Mr. Lizama of the Ada Gym, that is.
On Sunday afternoon I went to the sports complex to watch the soccer match. Lo and behold, both gates were securely locked, so this 78 year old walking-challenged individual trudged to the bleachers with my cane for assistance. On the way, I stopped at the Ladies Outside restroom facility, just to check it out — in case…. Yep, securely locked as well.
After all, if the restrooms are open, then someone might use them and then they would have to be cleaned and oh! those nasty budget cuts make it impossible to spend any time at all doing that necessary job.
I continued on to the bleachers and was enjoying the game when I felt the need to use the facilities. I decided I would go back home where I knew the bathroom would not be locked. As I was making my way back to the car, I glanced at the Men’s Outside restroom and was surprised to see that this door was standing open.
So I guess handicapped persons are unwanted at Ada Sports Complex and only the masculine gender is allowed to use the restroom. And people wonder why a number of us are leaving island — me included. I am sure that some will say “good riddance.” But I say “Farewell, I have loved my years here —with a few exceptions.”
SYLVIA WAGNER HAYWOOD
I Denni, Saipan
