allows the EO to stand, the governor will have the power to immediately end the local court action and dispose of the Fund’s assets however he pleases which will irreparably harm the plaintiffs and the class.

Local / Pacific Islands

DELTA

Roe...Continued from page 16

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Habele) —Thanks to a pair of generous last-minute donations, Habele has awarded two additional K-12 scholarships for the 2012-13 school year.

The announcement brings the scholarships total to 25, with win-ners attending independent schools

in three of the FSM’s four states.“We’ve let the families know

and we’re always happy to convey that good news,” explained Neil Mellen, a Habele director. “Every year we face the same challenge of soliciting donations from private individuals in the U.S. to support our programs. The need and interest

in Micronesia always outpaces our ability to raise money, but we do our best.”

Habele was founded in 2006 by a group of former Peace Corps volunteers. They’ve been supporting low-income students at independent,

non-public, K-12 schools through tuition scholarships for six years.

The group also sup-ports after school pro-grams such as high school robotics clubs and the Waa’gey canoe-carving project. Last

month they donated a thousand

English dictionaries to the middle schools across Yap state.

“This is another small step in our journey to empower students in Yap, said Regina Raigetal, a Yap-based Habele director. “While we can’t always support every deserv-ing student, we’ll keep doing the best we can!”

US group awards additional FSM scholarships

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FRIDAY - AUGUST 31, 2012 - MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS1�

JUST one word from the lt. governor and most of the House leadership will join the minority bloc to impeach the governor. But in an interview last week, Eloy recommended “caution” instead. He said the “process will take some resources and we will spend public funds,” and then there’s “the pain the people will have to go through.”

Clearly, however, removing the governor from office will be less costly to the CNMI. Public funds will be spent anyway with or without an impeachment trial. But the likelihood of another multi-million-dollar, graft-reeking, no-bid, taxpayer-funded contract will be significantly reduced.

It’s a no brainer. On the one hand, a constitutional process that allows the people to hold their chief executive accountable for his actions; and on the other, an administration that has run the CNMI into the ground. Even if you do not include his broken promises and the several alarming examples of the governor’s abuse of power, his administration is still the worst in commonwealth history.

Under his watch, the feds took over minimum wage and immigration which further harmed the economy. CUC was taken to court by the feds, CHC is about to collapse, the Retirement Fund is dying, and the underfunded PSS faces power disconnection and may have to hold double-session classes in the coming school year.

His supporters blame the feds for the crises of the past six years, but the governor is in charge here, not the feds. It is his “solutions” to the CNMI’s pressing problems that have made things worse and created more difficulties for the islands. Instead of negotiating with the feds regarding federalization, he sued them, and lost. His solution to the worsening economy is a casino on Saipan — and unseating Senator Paul and Kilili. CUC’s financial problems are mounting so he saddles it with a $190 million obligation to a Delaware company created five days before it secured a contract from the governor. CHC, too, lacks funds so he provided it with an annual budget of…$5 mil-lion. The Retirement Fund couldn’t collect from the government so he signed a law making it “legal.”

Then he placed the pension agency under his direct control. PSS needs more funds so he further reduces its budget.

These are the governor’s policy decisions. These are the choices he alone made. They’re bad for the CNMI and its people.

If Eloy is worried about the “pain” involved in the impeachment process then he, as the governor-to-be, should ensure that Uncle Ben will not have a chance to inflict further harm on the people.

A former CNMI government lawyer who now re-sides in the states claims that impeachment “would merely exacerbate the problem, forestalling economic development in a morass of legislative power-grab-bing that could last decades.”

What problem will get worse if the source of it is removed? What economic development will be forestalled if the primary author of its collapse is replaced? Impeachment is a “power grab”? Surely the former government lawyer who likes to cite the Constitution knows better.

He says the impeachers “have not thought this through.” He says “rational outcomes to our problems cannot be attained by irrational, emotional, frustrated actions.” He says we should “focus on the many and real needs facing the CNMI.”

But who acts as if he has no regard for consequences? Who has been implementing “irrational, emotional and frustrated” policy decisions? Who has been un-able to focus on the CNMI problems?

CHC doctors and nurses are on the verge of a mass walkout but off he goes, the governor, to attend a coral reef meeting and the RNC. Asked what the CNMI’s main problem is and he replies: Paul. He publicly threatens the Rota and Tinian senators and calls them stupid. He tells independent Republicans to drink milk and to come to Jesus. He asks DPS and Corrections to escort a federal detainee to his house so she can give him a massage. He allows his AG to leave the islands despite the charges filed against him. He declares a CUC state of emergency due to the supposed need for

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• Variations

Zaldy Dandan

Let it be over

BACK on island after a two-month vacation in the states, Speaker Cabrera has yet to call a House session. Obviously, he is waiting for the governor’s return. The speaker says he will also form a special committee to “review” the impeachment resolution. Again, another delaying tactic. Other members of the House leadership say their priority is the budget. They say they want to avoid a government shutdown. They are seemingly unaware that the government has shut down for all intents and purposes.

One very critical public service, the hospital, is virtually non-func-tional. It has 600 employees, including an estimated 18 physicians and 30 nurses. Its physicians and other medical staff have disclosed, out of desperation and concern for the welfare of the general public, that they have one central intravenous line dated one year ago, no epidurals for expectant mothers, and no air-conditioning in the neo-natal unit. They said life-saving drugs and critical medical supplies are unavailable. Working conditions at CHC have become so abysmal that contracts are not getting renewed — a situation that will leave the hospital short-handed and unable to recruit qualified physicians.

In response to this health catastrophe, the administration’s hand-picked CEO hires a spokeswoman because “there is a lot of misinformation out there.” But although the bits of information disclosed so far by key medical staff have been very disconcerting, they’re also true. The people, in any case, have to make informed healthcare decisions, and the new spokeswoman is obligated to report the facts and cannot spin them to please the CEO.

THE administration has retained the bulk of Medicaid patients for itself, believing that it should get that money once it can pay the local share. This leaves Medicaid patients with no choice but to go to the hospital where their options are now very limited. Sure, all the federally funded programs are still open. We’re still reminded that eating too much is bad, and so is smoking. Posters are hung and T-shirts are printed. Records are kept and the routine is maintained, but there is little actual medical treatment. And if there is, it’s because of the physicians, nurses and technicians who are still working for CHC — for now.

If legislators are in a hurry to pass a budget that would give the hos-pital its operational cost and repeal the ludicrous hospital corporation law — then yes, the budget should be the priority. But they won’t do it. It is easier to continue to do the same thing, which is why the CNMI is in its current mess. The administration and the Legislature would rather appropriate money to hire political supporters. This is how they guarantee their political survival, all the while compromising the CNMI’s own existence.

WITH talks of a global settlement of the Retirement Fund lawsuit in the air, one can only hope that the judges who will be assigned to it will be more realistic about the prospects of collecting what the government owes, and will finally open discussions about why reducing benefits is unavoidable.

No one, incidentally, is publicly advocating that the Retirement Fund remain autonomous and intact. The senators merely proposed to impose restrictions on the administration’s handling of the funds as though that

Not ‘ashame’

Stiffing the poor yet again

A fair settlement

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MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS - FRIDAY - AUGUST 31, 2012 1�Forum

Editorials...Continued from page 18

OPINION Letters to the editorE-MAIL your letters to [email protected]. Letters must carry the full name of the writer, with a telephone number for verification. Let-ters addressed to other publications or to third parties and those endorsing particular political candidates are discouraged. All letters are subject to editing. The Variety reserves the right to reject any letters. Name withheld and unsigned letters will not be printed.

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renewable energy and then signs a sole-source $190 million contract with a company no one has heard of. He fires government officials and employees who do not support him enough or his candidates.

Let it BE! says the former gov-ernment lawyer who no longer lives here but whose paychecks

were once signed by the admin-istration.

We say let it be over. The gover-nor must be stopped. He should be impeached and convicted.

Former government lawyer asks, “After impeachment, then what?”

Well, what else, but dancing in the streets.

Send feedback to [email protected]

Variations...Continued from page 18

will work. This administration has issued emergency declarations for its six dreadful years in office, di-recting contracts and hiking fees to suit its gross mismanagement poli-cies, while increasing its budget to continue hiring nonessential per-sonnel, leaving the commonwealth to suffer the consequences.

LAWMAKERS have passed two versions of the Social Security bill, the details and implications of which remain sketchy. Still, the sign-up to Social Security will be mandatory for govern-ment employees and that is good prospectively. It will help some but not others, and this is why al-lowing active members to pull out their contributions is only proper. Judge Govendo designated a cer-tain portion of the fund to be held in reserve for this purpose.

For their part, the plaintiffs in

the Roe/Doe pension lawsuit have expressed profound reservations about the possible appointment of a local receiver. There is ample reason for concern, considering the candidates who remain lurking in the background, hoping for a life-time appointment to wreak further havoc in the CNMI. The receiver should be an entirely independent and outside figure with experience and credibility — not someone tied to the powers that be.

WILL legislators include the $700,000 monthly payments to the Delaware company in the FY 2013 budget? Or is that off the books because CUC is an “independent” agency?

The lt. governor, for his part, wants to see an economic study first.

Can the government pay for a hospital? No. Can it pay for more doctors, nurses, medical supplies or drugs? No. Can it pay for a well-run, reliable police force? No. Can it pay its pension obligations? No. Can it

pay tax refunds on a timely basis? No. Can it pay its own utility bills? No. What about its own vendors? No. Does the CNMI expect higher tourist arrivals? No.

But the lt. governor still needs a study so he can find out if the CNMI can afford a $190 million diesel power plant.

