DLNR chief says veterinarian should be paid next week

Department of Lands and Natural Resources Secretary Sylvan O. Igisomar said veterinarian Dr. Mariana Turner should receive payment for her outstanding invoices next week, after she suspended services to the Commonwealth government over nonpayment.

Igisomar said the government remains committed to paying Turner for all services she has rendered and attributed the delay to disruptions caused by Super Typhoon Sinlaku, including prolonged power outages and a temporary government shutdown through administrative leave. He said officials are working to expedite the payment process.

“The short answer is yes, we will pay Dr. Turner for all the great services she’s provided to the CNMI,” Igisomar said in an email response to Marianas Press. He added that the government hopes Turner will continue providing veterinary services in the future.

Marianas Press earlier reported that Turner recently notified DLNR that she was suspending services until outstanding payment and contract issues are resolved. She said she has not been paid for services provided this year.

She requested payment of all outstanding invoices and warned that prolonged gaps in veterinary oversight could affect animal health, disease prevention, import and export compliance, and public health.

“I remain concerned about the long-term operational risks associated with the continued absence of dedicated veterinary oversight within the Commonwealth,” Turner wrote.

The issue has also raised concerns among local animal welfare organizations.

Saipan Humane Society clinic director Ruby Ma said the clinic has been receiving a high volume of requests for health certificates required for pet travel. Those documents must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by the CNMI veterinarian.

“We are very worried about the inability to access USDA accreditation and endorsement,” Ma said. “Without these things, people will not be able to obtain the necessary documents for pet travel.”

Ma said the situation has frustrated pet owners, although the clinic has little control over the process and is hoping for a quick resolution. Turner said she remains willing to discuss future support for the Commonwealth once the contract and payment issues have been resolved.