The people of the commonwealth live in a democracy, and even though it may not feel like it at times, they have a hold on their government at the polls. The people of the CNMI, moreover, are part of a much larger American family and reap the benefits of that association every day, in ways that are largely taken for granted. Each child has an education, access to healthcare, a roof over their heads and food, even if adults mismanage these blessings. We are approaching the most peaceful weather the CNMI has to offer, with beautiful tides, ocean colors, clouds and trade winds, making it extremely attractive for those remaining tourists daring enough to island hop to get here. And notwithstanding the threat to personal security, visitors can still make their way around the island mostly unharmed.
Even if government officials have run the hospital into the ground, there are reliable and highly qualified doctors and nurses who provide care to residents and for this we must be thankful. We must oppose Representative Demapan’s call for a cut in contract benefits to these important employees. He must be reminded that recruitment for professional and skilled positions, particularly medical positions, is extremely competitive and that housing and repatriation costs are part of the contract package, as they are everywhere. He may daydream about the idyllic conditions the CNMI offers in return, but the world is a big place and threatening the employment terms of critical personnel every year wears thin. The biggest losers will be his constituents who need quality healthcare. The Legislature should ignore his proposal.
As the economy shrinks and job loss rises in response, let us also hope that MPLT resists all attempts to raid its funds. MPLT monies that go to the general fund, or any additional revenue for that matter, are usually designated for personnel. Fortunately for American Memorial Park, a certain portion of MPLT revenue is slated to maintain that area in perpetuity, we hope.
Meanwhile, tremendous pressure will be exerted to spend remaining assets on failing entities like a rescue of the Retirement Fund, government personnel costs and the like. If this comes to pass, the CNMI will be left with little or no assets. It is not a good time to sell anything. We are thankful, therefore, to the technicians of MPLT who at present appear to be guarding the trust’s assets.
We likewise give thanks to all the nonprofit organizations like the Salvation Army that collect donations to provide food to the hungry. We give thanks to all the other community groups providing a myriad of services to the community from beach cleanups to trash and recycling bins, school supplies, signs, painting services, crime reports, neighborhood watch and other assistance needed by residents. For these services and the members who volunteer time and effort to give meaning to community service, we are grateful.
