Yumul, R-Saipan, shared his idea with DPL Secretary Oscar M. Babauta and other officials during a meeting on Wednesday.
He said the mere presence of these vendors already serves as deterrent to crimes. The recent robberies happened at places where nobody’s around.
Vendors who sell souvenir items at tourist sites every day can deter crimes because they are potential and willing witnesses, Yumul said.
He noted that the Last Command Post and Mt. Tapotchao have such vendors.
If DPL would waive the annual fee for a space at tourist sites, many new vendors may come forward to sell similar and other items like snacks and drinks at other tourist spots, he added.
These vendors can also work with community-based groups like Crime Stoppers, he said.
DPL can also work with the Marianas Visitors Authority so the security guards hired by MVA can work collaboratively with the vendors in keeping the tourist spots safe, Yumul added.
“We’re trying to prevent crimes while at the same time creating more economic activities,” he said.
Babauta in a separate interview said its’ a good idea if there will be many souvenir vendors at tourist sites.
He said each vendor pays a $100 fee annually.