SENATOR Taimanao should be encouraged to pursue legislation that will consolidate Commerce and Labor especially if it means savings in personnel costs. She should also consider placing CDA under Commerce. CDA now makes few loans, serves mostly as a collection and real estate agency but has too many employees. It also hankers for dividends from CUC, a reckless proposition given the CNMI’s current financial and economic straits.

The worst, sadly, is yet to come. The good people of the com-monwealth would be wise to plan accordingly.

By John StosselFORTY years ago, the United States locked up fewer than 200 of every 100,000 Americans. Then President Nixon declared war on drugs. Now we lock up more of our people than any other country — more even than the authoritarian regimes in Russia and China.

A war on drugs — on people, that is — is unworthy of a country that claims to be free.

Unfortunately, this outrage probably won’t be discussed in Tampa or Charlotte.

The media (including Fox News) run frightening stories about Mexi-can cocaine cartels and marijuana gangs. Few of my colleagues stop to think that this is a consequence of the war, that decriminalization would end the violence. There are no wine “cartels” or beer “gangs.” No one “smuggles” liquor. Liquor dealers are called “businesses,” not gangs, and they “ship” products instead of “smuggling” them. They settle disputes with lawyers rather than guns.

Everything can be abused, but that doesn’t mean government can stop it. Government runs amok when it tries to protect us from ourselves.

Drug-related crime occurs because the drugs are available only through the artificially expensive black market. Drug users steal not because drugs drive them to steal. Our government says heroin and nicotine are similarly addictive, but no one robs convenience stores to get Marlboros. (That could change with confiscatory tobacco taxes.)

Are defenders of the drug war aware of the consequences? I don’t think so.

John McWhorter, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, indicts the drug war for “destroying black America.” McWhorter, by the way, is black.

McWhorter sees prohibition as the saboteur of black families. “En-during prison time is seen as a badge of strength. It’s regarded (with some justification) as an unjust punishment for selling people some-thing they want. The ex-con is a hero rather than someone who went the wrong way.”

He enumerates the positive results from ending prohibition. “No more gang wars over turf, no more kids shooting each other. ... Men get jobs, as they did in the old days, even in the worst ghettos, because they have to.”

Would cheaper and freely available drugs bring their own catastro-phe? “Our discomfort with the idea of heroin available at drugstores is similar to that of a Prohibitionist shuddering at the thought of bourbon at the corner store. We’ll get over it.”

The media tell us that some drugs are so powerful that one “hit” or “snort” will hook the user forever. But the government’s own statistics disprove that. The National Institutes of Health found that 36 million Americans have tried crack. But only 12 percent have used it in the previous year, and fewer than 6 percent have used it in the previous month. If crack is so addictive, how did 88 percent of the users quit?

If drugs were legal, I suppose that at first more people would try them. But most would give them up. Eventually, drug use would diminish, as it has in Portugal, which decriminalized all drugs, and the Netherlands, which allows legal marijuana. More young men would find real jobs; police could focus on real crime.

When the public is this divided about an issue, it’s best left to vol-untary social pressure instead of legal enforcement. That’s how most Americans decide whether to drink alcohol or go to church every week. Private voluntary social networks have their own ways of punishing bad behavior and send more nuanced messages about what’s unacceptable. Government’s one-size-fits-all rules don’t improve on that.

“Once the principle is admitted that it is the duty of the government to protect the individual against his own foolishness,” economist Ludwig von Mises wrote, “why not prevent him from reading bad books and bad plays? The mischief done by bad ideologies is more pernicious...than that done by narcotic drugs.”

If we adults own our own bodies, we ought to get to control what we put in them. It’s legitimate for government to protect me from reck-less drivers and drunken airline pilots — but not to protect me from myself. (Townhall)

The war on drugs: Because prohibition worked so well

I BIKE is one year old.When I Bike was started as a

committee of Guam’s Cycling Federation a year ago, Darryl Tag-gerty and I wanted to raise biking awareness on Guam by creating a biking advocacy group. A long range goal of bike lanes and bike paths were also included in our plans. After nine village rides and more than 500 riders, we learned many things:

1. Biking is a great family event. Many families enjoyed the rides. In fact, 50 to 60 percent of the rid-ers on the community rides were families.

2. Biking is safe on Guam. The vehicle accident statistics and our own community ride experiences have shown that when simple rules are followed, biking is the safest way to travel on Guam; safer than walking and much much safer than motorized travel. The rules are simple:

Wear a helmet and good shoes;Stay to the far right of the street

or on the side walk;Ride single file;Obey road signs and traffic

lights;

Avoid streets with over 35mph speed limits; and

Avoid riding at night.3. GovGuam has not used any

federal money for bike infrastruc-ture projects. This is puzzling. Why would a tropical island NOT want to increase the health and quality of life of its people? There are conspiracy theories out there that I won’t get into. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is aware of Guam’s shortcomings with regards to no money being spent on bike infrastructure projects. We shall see what transpires in the coming months. Saipan has had a beautiful bike path for 10 years right along the beach.

4. The Japanese love to bike. I visited Japan for the fourth time this summer and my wife and I coordi-nate a Japanese student exchange program. Talking with many Japa-nese people and witnessing their biking habits, I have concluded: The Japanese would utilize and enjoy more activities on Guam such as riding bikes. Millions of Japanese have already visited Guam and they would come back if they had a reason to return. Biking

could be that reason. A fresh and healthy way to see the island that is family-friendly would appeal to Japanese who have already been to Guam. Japanese are comfortable on bikes. It’s the way millions of Japanese travel.

5. A bike route is a logical first step. The central bike route includes Guam’s major shopping areas, major hotels, schools, H-2 biker commuters, and the hospital along with the many attractions. Caley Johnson, a consultant for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, designed a beautiful map of the central bike route. He is working with GovGuam on saving Guam petrol dollars. This map is a start. Come ride the central bike route this Labor Day at 9 a.m. start-ing at Micronesia Mall.

With the help of NREL and the Department of Transportation, maybe we can achieve bike lanes and bike paths on Guam.

Happy birthday, I Bike. It was a great first year. I’m looking forward to many more.

TOM RENFRODededo, Guam

Guam bicycling group’s birthday

LABOR Day is a day of celebra-tion, a day to honor all our gov-ernment and private employees, a day to say “Thank You” for all that you do for our government and our community. It is indeed my honor and pleasure to thank you all.

Labor Day is also a day to cel-

ebrate your accomplishments and achievements, to recognize those individuals who have gone above and beyond to make an impact in the efficient operation of our gov-ernment and business sectors.

Labor Day is also a day to just have fun, to take a day off from our busy schedules and enjoy the

company of our co-workers and staff. I urge you to participate in the many activities today on Tinian and have fun and relax.

Happy Labor Day!

MAYOR RAY M. DELA CRUZMunicipality of Tinian and Aguigan

Labor Day message

Social Security Of course not

Unsolicited advice

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(Mount Carmel School) — This week, Mount Carmel School stu-dents were introduced to Teen Truth Live, an innovative anti-bullying program whose films have reached over 3.5 million people and whose speaker series has personally touched almost a million lives. The presen-tation was facilitated by freshman class president and authorized Teen Truth Live presenter, Thomas Man-glona II.

High school students gathered in the school’s main hallway at 7:35 a.m. as darkness set the stage for a gripping slide show about the ef-fects of bullying, which has driven countless teens to commit suicide nationwide. Mount Carmel students were then treated to a special video message from Teen Truth Live co-founder, JC Pohl, who called on all the students to recognize that there many things to live for and strive for.

After the video message, students then engaged in a moving activity in which everyone who had ever been

bullied or teased was invited to stand. In the darkness, every single student stood up. That was followed by an invitation for anyone who had ever bullied or teased another person to sit down. Every student sat down.

The impetus for introducing Teen Talk Live came from Thomas, who had launched the program success-fully at his former school. Thomas

said, “I wanted to get Teen Truth off the ground on Saipan since I did it on Rota and it became really suc-cessful.” As a result, Thomas noted, “Teens [on Rota] are speaking their truth now and becoming leaders, not just at school as students but outside in the community as well.”

According to the program’s website, Teen Truth Live is North America’s premier student assembly

experience. Through a trademark combination of award-winning, student-shot films and professional motivational speakers, the program uncovers the real truth on issues such as bullying, school violence, drugs and alcohol, and body image and self esteem. Each film and presentation is written and directed by Erahm Christopher and produced by JC Pohl.

Local / Guam

DPS

By Zita Y. [email protected] News Staff

HAGÅTÑA — The Guam Cham-ber of Commerce has released the results of its poll that surveyed senatorial and congressional can-didates on whether they support the military buildup.

Chamber chairman Mark Sa-blan said candidates who actually signed in favor of the buildup included Guam Delegate Mad-eleine Bordallo, incumbent Sens. Adolpho Palacios and Dennis Rodriguez, and senatorial candi-dates Frank Aguon Jr., William Sarmiento, and Ben Toves.

He said the chamber also re-ceived general strong support letters for the buildup from sena-torial candidates Javier Atalig Jr., Tina Muna Barnes (incumbent), Roland Blas, Judi Guthertz (in-cumbent), and Rory Respicio (incumbent).

“We also received a very detailed sup-port letter from the Republican Party of Guam,” said Sablan, adding that a number of can-didates did not respond at all.

Prior to an-nouncing the results, Sablan encouraged everyone from or-ganizations, businesses and the general public to “make a very loud and important statement to local leaders and Congress that we are in support of the military buildup.”

“As a business community, it is important that we make a statement about how much the buildup will boost our economy. We currently have 44,238 people on food stamps. We have an unem-ployment rate of about 12 percent. Our crime rate is high for such a small island,” Sablan said.

“These statistics are not accept-able if we want to raise the stan-dard of living for every individual on Guam. We cannot be compla-cent and accept these figures. We need to take a stand and act now to bring these numbers down,” he further stated.

