By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

THE CNMI Indigenous Entrepreneurs Inc., a nonprofit corporation, is spearheading a campaign to educate the community about the need for the legalization of casino gaming on Saipan — which Tinian opposes.
Tinian remains the only commonwealth that has legalized casinos.
Former Speaker Pedro R. Deleon Guerrero, president of the group, said they will conduct public education and awareness activities on the Saipan casino initiative, which will establish, regulate, and control casino gambling on the island.
A signature drive to support the initiative is scheduled on the morning of Jan. 13 at the Civic Center basketball court in Susupe.
Moreover, there will be village meetings whose dates will be announced later on local radio and in newspapers, Deleon Guerrero said.
A local initiative petition requires the signatures of at least 20 percent of registered voters before it can be placed on the ballot. To be ratified, the initiative has to be approved by at least two-thirds of voters.
“We need to get our act together to find ways to enhance the livelihood of our people and that’s through the Saipan Casino Act,” Deleon Guerrero said.
He said the group submitted the same initiative to the Legislature in July.
“They are still looking into it…we’re hopeful that the House will introduce it soon,” he said, adding that if members of the Legislature are reluctant to introduce it “at least let’s be fair — let the public know about it and be educated about it.”
Under the plan, the casino license will be owned by the Northern Marianas Descent Investment Corp. but any interested investors can come in and operate a casino with the NMDIC.
The casino should hire persons of Northern Marianas descent and pay the U.S. minimum wage.
Local residents should be trained in supervisory and management positions and be placed in those positions once qualified within five years of business operation.
Employee benefit programs such as health and dental insurance, sick and vacation leave will be instituted within the first 12 months of operation.