IPI unable to pay utility bills for remaining employees

IPI’s management has issued a memorandum saying it cannot meet its monthly obligation to pay utility services due to financial challenges.

Northern Mariana Islands.- Imperial Pacific International (IPI) has told its remaining employees that it has been unable to pay their utility bills. Some security personnel and construction workers live in an IPI-provided apartment in Garapan, but IPI says it’s been able to pay this month’s bills. It said relocation options would be offered.

It said in a memorandum: “With the financial challenges it faces, we inform you that IPI cannot meet the monthly obligation of utility services payable and due on March 15, 2022, for the Queen’s Apartment property.”

IPI currently has 15 construction workers tasked with removing tower cranes from unfinished buildings at its casino hotel in Garapan, plus 17 security guards maintaining the venue and warehouses in San Antonio and Lower Base and eight administrative staff at an office at Flame Tree in Sadog Tasi.

Last month, the company was a week late in paying its 17 security guards. Meanwhile, tThe Supreme Court of the Northern Mariana Islands has rejected IPI’s appeal against the suspension of its gaming licence in Saipan. Superior Court associate judge Wesley Bogdan has upheld the Commonwealth Casino Commission’s decision to suspend IPI’s casino licence and impose penalties.