Meanwhile, results of the We are Guahan “yes” and “no” question-naire also sent out to candidates about a week ago should be com-pleted soon.

Mount Carmel School introduced to anti-bullying program Guam chamber releases survey

results

Judi Guthertz

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MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS - FRIDAY - AUGUST 31, 2012 21MV Teen

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Marianas Variety News & Views Friday, August 31, 201222around

Text and photos byRaquel C. [email protected] News Staff

THE sight of abandoned, dilapidated buildings — former garment factories, hotels, offices, stores, houses and other structures — has already become too familiar in the CNMI.

If you find beauty in crumbling and abandoned places, then read on.

I have always found abandoned buildings and ruins fascinating. They are also a very intriguing and interesting subjects to photograph, and time and again I find myself driving over to snap some shots and to just feel the place.

The eerie feeling of stepping into the past and the fear of waking up sleeping ghosts is irresist-ible. Then there is the excitement of discovering objects that give you an idea of what life was in that particular building.

Show me a rusty padlock on a door or gate and that will ignite my imagination. I found an old phone book in one of these abandoned places and it made wonder how many fingers “walked” through its pages and how many business or personal transac-tions were conducted as a result.

Drive all the way to La Fiesta Mall in San Roque and you will get a good grasp of what the word “ruins” means. Each piece has its own story to tell — from the shards of broken glass doors and win-dows to the signs or what’s left of them outside the stalls, the empty hallways and stairways.

Across the street you will see Palms Resort Hotel — padlocked and abandoned pending “develop-ments.”

Across from Palms Resort are more abandoned

houses that have known better days. A mile or so away are the ruins of Plumeria Hotel

that stand white and blue against a green backdrop of tall bushes.

The once flourishing garment factories and the houses occupied by thousands of workers are now abandoned buildings — exposed to the elements and waiting for their final collapse.

These ruins are scattered all over the island from Capital Hill to Lower Base to San Antonio and all the way to San Vicente.

Each building carries its own history and stories about a once-flourishing island that teemed with businesses and people.

Even boats and fishing vessels have been aban-doned. Some consider them eyesores, but I find beauty in these rusting pieces of recent history and the way they resist the forces of nature.

Rota doesn’t have abandoned garment factories but it has numerous hotels and businesses that have shut down, and they, too, have their own stories to tell.

Driving around Rota and taking photos of the once beautiful villas and hotels in a paradise setting is heartbreaking: Coconut Village, Sunset Villa and Pinatang Park with its broken railings, peeling paint, cracked pavements and rusty benches.

At the very far end of Songsong past the last row of houses and almost lost in the thick bushes below a small plateau, I was surprised to see a fading sign that declared: “Rota Paupau Hotel.” I had never even heard of the name before.

I did not witness the CNMI as a booming island paradise, but for those who did, I suggest that you take a look at these abandoned structures one of these days and ask yourself: Why?

Crumbling and abandoned

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MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS - FRIDAY - AUGUST 31, 2012 23

Marianas Variety News & ViewsFriday, August 31, 2012 23around


DRESSED mostly in white, over 40 members of the “Christian Mothers” slowly walked down the aisle then formed a big circle.

They paused for a moment of silence and sat down on the floor. One member started reciting a prayer and everyone responded in chorus.

After the prayer, another mem-ber led the singing of a traditional worship hymn dedicated to Mary Immaculate Concepcion.

The almost hour-long ritual was the third of the four major gather-ings each year of the Chuukese community on Saipan.

Over a hundred members of the Catholic Chuukese Association, including some of their friends, celebrated the feast of the Immac-ulate Concepcion at the Garapan Central Park on Sunday.

Neftis Sablan, president of the Christian Mothers, who sponsored the event, said they attended a Mass at Kristo Rai Church on Aug. 15, the actual date of the Immaculate Concep-cion feast.

However, they decided to celebrate the feast at the park to coincide with their third annual gathering.

John Kasiano, president of the Chuukese Association on Saipan, said this year’s theme was “One faith, one love, one salvation,” which he described as “very ap-propriate.”

He said August is very sig-nificant to the people of Chuuk because it is dedicated to Mother Mary.

Each year, the Chuukese Com-munity on Saipan also celebrates the Diocese of Carolines anni-

versary, which is also observed by the Catholic faithfuls in Yap, Pohnpei and Palau.

The gathering last Sunday at the park was highlighted by traditional songs, dance numbers and a skit — all dedicated to the Blessed Mother.

The performer came from the five major regions of Chuuk: the Southern Nomoneas group mem-bers wore red shirts; Faichuk, blue; Moen, yellow; Namonuito Atoll (Maug Islands) northwest group, green; and Mortlock Is-lands, black.

Romeo Semion said all the

presentations highlighted the event’s theme.

“The gathering brought us together and strengthened our bonds,” he added.

Henry Smith enjoyed singing with the Christian Mothers.

“It’s nice to see each other in this kind of gathering as we prayed together and shared the Good News,” he added.

The other officers of the Chris-tian Mothers are Marci Pisalem, vice president; Antolina Narbaez, secretary; Karumy Phiylim, treasurer; and Romino Semion, adviser.

Christian Mothers present Immaculate Concepcion feast program

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Jesse Palacios


THE Northern Marianas Hous-ing Corp. has provided the Public School System an offi-cial correspondence indicating the NMHC board’s decision to set aside two years of federal funding for the school project.

Newly appointed NMHC cor-porate director Jesse Palacios said, “We provided PSS a letter that we are going to commit the two program years’ CDBG funding.”

Palacios said PSS requested that the housing agency “me-morialize” its approval.

He said PSS wanted to get the commitment prior to getting price quotations.

In previous meetings, the NMHC board committed Com-munity Development Block Grant funds worth $659,490 for program year 2011 and $793,489 for program year 2012.

Initially, NMHC was given an estimate that the construc-t ion o f the school would cost around $8 million.

T h i s prompted the housing agen-

cy to look into whether the CNMI could apply for a Section 108 loan which would commit five years of CDBG funds to the project.

In a recent report by NMHC planner and grant writer Jean-nie P. Mafnas to the board, she said that if PSS would go for a two-story classroom with toi-lets, construction of the usable facility would cost $975,000, excluding the $500,000 they expect to spend for parking.

Variety asked Palacios if Gov. Benigno R. Fitial has exercised the government’s power of eminent domain to convey to PSS the three lots in Koblerville bought by NMHC for the school project. Palacios said Assistant Attorney General James Stump is still reviewing it.

Variety earlier reported that time was ticking for the agency to put to eligible use the prop-erty it bought using federal funds. Otherwise it has to pay back the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Develop-ment the close to $1.2 million in CDBG funds it used to acquire the property.

NMHC has five years from the acquisition of the property in 2011 to put it to eligible use that meets the CDBG national objective.

By Raquel C. [email protected] News Staff

THE Division of Public Health and other participating agencies will lead the CNMI-wide promotion of September as National Child-hood Cancer & Childhood Obesity Awareness Month.

This morning, acting Gov. Eloy S. Inos is scheduled to sign a procla-mation in the governor’s conference room at the administration build-ing on Capital Hill to encourage organizations, localities, schools,

nonprofit organizations, busi-nesses and the people of the CNMI to observe the month with ap-propriate programs and activities which promote healthy eat-ing, physical activ-ity while raising awareness about childhood cancer and obesity.

Inos will encour-age all individuals to cook healthy meals and participate in exercises with their children.

Public Health, for its part, will conduct a series of activities for the whole month of September un-

der the “Let’s Move campaign” initiative of first lady Michelle Obama: America’s Move to Raise a Healthier Genera-tion of Kids.

The CNMI’s theme and subtheme are

“Let’s Move Marianas! Yengyung With The Kankung.”

The committee members of the

Let’s Move Marianas are inviting everyone to join the Let’s Move Marinas Expo which will be held at the Ada Gym track and field on the morning of Sept. 29.

The event will feature over 2,000 children, parents and teachers who will dance to the beat of the local-ized version of the “Let’s Move” dance steps.

Businesses and organizations in-terested to learn the dance steps and join the Let’s Move Marianas Expo can email [email protected] for more information.

MPLT investment consultant Daniel Roland reports to the trustees and officials during Friday’s board meeting on Capital Hill. Photo by Alexie Villegas Zotomayor


THE investments of the Marianas Public Land Trust have performed better in July with 1.4 percent re-turns for the two trust funds.

MPLT board consultant Bruce MacMillan told Variety, “July had a good return of 1.4 percent. For fiscal year to date, we got 8.97 percent overall.”

MPLT handles two trust funds: the general fund and the Ameri-can Memorial Park fund.

Both trust funds, MacMillan said, had an identical 1.40 percent rate of investment returns as of July.

For the general fund, it beat the benchmarks for the fiscal quarter 1.4 percent versus 1.32 and 0.63 percent.

Its ending market value as of July 31 was $66.318 million.

MacMillan explained that the uptick in the investments was due

to the equity market’s rally. “Dow has been hitting new

highs recently,” he said, refer-ring to the Dow Jones Industrial Average, an important index that indicates how well the overall stock market is performing.

Back in July, MacMillan said the Dow breached the 13,000 mark. “The market at the end of July was high,” he added.

MacMillan said the allocation was stable for the month.

Based on the report, MPLT’s general fund allocation by asset and manager was core fixed in-come (Richmond), 39.2 percent; convertibles (Mackay Shields), 9.6 percent; emerging markets (Lazard), 3.1 percent; emerging markets (Newgate), 2.4 percent; large cap core (MetWest), 10.1 percent; global fixed income (Templeton), 12.2 percent; high yield fixed income (SEIX), 8.4 percent; CNMI advance, 6 per-

cent; CHC loan, 4.6 percent; and NMHC loan, 5.4 percent.

