CNMI court halts IPI’s operations

IPI and its chairwoman, Cui Li Jie, have been found in contempt of court. An immediate stop-work order has been issued for a week.

Northern Mariana Islands.- A federal court has ordered Imperial Pacific International (IPI) to halt operations for a week.

The company and its chairwoman Cui Li Jie were found in contempt of court after Jie and former CEO Donald Browne were ordered to appear at federal court last week at an inquiry related to a lawsuit from the US Department of Labor.

The US District Court for the NMI issued an immediate one week stop-work order to ensure the company’s exclusive casino licence in Saipan complies with sanctions.

The sanctions include paying outstanding salaries totalling US$3m and a US$1.8 debt with the Department of Labour, restoring power and water to employee housing, and providing food to employees.

Browne was dismissed in the case. IPI administrative staff in charge of payroll, as well as security staff, were exempt from the stop-work order.

A status conference will be held on January 28 to discuss the possible lifting of the order.

Last week, IPI received its third stop-order for construction work at its Garapan project.