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Bill would allow retirees access to 50 percent of Fund remittances

By Haidee V. Eugenio

SAIPAN, CNMI (Saipan Tribune, June 1, 2012) – The CNMI House of Representatives failed to override yesterday the governor's veto of a bill allowing non-retired members of the NMI Retirement Fund to withdraw up to 50 percent of their contributions, to the disappointment of some 100 employees that filled the House lobby and chamber on Capital Hill.

The override action on Gov. Benigno R. Fitial's veto of the compromise House Bill 17-226 got only 11 "yes" votes. This was short by three "yes" votes to meet the required 14 votes or two-thirds of the 20-member House.

Six House members voted "no" to the override, while three members were absent.

"We tried very hard but we didn't make it," Speaker Eli Cabrea (R-Saipan), author of HB 17-226, said at the end of the session.

Rep. Teresita Santos (Ind-Rota) was excused from the session owing to the death of her...

Governor hopes to free up $93 million to pay out residents

By Jerick Sablan

HAGÅTÑA, Guam (Pacific Daily News, June 1, 2012) – Most tax refunds owed to Guam taxpayers for the 2011 tax year may be paid in the next few weeks.

Gov. Eddie Calvo yesterday said he will ask the Legislature to pass a bill so about $33 million in tax refund money that has been set aside by law for next year will be used for tax refunds owed this year.

If the Legislature agrees, the total amount of money available for tax refunds will be approximately $93 million. That means most of the estimated $105 million in refunds owed for the 2011 tax year would be paid.

About $60 million will be available for tax refunds as soon as next week, as a result of the local government's latest borrowing from the bond market. The bond money is expected to be electronically transferred into a government of Guam bank account by Wednesday. Tax refund checks could be released in the mail as...

PM Lilo reportedly sticking to NCRA’s original policies

HONIARA, Solomon Islands (Solomon Star, June 1, 2012) – Opposition Leader Hon. Dr. Derek Sikua has expressed concern that the style of leadership portrayed by Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo will not at all deliver the National Coalition for Reform and Advancement (NCRA) Government’s expected outcomes of its policies.

Dr. Sikua made this call amidst clarification by the Prime Minister that he will not produce any new policy document and implementation strategy, but will remain committed to the original NCRA policy documents.

He said that he is still not convinced by the Prime Minister’s response now that the Prime Minister had initially announced changes and improvements to the original NCRA policy.

"That is precisely the point and the Prime Minister should systematically specify the changes or improvements that he has referred to.

"It is pointless talking about building a better capacity...

Newer, faster vessel unable to dock until port upgrades completed

By Rachel Reeves

RAROTONGA, Cook Islands (Cook Islands News, May 30, 2012) – Reef Shipping has advised its customers to expect delays from now through to the end of July.

It cannot introduce its newer, faster ship Southern Reef until the harbor redevelopment is complete, and until then its carrying capacity is limited.

Reef Express voyage 157, which is scheduled to arrive in Rarotonga on June 13 and Aitutaki on June 15, was unable to accept all cargo orders.

Some cargo did not make it onto the ship before the wait list closed, and will remain at the Auckland wharf until Southern Tiare departs.

The cargo will be loaded onto Southern Tiare in Auckland on June 23, which sails directly to Rarotonga. Her estimated time of arrival is June 30 at Avarua.

"In the short term, through until the end of July, we are likely to find this an ongoing problem, however once the harbour...