Thirty bougainvillea plants were also missing along the road leading to Charlie Dock, part of the original landscape done by Tropical Gardens.
Tournament of Champions chairman Vicente Babauta told the Variety in a telephone interview that the uprooted plants were financed from the funds from last year’s tournament.
He added that tournament funds also pay for the monthly maintenance of the plants.
“We were informed that the [uprooting] incident took place early yesterday morning,” Babauta said.
He added that as of yesterday afternoon, there was no update yet from the Department of Public Safety about the identity of the suspects.
Babauta said replacing the missing plants and installations will cost them about $700.
“I am very sad about this. I hope the persons who are responsible for this will realize that we spend time and effort to raise funds to beautify the island. The plants are an investment, and we hope this will not happen again,” Babauta said.
He said the organizers of the Tournament of Champions work hard to raise funds for the beautification of the island.
He added that the plants are an added attraction to the island.
“Military ships, luxury and cruise ships call here from time to time, and we would like our visitors to see a beautifully landscaped Saipan,” Babauta said.
The Tournament of Champions is an annual fundraiser for the Saipan Beautification Fund.
Babauta said they support projects to enhance and beautify Saipan.
