SINCE its establishment in January 1979, the CNMI government has always sought “new investments,” including those involving agriculture and fisheries. Tourism, however, has remained the Commonwealth’s economic mainstay simply because these are tropical islands — they are tourist attractions already…

When American Samoa overwhelmingly rejected deep-sea mining earlier this year, many believed their position would be decisive. But despite...

Until a new major industry comes in, settles down, and thrives, tourism will remain the islands’ “bread and butter” — even as others chase economic ponies and rainbows.

DESPITE the CNMI’s dismal state, there are still some things to be thankful for, including a leadership that is not willfully blind to the economic reality staring us in the face for the past few years.