Del Benson
THE Northern Mariana Islands, a small archipelago in the western Pacific, have undergone a series of dramatic transformations throughout their history. From colonial possession to modern U.S. Commonwealth, the islands have continually reshaped their identity and economy in response to global forces.
For centuries, the islands were under Spanish control, administered through the Philippines and Guam. This period saw the near-disappearance of the indigenous Chamorro population and the introduction of Carolinian settlers. The Spanish-American War of 1898 marked a pivotal moment, with Guam ceded to the United States while the Northern Marianas were sold to Germany.
Germany’s control was short-lived. Following World War I, Japan gained authority over the islands through a League of Nations mandate. Under Japanese rule, the islands were transformed into vast sugarcane plantations, with the local population relegated to second-class status.
World War II brought unprecedented destruction to the islands. The Battle of Saipan in 1944 resulted in massive casualties, with an estimated one-third of the local population perishing. The islands gained strategic importance, with Tinian serving as the launch point for the atomic bombings of Japan.
In the aftermath of the war, the islands came under U.S. administration as part of the U.N. Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. This period saw gradual rebuilding, but also included a secretive CIA presence that kept large portions of the islands off-limits to locals.
As the islands emerged from their post-war isolation, they began to develop new economic identities. Tourism, particularly from Japan, became a significant industry. The islands became known as a playground for Japanese tourists, with golf courses and resorts catering to this market. They were also curious about this former Japanese colony and its history.
Simultaneously, the garment industry took root, with factories employing cheaper labor from China. This led to a new identity as a “sweatshop island,” bringing both economic benefits and controversies.
More recently, the CNMI embraced casino gaming as an economic driver. This period saw an influx of Chinese tourists and investors, along with allegations of money laundering. However, this economic model proved unstable, particularly in the face of Chinese government restrictions and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Today, the Northern Mariana Islands stand at a crossroads. The casino-driven economy has faltered, leaving behind empty buildings and economic uncertainty. The islands face challenges including:
• A worn-out tourism infrastructure
• A reputation for political and business instability, not business friendly
• The need for economic diversification
• Balancing development with cultural preservation
• Navigating complex relationships with the U.S. and regional powers
We lack a clear direction for improving our island. We need to develop a long-term vision, outlining what we want to achieve in the next decade, and work steadily towards that goal. Currently, we’re merely reacting to events instead of planning proactively. We’ve accumulated too many binders filled with economic studies that simply gather dust on shelves until we secure more funding for yet another conference.
As the CNMI looks to the future, key questions emerge:
• How can the islands revitalize their tourism sector in a sustainable way?
• What industries or economic models can provide stable, long-term growth?
• How can the CNMI leverage its strategic location in the Pacific?
• What steps are needed to rebuild trust with international investors?
• How can the islands balance economic development with environmental and cultural preservation?
The journey ahead for the Northern Mariana Islands will require careful planning, unity of purpose, and a clear vision for the future. We need, as a Commonwealth, to set our course to a mission and work to that end.
Del Benson is a Precinct 3 candidate for the CNMI House of Representatives.
