Inmates remove debris and overgrown vegetation from a private lot in Garapan across from the Hyatt on Wednesday.
Corrections Commissioner Anthony Torres speaks to reporters on Wednesday regarding the inmate community outreach program. Also in photo are Speaker Edmund Villagomez and House Floor Leader Edwin Propst.
FOURTEEN inmates and some community volunteers led by Corrections Commissioner Anthony Torres cleaned up a vacant lot across from the Hyatt in Garapan on Wednesday.
“We’re here clearing the area, and we will be working [at other sites in] downtown Garapan,” he said.
“Right now, we have 14 inmates, and our plan is to double the number doing community outreach. That is my goal,” he added.
He said he is also working to ensure that inmates are paid for the services they provide to the community.
In addition, Torres said Corrections wants to provide portable potties at major tourist sites. This project will be funded by the $4,000 first prize that the department won in last month’s Liberation Day Parade float design contest.
Speaker Edmund Villagomez and House Floor Leader Edwin Propst said they support the initiatives of Corrections.
“We just want to bring awareness of the challenges facing our tourist district,” Propst said.
“We as a community should come together. We all must pitch in regardless of which precinct we are. There are some areas in Garapan that need some help,” said the Precinct 1 lawmaker.
“We need to raise our standards; we need to raise the bar,” he added.
For his part, Villagomez expressed his appreciation to Corrections for its community outreach projects.
“We have done some cleaning in these areas, and what we are finding difficult is maintenance and upkeep. It is great to see Corrections putting up a program that can benefit the community,” said Villagomez who represents Precinct 3.
“I encourage other agencies and folks in the private sector to also pitch in and help our Marianas Visitors Authority beautify our CNMI not only for our tourists but also for our residents. As the saying goes, ‘You have to clean your house first before you invite guests,’” Villagomez added.
