By Gemma Q. Casas
Variety News Staff

GOVERNOR Benigno R. Fitial on Friday ordered all agencies under the executive branch to observer a travel ban.
The ban covers locally and federally funded travel.
“This is to advise all government agencies under the executive branch that a ban on government travel is now in effect. Effective immediately, this administration will no longer process travel authorizations,” wrote the governor in a memo dated Feb. 23.
“Only government travel deemed absolutely vital and essential to the welfare of the CNMI will be allowed with the approval of the governor. A prohibition on government travel is now in effect,” he added.
Last week, the administration met with key lawmakers to discuss the further reduction of the government’s fiscal year 2007 budget from $193.5 million.
According to Department of Finance estimates, the projected revenue shortfall this year could reach $14 million.
Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez on Friday told the Variety that he was leaving the island for at least a week for his honeymoon.
Last month, Villagomez married his long-time partner, Margaret, but had not taken personal leave since then.