Tinian Mayor Jose P. San Nicolas requested the governor on Nov. 3 to certify vacancies for a deputy resident director and labor law enforcement technician 1 for the island’s Department of Labor office.
The governor granted the request saying, “the filling of these vacant positions are of vital importance for the efficient delivery of essential public services.”
“Continuing appropriations are available for the full personnel cost associated with these vacancies,” he added.
The governor also certified vacancies for two attorneys in the Public Defender’s Office.
Public Defender Adam C. Hardwicke said they need two attorneys to fill the positions vacated by Assistant Public Defenders Malik K. Edwards and Janet H. King who both resigned recently.
Two customs inspectors are also needed by the Division of Customs.
Finance Secretary Eloy Inos said one of their customs inspectors resigned and another one was promoted.
He told the governor it is crucial to immediately replace these vacated positions to effectively safeguard the islands from illegal activities.
“With the continued alert on terrorism and to effectively guard our islands’ borders from importation of contraband, illicit drugs and narcotics, it is crucial that these vacant positions be filled to allow the mobilization of personnel within the division at a higher level,” Customs Director Jesus C. Muna told the governor in a letter dated July 23.
“This will then allow the division to recruit at a low ranking position as the division foresees a need of additional manpower services,” he added.
The Department of Public Health said it needs to hire one medical records technician and one eligibility worker. The employees who used to hold those positions have resigned.
The governor also informed the Legislature he’s allowing the Office of the Lt. Governor to hire one community worker.
He also granted Commerce Secretary Michael Ada’s request to hire an insurance licensing officer and a bank licensing specialist.
In a communication sent to the governor in Oct., Ada said the insurance administrator will oversee the department’s insurance section which regulates 58 companies, general agents, subagents, brokers and solicitors.
“The demands of the office have made it very difficult for one staff to keep up with the daily workload from fielding calls, reviewing and processing licenses, insurance certification clearances, entertaining complaints as well as monitoring licensees for compliance,” Ada said.
The bank licensing specialist position, on the other hand, will replace the economic development technician.
Ada said this should enable the department to more effectively oversee the banking sector as well as other financial institutions, including money service businesses, pawnbrokers, among other related establishments.
