The governor reminds everyone concerned “to remain mindful of the dwindling financial resources under the amended Compact, as well as the stagnant local revenue-generating capacity due to the current global financial, fuel and food crises.”
As was done for the FY 2009 annual budget call, all performance budget proposals should be policy driven. In his communication, Anefal also said that in light of the enacted law, YSL 7-16, by the Legislature to increase base salary for all public service system employees, it is imperative for all departments, offices and agencies to work with the Personnel Office so the budget is reflective of the new salary pay scale.
To accommodate this increase in the overall budget, Anefal is urging all to “streamline travel requests to bare minimum” specifically for off-island conferences and workshops whose program objectives and outputs can be accomplished on-island.
Priority consideration is however given to intra-island travels for delivery of essential government services.
The budget call is also very specific in the restriction of purchasing vehicles and motor boats under any source of funding which should minimize abuses and cost of operating and maintaining such equipment.
While such budget streamlining is highlighted, Anefal is also placing emphasis on capacity building effort and scholarship programs.
Priority is given to students in specialized fields of studies including doctors, nurses, engineers, economist, and professional educators.
The Office of Planning and Budget is expected to begin this process by conducting series of workshops with all departments and offices.
It should conclude by Jan. 8, 2008 to meet its deadline of Jan. 11, 2009.
Correction
THE news article on Wednesday titled “DPS: Over 800 unregistered firearms in the NMI” erroneously reported that the only licensed firearms allowed in the CNMI are .22 caliber pistols and shotguns.
The Department of Public Safety said the only registered firearms in the CNMI are .22 caliber rifles and 410 gauge shotguns.
House panel schedules 4 public hearings
(House of the Representatives) — The House Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Operations will be conducting a public hearing on Dec. 16, 2008 at 9 a.m., in the House chamber, the Honorable Jesus P. Mafnas Memorial Building, Capital Hill, Saipan.
The purpose of this public hearing is to receive testimonies on the following measures:
1. House Bill No. 16-147: “Juvenile Interrogation”
2. House Bill No. 16-178: “Juvenile Justice Act of 2008.”
The following witnesses are requested to be present:
1. Mr. Gregory Baka, Attorney General
2. Honorable Robert Naraja, Superior Court
3. Honorable Miguel S. Demapan, Supreme Court
4. Mr. Adam C. Hardwicke, Public Defender
5. Mr. Silvio S. Ada, DYS
6. Ms. Maya B. Kara, CNMI Bar Association
7. Secretary Joseph P. Villagomez, Department of Public Health
8. Ms. Lucy Blanco-Maratita, Board of Education
9. Mr. James Rayphand, NMPASI
10. Mr. Bruce Mailman, Attorney At Law
The committee will also receive testimonies on:
1. House Bill No. 16-157: “The Incompetency Determination Act of2008”
2. House Bill No. 16-158: “The Guardianship Act of2008”
The following witnesses are requested to be present:
1. Honorable Robert Naraja, Superior Court
2. Mr. Gregory Baka, Attorney General
3. Ms. Maya B. Kara, CNMI Bar Association
4. Mr. James Rayphand, NMPASI
Witnesses are requested to submit written testimony to the committee on or before Dec. 12.
Interested members of the general public are also welcome to submit written or oral testimony.
On Dec. 18, the committee will conduct another public hearing from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Tinian Court House.
The public hearing will receive testimonies on the following measures:
1. House Bill No. 16-147: “Juvenile Interrogation”
2. House Bill No. 16-157: “The Incompetency Determination Act of 2008”
3. House Bill No. 16-158: “The Guardianship Act of 2008”
4. House Bill No. 16-178: “Juvenile Justice Act of 2008.”
Interested members of the general public are also welcome to submit written or oral testimony.
Rescheduled public hearing
The public hearing of the committee scheduled for Dec. 19 at the Rota Court House has been rescheduled to Dec. 17, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The purpose of this public hearing is to receive testimonies on the following measures:
1. House Bill No. 16-147: “Juvenile Interrogation”
2. House Bill No. 16-157: “The Incompetency Determination Act of 2008”
3. House Bill No. 16-158: “The Guardianship Act of 2008”
4. House Bill No. 16-178: “Juvenile Justice Act of 2008.”
Interested members of the general public are also welcome to submit written or oral testimony.
Copies of the bills may be obtained at the office of Rep. Rosemond B. Santos or may be downloaded at cnmileg.gov.m p.
Congresswoman Christensen makes history
(Washington, D.C.) — The U.S. Virgin Islands’ Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen has been elected to a seat on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Christensen, who will begin her seventh term in the U.S. House of Representatives in January, was elected to the post by the House Steering and Policy Committee on Wednesday.
A Democrat, Christensen is the first non-voting delegate to be named to the powerful House panel which has oversight over many issues including health, commerce, trade and consumer protection, energy and air quality, environment and hazardous materials, telecommunications and the Internet, and oversight and investigations.
“I am both humbled and excited by this opportunity to serve the people of the Virgin Islands, the insular territories and the wider country on issues that will be of utmost importance to all of us,” said Christensen on Wednesday evening. “I am grateful for the support of my colleagues as well as many in the health care industry who believed that I would bring a much needed perspective to this position.”
Red flag raised at 6 sites on Saipan, 3 on Tinian
(DEQ) — The Division of Environmental Quality has raised the red flag at six sites on Saipan and three sites on Tinian and advises the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of these locations for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.
Samples collected from Tanapag Meeting Hall, Central Repair Shop, DPW Channel Bridge, S. Puerto Rico Dump, American Memorial Park, and Sugar Dock on Saipan and Unai Masalok, Unai Babui and Leprosarium I on Tinian contained excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria — enterococci — that exceeded the CNMI’s marine water quality standards.
DEQ welcomes all inquiries as to the quality of the beach water and the public may call 664-8500 with any questions concerning this matter.
