By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

THE Tinian municipality has opened a new attraction on the island that is not only for visitors but for residents as well.
Last weekend, the Wildlife Sanctuary on the Kastiyo plateu was opened to the public. The fee is $5 for adults and $2 for children.
Tinian’s legislative delegation chairman, Sen. Henry H. San Nicolas, said the grand opening coincided with the annual celebration of the island’s fiesta last weekend.
The sanctuary features animals and other wildlife attractions, and the senator said the fees collected will be used for maintenance and for the personnel manning the area.
“We’re very happy to see that a lot of people attended the opening of the new sanctuary,” San Nicolas said. “By imposing the entrance fees for visitors, the municipality can maintain and preserve the place not only for tourists but the local people here.”
San Nicolas said the property is owned by the municipality, and “revenues from the tickets will also be used to pay those individuals who guide visitors through the sanctuary.”
He said the legislative delegation and the municipality were impressed with the turnout of people who visited the area.
“The sanctuary is the property of the municipality and the fees imposed are like those for dog licenses in any municipality. The revenue will stay with the local municipality because this is done through proper regulations,” the senator said.
He said despite the CNMI’s financial situation, they were pleased with the turnout for the Tinian fiesta, which featured entertainment and raffle draws.
“Despite the situation, many showed up and joined in the fiesta celebration of Tinian and we’re very happy because a lot of visitors joined us in honoring our patron saint, Saint Joseph the Worker,” he said.
San Nicolas said because of the hard work and creativity of the municipality of Tinian, “impressive prizes” were given away during the event.
“We gave away a brand new car in the major raffle drawing…and the municipality did a good job in providing fun for our people,” he said, adding that games were also provided during the event.
He said the municipality was able to generate “some revenues” from the event that will help cover the operational costs of the municipal government.
He said the Asia Pacific poker tournament held by the Tinian Dynasty Casino and Hotel over the weekend helped draw even more tourists and visitors to the fiesta.