USA: Imperial Pacific International says it is willing to pay all outstanding sanctions but needs time
“IPI says it needs time to pay sanctions”, 15 July 2020
IMPERIAL Pacific International, LLC is willing to pay all outstanding sanctions, but needs time to pay, according to the declaration of its lawyer Michael Dotts in the lawsuit of seven construction workers who have alleged labor and other violations.
They are seeking a total of $11.58 million in damages against IPI.
IPI is asking District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona to set aside her ruling against the casino investor.
On June 12, 2020, the judge entered a default judgment against IPI for its “repeated failures to comply with discovery orders.”
In its motion to set aside entry of default, IPI stated that it has reviewed page by page and tendered over 10,000 documents to correct the events that led to the default a month ago.
Dotts said IPI has reviewed and produced thousands of bank statements and records…
Dotts noted that the Commonwealth Casino Commission has jurisdiction over IPI with regard to the enforcement of its casino license.
CCC has become concerned that IPI is not making payroll, Dotts said. He provided the court a copy of an order from CCC requiring IPI to build up a payroll reserve…
In addition, IPI has entered into a consent judgment with the U.S. secretary of Labor. Under the consent judgment, it is critical for IPI to comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act, Dotts said.
“Part of compliance is timely paying payroll. IPI has been struggling to pay payroll. Should IPI not comply with the consent judgment the sanctions could be severe. If IPI is not able to pay payroll it would have to shut down,” he added.
Dotts reiterated that IPI is willing to pay all outstanding sanctions, but needs time to pay.
“I am also advised that IPI’s parent company has successfully raised funds and that it is only a matter of time before IPI has the ability to come current on all sanctions. I have not been told how much time,” Dotts said…
[Also referred to MCC International Saipan Ltd. Co. and Gold Mantis Construction Decoration (CNMI)]