Now the AG’s office is venue shopping, hoping to get out of Judge Govendo’s courtoom and in front of the U.S. court where apparently it expects a more favorable ruling.
Rather than ask its CIP Office to redesign the project, the administration will once again pursue a course of action that was ill-conceived in its planning and execution. Local history and culture, the scenic and environmental integrity of Marpi and other areas, are the island’s real heritage and treasure. Without them there is little hope for a full recovery of tourism or at least the quiet enjoyment of what are unspoiled areas for local residents.
Change is afoot
EVERY few years, certain legislators will pledge to revive political status discussions with the U.S. government and reunification with Guam, and attempt to apply what little funds there are to create another status commission or to put the issue on the ballot. Tiresome and non-productive, are just some of the printable words that come to mind whenever these issues are raised, especially as they divert the community from badly needed discussions and actions to avert a total economic meltdown.
Isolation and discriminatory practices, moreover, don’t spur development; they retard growth. CNMI leaders in the past understood that and eliminated exclusionary rules, ushering in a period of growth and prosperity. Arguably, the commonwealth did not plan or manage that growth period well and nostalgia for the past won’t fix any of the problems this community is facing today. Indeed, the question now is: How does the CNMI plan for a revival of its flagging economy?
Changes are coming. The feds are committed to cutting back food stamps and other assistance to encourage people to go back to school for a GED, a college degree, or training, because individual independence is good for the person and for the community at large. The feds have also raised the bar for teachers and administrators, requiring higher certification and performance criteria to qualify for federal funds, which are mostly what the local public schools rely on for operations these days.
Change is afoot even at PSS, and although it is difficult for some to accept it, the MHS principal is clearly trying to improve the way things are done on campus. It is easy to talk about improvements and quite another thing to make them happen. The MHS principal has a stellar record of success at Saipan Southern High School and there is nothing to suggest that he cannot accomplish the same transformation at MHS, given enough time, and if the school system will stand by its words and support the need for real improvement in CNMI public schools.