The money managers for the trust funds, he said, had a good showing.

He cited the equity manager’s 11.21 percent return for fiscal year to date.

Emerging markets manager Lazard was above the benchmark at 2.7 percent.

He said the high yield, fixed income manager posted a 2.17 percent investment returns for the same period.

“Everything’s up for the month,” he said.

In general, MacMillan said both equities and fixed income had a strong showing in July.

In his report to the board, in-vestment consultant and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney senior vice president Daniel Roland said that for the American Memorial Park trust fund, “returns for the month are exactly the same as

the general fund.”But for fiscal year to date,

returns were higher. “We had higher equity exposure,” he explained.

For both funds, Roland told the MPLT trustees last Friday, “Your fund is doing very well.”

He said the MPLT investments were better positioned when the trustees adopted a more fixed income strategy.

“You had a lot of value in bonds,” he said.

Bonds are performing better than stocks, Variety learned.

For the American Memorial Park fund, fiscal year to date investment returns were 10.96 percent and with an ending market value of $8.336 million as of July 31.

Combining both trust funds’ ending market value for July, the MPLT’s invested assets totaled $74.65 million.

September is Childhood Cancer & Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

MPLT investments up in July

NMHC confirms in writing 2-year

funding commitment to school project

MV 8-31-12.indd 24 8/31/12 12:48:10 AM

MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS - FRIDAY - AUGUST 31, 2012 2�Local

U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan poses with Saipan Southern High School student Hope R. Gomez who was selected by Junior Statesmen of America to represent the CNMI at the 2012 Presi-dential Election Symposium. Contributed photo


ANOTHER Northern Marianas project with U.S. congressional earmarked funding in 2010 is mak-ing progress.

Under the Consolidated Appro-priations Act for fiscal year 2010, the CNMI, through the efforts of U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, secured funding for various projects in the amount of $1.35 million, $220,000 of which would go to marine sanctuaries public outreach project.

Sablan said the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ marine sanctuaries scoping and public outreach project is gaining momentum.

“DLNR is moving right ahead with the use of this congressionally directed appropriation,” Sablan said.

DLNR recently provided a report to the National Oceanic and Atmo-spheric Administration detailing the project’s progress.

“This report details what the money is being used for and how much has been spent as of August

24. All of the funds have been obligated, according to NOAA, so they are not at risk of being lost this September,” Sablan said.

Based on the DLNR progress report, there are four components: coral bleaching resiliency response, printing of A-Z coral reef activity

book, marine protected area work-shops, and engineering assessment of the old lighthouse facility on Navy Hill.

The Division of Environmental Quality submitted reports directly to NOAA relating to the coral bleaching resiliency response.

$5,500 was appropriated for the contract; $2,500, boat rental; $750, supplies; and $1,250, outreach.

As for printing of the activity book, DLNR reported that it was transferred to the Coastal Resources Management Office and the project had been completed for a total cost of $3,000, of which $500 was paid to the artist.

For the $15,000 marine protected area workshop, DLNR Secretary Arnold I. Palacios wrote on Aug. 7 to Office of the National Marine Sanctuaries regional director Allen Tom to request that the workshop be rescheduled from 2012 to Jan. 2013 to give DLNR more time to look for presenters and venue for the workshop which is expected to draw the participation of over 100 stakeholders.

So far, the project still has $12,723 to spend.

As for the fourth project, the engineering assessment of the lighthouse on Navy Hill, DLNR reported that the contract was awarded to Herman B. Cabrera & Associates in June 2012.

The firm had complied with 30 percent submittals by July 25 and

payments are now being routed. Based on the Gantt chart for

the project “Historic & Building Condition Assessment for the Pro-posed Construction of the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument Visitors Center,” the engineering firm is set to finish the project by the first week of Oct. 2012.

Of the $191,780 appropriated for the project, $152,643 has yet to be spent.

DLNR special assistant Marianne Teregeyo prepared the report that was approved by Secretary Palacios for submission on Aug. 24.

Congressman Sablan spearhead-ed the efforts in 2009 to have $1.35 million appropriated for various Northern Marianas projects — the first time that congressionally requested earmarks were made available to the CNMI.

“That was the first — and last — year since I’ve been in Congress when I could get these special grants appropriated for the North-ern Marianas,” he said.

Unfortunately, Sablan said the U.S. Republicans ended earmark-ing when they took over the U.S. House.


ACTING Gov. Eloy S. Inos yes-terday signed into law one of the House bills that will allow NMI Retirement Fund members to join U.S. Social Security.

Authored by Vice Speaker Felici-dad T. Ogumoro, Covenant-Saipan, Reps. Ramon S. Basa, Covenant-Saipan, and Sylvestre I. Iguel, Cov-enant-Saipan, House Bill, 17-312 is now Public Law 17-79.

It “expresses the desire” of the CNMI to move its government employees to the federal retirement program.

In an interview before he signed the measure at 4:45 p.m., Inos told reporters that the CNMI govern-ment must transmit a copy of the law to the U.S. Social Security Administration.

He said he is happy to see prog-

ress that will pave the way for the transfer of the Fund’s defined benefit plan members to the federal pension program.

“Pretty much, we’re now in the final stage,” he said, but noted that H.B. 17-315 which the Sen-ate passed with an amendment last Wednesday, “is still in the works.”

H.B. 17-315 moves active members to U.S. Social Security and allows them to withdraw their contributions from the Fund, but gives them the option to stay with defined benefit plan.

The Senate amendment of-fered by Sen. Ralph DLG Torres, R-Saipan, allows defined benefit members to roll over their money to the defined contribution plan while obliging the government to also remit its contributions.

The bill now returns to the House.


THE Senate may soon introduce a bill that will merge the Commerce and Labor departments.

The Senate tried to include this provision in the House Bill 17-313, or the $114 million, fiscal year 2013 budget bill, but due to some technical and legal issues that may arise later, it was re-moved from the Senate version of the budget during the emergency session yesterday.

In an interview last night, Sen. Juan M. Ayuyu, Ind.-Rota, said that although the provision can be included in the appropriation measure, the merger has to be permanent so they have to do it through a stand-alone bill.

He said the Senate wants to merge Commerce and Labor because it is mindful of the government’s limited budget.

Ayuyu said a merger will mean savings because there will be one department secretary, instead of two, and two resident directors on Tinian and Rota instead of four.

Commerce and Labor used to be one department but they were split into two while the then-Divi-sion of Immigration was merged with Labor during the adminis-tration of then-Gov. Froilan C. Tenorio in the mid-1990s.

The salary of a department secretary is now over $50,000 while a resident director gets $36,000.

Ayuyu said merging the two departments may also eliminate other positions that may no longer be needed.

In a separate interview, act-ing Gov. Eloy S. Inos said the Legislature and the administra-tion have a month to enact a new budget law. If they fail to do so by Sept. 30, there will be a government shutdown except

for essential services.Speaker Eli D. Cabrera, R-

Saipan, House Floor Leader George N. Camacho, Ind.-Saipan, and House Ways and Means Com-mittee Chairman Ramon S. Basa, Covenant-Saipan, separately said they will reject the Senate version of the budget bill and create a bicameral conference committee to draft a version acceptable to both houses.

Inos said he hopes the confer-ence committee will expedite its work.

$220K marine sanctuaries public outreach project moving along

Senate to propose merger of Commerce, Labor departments

Senate Floor Leader Pete P. Reyes and Sen. Ralph DLG Torres confer during the session on Wednesday. Also shown are Sens. Juan M. Ayuyu, left, and Sen. Frank Q. Cruz, right. Photo by Emmanuel T. Erediano

Inos signs Social Security bill

MV 8-31-12.indd 25 8/31/12 12:48:11 AM


Northern Marianas Trades Institute officials led by president Tony Pellegrino, third right, second row, pose with the participants of the medical billing short-term course. Contributed photo


TEN participants in the medical billing short-term course recently passed the test for national certifi-cation of the National Healthcare Association.

The course is one of the eight short-term training programs that the Northern Marianas Trades Institute offer to unemployed U.S. eligible workers.

“It is rewarding to see that we can help the course participants make a positive impact on their lives,” NMTI president Tony Pel-legrino said.

He said the skills acquired by these participants will go a long way to helping the Commonwealth

Healthcare Corp. or any other place of employment that need such personnel.

“I want to thank the U.S. Depart-ment of the Interior, Office of Insu-lar Affairs and our local Department of Commerce, without which these training sessions will not be made possible,” Pellegrino said.

In Nov. 2011 NMTI applied to be a sub-grantee for a federal grant provided by Interior through Com-merce. NMTI wanted to use the funds to provide short-term skill specific training to unemployed U.S. eligible workers

After NMTI received official notification of award on Dec, 12, 2011, it immediately began working to offer short courses that included barbering, agriculture,

sales and marketing, entrepreneur-ship, life guard, culinary arts and hotel/hospitality.

Pellegrino said NMTI recognizes that providing the necessary skills is only “half the battle.”

“These courses will only make a difference in the lives of these course participants if they are able to utilize these newly attained skills to secure employment,” he added.

He said NMTI contracted a staffing firm to provide placement assistance to course participants.

The medical billing course classes were conducted from April 16 to June 15, 2012. .

For more information about NMTI and the courses it offers, call 235-6684.


U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona has allowed the release of former Department of Corrections Officer Jesse Reyes Babauta, 35, pending the trial for his “ice” and possession of firearm charges.

Manglona allowed Babauta to post a $100,000 appearance bond to be secured by a real property mortgage.

Babauta will be restricted to his residence at all times with some exceptions approved in advance by the U.S. Probation Office.

Babauta is also placed on lo-cal monitoring by the probation office.

The defendant was ordered to return to federal court for his ar-raignment today.

