THE Rota Terminal & Transfer Company Inc. is requesting the Commonwealth Ports Authority board of directors for an extension of the deadline to take correction actions on several violations of a lease agreement to operate the Rota West Harbor.
CPA issued a notice of default on April 26, 2024, giving RT&T until May 26, 2024, to perform the following actions:
1) Completely remove or repair all damaged equipment and other items at Rota West Harbor.
2) Purchase a crane, repair parts or similar equipment, and resume stevedoring services.
3) Certify to CPA that the above violations have been cured within 30 days.
In her letter to CPA Executive Director Leo B. Tudela, RT&T Office Manager Viola Hocog-Atalig said she was “currently working on updating our filings with the Division of Revenue and Taxation and, because of this, I will need additional time to resolve our current taxes and license before I can be accorded with our current business license.”
She also requested CPA for an extension of the temporary stevedore service permit for International Bridge & Construction Marianas LLC. so it can continue providing stevedoring service to RT&T until she submits their current business license to CPA.
IBCM’s temporary stevedore service also expired on May 26, 2024.
On April 10, 2024, IBCM President Robert W. Toelkes informed CPA that due to non-payment of crane services and lack of response to its demand letters, IBC was left with no alternative but to suspend crane services to RT&T.
Toelkes told CPA that Rota Transfer owes them over $200,000. He said IBCM regrets having to take such drastic action, but has no choice as IBCM cannot continue to provide services without compensation.
RT&T’s request letter was mentioned by CPA board member Steve Mesngon during a board meeting on Friday last week. He said he wanted to consider RT&T’s request for extension.
The CPA board has yet to act on the recommendation to terminate RT&T’s lease agreement with CPA.
