Our good Sen. Felix Mendiola of Rota wrote a letter to President Bush asking him to send an assessment team to the CNMI regarding the proposed marine monument and now we are preempting the discussion with the passage of a second house resolution. Why are we inviting the feds and then passing a resolution without a dialogue?
This proposed monument has the potential to greatly help our island. The proposal could bring 400 jobs to the island. The proposal could bring over $10 million in federal and tourist spending to our island economy — every year. The proposal has already generated positive press for our islands throughout the world. Seizing this opportunity would only create more positive exposure for our islands.
It is time to work together. The assessment team will be here this week so let’s encourage our elected leaders, and the federal government to discuss the possibilities of preserving and protecting our waters. Let us discover what this opportunity holds for the people of the CNMI, and together let us make it a reality.
ANDREW SABLAN SALAS
Chalan Kanoa, Saipan
