Torres, in a speech during yesterday’s session, said gambling is already on island, referring to poker establishments, cockfighting, batu, church bingo, Las Vegas nights, card games conducted at homes and sports betting at offices.
“Why not allow an industry here that will provide much-needed revenues for our medical referral, student scholarships, retirement fund, low income [Commonwealth Utilities Corp.] assistance, promotion funds for [the Marianas Visitors Authority], and more through discretionary funding for our other needs, our youth programs, and our schools,” he said.
The local Constitution prohibits gambling in the CNMI “except as provided by commonwealth law or established through initiative in the commonwealth or in any senatorial district.”
Torres argues that local law is also commonwealth law.
Tinian and Rota legalized casino gaming through the initiative process. Saipan voters in 1979 and 2007 rejected proposals to allow casinos here.
“With economic collapse, how will our community survive, by stealing and civil unrest?” Torres asked.
“Therefore, I am asking, or better, I am demanding the opposition to this bill to immediately offer their solutions. For the record now, name an industry or business that we can promote within these coming months to alleviate the suffering of the people. If you cannot name an industry, then don’t be an impediment to our people’s futures.”
He urged his colleagues to support his local bill, H.L.B. 17-44, “so we can move it into the Saipan Northern Islands Legislative Delegation, where we can immediately promote Saipan-wide public hearings, to give the people of Saipan another chance to support or deny this legislation.”