After the defendant’s detention hearing on Wednesday afternoon, Manglona remanded Babauta to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service until he had posted bond and/or complied with all other conditions for release.

Court-appointed defense at-torney Michael Dotts represents Babauta while Assistant U.S.

Attorney Ross Naughton is the prosecutor.

Judge Manglona heard oral argu-ments during Babauta’s detention hearing on Wednesday.

A grand jury has indicted Babauta on charges of conspiracy to distrib-ute methamphetamine (one count); distribution of methamphetamine (four counts); distribution of meth-amphetamine in or near school (one count) using, carrying, or possessing of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime (one count); and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number (one count).

In his declaration in support of his motion for pretrial release, Babauta told the federal court that his wife is eight months pregnant and is expected to give birth to their first child “in a matter of weeks.”

“My wife does not speak Eng-lish very well and relies on me to coordinate medical care for her and our soon to be born child as I speak Mandarin. My wife has no family of her own on Saipan. I am seeking pretrial release so that I can assist my wife at this critical condition.”

During his 12 years’ in govern-ment service as Corrections of-ficer, Babauta said, “I performed my duties in good standing and received multiple commendations for my work.”

He added, “I am not addicted to drugs or alcohol and I do not have a history of any prior drug or alcohol related offenses. I am not a violent person and I do not intend to flee.”

A day after his arrest on Aug. 22, 2012, Babauta was accused by Corrections of assaulting an officer while inside the local jail.

As a result, Babauta, a federal

detainee, has been restricted to his prison cell from Aug. 25, 2012 to Oct. 23, 2012, or a total of 60 days.

In 2011, a motorist said he broke his tooth after then-Corrections Of-ficer Babauta punched him while he was in local jail in Jan. 2009.

In May 2011, the motorist through his lawyer and the CNMI Attorney General’s Office asked the federal court to dismiss with prejudice the pending legal action against Babauta, the CNMI govern-ment, and other DPS officers

In Dec. 2010, the CNMI Adult Probation Office said Babauta had

not paid his probation fee and fine for his disturbing the peace convic-tion in 2008. The status of this case was not immediately available.

In Aug. 2010, the Superior Court dismissed without prejudice the criminal charges against Babauta filed by his wife after the AGO moved to drop the case as the victim could not be found.

It could not be determined if the woman in the 2010 case is the same woman who is now Babauta’s cur-rent pregnant wife.

The AGO said Babauta slapped the victim in the presence of a child and threatened to kill her on Aug. 1, 2009.

In 2008, a jury acquitted Babauta of the charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery.

But the trial judge sentenced Babauta to six months for disturb-ing the peace, all suspended except for 30 days to be served under house arrest.

According to the AGO, Babauta assaulted a taxi operator with a .223 rifle at his house in As Teo on June 9, 2007. The taxi operator dropped Babauta’s former girlfriend at his house prior to the incident, police said.


LOCAL jurors yesterday af-ternoon convicted a woman of assault with a dangerous weapon for running over his former partner using her car on March 11, 2012.

For his part, Superior Court Judge Perry B. Inos, who pre-sided over the four-day jury trial, handed down a guilty verdict on all the remaining misdemeanor offenses: hit and run, reckless driv-ing, pedestrian’s right of way on sidewalk, operators to exercise due care, disturbing the peace, and criminal contempt.

Inos earlier rendered a judgment of acquittal on the charges of at-tempted second degree murder, and aggravated assault and battery of John Saimon, the victim.

Last Aug. 1, a six-member local jury convicted Carmel-ita Guiao, 35, of assaulting her common-law husband, Saimon, with a hot frying pan on New Year’s Eve.

Inos found Guiao guilty of assault, criminal mischief and disturbing the peace of her partner. She was acquitted of three counts of disturbing the peace of her children.

Inos said Guiao will be sen-tenced on Sept. 128, 2012 for the two criminal convictions.

Guiao was remanded to the custody of the Department

of Corrections after the trial yesterday afternoon.

Assistant Public Defender Matthew Meyer told reporters, “The jury spoke. We respect it.”

Assistant Public Defender Daniel Guidotti also served as Guiao’s counsel.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General James McAllister, Shelli Neal, and Margo Brown.

McAllister told reporters that Guiao is facing over 20

years’ imprisonment for the two criminal convictions.

In the March inci-dent, the prosecution said while on pretrial release for the fry-ing pan assault case, Guiao chased Saimon, hitting him with her

car, running him over and flee-ing the scene of the accident.

Saimon sustained a fractured rib, lacerations to the left ankle and heel, and multiple abra-sions and contusions on his torso and lower extremities, police said.

Prior to the incident, police said Saimon accused Guiao of having an affair with a man with whom the couple drank beer the night before the incident.

An argument ensued. Guiao later told Saimon to get out of her house. Saimon grabbed his clothes and left their resi-dence, but Guiao followed him and hit him with her car, police said.

10 complete medical billing course

US court allows pretrial release of ex-Corrections officer in ‘ice’ case

Carmelita Guiao guilty

Carmelita Guiao

MV 8-31-12.indd 26 8/31/12 12:48:13 AM

MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS - FRIDAY - AUGUST 31, 2012 2�

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) — Fall brings colder weather across the Northern Hemisphere and Holly-wood’s major studios will usher into theaters cool action thrillers, chilly horror movies and some dramatic Oscar hopefuls looking for a head start on awards season.

From new James Bond flick “Skyfall” to another scary “Para-normal” installment and the long-awaited Paul Thomas Anderson Scientology drama, “The Master,” there is plenty for cinephiles to dissect in the season, which begins after this weekend’s U.S. Labor Day holiday and runs roughly to Thanksgiving.

The pace of movies is slower than the U.S. summer when the studios bring out blockbusters like “The Avengers” and “The Dark Knight Rises” weekly. But don’t let the pace fool you; fall 2012 is neither short on quality nor quantity, experts say.

“Early fall can often be a little bit of a lull at the movies, but it can also be a time when real quality films can take advantage of a quiet marketplace and really stand out,” En-tertainment Weekly writer Dave Karger said.

The season kicks into high gear on September 21, with Jake Gyllen-haal and Michael Pena playing Los Angeles police battling a ruthless drug cartel in “End of Watch,” from writer/director David Ayer.

Ayer, whose previous LA cop flick, “Training Day,” earned Den-zel Washington a best actor Oscar, said the film shows “what it’s like to work the streets in a way very few films have ever shown,” pulling back the curtain on the cops’ lives, personal and professional.

“It’s not your typical Hollywood movie. It’s very grounded, very real — almost a pseudo documentary. You’ll walk out of this movie want-ing to hug a cop,” he said.

Guns continue to blaze on Sep-tember 28 when Bruce Willis and Joseph Gordon-Levitt play the same person — only 30 years apart — in the time-travel flick “Looper” about assassins killing targets sent back from the future.

Liam Neeson is back as the CIA-trained, overly protective father in

“Taken 2” (October 5) when the kidnappers who swiped his daugh-ter in the first “Taken” movie return for revenge.

The best-selling Alex Cross crime novels get a reboot with Tyler Perry taking the lead role previously inhabited by Morgan Freeman in “Alex Cross” (Oct 19). This time, the detective psychologist takes on a hitman played by Matthew Fox.

On October 12, crime takes a comedic edge in “Seven Psycho-paths,” about a screenwriter (Colin Farrell) who gets involved in the Los Angeles underworld when his dog-snatching friend (Sam Rock-well) makes the mistake of kidnap-ping a Shih Tzu belonging to a crime boss (Woody Harrelson).

The season ends with a bang as the highly anticipated “Skyfall” comes out on November 9, amid a celebration of 50 years of Bond movies. This time around, Daniel Craig takes his third turn as 007

with Oscar-winning film-maker Sam Mendes at the helm of the movie and Javier Bardem as the vil-lain, Silva.

Fall is long on horror as the studios play to fears ahead of Halloween. On September 21, Jennifer

Lawrence finds herself haunted in “The House at the End of the Street.” On October 5, a ghostly entity threatens Ethan Hawke and his family in “Sinister.”

If that’s not enough haunted house-themed flicks, the hugely popular franchise “Paranormal Ac-tivity 4” returns on October 19.

For family frights, animated “Hotel Transylvania” (September 28) stars Adam Sandler as a hotelier to non-humans whose world turns upside down when an overexcited human shows up. And Tim Burton brings his usual ghoulish charm to the screen with the stop-motion ani-mated “Frankenweenie” (October 5) about a young boy who resurrects his late dog, Sparky. Arf!

Then, there is the Oscar race. In recent years, as Academy Award organizers moved their top film honors up by a month, to Febru-ary from late March, the studios have been bringing more award hopefuls to theaters in September and October.

Lifestyle & Entertainment

David Ayer

Daniel Craig as James Bond in the action adventure film, “Skyfall.” AP

Thrills, chills, dramatic films dominate fall season

APARTMENT FOR RENTGoing in to Capitol Hill Market go on the 1st right

• 2 bedroom with washer and dryer outlet• front and backyard space

• free trash and mowing•quiet and breezy

Rent is only $ 300.00 every month plus security deposit required. Please call 287-4447 for more details.

SubmiSSion DeaDlineAll advertisements should be submitted 12:00 noon one day prior to publication. Advertisers are encouraged to follow the deadline or ad placement may not granted.

StanDarDSThe publishers reserve the right to edit, refuse, reject or cancel any advertisement copy at anytime.

aDvertiSement errorSThe newspaper(s) will not be responsible to errors noticed after the first day of publication of any advertisements. Such errors should called to the attention of the Sales/Advertising Department on the first working day after publication.

CopyrightAll advertisement copies designed and created by the YAS graphic artists are the property of Marianas Variety Newspaper. Advertisers agree that it cannot authorize the production of any such advertising copy, in whole or in part, for use in any other medium without the written consent of the publisher.

