Islands, just like people, occasionally get the blues; and right now the CNMI is in a state of glumness. I’m sure nine out of ten CNMI residents think the NMI is heading the wrong direction. The hapless Benigno Fitial is partly to blame for this: his approval ratings are now sub-Nixonian. But many are concerned not so much about a failed governor as about a thrashing commonwealth.
One source of anxiety is the sense of false hope given by politicians. Attempting to tap into different markets and federalization would solve its problems. Yet locals are fleeing the CNMI faster than ever, petrol is more expensive than in the 1970’s, generators are breaking down, baloney surcharges, recession and inflation both threaten the economy, consumer confidence is an oxymoron and the Belgians have just bought Budweiser, “King of Beers.”
It’s not just the downturn that has caused the discontent. Many residents feel as if they missed the boom. Globalization is under fire: free trade is less popular in the Marianas than in any other developed country in the Asian-Pacific realm, and a commonwealth built on immigrants is building a fence to keep them out. People mutter about “one-heart” nation beginning at home: why, many wonder, should CNMI children do worse at reading and math than foreigners?
There are certainly areas where change is needed. The credit crunch is in part the consequence of a flawed system. Lax monetary policies allowed “head honchos” to build up debts and fuelled a bubble that had to be burst eventually. Lessons need to be learned from both of those mistakes; as they do from widespread concerns about the state of education and health care. Unaccountable, PSS needs the same sort of competition that makes its tropical weather the envy of the world. CNMI health care, which manages to be extremely expensive, fails properly to care for the tens of hundreds of people, badly needs to reform.
Because the CNMI is beginning to correct its mistakes is good; and there’s plenty more of that to be done. But one source of distress demands a change in attitude rather than a drive to restore the status quo.
Many people seek scapegoats for the CNMI’s self-made problems. Too often they point the finger — accusing and objecting. But if the CNMI reacts by turning on itself — raising barriers and rejecting foreign investors — it risks aggravating the economic troubles that lie behind its current funk.
Everybody goes through “baba times.” Some learn from the problems the have caused themselves, and come back stronger. Some lash out and blame others — further damaging themselves. I believe the CNMI has the wisdom to take the first course. Let’s hope they do so.
ANTHONY DELEON GUERRERO
Fina Sisu, Saipan
