Stories by Mark Rabago
News
CNMI can earn up to $12M from untapped coco-peat industry
A privately-owned global import manufacturer of high-quality coconut materials wants to export coconut peat from the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands.
CNMI, Guam governors joke about reunification with the US
However, Northern Marianan Islands' leader Arnold Palacios says he is under no illusion that this would come into fruition any time soon.
Marianas Catholic leaders ask for continued prayers for Pope Francis
Diocese of Chalan Kanoa bishop-elect Romeo Convocar and Guam Metropolitan Archbishop of Agaña Ryan Jimenez is asking the islands' Catholic faithful to continue to pray for Pope Francis.
CNMI agriculture census: Vegetables and melons dominate crop production
The census also revealed that there were 316 farms in the Northern Marianas in 2023, up 25% from the last census.
CNMI plans $2.7b Silicon Valley-inspired tech park
An envisioned technology hub, dubbed EUCON Silicon Valley Tech Park, is being touted as the savior of the CNMI economy, with the plan expected to create up to 10,000 new jobs.
'$1 per egg': CNMI struggles with egg shortage as prices skyrocket
The Northern Marianas Islands are facing an egg due to the spread of bird flu in the United States, sending businesses and the community into panic.
CNMI authorities say they're 'tired' of illegal rubbish dumping
Illegal dumping is not only a burden to those who have to mitigate it, but downgrades the overall environment quality of the island community, Saipan's mayor says.
CNMI eyes micronuclear energy as an alternative power source
This revelation came frrom the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation executive director last Thursday.
Luxury store to close amid Marianas economy worries
CNMI governor Arnold Palacios says there is no denying the impact the closure of Duty Free Shoppers will have at the local-level.
US congressman wants end to Chinese visa-free travel
Wisconsin lawmaker Tom tiffany wants the Homeland Security to put a stop to a Biden-era policy that allows Chinese tourists to enter the CNMI and Guam without applying for a US visa.
Major crime stats in CNMI drops in 2024
According to a report by the Northern Marianas Department of Public Safety, the most common crime committed in the US territory was disturbing the peace
CNMI environmental champions criticise Trump's Paris withdrawal
Friends of the Mariana Trench chair Sheila Babauta said Trump'sdecision to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate deal is "unfortunate".
USPS issues affecting CNMI, Guam taxpayers
A tax lawyer has written to the Northern Marianas delegate on the US Postal Service issues impacting taxpayers.
Northern Mariana Islands advocates hit back at Trump diversity directives
A couple of LGBTQIA+ advocates in the Northern Mariana Islands are up in arms over US President Donald Trump's executive order terminating diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
Economy fears in Northern Marianas
The administration of Marianas Governor Arnold Palacios is bracing itself for low tourism numbers this year.
Pacific delegates 'look forward' to working with Trump
Delegates from the US-aligned Pacific have spoken about working with the new US president for their territories.
Northern Marianas' tourism body boss resigns
Well wishes flow for the CNMI's departing tourism body director
South Korean airline involved in deadly crash ends Busan to Saipan route
South Korean carrier Jeju Air has prematurely ended its charter flights from Busan to Saipan.
U.S. territorial Governors announce plans to join Republican Party
Two Governors of United States Pacific territories have announced plans to join US President-elect Donald Trump's Republican Party.
Northern Marianas' 2024 revenue higher than forecast
Governor Arnold Palacios and lieutenant governor David Apatang said the revenue was $168.3 million.
CNMI indigenous advocate wants birth tourism law reconsidered
America's jus soli legal principle means babies born in the CNMI get US citizenship.
Pacific leaders remember Jimmy Carter
The Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas has paid tribute to former US President Jimmy Carter who died on Monday.
Rota's Latte Quarry on As Nieves designated as a historic landmark
The Latte Quarry at As Nieves on Rota is one of 19 new 'National Historic Landmarks' recently designated by the United States Department of the Interior.
CNMI 'losing traction' as a destination - hotel association
Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands has painted a dim picture about Northern Marianas' tourism industry after another subpar hotel occupancy rate in October 2024.
Wife of former Palau president arrested on Saipan
Christa Toribiong, the wife of former Palau President Johnson Toribiong, was detained in Saipan due to an outstanding arrest warrant on the United States mainland.