The commission, as the regulator of the casino industry, promises to be accountable and transparent.
The Rota Casino Act of 2007 created the commission which, in turn, is mandated to draft its rules and regulations.
The commission will publish the rules and regulations in the Commonwealth Registry to get more public input and comments.
This, the commission said, is a “responsive, common sense approach to implementing the rules and regulations.”
The first draft of the rules and regulations has been distributed to interested parties, potential investors and CNMI government entities, including the Rota mayor’s office, the municipal council and the legislative delegation.
According to the commission, the rules and regulations reflect lessons learned from other jurisdictions that host a casino industry.
For more information, e-mail rotacommission@gmail.com.
GCA students to compete in National Geographic Bee
(GCA) — Grace Christian Academy’s first round of the 2009 National Geographic Bee will be held today, Friday, Nov. 21, at 12:30 p.m., in the auditorium of GCA on Navy Hill, Saipan.
For the 21st year, the National Geographic Society is holding the National Geographic Bee for students in the fourth through eighth grades in thousands of schools across the nation and in the five territories, as well as in Department of Defense schools around the world.
The winner of Grace Christian Academy’s Bee will advance to the next level of competition, a written examination to determine state competitors. For more information contact GCA principal Faith Dela Rosa at 322-3320.
Artists holiday sale on Nov. 29-30
THE Fourth Annual Artists Holiday Sale will be held on Saturday, Nov. 29, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and on Sunday, Nov. 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at the multi-purpose Center in Susupe, a media release stated.
There are still a few available spaces for original, creative arts and craft items.
Table space will be available on a first pay basis. Upon payment, artists can select the space/s they would like. Costs remain $25 for one table space and $40 for two spaces for the weekend. You have to furnish your own tables and display boards.
Artists can unload their vehicles in front of the multi-purpose center and are then requested to park in the courthouse parking lot so there will be parking space for customers.
Artists can set up from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
No food or drinks are allowed inside the multi-purpose center, but sealed food may be sold in the lobby area.
Outdoor space for lunch and food sales is available for $25 per group. Groups must furnish their own table and tent, if needed.
Red flag raised at 6 sites
(DEQ) — The Division of Environmental Quality has raised the red flag at six sites on Saipan 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, DPW Channel Bridge, S. Puerto Rico Dump, American Memorial Park, San Jose beach, and Sugar Dock on Saipan contained excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria — enterococci — that exceeded the CNMI’s marine water quality standards.
These bacteria can indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water. However, studies have shown that storm water runoff in tropical environments may also contain these bacteria from the natural environment, which may not be directly associated with public health concerns.
Mangaha and Tinian beaches are assigned a green flag.
DEQ analyzes samples of marine recreational and storm drainage water from 50 locations on Saipan, 10 on Tinian, 12 on Rota and a total of 11 samples from the shore surrounding Managaha.
The public is encouraged to contact DEQ at 664-8500 with any questions concerning this matter.
OPA hotline numbers
(OPA) — This is to inform the general public that the Office of the Public Auditor’s hotline telephone numbers for Rota, and Tinian have been disconnected.
Please call the Saipan hotline number, which is toll free for inter-island calls.
• Rota hotline number: 532-0298 (disconnected)
• Tinian hotline number: 433-3937 (disconnected)
Saipan hotline number:235-3934
Margaret Keene-Villagomez stirs holiday spirit
THE lt. governor’s wife, Margaret Keene-Villagomez, is stirring the holiday spirit by encouraging community members to consider the needs of others during the approaching holiday season, a media release stated.
“While we celebrate the holidays, we remember that others who are sick, needy, or separated from loved ones are in most need of our care,” said Keene-Villagomez. “Whether it’s a gift of food, money, or time, we can all afford to give something to help others in our community.”
Patients of the Commonwealth Health Center are expected to receive an early holiday treat this month, as Keene-Villagomez prepares to deliver food baskets in celebration of Thanksgiving.
The baskets, comprised of fresh fruit and sweets, will be personally delivered to patients by Keene-Villagomez a few days before Thanksgiving.
“This visit is intended to lift the spirits of patients and their families and to give them hope during the holiday season,” said Keene-Villagomez. “Despite our economic situation, I encourage each member of our community to embrace a spirit of giving this holiday season. After all, the spirit of Christmas is held in the heart, not wrapped in paper.”
Keene-Villagomez is also expected to deliver baskets to the Community Guidance Center and the CHC Tinian and Rota guest houses.
