By Emmanuel T. Erediano
Variety News Staff

THE administration’s military task force is now drafting a marketing plan related to the possible benefits the military build-up on Guam could bring to the CNMI, according to Gov. Benigno R. Fitial.
The task force is headed by Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez and includes Fitial’s new special assistant for military affairs, retired Lt. Gen. “Chip” Gregson, as well as other CNMI government officials and business leaders.
The military build-up plan for Guam will relocate approximately 8,000 marines from Japan, and this is a situation that will require many additional services, Fitial told the Saipan Chamber of Commerce yesterday.
“This is our opportunity to both support national security efforts and maximize the economic benefits to be derived from such a move. Guam is offering military land, the CNMI is offering islands, he said.
The marketing plan, he said, will show how the CNMI can help the military meet its needs for training, education and recreation.
To assist the task force in this undertaking, Fitial said he has instructed government agencies to submit information about the CNMI’s infrastructure that will meet the needs of the military.
“We will ensure that the CNMI reaps benefits from this relocation of troops,” Fitial said.
However, he pointed out that the military build-up “may provide only a temporary boom” in the economy.
“So, it’s imperative for the CNMI to continue exploring additional economic opportunities and not neglect the ones we have,” he added.