• 1-storey, 3 units of 1 BedroomApartment Bldg. at Dandan Village $125,000.00

• Vacant Lot For SaleGood for Commercial or Apartment Bldg., located along ISA Drive, I-Denni/Capitol Hill Area (3,379 sq. m.)

• 1990 Toyota 4Runner, $1,000.00Contact: 285-8189 Vince

For Sale/Lease for 55 Years

The CNMI Office of the Public Auditor (OPA) is looking for an experienced counsel. Detailed information about the requirement for the position and employment application may be obtained at the OPA website: http://www.opacnmi.com .

Interested applicants must submit all the required information by mail, email, or hand delivery at the office/email addresses listed below. Submission must be marked confidential and must have the applicant’s name and returned address.

Office of the Public Auditor1236 Yap Drive, Capitol Hill

P.O. Box 501399, Saipan MP 96950Email: [email protected]

Job Vacancy AnnouncementCounsel (1)

Open: August 20, 2012 Closed: September 21, 2012 FLSA Status: Exempt

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE

NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS

RENATO F. SANGCAPPetitioner,

vs.EVELYN S. SANGCAP

Respondent,

FCD DI CIVIL ACTION NO. 11-0515

SUMMONS FOR PUBLICATION

TO THE ABOVE NAME RESPONDENT: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and notified to file any answer you wish to make to the Complaint, a copy of which is on file with the court, within thirty (30) days after service of the Summons upon you, and to deliver or mail a copy of your answer to the Petitioner whose address is P.O. Box 504575 CK, Saipan, MP 96950 as soon as practical after filing your answer or sending it to the Clerk of Courts for filing. Your answer should be in writing and filed with the Clerk of this Court at Susupe, Saipan, MP 96950. It may be prepared for you by your counsel and sent to the Clerk of this Court by messenger or Mail. It is not necessary for you to appear personally until further notice. If you fail to file and answer in accordance with this summons, judgment by default may be taken against you for relief of the complaint. Dated this 7th day of August, 2012./s/ Clerk of Court

(2) A/C TECHNICIANService, repair and replace airconditioning units in home and building. Trouble shoots and insta l l any k inds of airconditioning and refrigeration units. Must be certified AC Technician. 3 or more years experience.

If interested, send resume and copy of police clearance to

PACIFIC HOME APPLICANCES CORPORATIONP.O. Box 501582, Saipan, MP 96950

Telephone No. 234-9380


DIVING INSTRUCTORSalary: $875.00-$1,500/monthFlexible Days/Flexible timeTeach diving mostly tourist, knowledgeable in safety precaution. Must be able to speak their language to facilitate communications. Must have Diver Instructor License. 3 or more years experience.

If interested, send resume and copy of police clearance to

SK COMMUNITY, INC.PMB 293 Box 10001, Saipan, MP 96950

Telephone No. 789-8431


St. Jude Renal Care Facility, Inc. is looking for: Nurse Supervisor (1) - Salary: $15.00 - $19.00 per hour.Qualifications:Must pass NCLEX-RN and current CNMI RN License. Attended a hemodialysis training program and management of hemodialysis inpatient and outpatient care. Must hold a degree in Bachelor of Science in Nursing. At least four years hemodialysis experience and plus three years as a charge nurse in dialysis. English language skills-proficient in verbal, written and comprehension. Certification in Basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Certified Nephrology Nurse - (CNN) Preferred. In-service train with Baxter phoenix machine. Experience with Ameriwater bicarbonate distribution system. Flexible with time schedule.Please submit resume or pick-up application at Saipan Health Clinic in Chalan Kiya or send email to Judy Arriola at [email protected]

(2) Civil Engineering TechnicianRate : $ 5.05 to $ 7.50 per hour With minimum 5 years experience as a Civil Engineering Technician. With knowledge how to apply theory and principles of civil engineering in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of structures and facilities under the direction of engineering staff or physical scientists. Must be able to work. Deadline for accepting application is on September 1, 2012. Applications are available at GPPC Inc office located in As Perdido, Saipan. A copy of valid Police Clearance must be attached to the application. Incomplete application will NOT be accepted. Skills testing may be required. GPPC, INC is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Cook (1) - 2 years experience requiredPlease send application to KYS Enterprises, Inc. PMB 1336, P.O. Box 10003, Saipan, MP 96950 Tel. 233-4865

Baker (2) - Salary: $5.05 per hour; 3years experienceBeautician (2) - Salary: $5.05 per hour; 3 years experienceCook (2) - Salary: $5.05 per hour; 3years experienceApply at Triple M’s Corp. dba Fong’s Bakery Chalan Kanoa, P.O. Box 502528, Saipan MP 96950 Tel. No. 235-1071

EMPLOYMENT

WAITER/WAITRESSFOR IMMEDIATE HIRING

Apply atKingfisher Golflinks

322-1100

WANTED GARAGE SALESaturday, Sept. 1 • 7AM-12Noon

Capitol Hill next to Capitol Hill Market (Beds, Ref, Dining Table, couch &

princess house crystals)OBYAN/KAGMAN PROPERTY FOR SALE

Call 256-4770/287-2680

MV 8-31-12.indd 27 8/31/12 12:48:14 AM

FRIDAY - AUGUST 31, 2012 - MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS2� Sports

Bf5 27.Bf3 g6 28.a4 Kh7 29.b4 g5 30.a5 g4 31.axb6 axb6 32.Bc6 Re2 33.Bxb6 White has suc-ceeded in creating some counter-play. The rest of the moves up to move 40 were played very fast as both players were in time trouble. 33...Be5 34.b5 Kg7 35.Ba5 Rxc2 36.Rxc2 Bxc2 37.Kf2? The los-ing error in time pressure. 37.b6 Bd3 38.Kg2 c2 39.Bd2 Kf6 40.b7 and it is hard to see White winning. 37...Bd3 38.Ke3 Bg6 39.Be4 c2 40.Bd2 Bxg3 This wins although it has to be accurately calculated especially as black has the wrong colored bishop for the rooks pawn. 41.Bxg6 Kxg6 42.Kd3 Bf2 43.Kxc2 g3 44.Bf4 g2 45.Bh2 Kf5 Black will drive his king into h3. 0-1.

Puzzler.White: Ka5, Nb5, Qc1, Bd3,

pawn on d4Black: Kd5, Ne5, pawns on

a6 and f3

White to play and mate in three moves.

Send your answers to “64” c/o Marianas Variety, P.O. Box 500231, Saipan MP 96950. Our fax no. is 670-234-9271. You can also e-mail [email protected].

• Zaldy Dandan

FRIDAY - AUGUST 31, 2012 - MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS & VIEWS 2�

P.O. Box 500231 Saipan, MP 96950 • Tel. (670) 234-9272 • 9797 • Fax: (670) 234-9271E-mail: [email protected] • [email protected]

P.O. Box 6338, Tamuning Guam 96931• Tel. (671) 649-1924 • 4678 • Fax: (671) 648-2007E-mail: [email protected]

By Zaldy Dandan


64...Continued from page 32

Snowdrops vs Oldhands

THIS year’s Grand Slam Masters final is taking place on both sides of the Atlantic: in São Paulo, Brazil which hosted the first half of this elite tournament; and in Bilbao, Spain. The participat-ing GM’s are world champ Vishy Anand of India, world number 1 Magnus Carlsen of Norway, number 3 Levon Aronian of Arme-nia, number 6 Hikaru Nakamura of the U.S., number 7 Vassily Ivanchuk of Ukraine, and “the best Spanish player in history,” Francisco Vallejo Pons, ranked 28th in the world.

After five rounds, Chucky leads with 3.5., Nakamura is second, half a point behind, Carlsen, Aronian and Anand share third-fifth places, while Vallejo is dead last. The Spaniard thumped Carlsen, but lost to the other players. Anand and Aronian, for their part, lost to Ivanchuk. Hikaru is the only undefeated player. Now to action shifts to Bilbao.

Explaining Vallejo’s dismal score, Canadian GM Kevin Spraggett noted that the Spaniard “has played some enterprising chess in each game, but one finds oneself asking if such an uncompromis-ing ‘poker-style’ of play is not just plain suicide at this level of play. Not that he is outclassed in the Grand Slam, but from my perspective Paco does not seem to realize that he is giving draw-odds to his opponents. That is, it is Vallejo who assumes all of the risks and shows that he is not interested in a half point. All his opponents have to do is sit back and wait for him to crack.”

Spraggett added, “This is in no way intended to slight Paco Vallejo, for whom I have the highest respect as a player and as a person. No doubt the first half of the Grand Slam has not been very kind to the Spanish star, but he can still surprise everyone in the second half and climb up the tournament table.”

Game of the week. According to Mark Crowther, who anno-tates our featured partie, Carlsen defeated Ivanchuk with black “in an interesting French Defence but there were a number of strange decisions from Ivanchuk and it was more his loss rather than Carlsen’s win. It wouldn’t surprise me if Ivanchuk’s recent heavy schedule with the World Cup isn’t catching up on him a bit. Perhaps the break comes at an ideal time for him as his general form is obviously excellent.”

On Twitter, Carlsen posted: “Beat Ivanchuk today, now anything is possible in Bilbao! Not a great game by any means, but I could not care less about that right now.”

