THERE may be no fireworks display to highlight this year’s Liberation Day festivities on July 4, according to the Saipan Mayor’s Office.
Mayor Juan B. Tudela said at least $30,000 is needed for a 15-minute fireworks show. He said his office must place its order for the fireworks before June 2 for them to be shipped on time.
Tudela said his office has launched various fund-raisers including a recent softball tournament, which brought in $2,000, and a scheduled golf tournament for the event.
Other fund sources include revenues to be derived from the 40 stalls that will be constructed at American Memorial Park. The Liberation Day Committee, which is under the mayor’s office, will charge concessionaires $1,200 for each stall, Tudela said.
The committee expects to collect some $48,000 if all 40 stalls are rented. But it will have to spend some $23,400 for the construction of the stalls, which is under contract with Construction Materials Supply, Inc., the lowest bidder, Tudela said. This would leave the committee with $24,600 for the festivities.
On top of the $30,000 for the fireworks show, the mayor’s office also needs $16,000 for the sound system, and $20,000 for entertainment, Tudela said.
The other day, Saipan lawmakers approved House Local Bill 12-20, which was introduced by Rep. Francisco DLG. Aldan, R-Saipan, and which sets aside $50,000 for the Liberation Day festivities.
Tudela expressed hope that Gov. Juan N. Babauta would sign the bill. “Its a start,” he said. “We don’t have enough money.”
Tudela, however, said he may have to ask for another $50,000 from the Legislature because the funding provided by H.L.B. 12-20 “is not enough.”
Some officials said that considering the state of the local government’s finances, there may be no fireworks display this year.
Tudela said he had been receiving calls from a tour operator inquiring whether there would be a fireworks display as it would be included in a package being prepared for some 100 visitors from Japan. The tourists are scheduled to be on Saipan for the Liberation Day festivities.
Tudela said the planned tour may be postponed if the fireworks display is canceled.
Liberation Day festivities are scheduled to begin by next month with the opening of the stalls at American Memorial Park.
The mayor’s office, in the years following the 1997 Asian currency crisis, did not always have funds for a fireworks display. In 1998, there was no fireworks show.
