I believe it is not a shocking proposal to have one, especially in this horrible economic time. Saipan is considered as having one of the safest travel destinations in the world. Saipan is a U.S. commonwealth and it is sheltered by Homeland Security and TSA of the United States government.
Passengers arriving and leaving Saipan are being screened thoroughly by the TSA for dangerous devices. The protection recognized by Uncle Sam moved us one footstep further from other travel destinations that operate casinos. This is our upper hand building Saipan safe and we have to take advantage of it. Let’s allow casino economic development and formulate it correctly this time! In addition, please allow more than one license for this gaming industry. Everybody on this island deserves to be rich from this development, and it shall not be limited to a few like the poker machine bill.
Travelers need not be concerned about safety issues on this island. The natives of this island are sociable and do not have enemies anyplace in the world. We have fresh air, clear blue skies, and wonderful white sand beaches that other travel destination don’t offer.
In addition to the aforementioned safety features, Saipan has a unique strict law that outlaws handguns and other dangerous devices making this place a safer place to live. The only weapon allowed is the .22 caliber rifle and .410 shot gun. This local law and the aforementioned federal law definitely make this island a much safer place to travel and gamble compared to other countries. The natives of Saipan care for the safety of their people as well as for the tourists and visitors.
With careful and proper planning ahead of time, we can move with this development for our community to prosper. Our community deserves to have a job and become a productive member of society. The people now are suffering due to the lack of jobs and sometimes land in jail, because no more food on the table.
Let us reevaluate our stance on poker machines and improve the casino development. Any discrepancy found in reference to the poker laws should be adequately given attention for the casino improvement and development. This is a crucial task to undertake, but it is important for the success of the casino. Time is of the essence and we need to act now.
I urge and pray to all elected officials to pass the new casino bill. My hair is spiraling gray and I want to glimpse some economic improvement on this island. I realize it’s a painful decision to make, but we have no other choice. It’s time to say yes to Saipan’s economic development. We were unsuccessful with Sugar Dock, the monorail at the Grotto, MJ, cable car, among other projects. I have confidence in this new casino economic development for Saipan. Let’s roll the dice! Money must come.
THOMAS AQUINO CABRERA CAMACHO
Chalan Piao, Saipan