Stay tuned.White: V. Ivanchuk (2765)Black: M. Carlsen (2823)French DefenseSao Paulo 20111.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.f4 c5 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.Be3

Be7 8.a3 A rather strange move (2745)-Morozevich,A (2610)/Amsterdam NED 1996 (60)] 8...0-0 [8...b6 1-0 Hernandez,Z-Vilarino,L/Bento Goncalves 2000/EXT 2001 (65); 8...a6 9.Bd3 b5 10.f5 cxd4 11.Nxd4 Nxd4 12.Bxd4 Bc5 13.Bxc5 Nxc5 14.0-0 Qg5 15.Rf3 Nxd3 16.Qxd3 0-0 17.Raf1 Bb7 18.Rg3 Qh4 19.Rh3 Qg4 20.fxe6 g6 21.exf7+ Kg7 22.Qe3 h5 23.Rg3 d4 24.Qd3 Qe6 25.Rf6 1-0 Diaz Caramazana,J-Haines,K/Asturias 1993/EXT 2005; 8...a6 9.dxc5 Bxc5 10.Bxc5 Nxc5 11.b4] 9.Qd2 [9.dxc5 1/2-1/2 Sepp,Y (1967)-Dolskiy,V (1929)/Dmitrov 2011/CB32_2011 (80)] 9...b6 [9...a6 1/2-1/2 Padurariu,V-Stojanovic,N/Rimavska Sobota 1996/EXT 1997 (50)] 10.g3 Kh8 11.h4 f6 12.exf6 Nxf6 13.Bh3 Bd7 14.Rd1 cxd4 15.Nxd4 e5 It seems to be very nicely calculated counter-play. 16.Nxc6 Bxc6 17.fxe5 d4 18.exf6 Bxf6 19.0-0 dxc3 20.Qxd8 Raxd8 21.Rxd8 Rxd8 22.b3? Why? 22.bxc3 Bxc3 23.Rf7 Be5 is about equal. Ivanchuk just makes problems for himself. 22...Re8 23.Bf2 Be4 24.Re1 Re7 25.Rc1 h5 26.Bg2

The best players from both teams: Humpy Koneru and Vlastimil Hort.

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NEW YORK (AFP) — Eleven years after winning the U.S. Open, Lleyton Hewitt shrugged off his injury-plagued year to reach the second round at Flushing Meadows on Wednesday.

The Australian, now ranked 125 and needing wildcards to play in all four Grand Slam events this year, is taking part in his 12th U.S. Open, marking the occasion with a 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-4 win over 90th-ranked German Tobias Kamke.

Next up is a second round match-up with unseeded Luxembourg left-hander Gilles Muller who came from two sets to love down to beat Russian 28th seed Mikhail Youzhny.

Two foot operations and a groin problem have not dimmed the 31-year-old Hewitt’s famed fighting spirit.

“When you have metal in your feet, you can’t do a lot of rehab,” said Hewitt, playing in his 54th Grand Slam event.

Hewitt underwent radical surgery in February this year when he had bone cut from his big toe and two screws and a metal plate perma-nently locked in.

It was a desperate attempt to prolong a career that had brought him a Wimbledon title 10 years ago as well as the world number one ranking.

As a result of the surgery, Hewitt has been limited to just 11 tourna-

ments in 2012, making the final on the Newport grass courts after enduring first round exits at the French Open and Wimbledon.

“It’s been rough since the Austra-lian Open (where he made the last 16). I haven’t played many five-set matches,” said Hewitt, who only played one match on U.S. hardcourts — in Cincinnati — before heading to New York.

“I don’t count the French Open and at Wimbledon I lost to a quality player (Jo-Wilfried Tsonga).

“Since the surgery, I haven’t had that many matches on hard courts,

so I am not looking too far ahead in the draw.

“I felt the foot a little after Cincin-nati. It’s a big adjustment coming from grass to hard. You have to get used to the foot being pounded when you are going from side to side.”

Hewitt’s fall down the rankings also means he is not regarded as a box office attraction for the show-courts.

On Wednesday, he was out on Court 13 at Flushing Meadows, an arena closer to the nearby site of the 1939-1940 World’s Fair than the Arthur Ashe court.

Sports

Kim Clijsters returns a shot against Laura Robson in the second round of play at the 2012 U.S. Open tennis tournament, Wednesday, in New York. AP

Laura Robson of Great Britain reacts after beating Kim Clijsters of Belgium in the second round of play at the 2012 U.S. Open tennis tournament, Wednesday, in New York. AP

Lleyton Hewitt of Australia returns a shot to Tobias Kamke of Germany in the second round of play at the 2012 U.S. Open tennis tournament, Wednesday, New York. AP

Venus, left, and Serena Williams talk while playing a doubles match in the second round of play at the 2012 U.S. Open tennis tourna-ment, Wednesday, in New York. AP

NEW YORK (Reuters) — Disap-pointed but content, Kim Clijsters signed off her singles career with a second-round defeat at the U.S. Open on Wednesday, beaten but unbowed and with the praise of her peers ringing in her ears.

Losing 7-6 7-6 to British teenager Laura Robson was not the way she would have wanted to go out but at 29, after two careers and four grand slam titles, the Belgian said she was leaving with no regrets.

“I think in the first hour after the match there was still disappoint-ment and a little bit of frustration,” the three-time champion said. “But after talking and thinking about the retirement, I’m happy.

“In the last year and a half or even two years, it’s been kind of up and down and I’m happy that I stuck through it and was able to live a lot of these emotions that I’ve had. I’m kind of proud of myself that I was able to do that.”

In her moment of glory, Robson led the praise for a player who is undoubtedly the most popular in the locker room, calling her a role model to young players, while Maria Sharapova and Sam Stosur were quick to add their feelings.

“I can’t say enough nice things about her,” Sharapova said. “She was a tremendous athlete, a really good competitor.

“(But) the nicest thing you saw about her was her commitment to the sport but also wanting to have a great family life, retiring from the sport to have that and then coming back and achieving things in win-ning the U.S. Opens that she did and the Australian Open.”

Defending champion Stosur said “the whole tour” was going to miss having Clijsters around.

“She’s been a great player and a great person. She’s definitely one of those people that you can look up to and really admire with what she’s been able to achieve.”

The Belgian admitted that hear-ing her fellow players talk so warmly about her was something

extra special.“It does something to you when

you hear other players talk about me like that,” she said.

“Obviously in these two rounds that I’ve played here, I’ve played players that I spoke to and they said that I inspired them. That’s a great feeling because I was once in that situation as well.”

Clijsters singled out being world number one, winning four grand slam titles and her WTA Cham-pionships as her best achieve-ments, as well as becoming the first mother to win a grand slam title since 1980.

“I feel proud that I was able to win a slam as a mother, just because

I know how much work it took after I had Jada to get back physically, tenniswise, and mentally to get back into the sport.”

In her “first” career before enter-ing a two-year retirement in 2007, Clijsters was seen as something of a nearly-girl, losing her first four grand slam finals.

But her win in New York in 2005 changed everything and when she returned in 2009 having had her daughter, she was even better, win-ning two more U.S. Opens and an Australian Open crown.

“It’s been an incredible journey and a lot of dreams for me have come true because of tennis,” she said.

Happy Clijsters signs off with no regrets

Man of metal Hewitt kicks on at US OpenNEW YORK (Reuters) — Venus Williams continues her quest to claim her first U.S. Open crown since 2001 when she faces sixth seed Angelique Kerber of Germany in a second-round night match on Thurs-day at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Williams, who also won the title in 2000, is on the comeback trail after withdrawing from the U.S. Open ahead of her second-round match a year ago with an autoim-mune disease.

Younger sister Serena will also be in action at the National Tennis Center on Thursday when the fourth seed and three-time champion faces Spain’s Maria Jose Martinez San-chez in a second-round match.

On the men’s side, world number one Roger Federer, gunning for his sixth title at Flushing Meadows, will take on Germany’s Bjorn Phau, ranked 83rd, in a second-round affair.

Venus, formerly the top-ranked player in the world, is convinced she can make the climb back into the top 10 despite tumbling to her current spot at 46.

“I’m looking forward to the top 10, all that great stuff,” said the 32-year-old, seven-times grand slam winner. “I feel like I have it in me.”

Venus beat Bethanie Mattek-

Sands 6-3 6-1 in her first-round match, while Kerber routed Britain’s Anne Keothavong 6-2 6-0.

In other matches, 12th seed Ana Ivanovic, also a former top-ranked player, takes on Sofia Arvidsson of Sweden while, on the men’s side, fifth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France battles Slovakian Martin Klizan, ranked 50th.

The 31-year-old Federer, who lost to Serbian Novak Djokovic in the U.S. Open semi-finals last year, said he enjoys New York but it may not be too good for his tennis game.

Venus, Serena and Federer in US Open action

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MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS AND VIEWS - FRIDAY - AUGUST 31, 2012 31Sports

KFC...Continued from page 32

complete shots. Sii Mafi com-manded the game with his rebounds. This foiled MBI from adding more points.

Herbert Maranan and Erick Dela Rosa then took the driver’s seat in the fourth quarter widening the stretch. Galarse tried to put up a fight, but failed to match the duo of Maranan and Dela Rosa as they kept the game physical until the end. Fernando kept the ball moving, tiring out MBI, resulting in a seven point difference.

Gualo Rai 74, QQ Car Rental 63

Gualo Rai dominated their game against QQ Car Rental, 74-63.

It was a disappointment for El-gene Mangali who made a game-high of 27 points. Alex Lauron of Gualo Rai grabbed the lead for them early on in the game, making 10 points in the first quarter. It was back and forth shots between the two teams, until QQ lost it with the many turnovers.

Jun Estolas then contributed 10 more points to their score board in the second quarter. It was Estolas against Mangali in the second quarter, but Mangali was just be-hind four points to even out with Estolas. The team themselves were behind, QQ, was just behind four points, 37-33.

QQ was at the verge of losing in the fourth quarter, with its foul trouble. Estolas was able to get the fouls and made the given charity shots to get closer to locking in the win.

Finishing the game in double digits for KFC were Estolas, with 24 points and Lauron, 20; for QQ, Mangali led with 27 while Kermit Concepcion ended with 16 points.

