In his speech before the members of the Interagency Group on Insular Areas in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 24, the governor pointed out that more than 200,000 Russian and Chinese tourists have visited the CNMI yet not one of them was involved in a national security incident.
Starting in 2010, more than 8,000 U.S. Marines will be relocated to Guam, and the Northern Marianas will be part of their main training areas.
“Because of the bonding and other requirements implemented by the commonwealth, there has not been a single national security incident involving [Russian and Chinese] tourists,” Fitial said.
At the same time, he reiterated his call to delay for another six months the implementation of the CNMI federalization law.
He said DHS will need $91 million to run the local immigration system.
Even if the funding is secured regulations are still not in place, he added.
The governor is back on island and will sign a proclamation this morning for the CNMI chapter of the American Red Cross.
The governor left Saipan on Feb. 17 to attend the three-day National Governors Association meeting, the Pacific Basin Development Council and the Interagency Group on Insular Areas meeting.
He also testified before the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife in support of legislation seeking to grant the CNMI jurisdiction over three miles of submerged lands.
