Don’t just say it; do it
GOOD news for the CNMI:
• a new inter-island airline, Marianas Southern Airways, has launched its inaugural flight;
• the resumption (fingers crossed) next month of the Japan-Saipan direct flights;
• FEMA will provide the Commonwealth $16 million in Covid-19 reimbursements;
• NMC is the new home of the federally funded CNMI Small Business Development Center Network; and
• a new federally funded grant program for small businesses is now available.
These — not political grandstanding — will help revive the local economy and, consequently, improve the CNMI government’s financial condition.
For their part, CNMI government officials and politicians must match their “pro economy” pronouncements with action, for once. They should, first of all, desist from passing “revenue-generating measures” that will impose new burdens on already struggling businesses, resulting in less not more revenue for this rapacious, bloated government.
Raising the already high costs of doing business in a small island community with a dwindling population and a shrinking economy is not helpful. Instead, elected officials should find ways to simplify the business permitting process and repeal laws or policies that unnecessarily get in the way of legitimate business activity.
Otherwise, and in the name of “fiscal responsibility,” which many politicians say they “support,” they should cut government spending by abolishing redundant agencies, offices, programs — and government jobs.
Right now, nothing prevents lawmakers who say they are “concerned” about the retirees’ pensions, or healthcare or schools or infrastructure from introducing the relevant appropriation/spending bills. They don’t even need more financial information from the administration which has already submitted its budget proposal for the next fiscal year. Concerned lawmakers can and should review it line by line, item by item, and identify the agencies, services, programs and offices with overlapping and duplicative functions. Abolish the nonessential. Cut costs. Walk the talk.
Regarding tourism
COVID-19, alas, is still a global concern and may again result in international travel restrictions. Inflation and a “strong” dollar, moreover, will make the CNMI a more expensive destination for international tourists.
Meanwhile, another (and way more famous) Pacific destination, Fiji, has reported “making huge strides in its post-Covid recovery efforts.” Fiji has projected full recovery by 2024, and its June arrivals were “73% of the same month pre-pandemic.” Fiji’s economy is expected to grow by 12.4% this year, its tourism official said.
For its part, the United Nations World Tourism Organization reported in June that around the world, “tourism recovery gains momentum as restrictions ease and confidence returns.” Europe is leading the tourism sector’s rebound, the UNWTO added. It also noted that “Asia and the Pacific recorded a 64% increase over 2021, but again, levels were 93% below 2019 numbers as several destinations remained closed to non-essential travel.”
For the tourism industry, Covid-19 fears and travel restrictions are the primary obstacles to full recovery. Based on a global survey conducted by UNWTO, 69% of the Asia-Pacific respondents believe that tourism may recover “by 2024 or later.”
Fingers crossed.