Mandarin Airlines Signing Ceremony and CNMI
Expo in Taipei Was a Success
April 14, 2000 --
Tuesday April 11, 2000 marked
the beginning of a business relationship between Mandarin Airlines and Tinian
Dynasty Hotel & Casino during a signing ceremony in Taipei. At the same time
there was an exposition featuring sights and sounds of the Northern Mariana
Islands.
After several months of negotiation with Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino,
Mandarin Airlines agreed to fly direct from Taipei to Saipan. The signing of the
charter agreement on April 11 marks the opening of the Taiwanese market to boost
the visitor arrivals to the Northern Mariana Islands. Lieutenant Governor Jesus
R. Sablan said that he hopes that Tinian will become a “strong and popular
destination by the end of 2001.” A common policy was needed to “secure
economic growth…and tackle...the problem of unemployment…with the highest
priority. Therefore, the people of the Northern Mariana Islands and … leaders
in Government welcome the entry of Mandarin Airlines into the CNMI Market.”
The signatories of the agreement were Tinian Dynasty Chairman Michael Kwan,
Mandarin Airlines Chairman Chiang Hung Yi, Marianas Visitors Authority Chairman
David M. Sablan and Tourism Bureau Deputy Director General C.T. Su.
Other witnesses from the CNMI delegation included Senator Jose Dela Cruz, Tinian
Casino Gaming Control Commission Chairman Martin San Nicolas, Commissioner
Joaquin H. Borja, Commissioner Antonio O. Kiyoshi, Commissioner Jeffrey M.
Hofschneider, Commissioner Jose P. San Nicolas, Ports Authority Airport Manager
Rino Celis, Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Perry J.P. Tenorio and
Tinian Dynasty officials Stonic Chu, Thomas Liu and Ciaran Carruthers.
Highlights were the Mix Culture dancers giving a cultural outlook on stage, the
raffle draw, the mock blackjack table and the master of ceremonies who
entertained hundreds of Taipei travel agents and media agencies present with
cultural trivia of the Northern Mariana Islands. The expo included Marianas
Visitors Authority, Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino, Submarine Sirena, GIT
Tours, Dragon Phoenix Travel, Empress Tours and Services, Big Boyz II Marine and
Mandarin Airlines.
There will be two flights a week commencing May 1 on Mondays and Fridays, using
a B737-800 with a capacity of 158 passengers. The travel agents from Taiwan will
handle the marketing of Monday flights while Tinian Dynasty will take care of
the Friday flight schedule.
The final approval to commence flight is still being reviewed by the US FAA in
Washington D.C. but the CNMI Government is urging the US Department of
Transportation to grant the approval without further delay.
Annual Christian Boot Camp Comes to Tinian
April 16, 2000 --
They are spending 5 days of
sunshine, sleeping late, hanging out -- all without parents nearby to nag. They
wear colorful wrist straps and are spotted at various places at the Dynasty
Hotel and around Tinian.
These are 4th to 12th graders and team leaders from Saipan, Tinian, Rota, Guam
and mainland US who are spending their Easter holidays at a 5-day, 4-night
Island Christian Youth Teens-N-Tinian Boot Camp 2000.
The first major youth camp started in March of 1998 with 124 students and about
50 support staff. Boot Camp Director Reverend Eileen Lang said that this year
the numbers have reached 311 students and 95 staff. “Since then the youth
convention has become more popular. Attending the Boot Camp is a privilege and
not a right. The students abide by the Code of Honor and are taught Christian
principles, leadership skills, discipline, teamwork and love for the
community.” The camp is held at Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino.
This year the program includes a new Teen Talent workshop designed for training
the youth to use their talents for Christ such as photography, art, creative
writing and singing. Outdoor activities include hiking, swimming, sports and
community service projects. After the evening services the students are treated
to a live band concert.
Appreciation of assistance is given to Mayor’s Office of Tinian, Tinian
Christian Assembly, Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino, Pacific Trading Inc,
Island Apparel, Inc.
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