While it may seem out of the ordinary to some to bring such young children to attend a forum intended for adults, both Daisy and I want our children to be exposed to this very healthy democratic process in which community members participate and discuss issues affecting our islands.
I was deeply moved by some of the testimonials given by community members on both sides of the issue and applaud everyone who showed up and spoke. A public forum only works when you have different views being exchanged, and this definitely took place Wednesday evening.
One of the most moving testimonials was given by Mr. Lino Olopai, a well-respected leader and elder who presented his points in Refaluwasch, Chamorro, and English, so that everyone who attended would clearly understand his points of view. In a very measured, eloquent, and respectful tone, he spoke about tradition and cultural values, and one very important word: planning. What Marpi and the rest of our islands need as much as a public hearing is a plan. Mr. Olopai addressed our leaders and asked them, “Where is our plan?” A mere summary is insufficient to capture Mr. Olopai’s moving testimonial, but I do hope it can be transcribed in all three languages so that we can all read it in its entirety. Mr. Olopai, thank you for your words of wisdom.
While the evening was highlighted by some notable testimonials on both sides, what was disturbing and hurtful were some of the words and phrases used by a few speakers, such as “us versus them” and “us locals” and “outsiders.” We came together as a community last night, so it was a shame to hear divisive terms being used, which seem to do nothing but alienate members of our community. I was impressed by a couple of gentlemen who pointed out how wrong that was. Thank you to Mr. Muna and Mr. White for reminding us that we are all in this together.
If you are a productive member of our community and you truly love our islands , does it really matter where you come from or how much indigenous blood you have running through your veins? We must realize, in this day and age, that people are people. We all bleed the same color. We come in different colors, shapes, and sizes. What should matter to us above everything else is a person’s character.
There were some Marpi landowners who were in support of the power poles because they want power. Who can blame them? They absolutely deserve power, much like those living along Egigi Road on Capital Hill, who to this day have no electricity. Mr. Kaipat and other Marpi landowners also deserve water.
The problem is, the initial purpose of these power poles was not about bringing power to those who live in Marpi, as Tina Sablan pointed out. This power pole project is being federally funded to bring in power specifically to the public cemetery to run a few lights, some sprinklers, and a water pump for the bathroom. It has been proven that a stand-alone generator can take care of these minimal power needs for the public cemetery. How has it been proven? Everything is being run right now by the contractor’s generator. So why do we need these huge, ugly power poles defacing sacred Marpi when a small generator, at a fraction of the cost, would suffice? This is the same as killing an ant with a bulldozer. It is OVERKILL.
Let’s be honest. There were no initial public hearings discussing these power poles and those who wanted public hearings to discuss the power poles were completely ignored until, of course, a lawsuit was filed. Did it really take a lawsuit to get the attention of our leaders and to put a halt to the project? Apparently so. How very sad. This lawsuit could have been averted had public hearings and proper planning taken precedence over the desire to turn Marpi in to a paved parking lot. Come on folks. You know that is where we are headed, right? It starts with power poles.
Then a hotel or two. And then some used tire and auto repair shops. And of course, we must have a pawn shop or two. But why stop there? Let’s throw in a few poker and massage parlors for good measure. Is this what we as a community want for Marpi? If it really is what the majority of our community want, then so be it. But we all know this is not the case.
Do you know why we have farmers in Marpi today? Because Marpi was intended to be an agricultural area. Farmers were pushed all the way north, with no power and no water, because the rest of our island was to be developed for commercial and residential purposes. So tell me, once Marpi becomes a developed commercial area, which is where we are headed, what is to become of our farmers? Where will they be pushed to then? Off of a cliff? To Pagan? To Goat Island? To reiterate what a wise and noble leader asked at the forum, “Where is the plan?”
The truth is, there are federal grants and funding available to meet the energy needs of our farmers. And it has been proven that farms can get by with wind turbines and solar panels; there are farmers all across America who can prove this.
Do you honestly believe that these power poles are being put up to help our farmers? If this administration really wants to do something right, then help our farmers by building an attractive, permanent public marketplace across Kristo Rai Church so that they can sell their produce to both tourists and residents. Help our farmers right now by using the millions of federal dollars you have at your disposal to install wind turbines and solar panels at their farms. Such a source for their energy needs would allow them to sell their produce at lower prices than would be the case if they have to pay for power at the current rates. Chances are that farmers could not avail of the electrical power provided through installation of the power poles because they could simply not afford it. Has the high cost of power been factored into the planning in terms of support for farming?
And if our leaders really want to help out those who are landless, then pot fabot, reclaim the 800 abandoned homesteads in Kagman and give it to those families who desperately need land to build a house for their family.
I take great pride in our beloved 670 and have the greatest love, respect and admiration for our rich heritage. Having been raised here since I was four years old, I wholeheartedly embrace our indigenous traditions. And because of my upbringing here, I have learned to accept people for who they are, regardless of where they hail from. This is the real indigenous spirit, an abiding belief of the Refaluwasch and Chamorros, many of whom continue to love me and accept me regardless of our differences of opinion.
To those who call me an “outsider” or believe I am “anti-local,” I remain ever hopeful that time, experience, insight, and illumination will change your mindset.
May God bless our beloved 670.
ED PROPST
Dandan, Saipan