Scores: KFC 64 – A. Fernando 24, R.

Francisco 11, H. Maranan 9, E. Dela Rosa 8, S. Mafi 6, J. Lee 5

MBI 57 – L. Galarse 21, A. Tra-

jano 8, B. Samson 8, N. David 6, R. Hernandez 5, D. Tenorio 4, E. Mendoza 2

Quarterscores: 20-7, 29-22, 44-41, 64-57

Gualo Rai 74 – J. Estolas 24, A. Lauron 20, Z. Diaz 7, D. Dayrit 6, V. Millari 6, J. Jose 4, Z. Babauta 3, R. Morales 2

QQ 63 – E. Mangali 27, K. Con-cepcion 16, Twon 6, J. Acosta 4, M. Bondoc 2, Montes 1

Quarterscores: 21-14, 37-33, 55-47, 76-63

By Demalynn F. [email protected] Variety

THE Docomo Pacific Golf Clas-sic is kicking off this Labor Day weekend, Saturday Sept. 1 at the scenic Kingfisher Golf Links with a tee time set at 7:30 a.m. This year, the Marianas Tourism Education Council will be the beneficiary as Docomo Pacific hosts once again.

“It is vital that businesses, both large and small, support MTEC in its mission of developing tourism related programs for our high school stu-dents. We must continue to rein-force the importance of our tourism industry to all, but most especially the generations that follow,” said James Nelson, Docomo Pacific’s General Manager.

This is the third year Docomo Pacific will host the tournament and the responses received from the business community have been great. Major sponsors such as DFS Saipan Ltd, First Hawaiian Bank, Mobil, the Tan Siu Lin Foundation and have all stepped forward with

their support again this year. Hole-in-one sponsors Joeten Motors, Bank of Hawaii and Triple J Mo-tors have also lent their invaluable support with fantastic prizes. The Fiesta Resort, Delta Air Lines, the Marianas Visitors Authority and the Pacific Islands Club are back once again as sponsors along with Dickerson & Quinn, Kautz Glass and DataDot Micronesia. “We must continue to do all we can to support

non-profit organi-zations that have a direct impact on tourism and our student com-munity,” added Nelson.

This year’s en-try fee has been lowered to $85 and Docomo Pacific subscribers can enter for only $75.

Entry forms are available at the Docomo Pacific store on Middle Road in Gualo Rai. Entry fees are accepted at Docomo Pacific. The deadline for entries is Thursday, Aug.30, 2012, so golfers are encour-aged to enter as soon as possible.

For more information, contact James Nelson at (670)483-4924 or email [email protected].

Champions of the Summer Basketball Jam 2012 held at Garapan Basketball court, WannaBe. won over Mobil, 85-65. From left, Preston Basa, Zack Diaz, Jack Lizama, Mel Manibusan, Dan Barcinas, Pedro Lizama with his sons, Pete Mendiola, and Arvin Avila. Photo by Demalynn F. Sablan

Docomo Pacific Golf Classic kicks off tomorrow

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• Zaldy Dandan

FRIDAY - AUGUST 31, 2012 - MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS & VIEWS 32

P.O. Box 500231 Saipan, MP 96950 • Tel. (670) 234-9272 • 9797 • Fax: (670) 234-9271E-mail: [email protected] • [email protected]

P.O. Box 6338, Tamuning Guam 96931• Tel. (671) 649-1924 • 4678 • Fax: (671) 648-2007E-mail: [email protected]

By Zaldy Dandan


THAT’S how Chess Informant’s Joseph Asik describes grand-master Svetozar Gli-goric, who passed away in Belgrade on Aug. 14 at the age of 89. From 1950 to 1980, Asik says, Gligoric “broke many national records. He won thirteen Olym-piad medals, six Eu-ropean medals, and the championship of Yugoslavia 12 times. At the peak of his career he was seen as the best player outside of the Soviet Union. He was a man who treated everyone with dignity and respect, and people befriended him because of his gentle nature. It is significant to his character that his games collection was titled ‘I Play Against Pieces.’ ”

His death was prime time news in his native Serbia and thousands, including the prime minister, gathered for his funeral on the 17th. “There is a wonderful lucidity to his best games,” says Macedonian art historian Kiril Penusliski. “As a player whose style was a curious mixture of Rubin-stein and Capablanca, he was extremely objective and never bogged down by chess dogma. All those things we ordinary mortals aren’t supposed to do, you will find them all in his games! But always as a part of a sound plan, and never as a whimsical frivolity.”

Game of the week. Gligoric annotated our featured partie for the Chess Informant. His opponent was another member of the world elite.

White: S. Gligoric (2600) Black: L. Portisch (2630)Queen’s Gambit AcceptedPula 19711.d4 d5 2.c4 dc4 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Bc4 c5 6.0-0 a6 7.a4

Nc6 8.Qe2 cd4 9.Rd1 Be7 10.ed4 0-0 11.Nc3 Nd5 12.Bd3! Ncb4 13.Bb1 b6 14.a5! [with the idea Na4] 14...Bd7 15.Ne5 ba5 16.Ra3! [with the idea Nd5, Bh7! and White is winning] 16...f5 17.Nd5 Nd5 18.Nd7 Qd7 19.Ra5 (and White is supe-rior) Nc7 20.Ba2 Bd6 21.Bc4 Kh8 22.Qf3 [22.Ba6 Bh2] 22...Bb4 23.Ra1 [23.Re5 Bd6] 23...a5 24.Bf4 Nd5 25.Be5 Rfc8 26.Qe2 Qb7 [26...Rc6? 27.Bb5] 27.h3 Rc6 28.Rac1 Rac8 29.Bd5 ed5 30.Rc6 Qc6 31.Rd3! Qd7 [31...Qc2 32.Bg7!] 32.Rg3 Bf8 33.b3! Ra8 34.Qc2 Rc8 35.Qd2 Ra8 [35...a4 36.ba4 Qa4 37.Qg5 Qd7 38.Rf3] 36.Qg5 Kg8 37.Rf3 g6 38.Rc3 Qd8 39.Qc1 Bd6 40.Qf4 Be5 41.Qe5 [41.de5] 41...Ra7 42.Rc5! Re7 [42...Rd7 43.Rb5 Kf7 44.Rb8 Qe7 45.Qh8 and White is winning] 43.Rd5 Qc7 44.Qc7 Rc7 45.Ra5 Rb7 46.Ra3! Rb4 47.d5 [47.Kf1!] 47...Kg7 48.Kf1 Kf6 49.Ke2 Ke5 50.Kd3 Kd5 51.Kc3 Re4 52.Ra4 Re2 53.Rd4 Kc5 54.b4 Kb5 55.Rd5 Kc6 56.Rd2 Re1 57.f3! (and White is superior) Rg1 58.Kd4 [with the idea Ke5] 58...Re1 59.Rc2 Kb6 [59...Kb5 60.Rc7] 60.Kd5 Re3 61.Rc6 Kb5 62.Rc7 h5 63.Rb7 Ka4 64.Kc4 Ka3 65.Ra7 Kb2 66.Rg7 and 1-0.

Puzzler.White: Ka5, Nb5, Qc1,

Bd3, pawn on d4Black: Kd5, Ne5, pawns

on a6 and f3White to play and mate

in three moves.Send your answers to

“64” c/o Marianas Variety, P.O. Box 500231, Saipan MP 96950. Our fax no. is 670-234-9271. You can also e-mail [email protected]

As a world championship candidate in 1953.

The father of Yugoslav and Serbian chess

By Jamie KenmureFor Variety

ISTANBUL, Turkey — For the first time, Palau is participating in the Chess Olympiad.

This year, the 11-round bien-nial tournament has drawn the participation of 158 nations and over 1,500 players.

Palau’s team members are Roberto Hernandez, Elizabeth Manuel, Bernardo Garcia and Manendro Manuel.

In the first round on Monday, Palau, which is ranked 151st, was paired with 64th seed Qatar which fielded two grandmasters, one international master and one FIDE master. The result was 0-4 in favor of Qatar.

In the second round, Palau faced 79th seed Iraq whose team has three FIDE masters and one international master. Palau lost 0-4 again.

Palau will play against 134th seed Maldives in the third round and this reporter, who is also Palau’s team captain, believes they can finally achieve a better result.

The team captain is also very happy that they are representing Palau in a prestigious international competition.

The Palau team members, left side of the photo, Roberto Hernandez, Elizabeth Manuel, Bernardo Garcia and Manendro Manuel in action at the Chess Olympiad in Istanbul. Photo by Jamie Kenmure

Palau sends team to 40th Chess Olympiad

By Demalynn F. [email protected] Variety

IT was a rough start for KFC/Taco Bell in last Wednesday’s Domino Lux Intercolor Basketball League at Gualo Rai court, as they started off way behind ending first quarter at 20-7 in favor of MBI, but pre-vailed in the end winning 64-57.

Leo Galarse and Arthur Trajano of MBI led the assault in the first quarter adding 16 points together to their total 20 points startoff. Both shot three for three to open up the game. KFC could only manage to score seven points courtesy of Joon Lee with two, Angelo Fernando with two, and Ralph Francisco with three. MBI was dominating KFC from the start, employing a game plan that destabilized KFC.

MBI kept the momentum going in the second quarter but KFC was finally catching up. With the scores at 29-22, Francisco and Fernando both picked up the pace and raised the level of their game to bridge the gap. It was just not enough to match Galarse’s swiftness under the rim that secured MBI’s lead.

Fernando, not backing down, exploded in the third quarter and stole the lead of KFC making 12 Ralph Francisco attempts to shoot over opponent during the Domino

Lux Intercolor Basketball League at Gualo Rai basketball court. Photo by Demalynn F. Sablan

KFC/Taco Bell prevail over MBI, 64-57

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