GOVERNOR Ralph DLG Torres spoke with the business community on Wednesday during the Saipan Chamber of Commerce general membership meeting at Hyatt Resort Saipan.
Ralph DLG Torres
In his remarks, the governor addressed the concerns raised by the business community.
“Community-based collaboration is the key to our Commonwealth’s success, and I take your feedback seriously as governor. A big issue that has been brought up to my attention is our new Munis financial system, which I understand is a concern for vendors,” he said.
The governor recalled that Secretary of Finance David DLG Atalig spoke with the chamber in October, outlining the administration’s goal for more fiscal transparency and making the financial processes more efficient and effective.
“As you all know, we converted to a new Financial Management Information System, Tyler Munis, and we had some expected transition issues converting invoices from JDE software to Munis. We should be good now and [Secretary Atalig] has assured me that vendors are getting paid, and we want to thank our business community for being patient as we get through this huge technology change,” he said.
Finance is working with all departments, the governor said, to train staff, improve productivity, and correct any issues during this first stage of implementation.
“I will ensure that Finance continues to improve implementation so that we can get to a better place with this new process, and I thank you all for your understanding and patience,” he said.
Another issue that was brought to the governor’s attention was the status of nonprofit funding through the American Rescue Plan Act or ARPA.
He said Secretary Atalig had met with the Marianas Alliance of Non-Governmental Organizations, or MANGO, to go over guidelines for nonprofits to avail themselves of these funds.
The governor said he and Secretary Atalig has finalized the awards for the non-profit organizations who submitted applications for assistance.
“Although we cannot award everyone’s full request, I am happy to share that we can support the non-profit organizations in the Commonwealth get funding through ARPA. I have asked [Secretary Atalig] to inform those of their awards. We will be setting up the formal award presentation to each non-profit in the next couple of weeks,” he said.
Moreover, Governor Torres said that he has asked the Commonwealth Economic Development Agency, or CEDA, to assist the small business community with grants to get their businesses up and running again.
At the CNMI Safe Travels Summit, a small businessowner had said that small businesses have been “left in the dark” amid the decisions made for the business community.
But Governor Torres disagreed, noting the strides made with CEDA to assist small businesses.
“With about $20 million available for small businesses, the goal when assisting our small businesses in the Commonwealth is to get our economy back up and running. We want to see our private sector employ our local people and help us get back to where we were heading before the pandemic. I encourage each one of you to contact CEDA for assistance. My administration is pro-business and we want to see you all survive and succeed,” said the governor.
He noted that the main restriction with the ARPA funding is that funds cannot be used for pension obligation, nor can they be used to reduce or subsidize any state or Commonwealth tax rates.
“Other restrictions are that we cannot pay for anything prior to March 2021. As for what happens if we do not use these funds before we need to, which is December 2024, then we will need to return the funds to the U.S. Treasury,” he explained.
He added, “I know the secretary of Finance will make sure we spend these funds way before then as the goal of my administration is to infuse monies into our community to assist the private sector and stir economic development in our islands. We need to make sure we commit these dollars by December 2024 and we can seek extension up to December 2026 for projects committed and encumbered by December 2024. All projects must be done by December 2026 or we will need to return remaining funds and for any projects not completed, we will need to fund it to completion with local funds.”
In closing, Governor Torres spoke on the rise in Covid-19 cases in the community.
“I am aware that many have expressed concern and fear. I will say that CHCC, our task force, and I are working on new protocols to protect our community and to prepare for the possible threat of the new omicron variant. The protocols are currently being reviewed by the attorney general. We will notify you all once it has been approved,” he said.
“Since the beginning of 2020, my administration through the Governor’s Covid-19 Task Force and CHCC has implemented strict, but necessary constraints on activities throughout the Commonwealth to prevent and control the spread of Covid-19 throughout our community.”
He said “due in large part to the quick implementation of these risk mitigation measures, the ongoing protective measures at the borders, the successful vaccination efforts, as well as the cooperation of the community in adhering to guidance from CNMI health officials, the CNMI still remains a safe place as hospitalizations remain low and primarily unvaccinated residents.”
The governor said the CNMI’s goal now is to shift focus toward protection against increased hospitalization that could overwhelm CHCC and private clinics and to ultimately safeguard vulnerable residents such as the manamko’ or the elderly, and people with health issues.
“We also need to encourage more of our people to be vaccinated,” he said.
Governor Torres added that during his time as governor, the policy decisions he has made have always been in the best interest of the CNMI economy and people.
“I appreciate the value you all bring to the table. Every day you are open for business, we come closer to our goals of a world-class tourism destination, a strong education system, a safe and resilient community, and a community of opportunity and promise. We know as a government that we must do a better job in ensuring your success so we all can succeed,” he said.
“At the end of the day, your success is our success. Now, more than ever, we need to come together, stay vigilant about our health without causing widespread panic, and continue to make the Marianas a first-choice destination. Let’s work together to normalize our tourism so that vaccinated visitors can come and enjoy our beautiful islands and our warm hospitality. This is what we can do to help minimize the negative effects of this economic loss. It’s all about partnerships and communication.”
Governor Torres encourages the community to continue to follow updates from CHCC and his office for the latest and most accurate information regarding the coronavirus.
